My best recollection of Guy Madison comes from watching the Fifties TV Western "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok"; this movie came out during the latter part of it's run from 1951 to 1958. As colorful as he was in that series, Madison is basically one dimensional here, possibly due to the instruction he was given from director George Sherman. One is left baffled in the early going as to why he's so antagonistic toward both Indians and whites, though it's eventually revealed about mid way into the story that Frank Madden (Madison) is a half breed.
The picture offers some interesting perspectives on racism, particularly in the character of Catherine Cantrell (Felicia Farr). Her compassion toward Indians in the story is severely tested right after Taini (Kathryn Grant) provides cover for Madden's murder charge by stating that she spent the night with him. All of a sudden, Catherine's no longer the sympathetic, understanding woman who sees the good in everyone. It's a provocative scene because she reveals her own prejudice even while she can't believe she can have those kinds of feelings.
Sheriff Jim Dixon (Otto Hulett) was a stand-up guy in the story for backing the law and putting Madden under protective custody before the town mob got out of control, but something he said managed to bother me. As Madden and Catherine Mitchell were discussing how feelings can lead to problems and misunderstanding, Dixon stated "The law has feelings too". In matters of right and wrong, I don't think feelings have any place in the interpretation of the law. It might have sounded good in the story when the sheriff said it, but I thought it was totally misplaced.
Hey, how about that miracle shot Bert Shipley (Michael Pate) made when he hit Taini - she was standing almost directly behind Madden! Granted, he only grazed her arm but from where I sat it didn't look very believable. Bert was another interesting character by the way. A rabid racist along with his brothers, he didn't have a problem coming on to the Indian maiden Taini. His character was a brilliant expose on how bullies and thugs can rationalize their behavior when it's in their own self interest.
Anyway, Madden is vindicated of the murder he's charged with, while the woman who earlier professed her love for him in front of the entire town finds herself free to join him. Considering Madden's temperament throughout most the story, the attempt at a feel good ending didn't quite strike me as a happy ride off into the sunset.
The picture offers some interesting perspectives on racism, particularly in the character of Catherine Cantrell (Felicia Farr). Her compassion toward Indians in the story is severely tested right after Taini (Kathryn Grant) provides cover for Madden's murder charge by stating that she spent the night with him. All of a sudden, Catherine's no longer the sympathetic, understanding woman who sees the good in everyone. It's a provocative scene because she reveals her own prejudice even while she can't believe she can have those kinds of feelings.
Sheriff Jim Dixon (Otto Hulett) was a stand-up guy in the story for backing the law and putting Madden under protective custody before the town mob got out of control, but something he said managed to bother me. As Madden and Catherine Mitchell were discussing how feelings can lead to problems and misunderstanding, Dixon stated "The law has feelings too". In matters of right and wrong, I don't think feelings have any place in the interpretation of the law. It might have sounded good in the story when the sheriff said it, but I thought it was totally misplaced.
Hey, how about that miracle shot Bert Shipley (Michael Pate) made when he hit Taini - she was standing almost directly behind Madden! Granted, he only grazed her arm but from where I sat it didn't look very believable. Bert was another interesting character by the way. A rabid racist along with his brothers, he didn't have a problem coming on to the Indian maiden Taini. His character was a brilliant expose on how bullies and thugs can rationalize their behavior when it's in their own self interest.
Anyway, Madden is vindicated of the murder he's charged with, while the woman who earlier professed her love for him in front of the entire town finds herself free to join him. Considering Madden's temperament throughout most the story, the attempt at a feel good ending didn't quite strike me as a happy ride off into the sunset.