REVOLT AT FOR LARAMIE
US, 1957, 73 minutes, Colour.
John Dehner, Gregg Palmer, Frances Helm, Don Gordon, Harry Dean Stanton.
Directed by Lesley Selander.
A standard Western from the 1950s, settlers, the cavalry, a Fort, clashes with the Indians. It was directed by Lesley Selander, Selander is generally considered to be the most prolific director of feature Westerns of all time, with at least 107 to his credit between 1935-67.
What is distinctive about this film is that it is set at the beginning of the Civil War, members of the cavalry loyalty both sides, clashes, suspicions, issues of gold and dealings with the Indians, a final confrontation.
Some action, some romance, some heroism at the end.
- A standard 1950s Western, the ingredients, the settlers travelling, besieged by Indians, the cavalry coming, the clashes between cavalry and Indians, arrangements, discussions, the role of Jean Salignac, between whites and Indians?
- Colour photography, desert locations, the fort, the landscapes outside the fort? The musical score?
- The personnel, the major in charge, his age, loyalties, dealings with the Indians, his daughter, consent to the marriage, the news about forts Sumner, the Civil War, loyalties, divisions with the troops? His decisions, accusations of disloyalty, giving up his command, travelling with the gold, the confrontation with the Indians?
- Jamie, leadership, with the Major, with Melissa, romance, the prospect of marriage, the outbreak of the war?
- The other men, working together, the war, loyalties, clashes, the attack on one of the men and his death?
- Jamie, the dilemma, in command, Salignac and his news of the attack, Jamie and his decisions, going to the rescue, the clash with the Indians?
- An unusual western with the perspective of cavalry troops and divisions of loyalties?
