MovieChat Forums > Drum Beat (1955) Discussion > Hasn't held up well.

Hasn't held up well.

posted 12 years ago by angelosdaughter
2 replies | jump to latest

I remember seeing this movie at a Saturday matinee when I was a little girl. I thought it was good then, but I started watching it tonight and it hasn't held up well. For one thing, white actors playing Indians is just so unauthentic. It takes more than tan makeup to make these actors look Indian. Also making the Indians who held out against white incursions into villains in the light of what has been learned in the ensuing years, just makes it hard to suspend disbelief.Captain Jack was of a tribe (Modoc) that was peaceful before the whites entered their world.
I found something else to watch.

[–] Dejael 11 years ago

I agree, it was basically a starring vehicle for Alan Ladd. Also, the Sedona, Arizona shooting locations, although they are beautiful and scenic, don't look anything like the Klamath country where the Modocs lived in southern Oregon and northern California. Also your remarks about white actors playing Indians - that was typical for American Westerns of the 1950s. However, if you watch it from the standpoint of Hollywood history, as a historical film, it's not bad. It's a beautiful production, very well directed and acted, with a good script.

Dejael

[–] Bruce7 8 years ago

In the Opening Credits, it is stated that the Film is based on Historical fact.
Also one poster said, "Indian Wars from 1872/3 (to be applauded), that of the Modoc Uprising."

Can you fly this plane?
Surely u cant be serious
I am serious,and dont call me Shirley