The Indian Fighter was blessed to have two great things going for it when it was made - one was Kirk Douglas, who was a standout in a number of Westerns, including Gunfight at The OK Corral, Last Train to Gun Hill, Along The Great Divide, Man Without A Star, and a number of others. The second was director Andre de Toth, who directed some great Westerns, including Ramrod, Springfield Rifle, and Riding Shotgun.
Together, they tell the entertaining story of Johnny Hawks, "The Indian Fighter," a legendary soldier who nows scouts for a living. As he tries to guide a wagon train to Oregon through Indian territory, Hawks gets in the middle of warring Indians and a defenseless fort. The Indians are upset because white men are trying to steal gold from their land, and the fort's commander is ready to fight, even if it means the death of everyone in the fort. Add Hawks' budding romance with the Indian chief's daughter, and you have lots of excitement.
This is a film that should get more attention than it does, and I hope that the DVD release will open it up to a much wider audience. The Indian Fighter is a very enjoyable Western. |