This is among the stronger Westerns produced in the nineteen fifties. Richard Widmark plays Comanche Todd, a man raised by Comanches who’s been arrested for murder. The story unfolds in 1873, deep within Apache territory, and he quickly finds himself leading a small group of young people from a wagon train. Will this group survive? And even if they do manage to escape, is there any chance Todd can avoid execution by hanging? Filmed on location in Sedona, Arizona, near Oak Creek Canyon, the film is visually striking. The plot proves captivating, and the acting, along with virtually everything else, is well-executed. It successfully transports viewers back to the late 1800s, offering a sense of what it was like to travel westward during that era. Felicia Farr and Susan Kohner are memorable in supporting roles; both women possess distinct beauty. Each young character has their own struggles and undergoes significant development as a result of their experiences with Comanche Todd amidst the perilous circumstances they face. For example, Jolie, played by Susan, initially feels shame about her mixed heritage, but Todd encourages her to embrace her identity. Some characters express animosity toward Todd for his relationships with Native Americans, but later realize their prejudice was misplaced. Todd himself is consumed by bitterness and a desire for vengeance, but an unexpected opportunity arises. Can he overcome his cynicism to recognize the good fortune in his present situation? This offers just a glimpse of the character development throughout the film. The movie portrays Christianity and Christians favorably, as does its depiction of Native American beliefs and customs. It manages to find a balanced perspective between settlers and Indigenous people. Furthermore, the portrayal of Native Americans feels authentic, unlike some Westerns from the nineteen fifties that present them in a stereotypical or ridiculous manner. Aside from the music sounding somewhat old-fashioned (though it’s not unpleasant), the only real criticism is its occasional quaintness. However, this is more than compensated for by the film's thoughtful commentary on universal justice. The running time is 1 hour and 39 minutes. GRADE: A-

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