weezeralfalfa There have been any number of films familiar to me featuring one or more white females captured by Native Americans and attempts to rescue them, whether or not they wanted to be rescued. But this story is unique, in that it's planned from the beginning to release the captive unharmed after the infirm chief takes a look at her, he being said to be her father, unbeknown to her until he greets her in his native village. According to one reviewer, about 40 min of this film was hacked off, presumably to reduce its run time. That may explain some of the confusing events. However, it's not so bad that some viewers might find it a worthwhile experience. Lana Wood: Natalie's younger sister, makes a beautiful-looking '70s urbane woman, who looks and acts quite out of place as an 1840's pioneer woman. Unfortunately, she couldn't act the part, serving mainly to add sex appeal. Putting several bits of information together, I gather that Beth's(Lana)father was actually Chief Running Wolf. I wonder how this came about, since trapper John Colter seems to have been her acting father all along, apparently unaware that he was not her biological father. Her mother most likely was a Native American, which would make her a full N.A.! She hardly looks the part.The lunatic called The Bugler is quite a character, played by the director Charles Pierce, who was also the producer and one of the writers. Apparently, he was a white, whose madness was considered by the Shoshone a sign of having special spiritual powers. In consequence, he usually led a bunch of Shoshone. I can't recall another character in a western quite as consistently demented.Ben Johnson's character, John Colter, is the namesake, of a famous trapper in this area, who was included in the Lewis and Clark expedition, and given credit for discovering the Yellowstone and Teton region. However, he died elsewhere in 1812, and this story takes place in 1848. I don't believe he had any children.After the Shoshone captured trappers Colter and Willis, they played with them, challenging them to beat a brave, while tethered to a pole in the ground. Willis eventually was shot in the back with a couple of arrows. In contrast, Colter killed his opponent and was released from captivity. This episode much reminds me of a famous incident involving the real John Colter, in which he was captured by Blackfeet, stripped naked, and made to run a race for his life, given a head start. He killed the front runner behind him, then continued to run for his life. Meanwhile, his trapper partner was killed, as in the film.Some Cheyenne braves are depicted playing a stylized game of "counting coup", in which they are supposed to spear a series of rings on hooks, each on a pole in a line. I wonder if this game was actually a feature of Cheyenne culture? None of the principle actors playing Native Americans was actually a N.A.. Iron Eyes Cody, often assumed to be a N.A., was actually born a Sicilian. Jack Elam, barely recognizable, played trapper Willis. Paul Fix played Running Wolf, while Alex Cord played Grayeagle. All of the "good" N.A. were Cheyenne, whereas the Shoshone, along with the Bugler, were cast as "bad".

David Foy I can understand the actors, all skilled second-tier people working to make a living, participating in this nonsense, but the writer/director/producer has really, truly stunk the place up. I recommend he find a decent textbook and re-read the part about high concept. Watch this as an archaeological expedition, a research exercise into truly dreadful scriptwriting. But not for serious entertainment. Lana Wood -- I'm sure God will forgive you. Charles Pierce, you managed some stunning cinematography, you hired good costume and props people, and your method of faking dead animals to keep the SPCA off your tail was remarkable, but the rest is Hollywood crap at its crappiest. There is absolutely no reason to believe in, or care about, or ...when it comes right down to it...watch any of these people. Not one of them. There's a lot more to verisimilitude than costumes and props. Apparently you were on some kind of mission to revive the noble savage myth, but all you managed to do was mock and trivialize it.

masibindi This tale features the corny professionalism that makes American International Pictures so fun to watch. Although politically incorrect and revisionist, it touches the heart. The viewer sees the late Natalie Wood's sister giving it her all. Alex Cord goes against type to be genuine in his depiction. Western fixtures Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, Paul Fix, Charles Pierce, etc., enhance any horse opera. Critics, use your free rental coupon to watch 'Dances with Wolves'. Fans of Samuel Z. Arkoff, get the popcorn ready. You'll also need a handkerchief and a strong stomach for the implied violence. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

cakeladyspicer i would like to buy Grey Eagle VHS or DVD. do you know where i can get one. i have a 70 year old woman who likes to watch the movie all the time. she is in a wheel chair and hospital bed. she really loves Alex Cord and iron eyes Cody, I have looked every where and i cannot find one. I like the part where Lana Wood falls in love with Grey Eagle. I also like some of the clothes that were worn back then. We should dress like that now. I did not like the part about the man who acted like he was crazy and got killed.i do not know what else to say except that the movie was well written and directed. i don't think there is a better movie.i want to buy it not read reviews about it. she may die and this is one of her dying wishes.