Kirk Douglas stars as wilderness scout Johnny Hawks, the titular Indian fighter of this 1955 frontier Western, but the moniker has an edge of irony. While Johnny made his reputation fighting Indians as he scouted through Indian country, he now shares an uneasy but respectful coexistence with the Sioux—who are suspicious of any whites traveling through their lands—and he works to broker a treaty between the Sioux and the settlers to get a wagon train through without violence. Johnny is in love with a Sioux maiden (played by Italian actress Elsa Martinelli), but his courtship leaves a pair of mercenary opportunists (Walter Matthau, Lon Chaney Jr.) unsupervised in Indian country and they start a war while searching for gold. While The Indian Fighter does spotlight the racism of white settlers and soldiers—who see the Indians as less than human—and ultimately sides with the tribe's brand of justice, it also stumbles over its own prejudices (Johnny takes liberties with the Indian maiden while treating a white love interest with respect). The film features a supporting cast of familiar character actors (including Alan Hale Jr. and Elisha Cook Jr.), a charismatic performance by Douglas, a riveting attack on a wooden fort with flaming arrows and projectiles, and gorgeous wilderness locations shot in Bend, OR. A minor but interesting Western from director Andre De Toth, the film bows on Blu-ray with extras including audio commentary by film historian Toby Roan. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
The Indian Fighter
Kino Lorber, 88 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $29.99 July 24, 2017
The Indian Fighter
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