The Last of the Mohicans

Adapted many times for both the large and small screens (the first cinematic version dates all the way back to 1920), James Fenimore Cooper's rousing 1826 adventure classic—set in the North American frontier during the mid 18th-century—received deluxe treatment in this 1971 BBC miniseries, believed by some to be the definitive film version. Shot in the Scottish Highlands—which very effectively doubles for upstate New York—this handsomely mounted production follows the adventures of native-born military scout “Hawkeye” (Kenneth Ives) and his Native American companion Chingachgook (John Abineri in an Emmy-nominated performance) during the French and Indian War circa 1757, as they attempt to escort the Munro sisters, Cora (Patricia Maynard) and Alice (Joanna David), to their father, the British commander of Fort William Henry, while also avoiding the renegade Huron brave Magua (Philip Madoc), who pursues them relentlessly. Nearly six hours long, director David Maloney's The Last of the Mohicans features vividly shot action sequences and a uniformly solid cast. Presented on an extra-less double-disc set, this is highly recommended. (E. Hulse)