COLONIAL SETTLEMENT IN NEW WORLD, ca.1600's:

Pocahontas: The Legend(1995)(HHH) --Live-action version of the historical and familiar story of the Native American girl who aids the early Virginia (Chesapeake) colonist, especially Captain John Smith. The film does a fairly good job of portraying the Chesapeake tribes and culture. It also avoids many of the cliches and stereotypes of earlier Native American films. Nonetheless, the film stops short of the later events in her life, including her marriage, trip to England, and smallpox death while in London. The animated version did the same thing, thus I expected far more from this live-action version.

Plymoth Adventure(1952)(HHH) --Interesting film with Oscar winning Spencer Tracy about the Pilgrims and their many plights. Tracy is Captain Christopher Jones who agrees to ship the Pilgrims to the New World. He at first cares little for the religious group and plans to desert them as soon as he can get them ashore. Through trials and tribulations he grows fond of the group (especially one in particular) and helps them above and beyond the call of duty. Though the film has some Hollywood in it, it does a pretty fair job of telling events and avoiding many of the pitfalls that occur in may of the films of the 1950s. Especially interesting is the 90-foot recreation of the Mayflower and the easy to follow Mayflower Compact signing.

Squanto: A Warriors Tale(1995)(HHH) --Family adventure based on some historical fact set in the pre-Pilgrim Massachusettes Bay region of the early 1600s. This particular young brave is captured early on by English traders and carried back to England for display and entertainment. He manages to escape and learns much from a band of monks, including English, which he uses later in his life after returning to America. Good setting and landscapes. Avoids many of the old stereotypes.

1.The Scarlet Letter(1934)(HH) --Poorly rendered version of the 1850 classic by Nathaniel Hawthorne about a Puritan women who is accused of adultery in the strict Massachusettes Bay Colony of the 1660s. Though lacking in many ways, this version does redeem itself some with its unusual comic releifs.
2.The Scarlet Letter(1973)(HHH)--Better adaptation of the Hawthorne classic, though unusual in that it's in German with English subtitles.
3. The Scarlet Letter(1979?) (HHH)--Very long but good rendering of the famous novel, without all the fluff of the 1995 fray. The feel for the period is also captured well in this version. 4.The Scarlet Letter(1995)(HH) --The latest "modernized" version of the famous Hawthorne classic with Demi Moore as Hester Prynne. This version has received terrible reviews recently, mostly because of its "free" adaptations from the novel and its typical 20th-century emphasis on passion, rather than redemption. As a historyfilm, it gained a few points for its lavish settings and noteworthy portrayal of the local Native Americans, including Massasoit and Metacomet.

18TH CENTURY AMERICA, ca.1700-1760's:

1.Last of the Mohicans(1932)(HH) --James Fenimore Cooper's classic about Hawkeye and his Mohican companions during the French and Indian Wars (namely the 7 Years War). This version is completely overshadowed by the 1992 version.
2.Last of the Mohicans(1992)(HHHH) --Michael Mann's masterful remaking of the classic James Fenimore Cooper story. This version really does a good job in portraying both the landscape and the warfare of 18th-century America. Set during the 7-Years War (the last great episode of the French and Indian Wars), the movie has several realistic re-enactments as well as a number of powerful Native American roles (Studi)

Pathfinder(1994)(HHH) --Another of James Fenimore Cooper's novels-turn-movie that take place during the French and Indian Wars of 18th-century America. The story line is very similar to "Last of the Mohicans" because both of these particular novels were based on the "Leatherstocking Tales" written earlier in Cooper's life. The "Pathfinder" story came first, and had the greatest influence on the later. This particular film lacks the lavishness (and probably budget) of the Mohicans film and also seems to lack the image that one would expect of Natty Bumppo, the main character of this film. There's still a lot here for history buffs though.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, ca.1775-83:
No descriptions at this time.

EARLY REPUBLIC YEARS, ca.1785-1820's):
No descriptions at this time.

THE JACKSONIAN ERA (INCL. TEXAS), ca.1830's:
No descriptions at this time.

WESTERN EXPANSION (TO THE FAR WEST), ca.1840's-50's:
No descriptions at this time.

ANTEBELLUM AMERICA, ca.1840's-50's:
No descriptions at this time.

THE U.S. CIVIL WAR, ca.1860's:
No decriptions at this time.

Blood Red(1988)HHHEpic tale of one family's fight for their land and rights in 1890s California against a corrupt "robber-baron" railroad tycoon William Berringen (Berringen Railroad). Good portrayal of 19th century "Big Business" and "Political Corruption" mixed with immigrant trappings and exploitation. Fine acting by Giancarlo Giannini and bother/sister team Eric and Julia Roberts.

The Hatfields and McCoys(1975)HHH Interesting retelling of the most famous family feud in American History. Jack Palance and Steve Forrest play the patriarchs of the two post-civil war families that go to war after two younger members fall in love (Appalachian version of Romeo and Juliet). After much killing and burning, the story climaxes around a final showdown. Pretty good history film.

Union Pacific(1939)HHCecil B. DeMille's classic about the building of the transcontinental railroad. Joel McCrea plays the construction overseer who must battle corruption, saboteurs, and Indians to see the construction to its end. DeMille actually borrowed the real gold spike for the last spike ceremony in Promontory, Utah(1869). Based on Ernest Haycox's book "Trouble Shooters". Interesting for its presentation of 19th century business practices and railroad fever.

POST-CIVIL WAR PERIOD (INDIAN CONFLICTS, ETC.) ca.1865-90

Broken Arrow(1950)HHHOne of the first Hollywood films to take the side of the Indians and show genuine sympathy for their plight. However, the good Indians are still portrayed by white actors, including Jeff Chandler as Apache chief Cochise. Jay Silverheels (Tonto) has a small role as Geronimo, but the typical 1940-50s Indian stereotypes still creeps into this film.

Buffalo Bill and the Indians or Sitting Bull's History Lesson(1976)HHH Robert Altman's interesting, though underrated historical drama about the famous Wild West character Buffalo Bill (Paul Newman) and his famous Wild West Shows that he put together to satisfy the public's desire for what they believe the "real" West should be. This obviously conflict's with several of the indian actors, especially Sitting Bull, who spends several years with the traveling show. Interesting contrast of myth and reality, with an unusual appearance of Grover Cleveland.

1.Crazy Horse(1955)HHBiography of the Oglala Sioux warrior who rises up to protect his homelands from Western expansion. Victor Matura played Crazy Horse. He eventually joins forces with the Teton Sioux leader Sitting Bull as well as many other tribes to defeat General Custer at the battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. Though fairly historical with a few other redeeming qualities, the movie nonetheless smacks of Hollywood. The film is totally eclipsed by the 1996 version discussed below.
2.Crazy Horse(1996)HHHHMade for TV biography of the Oglala Sioux warrior who defends his homeland against western expansion and U.S. soldiers. Included in this version is the battle of Little Bighorn and Crazy Horse's eventual surrender and death in 1877. Gripping story with a fine cast.

Dances With Wolves(1990)HHH1/2Epic story of a Civil War hero who is allowed to chose his next post of assignment. In an attempt to see the West before it vanishes, he choses a remote post (abandoned) near the Lakota Sioux. Overcoming language barriers as well as fears and distrust, both he and the Indians gradually become friends. Though based on no particular historical event, the film does touch on a variety of historical themes and settings. Gorgious scenery and challenging perspectives on 19th-century Native Americans definately make up for any weaknesses that a regular reviewer might find, but that a historian will substitute. Especially interesting is the buffalo hunt and attention to everyday detail. Adapted from Michael Blake's novel.

1.Geronimo(1962)HHTypical Hollywood casting of Chuck Conners as the famous Indian leader on the warpath. Save your enery for the newer versions. Directed by Arnold Laven.
2.Geronimo(1993)HHHHMade for TV version that portrays the famous Indian in three different phases of his life. The teenager who attacks the Mexicans, the adult who fights the U.S. Army, and the old man who submits to the new civilization aroud him. Good portrayal by Native american actor Joseph Runningfox. A powerful and true story told from the point of view of the Native Americans and historical records. A true historyfilm. Directed by Roger Young.
Geronimo: An American Legend(1993)HHHHExplosive epic about the famous Apache leader. Great performance by native American actor Wes Studi. Robert Duvall delivers an excellent performance as well. This version concentrates more on the U.S. period of Geronimo's life. True historyfilm.

I Will Fight No More Forever(1975)HHHHVivid retelling of the true story of the legendary Chief Joseph who led the Nez Pierce tribe 1,600 miles to Canada to avoid the reservation as well as the many cavalry units pursuing. Disturbing and powerful. Interesting to note is the part played by young Sam Elliot.

Little Big Man(1970)HHH1/2Sweeping epic that freely swings from high comedy to drama, Dustin Hoffman gives a wonderful performance as a 121-year man retelling his wild days as a gunslinger, charlatan, adopted Indian (Cheyenne), and scout for General Custer. Though fact and myth are freely jumbled, the historical setting and reenactments make this a great historyfilm. Especially notable is the Washita Massacre and Jack Crabb's involvement with Wild Bill Hickok. Based on Thomas Berger's novel, directed by Arthur Penn.

Sitting Bull(1955)HHHHFirst class drama about the Sioux leader who joins efforts with Crazy Horse to protect his threatened homeland and fight the U.S. Army. He also comes to the rescue of an army captain who understands the Indians' plight and is accused of siding with them. Famed Indian actor Iron Eyes Cody portrays Crazy Horse as well as serving as technical advisor to the making of the film--no doubt a significant factor in the favorable and fair treatment of the Native American roles portrayed in this film. Directed by Sidney Salkow.

Son of the Morning Star(1991)HHHHLavish made for TV story of Custer and his famed last stand at Little Bighorn (1876).Good characterization and points of view. Especially interesting is the treatment of Captains Reno and Benteen, as well as Fetterman's Massacre. The detailed events of the final battle are equally excellent and easy to follow. A definate historyfilm and a must see for Native American and/or Western Historians.

Tomahawk(1951)HHHAn interesting story of an army scout who tries to stop an over-eager lieutenant from slaughtering Indians. Interesting start with the Fort Laramie talks, though a poor reenactment of the Fetterman Massacre. Considering that the film was made in the 1950s, I think its a pretty good film compared with many of its counterparts.

POST-CIVIL WAR PERIOD (URBAN & OTHER THEMES), ca.1865-1900:

The Bostonians(1984)HHInteresting look at 1870s Boston, a time period and area of the United States that rarely gets much attention on the big screen. In this film, a young women must choose between the affections of a militant suffragette and the affections of a young southern lawyer (Christopher Reeve). Noteworthy are the costumes and coverage of the women's suffrage movement.

Cimarron(1931)HH Triple Oscar-winning, though overworked, saga of bigger-than-life hero Yancey Cravat (Richard Dix). The saga begins around 1889 and continues well into the early 20th century (making for a rather long production). Cravat practices his skills variously as a lawyer, editor, humanist, statesman, adventurer, and of course, crack shot. Based on Edna Ferber's novel. Most notable is the film's recreation of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, a spectacle that makes the film great in itself; and the immediacy of being filmed in the 1930s--a time period blessed with many survivors of the 1880s and 90s. Only western to win "Best Picture".

Far and Away(1992)HHH 19th century epic about Irish immigrants Joseph Donelly (Tom Cruise) and Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman) and their adventures in 1880s Boston, as well as 1889-90s Oklahoma Land Rush. Notable is the portrayal of 19th century industrial life(brutal and often corrupt),boss rule, and expansionist ideology of the American West.

O Pioneers(1992)HHH Interesting adaptation of Willa Cather's saga about an American family who struggled to transform the merciless Midwest (Nebraska) into a home in the late 1890s and turn of the century. Jessica Lange plays the 21 year old woman who has to deal with Nebraska's environment as well as family jealousies. Very entertaining and uniquely historical.

TURN-OF-THE CENTURY TO WWI, ca.1890-1918:
No descriptions at this time.

THE TWENTIES, ca.1920-29:
No descriptions at this time.

THE THIRTIES (incl. THE GREAT DEPRESSION) ca.1929-39:
No descriptions at this time.

WORLD WAR II ERA, ca.1939-45:
No descriptions at this time.

EARLY COLD WAR PERIOD, ca.1945-60:
No descriptions at this time.

MID-COLD WAR PERIOD (incl. CIVIL RGTS MVT) ca.1960-70:
No descriptions at this time.

LATTER COLD WAR PERIOD, ca.1970-91:
No descriptions at this time.