Arrowhead (1953)

When the late Charlton Heston (RIP) stated that if he could do his career over again and not do certain films, he must have had this tough, unpleasant little western in mind, which he himself cited as not being among his best. In fact, the only real praise he could offer for the film, made and released about three years before "The Ten Commandments" made him a star, was the typically intense performance of the late Jack Palance as his nemesis. Now from a cinematic standpoint, Heston is best remembered for his contributions to the epic (both historical and biblical) and cult science fiction genres, so it's not surprise that his contributions to the western/cowboy genre is often overlooked. In the case of this particular film though it's probably just as well that most people outside of his fan base don't remember it too well. "Major Dundee" and "Will Penny" were considerably more worthy efforts, the latter in particular.Plot in a nutshell: Heston plays a grumpy, mean spirited cavalry scout, and ex-confederate to boot (VERY loosely based on a real man), who is so deeply possessed by his hatred of Native American Indians, especially the Apache, that it threatens to ruin just about everything around him. If he were any less civil towards the immediate soldiers in the fort, led by Brian Keith, none of whom want anything to do with the surly prick, he'd probably be voted out Survivor style. When an apparently "domesticated" Indian, played by Palance (back when it was considered politically correct and practical to take a white guy and essentially "paint" him to look like some other ethnicity) presumably to barter peaceful relations, Heston continues to badger everyone not to trust him. In the long run, Heston turns out to be correct as Palance's character rallies together his fellow Indians and goes on a killing spree, massacring every white person unlucky enough to get his line of sight (including a mild mannered fellow who was actually his 'blood brother' as children). This gives Heston's character the chance to step up and play the hero, as much as the character is capable of such.Heston does the best he can with a thoroughly unlikable character who never really grows or learns or in any way redeems himself. Palance delivers the kind of quietly intense performance that put him on the map in better films such as "Shane". But the climactic clash between the two legendary tough guy stars is surprisingly underwhelming and disappointing. Brian Keith arguably gives the best performance of the film. Some okay action scenes and nice Technicolor help but not enough. Of interest primarily for western fans and fans curious to see earlier works for Heston.

As opposed to the politically correct people here, i think this movie portrays the Indian more realistic than the politically correct image will have it. Fact is it wasn't only the white man who broke treaties and peace initiatives. It's not good to show this down the politically correct memory hole. That's why I think this kind of movies are important and should of course be shown on TV. Of course, I wholeheartedly disagree with the notion that this movie should be banned like some reviewers have hinted upon.A strong performance by Palance and a fine Heston plus a very interesting storyline makes this one of my favorites.

This is typical Hollywood revisionism with the US Cavery constantly talking about peace and respect for the Apache, while all the Indians want is to kill and destroy. Nonsense. I could never figure out the Charlton Heston character. He plays someone who learned everything he knows from having lived and been raised by the Apaches, yet he hates them with a vengeance, always referring to them in degrading and subhuman terms. At home, however, he has no problem using the beautiful Mexican-Apache laundress (Katy Jurado) as his concubine.Poor Katy Jurado. Only a year away from her pillar 1952 role in 'High Noon,' this doll, with more class and talent in her little finger than most of her female Hollywood contemporaries, can only get offered this role playing a half-breed concubine to a hate-mongering character who insults her at will and doesn't deserve her company. Kind of puts it in perspective why 40 years later we similarly didn't see most of the intelligent kids from 'The Cosby Show' cast in any roles of substance once that non-stereotypical show ended. Maintaining your integrity while remaining employed is a monumental challenge for many in Hollywood. No wonder Katy never relinquished her Mexican citizenship or Mexican movie acting career.The end credits to the movie state that Heston's character is based on the true life of the Army's Chief of Scouts during this period, Al Sieber (1844-1907). If so, it isn't exactly a flattering portrayal. After seeing the movie, I wonder if Sieber's family sued the studio for 'definition' of character. Watch this one only if you've never seen how Hollywood depicted American Indians in the West.

Any film with Jack Palance as the villain is intense and strong... This great actor is unique and classic in this respect! His order to his braves: 'There will be no more fighting until Bannon has met Toriano!,' marks a summary of the entire motion picture: Toriano against Bannon!But who are these two men?Ed Bannon (Charlton Heston) is the Chief of Scouts for U.S armed forces fighting Apaches in the post Civil War... He despises Apaches: 'Anything Toriano for, I'm against!'Toriano (Jack Palance) is the son of the Old Apache Chief Chattez (Frank Dekova). He rejects permanent confinement and refuses to accept how his warriors are gathered like cattle in their reservation...Apache Wars were among the fiercest fought on the frontier... The U.S government attempted to limit their territories and movements...In the film we learn that an Indian cannot touch, harm or kill a man if he comes unarmed into their encampment; an Apache leader can be mystified through the Great Spirit by ritual drum beat; when an Indian and a white man are blood brothers, the only way to break the bound was for one of the two to die— This explains why Toriano and Bannon assigned the time and place to meet in a single combat to death at the end of the picture...The pretty Katy Jurado is Bannon's lover, a young girl, half Indian, half Mexican, who admires Toriano as a true leader...Wanting to serve him, she keeps an eye on Bannon, spying all his moves...Shot in Technicolor, with good directing and strong supporting cast (Brian Keith in his film debut), "Arrowhead," overcomes as a good-looking Western by the excellent acting of its stars...