There may be some criticism as to Lancaster and Peters with blue eyes and classic American features portraying Indians, but this was a box office hit in its day and is still worth watching today. This was the first movie that allowed audiences to see the world through the eyes of an Apache and that merits consideration when you select to see this film. It opened the road for other movies focused through the Indian's point of view, which are still being made today (and that includes Gibson's Apocalipto). Both Lancaster and his beautiful squaw, Jean Peters, give excellent performances, despite their blue eyes; which is another reason to watch this flick. It is very well done and the Indians come out as dignified people thanks to good acting. These two actors are definitely pros. They actually manage to act natural with difficult, though smart, dialog that was written to enhance the way Apaches talked at the end of the 19th Century. The screenplay is very interesting and based on the acclaimed novel "Bronco Apache". Look for Charles Bronson (billed as Bruchinsky) playing Peters' beau. Lots of action, too. Lancaster broke his leg when the film started shooting in October '53, but resumed shooting the following month. Peters was liked by cast and crew, but, like some members of the cast, developed an animosity toward the difficult Lancaster during the final days of shooting; which makes her performance the more outstanding because she had to play a squaw that is totally devoted to his character, Massai. The romantic part is quite subdued, but it had to do with the way it was written, and nothing more; which is fine, for Apache warriors had little time to devote to love. The film's ending was fine. But you be the judge of that.
