This unique Western programmer opens up with the half Apache/half Caucasian Joan Taylor fighting a white man with a knife, basically ordered along with her brother Lance Fuller to move off of their ranch out of suspicion that they are in cahoots with the Apaches in a series of crimes recently committed in their area. Government agent Lloyd Bridges arrives, certain that the Apaches aren't to blame in this case, and after initial tension with Taylor convinces her to help him. Brother Fuller seems to be more involved and have the answers, and between Taylor and Bridges, they are going to find the truth.
Produced and directed by cult filmmaker Roger Corman (who was still working as of this writing in 2021!), this low budget color western is unique in many ways, an advancement in the way that movies portrayed natives, with a greater sympathy and understanding. Taylor is no one to mess with as the strong, determined heroine, and does an incredible job of making her character believable. When she shares a kiss with Bridges, she explores the character's torment over what would be considered a forbidden love at the time.
Bridges gets to add some great humor to his government agent character, and Fuller has a sinister greening way about him that exposes a madness manipulated by years of abuse for being the son of an Apache woman and a Caucasian man. It is mentioned that he has a law degree but has not been able to pursue a career out of prejudice which also adds dimensions to the role. The other supporting cast members all have ways of expressing themselves in their lines that gives down to their guilt or Innocence, and twists in the plot aide in keeping suspense up to the revelations near the end.
Produced and directed by cult filmmaker Roger Corman (who was still working as of this writing in 2021!), this low budget color western is unique in many ways, an advancement in the way that movies portrayed natives, with a greater sympathy and understanding. Taylor is no one to mess with as the strong, determined heroine, and does an incredible job of making her character believable. When she shares a kiss with Bridges, she explores the character's torment over what would be considered a forbidden love at the time.
Bridges gets to add some great humor to his government agent character, and Fuller has a sinister greening way about him that exposes a madness manipulated by years of abuse for being the son of an Apache woman and a Caucasian man. It is mentioned that he has a law degree but has not been able to pursue a career out of prejudice which also adds dimensions to the role. The other supporting cast members all have ways of expressing themselves in their lines that gives down to their guilt or Innocence, and twists in the plot aide in keeping suspense up to the revelations near the end.