Winterhawk

RELEASED IN 1975 and written/directed by Charles Pierce, "Winterhawk" chronicles events in western Montana in the 1840s when small pox breaks out in a remote tribe of Blackfoot. The titular chief (Michael Dante) goes to the New Americans to apprehend a remedy, but things don't go well and a movie-length chase ensues. Dawn Wells from Gilligan's Island plays the female lead while Leif Erickson plays a mountain man who's friends with the Blackfoot. Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, L.Q. Jones & Elisha Cook Jr. have peripheral roles.

While watching, I was reminded of 1977's "Grayeagle" and therefore wasn't surprised to discover that Pierce made both films. "Grayeagle" is superior, though, and it shows that Pierce learned a thing or two while making this one two years earlier.

The movie has its points of interest, like a notable cast, with great alpine locations and moments of aesthetic wonder. But it's marred by a sometimes draggy vibe with overly syrupy moments and a blaring piano-oriented score that starts to grate due to its booming redundancy. Moreover, Winterhawk (the character) is depicted as excessively mysterious, noble and superhuman, not to mention more time needed spent on his group in the chase for the simple sake of human interest. If you can handle these cavils, however, this is a worthwhile Western.

Some have pointed out that "Winterhawk" is noteworthy because of its respectful view of Native Americans (who aren't really 'native' since their ancestors emigrated from Asia), yet pro-Indian Westerns actually go back to "Buffalo Bill" (1944), "Fort Apache" (1948), "Broken Arrow" (1950) and "The Last Wagon" (1956), not to mention the more contemporaneous "A Man Called Horse" (1970) and "I Will Fight No More Forever" (1975).

THE FILM RUNS 98 minutes and was shot in Kalispell & Browning, Montana, and Durango & Silverton, Colorado.

GRADE: B-

Up n the mountains of Montana ad Colorado on the Blackfoot and Flathead Indian reservations it musr have been a rugged shoot for the filming of Winterhawk. Michael Dante in the title role makes a proud and impressive Blackfoot chief.

Who is on a mission for his tribe. He wants to trade with the white trappers in 2840ish Montana, furs for medicine for smallpox . The disease has ravished hs tribe. But the minute the trappers hear smallpox they open fire. So Dante grabs the niece and nephew of missionary Elisha Cook for trade. Dawn Wels who narrates the film from the perspective of old age and Charles Pierce, r., are the barter.

Cook hires Leif Erickson to lead a rescue party. There's also a score to settle with L.Q. Jones who was the one who started te shooting. Erickson has some personal score to settle with Jones.

Beautiful cinematography of the high country is the number one feature of Winterhawk. Dawn Wells's narration is also poignant in many spts. And finally a realistic portrayal of the Blackfeet people.

One good western.

Love the scenery, cuz it is in our backyard!!! It was also cut down from the three hour epic that Charles Pierce wanted to make, as we have looked for lots of our friends who were extras is various scenes and they did not make it into the final 98 minutes.

The film also had a sizable budget for that period of time, so I think the issue is more related to the parts that landed on the cutting room floor.

Michael Dante was also extremely arrogant and was hard to work around. Dawn Wells was very nice, as was Denver Pyle who loved the Flathead Valley.

I have been watching westerns since I was in grade school. I often laugh at the inaccuracies found in these westerns. Caucasions playing native americans, etc. This is one of those westerns. Winterhawk is obviously riding a horse with a saddle hidden by a red blanket, stirrups are visible. Most of the other indians are correctly riding bareback as it should be.

You are wrong! This is a great movie! I watched it again and again. I loved the scenery. And the music was beautiful. I love Dawn Wells and thought she was great in this part. A wonderful story that gives a sympathetic view of the American Indian.