Le Sorcier du Rio Grande

The character "Ed Bannon" is partially based on Al Sieber, Chief of Scouts of the United States Army in the Southwest, according to the legend that appears at the end of the film, but there are several significant differences between Bannon and Sieber. The fictional Bannon was raised by Apaches, but Sieber was born in Germany (in 1844) and raised in New York. Bannon has an antipathy toward Native Americans, especially Apaches, which Sieber did not. Ironically, according to those who knew him, he didn't particularly like whites and preferred the company of Native Americans. Sieber, a Civil War veteran, became chief of scouts for the U.S. Army at the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in 1870. He led the Apache scouts who helped to track down and capture Geronimo in Mexico, and reportedly survived 29 arrow and gunshot wounds during his life. In 1907, he was killed in an accident while working as the foreman of a Native American road-building crew. Sieber spoke German, English, Spanish, Apache, and at least one other Native American language. He mentored Tom Horn who was also a scout for the army and became multi-lingual under Sieber's tutelage.

There actually was a Ghost Dance movement; it was a religious revival of Native Americans in 1890, but it did not involve Apaches, who inhabited mainly the Southwest (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico). It was popular among the Lakota (Sioux) of the Northern Plains.

Opening card: To the General of the armies: Regarding the subject of recommendation of the Congressional Award... and in my opinion this man -- in constant disregard of his personal feelings and (as Chief of Scouts) repeatedly risking his life that others may be saved -- deserves to have his name rank with Daniel Boone, Kit Carson, Wm. F Cody and others whose unselfish service to this country can never be forgotten. Respectfully, George Crook, Brig. General, U.S. Army, May 7, 1886.

Featured in Images of Indians: How Hollywood Stereotyped the Native American (2003)