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Two Flags West begins with Confederate colonel Joseph Cotten given an offer to have his men get paroled from prison if they'll serve in the union army out west where the troops are stretched pretty thin. Over some objections he takes the offer from Captain Cornel Wilde.

Wilde takes Cotten and his men to Fort Thorn in the Southwest which is commanded by rebel hating and Indian hating Jeff Chandler. There's a good reason why this guy is in a backwater command as you'll see as the film unfolds. In addition there's Linda Darnell, wife of Chandler's late brother who was killed in the Civil War and who all three guys have their eyes on. But Chandler scares Darnell as well he should.

It was interesting to see Chandler whose career role was Cochise playing an Indian hater. But he does successfully put over the character. His Indian hating causes a lot of tragedy before the film is over.

Two Flags West is a brooding kind of western that's not for the squeamish. It's an exceptionally violent film that I'm not sure how it got through the Code. It's one of Jeff Chandler's best early roles, too bad Universal didn't cast him in more films like Two Flags West.

Two Flags West is directed by Robert Wise and adapted to screenplay by Casey Robinson from a story by Frank S. Nugent and Curtis Kenyon. It stars Joseph Cotten, Linda Darnell, Jeff Chandler, Cornel Wilde, Dale Robertson, Jay C. Flippen, Noah Beery Jr., Harry von Zell, Johnny Sands and Arthur Hunnicutt. Music is by Hugo Friedhofer and cinematography by Leon Shamroy.

"On December 8th, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Special Proclamation, whereby Confederate Prisoners of War might gain their freedom, provided they would join the Union Army to defend the frontier West against the Indians."

A great premise drives this brooding yet action pumped Western forward, a production bolstered by crisp black and white location photography at San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, skilled direction by multi-genre director Wise and characterisations rich in thought and human interest value.

Film essentially centres around the workings of Fort Thorn, a Union Army stronghold commanded by embittered Maj. Henry Kenniston (Chandler). As he takes delivery of a unit of Confederate prisoners from Rock Island Prison Camp, themselves commanded by Col. Clay Tucker (Cotten), he struggles to contain his distaste. Something which obviously isn't helping an already pressure cooker atmosphere as groups of men divided by the on going war, are expected to stand or fall next to each other against the looming presence of chief Satank and his army of braves.

As the screenplay rolls on we learn about the main players beliefs and reasons for such, with the tragedy of the war deftly born out by the actors in their portrayals. The presence of widow Elena Kenniston (Darnell) also is cause for simmering tensions, where although an underwritten potential love triangle sometimes feels like a token offering on the edges of the frame, her character is so well drawn into the moody atmosphere, her back story packing emotional sting, that the film benefits from this case of testosterone lowering.

In amongst the Fort's uneasy alliance there are devious plans afoot on both sides of the coalition, that is to be expected, for it would be pretty standard stuff if these guys all agreed to shake hands and get on with it. But again the screenplay delivers some well thought out scenarios where agents and spies come into play, the safe transporting of civilians away from the Fort throws up some spice, as does a desperate act of violence by Major Kenniston. It all builds to a head and then Wise unleashes his skills as a overseer of action.

The crowning moment comes with the Indian attack on Fort Thorn. It's a prolonged attack filled with hundreds of extras and action aplenty. Each frame shot by Wise features flying bodies, arrows and bullets making their mark, fire raging in all parts of the ravaged Fort. Men, women and even children taking up the good fight as well, the Indian braves a fearsome and athletic foe coming in continuous waves. And this is not some Western where all the characters we have come to know are going to be singing come the end, some will die and it makes for dramatic and emotional impact.

Great cast, great direction and a great screenplay, this definitely deserves to be better known and loved by those into Westerns/Civil War movies. 8.5/10

Civil War rivalries were popular story material for Westerns of this period. Here, the rivalry is used more effectively than usual. A contingent of Confederate pow's is sent west to help Yankees fight the Indians. Okay, but what guarantees that the Johnny Rebs won't desert to rejoin their Southern comrades. Well, nothing really, except the Southern commander Col. Tucker (Cotton) does have a sense of honor. He's going to need it since the Yankee fort commander (Chandler) is given to temper tantrums, to say the least. Throw in some angry Apaches and a lovely widow (Darnell) who'll do anything to get to California, and you've got some strong dramatic material.

It's a well-mounted movie from big budget TCF, with a great battle sequence and a surprising outcome. There's also realistic attention to battle detail inside the fort that helps lift the sequence. Then too, the wide open New Mexico locations convey the kind of scenic sense that I think Western fans so love. Meanwhile, Cotten and Wilde, a Union officer, play off one another effectively, signifying the opportunity for post-war reconciliation between North and South. It's also a fine supporting cast with a number of familiar faces, such as Hunnicutt and Beery Jr. But how did pudgy glad-hander Harry von Zell escape TV's Burns and Allen show to turn up in a Western, of all places. Nonetheless, he's shrewdly cast in what can only be called a slippery role.

Not all are aces. The complex narrative sometimes meanders, along with a few believability stretches. Nonetheless, add 'em all up and it's still a solid entry in the A-Western category.

Jeff Chandler is cast against type (and does a terrific job) in this big-budget western as the commander of a cavalry fort in the West during the Civil War who hates both Indians and Southerners with equal passion. With his command stripped to the minimum due to the Union's need for troops to fight the Civil War back east, Chandler is forced to accept a unit of Confederate prisoners who have volunteered to fight Indians under Union command as an alternative to rotting in POW camps. Chandler's all-consuming hatred and racism result in his killing the son of the local Indian chief, which causes the Indians to go on a rampage against the whites in the area, culminating in a massive attack against the fort itself. This is a dark, gritty and, considering the time in which it was made, brutally graphic and violent western that explores and exposes issues--racism, sexual tension, even a hint of mental illness--seldom, if ever, touched upon by westerns up to that time. The supporting performances by Joseph Cotten, Linda Darnell and especially the great--and always underrated--Arthur Hunnicutt are top-notch, but this really belongs to Chandler, and he does a tremendous job, as good as (and in some ways better than) what is usually considered to be his finest performance, that of Indian chief Cochise in "Broken Arrow" of a few years later. Chandler was never a particularly expressive or emotional actor--when he tried to be, the results sounded more like a lecture (his speech at the end of "Pillars of the Sky" is a case in point)--but his coldness works to his advantage here, which makes his bursts of anger and hatred all the more chilling. This is an intelligent and thoughtful yet also rousing and action-filled western, hardly your run-of-the-mill cavalry-vs.-Indians tale. I don't think this would be the kind of western John Ford would have made, and it's probably the better for it. Don't miss it.

You only have to look at the production credits to see that this western has the promise of being an above average yarn. And it is. When my Brother in Law asked me if I wanted to see this film, I hesitated, expecting another run-of-the-mill Cavalry show. After noting the impressive cast and behind the scenes crew, just had to take a look.

For it's year, it's a surprise in both story elements and production handling. Not having before seen Jeff Chandler take a lead role in an 'A' grade feature (and this being quite early in his tragically short career) I had not realised he was such a professional performer. It seems his Universal International years may have sold him short. His performance as an embittered commanding officer in this film is a powerful one.

For me, Multi Award winning Director Robert Wise has always been a favorite, and this western is further proof of his skillful hand. Helping Mr Wise is another multi Award winner, Director of Photography: Leon Shamroy. I was surprised that Fox did not use Techicolor for this outdoor epic, but pleased they did not. The powerful on-location settings, featuring low horizon shots and huge dramatic sky scape's, dwarf the humans as they strive to survive this hostile environment. The wonderful use of quality black and white stock, evokes the visual poetry of a John Ford classic.

Cornel Wilde, does what Wilde does best, and Cotton is reliable as always. The cast is good right down to the support players. Linda Darnell is convincing as the sole female lead and the reason for her character to be in this situation is fully believable. This beautiful woman also had a tragically short career, both Chandler and Darnell died within months of the same age (Chandler only 42 through Medical 'misadventure' ~ Darnell 41 following a house fire) The original story is above average (founded on some historical facts) it was co-written by Curtis Kenyon and Frank S. Nugent ~ two writers also known for their screenplays. Their story was then honed into a tight adaptation for the screen by the great Casey Robinson ('Kings Row' etc) Robinson also Produced this film, so had a strong interest in it's success. If you enjoy character driven action entertainment, then this could be a western for you.

The Music credits are also interesting, with Fox's resident composer, the marvelous Alfred Newman taking a back seat as: Musical Director to composer: Hugo Friedhofer (although Newman contributed some incidental music) The score adds handsomely to the powerful images. Much of the dramatic action is surprisingly graphic and superbly staged, showing considerable time and care had been taken in all areas.

I have heard 20th Century Fox sadly junked many of their B/W Negatives when the studio foolishly made the decision to make 95% of their later films in CinemaScope and Color (a poor move in terms of artistic creativity) For the DVD release, they have at least produced a good digital master from available fine-grains and release prints. Recommended, and worth buying.

The story begins in a prisoner of war camp in Illinois during the US Civil War. Conditions in these camps were godawful...and some of these Confederate men have a chance to leave. They are being offered a chance to join the US Cavalry out west....not to fight against their own but against renegade Indian tribes. Considering the alternative is starvation and sickness in the camp, it makes sense that they'd take this offer....even if it meant possibly helping 'the enemy'.

Much of the film concerns how these former Rebels do in adjusting to life on the prairie. It also shows how their new commander (Jeff Chandler) has his own issues which exacerbate the problems with these new recruits. The acting is uniformly good, writing and action about the same. Well worth seeing and better than the average western.

By the way, I did some reading an apparently about 5600 former Southern soldiers and cavalry men DID agree to join the Union Army during the war. And, in 1863, just like in the film, President Lincoln offered Confederate prisoner of war parole if they joined the western Cavalry in patrolling the area around the Indian territories. And, if you care, they were sometimes called 'Galvanized Yankees'.

During the American Civil War, the Union offered captured Confederate Soldiers the chance to serve in the west against the Indians. That really happened. This story is a fictional account of a group of those Confederates and their actions in the west. Like the real-life Galvanized Yankees, these men choose to do their duty. It's a pretty good movie, even if it is a typical 1950s war movie, with lots of drama and some romance. Still, better than many others, and does illustrate a real historical circumstance - Reb POWs were given the opportunity to serve in the west in return for a pardon, and told they would not be asked to fight against the Confederacy.

A civil war western set in 1863 ,with some battle scenes of nice quality and passable interpretations . During the Civil War (1861-1865) , Confederate prisoners of war agree to join forces with the Union Army in the common fight against Indians . In return,the Confederate POWs are promised their freedom by President Lincoln during his Special Proclamation. A company of Confederate Georgia cavalry POWs ,under the command of Confederate Colonel Clay Tucker (Joseph Cotten) teams up with the Union on the sole condition they wouldn't have to battle against the Confederacy . They're assigned to Fort Thorn, New Mexico, on the Western frontier commanded by stiff-upper-lip and cripple Union major Henry Kenniston (Jeff Chandler) who hates the Confederate . Then , hateful , enmity and treason resurfacing during this difficult alliance . Unfurls the banner to high adventure !

Attractive western with spectacular action battles mixed with appealing storyline and decent perfermances . Dealing with a peculiar , fragile and hard alliance , forced by risked circumstances , between Confederate POWs and Union soldiers , both of them joining forces against Indians , but unfortunately , old animosities rekindle . Filmmaker Robert Wise had just left RKO where he had made his name and started up at 20th Century Fox , where his career would reach its high point 15 years later with West Side Story . Here Wise augmented a stunning main and support cast between cavalry and Indians . Dramatically , however , the movie is much less stirring . Stars a prestigious main cast , such as : Joseph Cotten as Col. Clay Tucker , Linda Darnel las Elena Kenniston , Jeff Chandler as Maj. Henry Kenniston , and Cornel Wilde as Captain Bradford . Being accompanied by a familiar secondary cast , such as : Dale Robertson , Noah Beery Jr. , John Sands , Arthur Hunnicutt , Robert Adler , Stanley Andrews Jay C. Flippen , among others .

The motion picture was professionally directed by Robert Wise . He worked in RKO where he became a skilled editor. He worked with Orson Welles on 'Citizen Kane' and 'The Magnificent Ambersons'. He then became director at R. K. O. And was then presided over by Val Lewton who gave Robert his first directing opportunities on what was expected to be a series of low budget horror films but emerged as striking psychological studies in terror such as 'The Curse of the Cat People', which was held in high critical esteem and which he credits Val as one of the major influences of his career The horror cycle was followed by 'The Set-Up' with Robert Ryan which won the the Critics Prize at the 1949 Cannes Film Festival then at M. G. M. His direction of Paul Newman in 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' resulted in Newman's emergence as a star. He became a freelance director on such films as 'Run Silent Run Deep' and 'I Want to Live!', earning an Oscar nomination for himself and an Oscar for Susan Hayward. And the high point was his awesome films as The Sound of Music , West Side Story and Star Trek the movie . Rating : 6/10 . Acceptable and decent Cavalry/Indian Western.

This is an action packed cavalry film set during the Civil War.

It begins with our protagonist, Joseph Cotton's character, a Confederate officer rotting in a Union prison with 43 of his men. They are offered a chance to fight Indians in the West, an act guaranteed not to hurt the Southern cause. When Cotton's character puts it to a vote to his men, it is deadlocked 21-21, with the tying vote a dying man who passes away before he can voice an opinion.

Cotton grabs the chance, and becomes a cavalry man, befriended by Cornel Wilde, a Union officer. Jeff Chandler plays the commander of the fort he is taken to. The star studded cast includes some great character actors, and their talents aren't wasted.

At the fort, Chandler quickly becomes the antagonist. His character resembles Henry Fonda's commander in FORT APACHE, obviously on purpose. In ways, this is almost a remake as far as characters go, but with a different story line.

A damsel in distress, the widow of Chandler's brother, killed in a battle in which Cotton took part, makes for high tension and high drama.

Later on, Chandler captures the head honcho Apache's son, and when the Apache chief demands his son's release, Chandler kills the son.

The other parts of the plot, I won't spoil. What we get are very identifiable three dimensional characters in great Western action. The fifties were the golden age for good reason. Great characters. This is a prime example. The two main antagonists both climax with acts of honor, one in supreme sacrifice, and one in relenting against a massacre for the sake of justice.

Compare these characters to the one dimensional clichés of Leone debacles, cardboard cutouts who do nothing but hate and kill, of the caricatures of "Tombstone" and other garbage, and there's no comparison. This film is so superior, it boggles the mind.

It took Hollywood four decades to realize their mistake, and now we at least see some Westerns that deal with credible characters, such as the ones you'll see Robert Duvall in. The difference is that this golden age dealt in splendor, scenery, and cinema, while the modern Western aims for total realism. While the modern Western has value, I still prefer the spectacle of cinematic glory and color to the modern dullness and dust. Both are good, but this type is more uplifting, and gives you the energy to get more done, so I give these films an edge.

Excellent acting, great scenery, directing, everything you could want, but my two chief criteria, writing and characters, are both of high quality here, too. This film is an example of "great characters make great films".

Joseph Cotten commands a troop of Confederate cavalry who are in a Union prison camp near the end of the Civil War. They are approached by Union cavalry officer Cornel Wilde and offered amnesty if they will enlist in the Union army and go out west to help fight the natives. They somewhat reluctantly agree and head off for a sparsely manned fort commanded by Jeff Chandler, a fairly bitter man sent to this command because of a leg injury sustained escaping a Confederate prison.

Obviously Cotten and Chandler don't get along very well and Wilde is stuck in the middle. Most of the plot is focused on how poor Chandler is as a commander while he's nursing bitter resentments, and on Cotten's determination to take his men and desert. Both have to learn the error of their ways mostly by having the natives as a common enemies. (In the film's defense, the native's hostility is mostly explained by Chandler's really poor decisions.)

Another major plot thread involves Linda Darnell, the widow of Chandler's brother. She is at the fort hoping to push on to California, but Chandler won't let her leave due to an unhealthy fixation. Wilde is also in love with her.

It's an adequate western with two many disparate plot lines vying for dominance that is elevated by it's fine cast and Robert Wise's assured direction. It's a really great looking film.

This gritty western is a post-Civil War affair set in New Mexico where soldiers of the Blue and the Gray are obliged to let bygones be bygones and tame the wild frontier for westward expansion. The usual antagonisms are present in abundance, with Union officers reluctant to trust the Confederate troops and question their allegiance to the United States. A top cast is headed by Joseph Cotten and Jeff Chandler, who constantly spar with each other about men, munitions and how to meet the Indian threat. Linda Darnell is the lone femme in the cast and her presence sparks romantic interest and jealousy in equal measure at the army post. The Yank-Rebel forces manage to put their bickering aside to defend against an Indian attack that remains one of the best ever filmed. The black and white lensing is good and enhances director Robert Wise's fine film.

"Col. Tucker" (Joseph Cotton) is the Confederate officer who is offered a chance to re-enlist in the US Army after the end of the US Civil war and so he and his men accept - so long as they never have to bear arms against their former colleagues. Now reduced to a Lieutenant, off to the remote and dilapidated Fort Thorn they all go where they find in the commanding officer "Maj. Kenniston" (huff Chandler) a man with a limp and an axe to grind. You'd think they'd have enough on their hands with the marauding Indians raiding the frontier, but nope - these two men manage to get under the other's skin and soon it's probably safer to be outside the fort than inside it! The first half hour follows the traditional path and is nothing special, especially the rather dull romance between an out-of-sorts Linda Darnell ("Elena") - the daughter of the grumpy major and "Bradford" (Cornel Wilde). Once that settles though, we start to get more action with the raiding parties getting bolder and more audacious and the soldiers having to retreat to the safety (they hope) of their wooden enclosure. The last half hour offers us a decent siege western adventure and the denouement - well look not for an happy ending for anyone! Robert Wise takes his time to get this going, but once he does it delivers plenty of action, for once doesn't treat the Indians as if they were rather feeble and intimidated foes and Chandler and Cotton carry off their roles well enough too.

The story of so called Galvanized Yankees (imprisones Confederates, opting to swear allegiance to the Union and joining the Ynion army to fight with Indians in the frontier) is not so well documented, thus fresh and can be quite good. THis old, black and white movie is a quick glance on this piece of history. The movie itself is OK - it is not devoid of all certain clichés of 50's works - horrible Indian murderers, dazzling ladies, handsome tall men, laughable battle scenes with all the poor montage and sped-up action sequence. Here, a very strong cast (Joseph Cotten as Col. Clay Tucker Linda Darnell as Elena Kenniston Jeff Chandler as Maj. Henry Kenniston Cornel Wilde as Capt. Mark Bradford Dale Robertson as Lem Jay C. Flippen as Sgt. Duffy Noah Beery Jr. as Corp. Cy Davis (as Noah Beery) Harry von Zell as Ephraim Strong Johnny Sands as Lt. Adams (as John Sands) Arthur Hunnicutt as Sgt. Pickens)is a big asset, but still, the somewhat trite and predictable pace ruins a very potent idea. The film is not bad, but it is not better, either. It borders on the brim of greatness, but still plunges mostly down, due to very banal plot twists and very obvious dialog lines. But still, it is OK and can be watched well.

JEFF CHANDLER does a creditable job as tough Army Major Kenniston at Fort Thorn with a hatred of Confederate rebels. His sister-in-law LINDA DARNELL wants to go back to California from the New Mexico fort, but Chandler is smitten with her and tries to prevent the strong-willed lady from having her own way.

Meantime, two other men have their eyes on Linda--Confederate Col. Clay Tucker (JOSEPH COTTEN) and dashing Capt. Mark Bradford (CORNEL WILDE), both of whom fall for Major Kenniston's sister-in-law.

Seems the Yankees are willing to free Confederate prisoners if they're willing to help them fight off the Indians surrounding the fort. While this is the major plot driven device, the romantic sub-plots involving Chandler, Darnell, Wilde and Cotten get a fair share of time too.

It all comes together as an above average cavalry western under the crisp direction of Robert Wise, who makes the most of some excellent camera work in the rugged western settings. The story has some interesting components but takes time in setting up the various conflicts. Nevertheless, enough action and a little romance to satisfy most viewers of the genre.

An interesting premise forms the war drama Two Flags West. Confederate POWs are offered their freedom by Northern troops if they agree to swear allegiance to the Union and fight in a blue uniform against Indians. Joseph Cotten is a colonel in gray, but when he leads his men to follow Cornel Wilde, he gets demoted to a second lieutenant. Cornel is a decent guy who respects the Southern sentiments, but Jeff Chandler is cruel to his new soldiers. He's also cruel to the Indians and cruel to his sister-in-law, who lives with him in the dangerous fort.

Linda Darnell plays a Spanish widow (although her accent when she spoke Spanish was so atrocious I couldn't understand a word she said!) and every man in her life is in love with her. Jeff, her husband's brother, obviously desires her even though he never sends a kind word her way. Cornel is sweet and shy, but just as obviously would do anything for her. Joe, the new kid in town, recognizes her appeal but is far more concerned with the Confederacy, his current battle, and controlling his men. You'll see some faces that will be very familiar if you've seen a lot of westerns: Jay C. Flippen, Noah Beery Jr., and Arthur Hunnicutt.

This isn't the most famous Civil War movie by any means, but it is a very good one. Had Gone With the Wind been made just a few years later, Joseph Cotten would have certainly played Ashley Wilkes. He makes a great Southern gentleman, a stark contrast to Jeff Chandler's rudeness and perpetual grumpiness. Seriously; can't that fellow ever smile?

What's the better song "Dixie" (I wish I was in Dixie) or "Battle Hymn of the Republic" (Glory Glory Hallelujah). It's obvious - Dixie! No contest. So, the Confederates win the singing. However, they didn't win the war.

In this film, Joseph Cotton (Clay) is a captured Southern Colonel who is conscripted into the Union army along with his men to serve under Yankee Major Jeff Chandler (Henry) and alongside Yankee Captain Cornel Wilde (Mark) in an isolated fort in the middle of the desert. Linda Darnell (Elena) is also at the fort under the care of Chandler and she longs to get away.

The majority of the film concerns the sparring between the Northern and Southern soldiers. Can anyone trust anybody from the other side? But then, Chandler goes and does the most stupid thing you can imagine doing! Well, now everyone is in real trouble because the Indians want revenge. What a jerk! There are Apache Indians on the warpath and this troop of soldiers need to work together. But will they?

It is an entertaining watch which educates you about the war that the Americans were having. My wife didn't think Cotton convinced in his role.

Was Robert Wise making his version of a John Ford cavalry picture ? Ford had released 2/3 of his magnificent trilogy by then.

The emotionally resounding mythic backgrounds, complex characters, heart and quality ring true as if it almost belongs in that trilogy (Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Rio Grande).

Recommended.

An American Civil War western from director Robert Wise. However this is a low budget B potboiler.

During the Civil War. Confederate prisoners of war could gain their freedom. If they joined the Union Army to defend the frontier against Indian attacks.

Confederate war hero Colonel Clay Tucker (Joseph Cotten) reluctantly agrees to bring his men over to be led by Major Henry Kenniston (Jeff Chandler.)

It is an uneasy relationship. The Confederate soldiers are glad to be out of prison and planning to escape when the time is right.

Major Kenniston does not trust or even like the Confederate soldiers. He blames them for is brother's death in the war. It is an uneasy alliance. Especially as Major Kenniston is also a hothead.

Tucker gets friendly with widow Elena (Linda Darnell.) She was married to Kenniston's late brother. The Major also has designs on her along with another Union officer.

Events come to a head when there is an Indian attack on the fort. Major Kenniston full of hate, fans the flames of hate even more.

There is an interesting premise to the story. Wise handles the material solidly. But it is all a bit plain and dull.

Kenniston is bitter, angry and unstable. Tucker is honourable and even decent. Irregardless of the cause he was fighting for was the continuation of slavery.

Jeff Chandler and Joseph Cotten make the great performances here, flanked by Linda Darnell as a beautiful Spanish lady and Cornel Wilde. They are all wrecks of the civil war, Jeff chandler lost his brother in it, who was Linda Darnell's husband, and Cornel Wilde appears from the start with only one eye. There willl be more blood. A unit of southern prisoners of war are offered the opportunity to regain their freedom if they join the Union in a war against the Indians in New Mexico, and they accept it, just to be able to ride horses again and have some action of war again. Jeff Chandler is the commander of that desolate station in the desert, constantly coping with hopeless problems of Indian aggression, illegal tradesmen selling booze and weapons to the Indians, and his difficult relationship with his widowed sister-in-law Linda Darnell on top of that, whom also Cornel Wilde and Joseph Cotten love. The most interesting character is Jeff Chandler's brooding and limping veteran, tortured by his responsibilities and worries, a very complex character under severe stress who under all this duress of circumstances has to commit some mistake, which he does, and pays for it. You will never forget this character. The film is splendidly made, with powerful cavalry sequences, riders galore enjoying showing off to the cameras who wallow in shooting them, and a finale that touches on a great noir drama of destiny, like a Greek tragedy. In brief, this is a major western totally different from all the others and only the better for that.

Captain Mark Bradford (Cornel Wilde), offers 43 Confederate prisoners the chance to be paroled on a full pardon if they agree to be recruited into the Union army. Arthur Hunnicutt (Sgt. Pickens) defends his commander (Joseph Cotton) and admonishes the captain, "the colonel don't need no reminders of his duties, he's brought us through more tight squeezes...." Cotton cuts him off as Captain Bradford is doing well as the affable liaison officer. Linda Darnell (Elena Kenniston) plays it true to form as the Spanish widow of the Major's brother who is waiting at the fort to receive an armed patrol to escort her back to her Monterey home. Jeff Chandler (Maj. Henry Kenniston) is open in his hostility toward the rebel forces but disguises his desire for the stunning Darnell. Joseph Cotton gives a command performance of his role with sly ambiguity and an equivocating irony. Cotton, Darnell, Wilde and the great direction of Robert Wise make this film one of the great classics. Of course it wouldn't be possible without a wonderful supporting cast of Dale Robertson (Lem), Jay C. Flippen (Sgt. Terrance Duey), Noah Beery (Cy Davis), Harry von Zell (Ephraim Strong), John Sands (Lt. Adams).