Aquila Grigia il grande capo dei Cheyenne

This film started off well enough (apart from the curious scene with the mysterious rider silhouetted in the setting sun on the horizon contrasting with the cabin in full sunlight) but its last 30 minutes or so dragged along when they should have been more exciting. Very few of the Native Americans looked realistic, one exception being Standing Bear, ironically played by Iron Eyes Cody, whose heritage has been queried in other reviews.

Talking of whom, I couldn't work out the significance of his flashback halfway through the film, when a young Running Wolf visits Standing Bear's cabin and ominously eyes his young daughter (or wife?) who looks nothing like a Native American. Was she to become the mother of Beth, who was later adopted by the Colters? Enigmatic scenes like this make me wish for the IMDB Message boards (discussion forum) of a decade ago where I might have been enlightened.

The version I saw was the full 104-minute version. Perhaps the 60-minute UK cut was less puzzling.

Great cinematography, and it's always good to see Ben Johnson and Jack Elam.

RELEASED IN 1977, "Grayeagle" is a Western about a settler in the 1848 Montana region (Ben Johnson) whose daughter (Lana Wood) is kidnapped by a Cheyenne brave (Alex Cord). He teams-up with his Native partner (Iron Eyes Cody) and a friend (Jack Elam) to get his daughter back. Along the way they must tangle with a Shoshone hunting party, including a crazy brave named Scar (Jacob Daniels).

While the plot is reminiscent of 1956's "The Searchers," it's different enough to not be a rip-off. "Grayeagle" may be far from a big-budget Western, like "The Searchers," but I like it better. It genuinely surprised me for a number of reasons. For one, it's not a typical Western; it's just as much a Native American film as it is a cowboy/settler Western; and the Natives are portrayed quite well, considering the time period.

Secondly, everything about the movie is over-the-top, like the acting, the (melo)drama and the blaring score. Speaking of the score, it plays like the bombastic music of the original Star Trek TV series, but updated to the mid-70s and fitted for a Western. It's quite good, sometimes even moving, albeit decidedly dated.

The plot similarities to "The Searchers" is interesting in that Lana Wood's sister, Natalie, played the kidnapped girl in that film. Speaking of Lana, she's just gorgeous. You might remember her as Bond girl Plenty O'Toole in 1971's "Diamonds are Forever."

The annoying, half-crazy character Bugler was played by the director, Charles B. Pierce, who made the similar "Winterhawk" (1975). You might remember Iron Eyes Cody (aka Standing Bear) as the American Indian shedding a tear about litter in one of the America's most famous television public service announcements, "Keep America Beautiful," from the early 70s. While Cody certainly looked Native American and claimed his father was Cherokee (and his mother Cree), he offered conflicting data on his heritage. Evidence shows that he was a 2nd generation Italian-American based on an interview with his half-sister and documents, which included a baptismal record. But Cody denied the claim. He was likely part Native, but who knows?

Shot in the Helena National Forest Northeast of Helena, Montana, the landscapes are picturesque. "Grayeagle" is full of gusto and reminiscent of the later "The Mountain Men" (1980). It must be respected because the creators gave it their all to entertain the viewer; in fact, I include it on my hallowed "Favorite Westerns" list, perhaps as more of a guilty pleasure since the flick is so overdone that it sometimes borders on ridiculous. So I can see why some people don't like it. While it's often supremely entertaining, the sacred words are fitting: "Just because you like a movie doesn't mean it's good."

THE FILM RUNS 104 minutes.

GRADE: B/B- (6.5/10)

This tale features the corny professionalism that makes American International Pictures so fun to watch. Although politically incorrect and revisionist, it touches the heart. The viewer sees the late Natalie Wood's sister giving it her all. Alex Cord goes against type to be genuine in his depiction. Western fixtures Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, Paul Fix, Charles Pierce, etc., enhance any horse opera. Critics, use your free rental coupon to watch 'Dances with Wolves'. Fans of Samuel Z. Arkoff, get the popcorn ready. You'll also need a handkerchief and a strong stomach for the implied violence. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

This poorly-made movie has a surrealistic tone to it that numbs the mind. Details of why crucial events are unfolding seem sketchy and unfinished. Perhaps that was the director's intent, except for the fact that the whole film lacks any semblance of direction. Nor is there much in the way of acting, dialogue, plot or cinematography. The resolution is out of focus and painfully obvious political correctness abounds, typical for its time frame. In fact, Grayeagle seems like a lousy hallucinogenic drug trip, especially when viewed at three AM. One of Alex Cord and Ben Johnson's worst efforts, and I'm a fan of both actors---a real waste of their talents and of the viewer's time.

Grayeagle is entertaining. Jaime Mendoza-Nava made a fine music score. Nicely shot landscape panoramas give the impression of the Big Country. The outdoor reminds me of the movie Dances With Wolves. Alex Cord is a feast for the eyes with his costume, his body paintings and his decorated horse. He plays a decent fellow and is active as an indian warrior in full proud colors who is kidnapping the daughter of Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson automatically assumes the cliches, that a young woman can only be kidnapped by hostile indians to be disgraced. Therefore he eagerly tracks the enemies and gets into a lot of selfmade trouble. Persons of different cultures get acqainted. The kidnapping is disclosed as a friendly forced invitation for the daughter to meet her biological father who is the chieftain of the tribe. Alex Cord and his fellows have the best intentions to escort him through his few left final hours until he dies of old age. Furthermore they try and succeed to make him feel happy and to be in party with his people while he passes away. This movie creates a warm human feeling.