Movie Monday Review: Seminole

Seminole

Seminole (1953)

Starring: Rock Hudson, Anthony Quinn, Barbara Hale, Hugh O’Brian, Lee Marvin, Russell Johnson, and Richard Carlson

Summary

Returning to his former home in Florida as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Lance Caldwell (Rock Hudson) is soaking up the morning freshness! Soon, he is attacked by an Indian and fight ensues. Sounds of gun shots finally scare off the Indian and Lance races to see what’s happening. Homesteaders shooting at attacking Indians, but soon it is calmed down. Lance assumes he was fighting the scout and returns to the camp. Meeting his commanding officer Major Degan (Richard Carlson) for the first time. The Major is mad that the new Lieutenant would appear in such disarray and orders Lance to leave and not return until he has cleaned up. Lance thinks this is slightly odd considering the circumstances, but does so and returns.

Lance returns

Major Degan explains that the Seminoles are one of the last groups of Indians that have refused to leave Florida territory. He describes Florida as wonderful land that can be used for agriculture, on which the Indians have no clue and refuse to leave. So, his job is to force the Indians off and to Reservations out west. Lance seems a little concerned about this and notices that the Major is extremely agitated and passionate about the Indians leaving, particularly about destroying their leader Osceola. Lance discovers that he is there as scout, since he grew up there and knows the area. Requesting leave for the night for personal matters, Lance departs. Major Degan orders his Sergeant, Magruder (Lee Marvin), to keep an eye on Lance.

John, now Osceola, leader of the Seminoles

Lance goes to the trading post where he sees his dear friend Revere (Barbara Hale). She is happy to see him and the two embrace. They catch up on old times as he has been away at the academy since their growing up years. There is one problem, he says, where is their former playmate and friend, John? He was supposed to go to the academy with Lance and be the first half-Indian to attend. Revere tells him that John has disappeared and no one has heard from him.

Revere

After Lance leaves, Revere takes off in a boat through the swamps. After several days, she arrives in an Indian camp and insists on being taken to Osceola. The other Indians are slightly nervous about this and Kajeck (Hugh O’Brian) insists that she should not be allowed. Kajeck’s father soon persuades them it is alright and she sees Osceola. The embrace, soon we realize that Osceola is John (Anthony Quinn) and that Revere’s love is truly for him. She tells him that Lance has returned and why. After insisting she stay in camp overnight, he sends her back to tell Lance that all he wants is peace between the peoples. He also tells her that she should forget her love for him and instead remember Lance. What life would she have in an Indian camp, married to an Indian, with all white people in the community rejecting her? She doesn’t like the idea, but agrees to think it over.

Revere with Major Degan

Major Degan orders a troop to depart, crossing the Everglades and through the swamps to surprise attack the Seminoles. Lance insists that this isn’t a wise time of year to do so, but overcome with senseless passion, Major Degan orders the go-ahead. They move out, pulling wagons themselves and walking through marshes and swamps. Major Degan insists that everything must be done by the book and will not even let the men unbutton their collars. Lance sees this as idiocy, but what can he do.

Major Degan and Lance

Meanwhile, Revere arrives back at the fort only too late and cannot tell Lance the message from Osceola. She was, however, riding a horse given to her by the Indians which happens to be a stolen U.S. Army horse. She is released, but they are watching her.

Revere on a calm night

As the troop goes forward, it is very apparent that Major Degan cares little for his men, but only for the destruction of the Indians. Even his faithful man, Sergeant Magruder starts to wonder. Sounding the attack, the men find that the camp has been trapped. Only three escape, one being the wounded Major Degan. Sergeant Magruder sees that the Indians have saved Lance, what does this mean?

Lance feels for Osceola

Lance realizes what’s happened and who Osceola is and now is ashamed. John (Osceola) tells him that all he wants is peace and Lance only knows that Major Degan will give none. Kajeck has hatred for the “white man” and insists that they could never accept peace, especially, since they killed his father. He believes that Osceola has turned soft and is not a good leader, but Osceola holds strong.

Osceola and Lance ride to the fort

Back at camp, the wounded Major Degan calls for Revere. He confronts the fact that she was riding a stolen horse, stolen by the Indians and pegs her for being in consort with them. He tells her that a way to help would be to go contact them and tell them that he wants to meet with Osceola for peace talks. Revere goes, as she has no choice, and tells him. Osceola says he will go back under a flag of truce with Lance. Upon arrival, Osceola is arrested and beat for not agreeing to the Major’s terms (of total surrender and deportation). Lance is outraged and immediately goes to him.

Osceola, Lance, and Kajeck

Under cover of darkness, Kajeck arrives, killing the sentry. He sneaks in with the intention of killing Osceola, Lance comes after him. A fight ensues, the weak Osceola tries to stop them, but instead falls into the puddle of water accumulated by rain, unconscious and dies. Kajeck gets away, leaving Lance in the cell with the dead Osceola. Lance is accused of murder and disobedience of orders and is ordered to a court martial. Major Degan, more crazed with hatred than before, tries to nail things on Lance.

Lance on trial

Standing trial, Lance insists on telling his version of the story. However, due to the fact that no one can account for having seen Kajeck, Lance is accused of killing the sentry and Osceola. He is sentenced to firing squad.

Kajeck intervenes

The next morning, Lance is led out to be executed. The soldiers are ready and about to fire, when an Indian spear lands in front of them. Soon, they realize they are surrounded by Indians and can do nothing. In walks Kajeck and Revere. She had gone to get help in order to stop them from killing Lance, who is innocent. Kajeck explains everything to the commanding General, saying he, being proud, will have no one die for something he did. He also insists that they be allowed to take the body of their leader, Osceola, home. Given that assurance, they also release Lance.

Revere will always love John

It is a sad day to see that Osceola is dead, but they see new hope that all will not be lost for peace between the peoples. The General assures them that he will look into the matter and Major Degan. Lance and Revere know it will be difficult, but will work together to accomplish great things.

Review

An interesting movie that looks into the attitudes of the Americans at that time who wanted to move the Indians. The intensity of the Major and his hatred for the Indians is slightly shocking. It makes you wonder how anyone could be that way, but during that era there was a lot of issues involving the forced relocation of Indians out west.

Kajeck leading the funeral processional

They also touch on the fact that Revere wants to marry a half-Indian, which was unheard of at the time. The idea that she doesn’t care, but wants to go with true love is unique. The way Lance cares for the Indians, because they were his friends and he sees them as people, not as “red skins” is neat.

John with Revere

A unique and lesser known movie. It is very interesting to see some of the characters play out, how the actors portray them. Anthony Quinn does an excellent job in his roll (might be my favorite roll for him). Hugh O’Brian surprised me, I didn’t recognize him at first. He is supposed to be an Indian and is dressed as such – good make-up job on him. Lee Marvin does an excellent job in this film as well (might be one of my favorite rolls for him too). He has a good job of getting his personality across – being loyal to the Major, but understanding that he is perhaps wrong.

Overall, a unique movie, worth seeing. Also, get to see Rock Hudson in an early movie.

Ellen Nolan

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