Although the story had a number of ideas that didn't ring true for me, I still found it largely entertaining and interesting. Of course, having Wild Bill Hickok cross paths with Crazy Horse was one of the more creative elements in the picture, and that they didn't recognize each other was probably something of a stretch. In fact, having very few people recognize Hickok on his return from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show was probably darn near impossible. I'm going by Hickok's reputation and the fact that his image would have been one of the more prominent ones featured in newspapers and dime novels of the day. But as far as fiction goes, this one gets points for the idea of a mythical white buffalo that haunts Hickok's nightmares and has caused Crazy Horse disgrace following the death of his daughter. Both have their reasons for revenge on the 'buff', and the events leading to their team up is handled skillfully.
You know, if I hadn't seen Clint Walker's name in the opening credits and been looking for him, I probably would have entirely overlooked his presence as Whistling Jack Kileen. He's one guy who never seemed to age following that successful run as Cheyenne Bodie in the 1950's. He's a bad guy here though, virtually unrecognizable under a beard and a brogue, but I don't think he ever did whistle.
If you listen closely, you might be shocked to hear Charlie Zane's (Jack Warden) comment the first time he and Wild Bill get a look at Crazy Horse before they know who he is. Under attack by a band of Crow Indians, Charlie says - "Look at that red nig-er take on". The only other time I've heard that reference in a movie before was in 1960's "The Unforgiven" in a similar context. Interesting but disconcerting to hear a racist remark like that regarding Native Americans.
For Western movie fans, the picture offers quite a notable cast heading off into their own personal career sunset, folks like Slim Pickens as a stage driver and John Carradine as a busy undertaker. Both have rather brief roles, along with Kim Novak as a former Hickok flame, Poker Jenny. Speaking for myself, it's always a treat to catch Will Sampson in any kind of role; my favorite has to be his portrayal of Chief Bromden in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest".
Fans of Charles Bronson should be pleased with his effort here, about mid-way between his "Death Wish" appearances. Somewhat less charismatic is the white buffalo itself, a rather modest special effects effort even by 1970's standards. At times it looks more comical than fearsome, and I had to ask myself why they couldn't come up with something a bit more realistic looking, especially considering it had the power to wipe out Indian villages and knock down mountains.
You know, if I hadn't seen Clint Walker's name in the opening credits and been looking for him, I probably would have entirely overlooked his presence as Whistling Jack Kileen. He's one guy who never seemed to age following that successful run as Cheyenne Bodie in the 1950's. He's a bad guy here though, virtually unrecognizable under a beard and a brogue, but I don't think he ever did whistle.
If you listen closely, you might be shocked to hear Charlie Zane's (Jack Warden) comment the first time he and Wild Bill get a look at Crazy Horse before they know who he is. Under attack by a band of Crow Indians, Charlie says - "Look at that red nig-er take on". The only other time I've heard that reference in a movie before was in 1960's "The Unforgiven" in a similar context. Interesting but disconcerting to hear a racist remark like that regarding Native Americans.
For Western movie fans, the picture offers quite a notable cast heading off into their own personal career sunset, folks like Slim Pickens as a stage driver and John Carradine as a busy undertaker. Both have rather brief roles, along with Kim Novak as a former Hickok flame, Poker Jenny. Speaking for myself, it's always a treat to catch Will Sampson in any kind of role; my favorite has to be his portrayal of Chief Bromden in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest".
Fans of Charles Bronson should be pleased with his effort here, about mid-way between his "Death Wish" appearances. Somewhat less charismatic is the white buffalo itself, a rather modest special effects effort even by 1970's standards. At times it looks more comical than fearsome, and I had to ask myself why they couldn't come up with something a bit more realistic looking, especially considering it had the power to wipe out Indian villages and knock down mountains.