Despite the title, this was filmed in Alberta, not Saskatchewan. It didn't bother me, as it was a beautiful film to watch--it was so vivid and blue. However, I wonder if Canadians might notice that it's not Saskatchewan.
The idea of a film about the Mounties and the natives isn't a bad one. However, at times, it felt almost as if this was another 'cowboys versus Indians' films--though its message that there are both good and bad Indians and brotherhood was a nice change of pace. Too bad this was lost, somewhat, because of a dopey side story about a woman wanted in the States (Shelly Winters).
The film begins with a very unlikely pair of brothers (Alan Ladd and Jay Silverheels) having a shooting contest. You learn that they were raised together and Ladd has a strong affinity for the natives. However, his new commanding officer in the Mounties is a total idiot--and his ways do nothing but alienate the friendly natives--pushing them towards an alliance with the warlike Sioux. So, it's up to Ladd to come to the rescue! There is a bad side story involving Shelly Winters. Her characters is just annoying. No one seems too upset that she steals a horse and behaves like a spoiled brat--and you know that no matter how awful she is, she'll be in a clinch with Ladd by the end of the film. Frankly, her character was 100% unnecessary.
Overall, a very flawed but pretty film that fans of Ladd will enjoy--but others would probably be unimpressed by when they watch. Watchable.
The idea of a film about the Mounties and the natives isn't a bad one. However, at times, it felt almost as if this was another 'cowboys versus Indians' films--though its message that there are both good and bad Indians and brotherhood was a nice change of pace. Too bad this was lost, somewhat, because of a dopey side story about a woman wanted in the States (Shelly Winters).
The film begins with a very unlikely pair of brothers (Alan Ladd and Jay Silverheels) having a shooting contest. You learn that they were raised together and Ladd has a strong affinity for the natives. However, his new commanding officer in the Mounties is a total idiot--and his ways do nothing but alienate the friendly natives--pushing them towards an alliance with the warlike Sioux. So, it's up to Ladd to come to the rescue! There is a bad side story involving Shelly Winters. Her characters is just annoying. No one seems too upset that she steals a horse and behaves like a spoiled brat--and you know that no matter how awful she is, she'll be in a clinch with Ladd by the end of the film. Frankly, her character was 100% unnecessary.
Overall, a very flawed but pretty film that fans of Ladd will enjoy--but others would probably be unimpressed by when they watch. Watchable.