SEMINOLE

US, 1953, 86 minutes, Colour.
Rock Hudson, Barbara Hale, Anthony Quinn, Lee Marvin, Richard Carlson.
Directed by Budd Boetticher.

Seminole is one of many westerns made by Universal in the '50s. They were colourful, well acted, brief and often B-budget. However, they seem to stand up well in later decades as entertainment and as highlighting social themes of the West. This film has a very strong cast - Anthony Quinn and Barbara Hale supporting Rock Hudson. Lee Marvin appears in a supporting role. The film is also strong on Indian rights - especially the contrast with while views about the use of land and Indian freedom. The film also highlights the fierce
militarism in the character of the Major played by Richard Carlson. Direction is by Budd Boetticher, director of a number of B-westerns with a message - often with Randolph Scott.

1. Entertaining western? In the tradition of westerns? Action, excitement, Americana? Message?

2. The conventions of the Army and Cavalry western? The fort, the mission against the Indians, leadership, clashes of personalities, spying? Court martial? The Indians and their rights, clashes, massacres? Resolution?

3. Colour photography, Florida, action and battle sequences? The sets, costumes, score?

4. The historical background of the film? The expansion of the United States? The Indians in Florida? The Seminoles and their living in the swamps? The judgment of the American government that the land was not being used? The moving of the Indians westward for the cultivation of the land? Military activity? Career soldiers? The stances of the Indians? Hostilities? Racial attitudes? Peace?

5. Lance Calwell as hero? Rock Hudson's presence and style? Background, training, clash with the Major after the initial incident with the Indian? His friendship with Revere, with John? The clashes with the Major? Magruder as his guard, assistant? SPY? His desire for peace with the Indians? The Major and his challenges to authority? Leading the military into the swamps, the loss of the cannon, accidents, fever? The clash with the Indians and his being saved? Discussions with John? The return under truce? The imprisonment of John, the Indian Chief's son killing him? The clash with Revere? The court martial, the testimony against him? His being about to be shot? The intervention of the Indians? The possibility of peace?

6. The contrast with John and his Indian background? Not going to West Point? Becoming the leader of the Seminole? The Chief and his respect for him? The hot-headedness of his son? Revere and her communications? Suing for peace? The battle? His giving himself up? Giving his life for the peace?

7. Revere and her love for the two meen? Her messages to John? Her missing Lance? The arrest by the military? Questioning?

8. The Major and his obsessions? The career major? Never wanting to lose? The attacks against his authority? Setting Magruder as a spy on call? The fanatic leading the men into the swamps? His.harshness and cruelty? His being wounded? The court martial? The re-examination of his attitudes?

9. The range of soldiers, especially Magruder and his testimony? The ordinary soldiers and the mission, fever, accidents, death?

10. The presentation of the Indians - the violation of their rights, the Chief's stance, the hot-headed son and his final taking of responsibility on himself? The Deace?

11. Themes of racial misunderstandings, white supremacy? Cruelty towards Indians? The validity of the message of the film - its continuing relevance?