SMOKE SIGNAL
US, 1955, 88 minutes, Colour.
Dana Andrews, Piper Laurie, Rex Reason.
Directed by Jerry Hopper.
An enjoyable, if conventional, western. It was directed by Jerry Hopper, director of many action films at Universal and Paramount in the 50s. He directed several Chariton Heston films including Secret Of The Incas and the Private War Of Major Benson. The film was made at a time when there was a reappraisal of Hollywood's attitudes towards Indians. There was an emphasis on peace and reconciliation. Dana Andrews was competent in this kind of role and Piper Laurie has a subdued character to portray.
1. An entertaining western? The appeal of the western? The focus on the cavalry, the Indians? Reconciliation with the Indians?
2. The conventions of the western? The establishment of the fort, the personalities of the soldiers? The role of the Indians? The presence of a girl at the fort? The dangers, the chase? Jealousies, authority, antagonism? Heroics? The happy ending? This material as average, above average?
3. Colour photography, the use of Arizona and Grand Canyon locations? Colour? The musical score?
4. The American heritage and the stories of cavalries and Indians? Indian uprisings? The authentic historical background of the 1860's? .the Indian way of life and antagonisms? The military whites and their provoking of wars? The need for peace?making? Halliday and his role with the Indians, peace?making, his Indian wife? Laura and her relationship with her father, with Wayne, with Halliday? Captain Harper and his vengeance and the letter of the law? Wayne and his duty, antagonism towards Halliday? his cruelty? The portrait of the trapper, the soldiers? The possibility of the escape down the Colorado River and its rapids?
4. Halliday as hero - a sombre type, military background, personal loyalties, his attitudes towards Laura's father, his going to make peace, War Arrow and his acceptance of Halliday, the charges against Halliday for treason and murder? His saving the white man's life? His recapture? The lack of possibility for court martial, his advice, Harper's antagonism? His role during the journey down the river? Advice, heroics, saving life? Wayne's attempt on him? Attraction towards Laura, the hesitation especially about his Indian woman, reconciliation? The loyalty of the men? Harper's letting him escape to make peace? The American hero type?
5. Laura and her presence at the fort, relationship with Wayne, Captain Harper and his justice? her support of her dead father? Interest in Halliday, appreciation, falling in love? Her facing the truth about her father's attitudes? Wayne and his attempt on Halliday's life? The happy ending?
6. Captain Harper and his command, getting the men back into the fort at the opening, his decisions about Halliday, personal vengeance, the letter of the law, his sending the scout to his death, the journey down river and his suspicions, his final relenting? The pressure of the men?
7. The scout and his role with the group, the various men in the troop, the man blinded, the scout loyal to Halliday and killed? The teaming of the men in support of Halliday? Their skill in getting the group down the river?
8. Wayne and his being a good lieutenant, the letter of the law, his feelings towards Laura, antagonism towards Halliday, the attempt on his life, his death?
9. The Indians pursuing the white men, provoked into action? The pursuits?
10. The various crises in the trek down the river? The spectacular photography, the special effects ? rear projection for many of the river scenes? Taking away from the realism?
11. Themes of the American heritage? the heroism of the 19th century, pioneering, the military and the letter of the law, the misunderstanding of the Indians, the provoked uprisings, the need for peace?
