The 1950s were not especially great for Barbara Stanwyck. The once A-list actress was now older and was no longer being offered the same roles that made her famous. Now, instead of love stories or comedies, she now was given roles in westerns--popular films, yes, but certainly not prestige films. Some of the westerns were pretty good--most were just okay. However, "Trooper Hook" was one of her better films from this period--made better due to a good script as well as an exceptional co-starring performance from Joel McCrae. While Stanwyck was 'slumming it' in westerns, McCrea's career actually went through a resurgence. As an older actor, he gracefully moved from handsome leading man to a tough and likable western star. Together, they made a dandy film in "Trooper Hook".
The film begins with a group of renegade American Indians killing a squad of Cavalry men. Only moments later, reinforcements arrive and the Indians are killed or captured. In the process, a white woman (Stanwyck) is found among the tribe. Apparently, nine years earlier she'd been taken prisoner by them and in the interim, she became the wife of their leader. Now, the leader is captured and it's up to the Sergeant (McCrea) to take Stanwyck and her young child back to her original husband. But, the child is not his--and who knows how he'll react to having a child who is half Native American. Considering how badly many in the film react to the kid, you assume the reunion won't go very well.
While the story is good, the way the story is constructed is even better--as is the direction and acting. In fact, there isn't a lot to dislike about the film. It manages to treat the Natives reasonably fairly and is NOT just another 'bad Indian' film but has some real depth. Well worth seeing. I'd give it a 9 except that the ending happened too quickly and seemed to work out a bit too perfectly.
By the way, the singing in the film is done well by Tex Ritter (who also provided music for "High Noon" as well as in many of his starring roles). I was actually a bit surprised by this, however, as Sheb Wooley was in the film and he also was an accomplished singer and could have sung the songs. I am not complaining....just surprised.
The film begins with a group of renegade American Indians killing a squad of Cavalry men. Only moments later, reinforcements arrive and the Indians are killed or captured. In the process, a white woman (Stanwyck) is found among the tribe. Apparently, nine years earlier she'd been taken prisoner by them and in the interim, she became the wife of their leader. Now, the leader is captured and it's up to the Sergeant (McCrea) to take Stanwyck and her young child back to her original husband. But, the child is not his--and who knows how he'll react to having a child who is half Native American. Considering how badly many in the film react to the kid, you assume the reunion won't go very well.
While the story is good, the way the story is constructed is even better--as is the direction and acting. In fact, there isn't a lot to dislike about the film. It manages to treat the Natives reasonably fairly and is NOT just another 'bad Indian' film but has some real depth. Well worth seeing. I'd give it a 9 except that the ending happened too quickly and seemed to work out a bit too perfectly.
By the way, the singing in the film is done well by Tex Ritter (who also provided music for "High Noon" as well as in many of his starring roles). I was actually a bit surprised by this, however, as Sheb Wooley was in the film and he also was an accomplished singer and could have sung the songs. I am not complaining....just surprised.