Arrowhead

Charles Marquis Warren's Arrowhead (1953) plays like a rebuttal to the pro-Indian Broken Arrow: that peace-talking Cochise is a snake in the grass, begging to be exterminated. Even by this genre's dubious standards its Indian bashing is astonishing. Provided this doesn't offend you, there's a lot to like about this retro Western.

Ed Bannon (Charlton Heston) is a tough scout helping the Cavalry deal with Apaches. Bannon foils an Apache ambush but is accused by Cavalry Captain North (Brian Keith) of provoking the peaceful Indians. Bannon's proven right when Apache leader Toriano (Jack Palance) returns from an Eastern university. Toriano brings with him the Ghost Dance ritual, rallying the Apaches to exterminate all whites. But Bannon knows Toriano's weakness: he was raised by Apaches and tricks him into a two-man showdown.

Arrowhead is Exhibit A for media demonization of Native Americans. Toriano is a treacherous schemer with a Satanic grin and (gasp!) flowing hippie hair: a truly hateful Other. His first victim is a meek stationmaster who happens to be Toriano's childhood "blood brother"! The Ghost Dance movement, a Millenarian but mostly peaceful Paiute/Sioux sect, becomes an Apache death cult akin to Kenya's Mau Mau or India's Thugs. Warren's reactionary script also skews towards Cold War allegory: if only the stupid liberals would just let Douglas MacArthur Ed Bannon fight the Commies Apaches his way!

The politics are jarringly retrograde, but Arrowhead remains enjoyable. Warren provides some nice, unfussy direction, moving the story briskly behind Ray Rennahan's beautiful photography. He stages two large battle scenes with aplomb, but the real highlight is the climactic slug fest. Bannon traps Toriano within his own rituals, forcing the two to duel mano a mano. For those seeking old school, no holds barred badassery, Charlton Heston and Jack Palance bashing each other ought to do the trick.

Charlton Heston is dependably rugged, getting plenty of snide dialogue and two-fisted action. Jack Palance tackles his demonic villain with relish. Milburn Stone plays Heston's sidekick, a good rehearsal for Gunsmoke's Doc. Katy Jurado (High Noon) plays an Apache femme fatale and Brian Keith (The Wind and the Lion) has a solid role.

Arrowhead is beyond politically incorrect: its racial and political views resemble a John Birch Society production. Western fans looking for a fun, unsophisticated oater will have a blast. Others may be more wary.