Last of the Dogmen

Plot synopsis:
Distraught but skillful bounty hunter Lewis Gates (Tom Berenger), accompanied by his horse and faithful companion Zip (an Australian cattle dog), tracks three armed escaped convicts into Montana's Oxbow Quadrangle, at the persistence of his unforgiving father-in-law, who blames Gates for his daughter's tragic death. Gates sees the convicts but hears shots. Investigating the scene, all Gates finds is a bloody scrap of cloth, "enough blood to paint the sheriff's office," a bloody rifle shell, and an old-fashioned Indian arrow.
Gates takes the arrow to archaeologist Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey), who identifies it as a replica of the arrows used by Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. Gates doesn't think it's a replica and, after some library research, develops a long list of people who have disappeared into the Oxbow. He also finds a story of a "wild child" captured in the woods in the early 20th century. Now, he's convinced that the fugitives were killed by a tribe of Dog Soldiers, a hardy band of Native Americans who somehow escaped the 1864 Sand Creek massacre and survived for 128 years, secluded in the Montana Wilderness, killing anyone who threatened to find and expose them.
Gates convinces Sloan to join him in a search for the band. The two enter the Oxbow and begin to search. They survive many mishaps and bond throughout their journey, eventually venturing deeper into the wilderness than Gates has ever gone before, around 50 miles in.
Nearing the end of their supplies, Sloan suggests heading back. As the two are packing their gear, they are suddenly attacked by Cheyenne Indians. Sloan, speaking the Cheyenne language, deescalates the situation, and the two are taken captive by Yellow Wolf (Steve Reevis). Taken to the Cheyenne encampment hidden behind a waterfall, the duo meet the village leader Spotted Elk (Eugene Blackbear), who tells them of the escape and salvation of the Cheyenne 128 years ago, as well as his own run-in with the "white people" when he was a child.
Gates and Sloan slowly become friendly with the Cheyenne. However, Yellow Wolf's son is sick, wounded after the gunfight with the convicts. Despite the elder's concerns, Sloan convinces Yellow Wolf to allow Gates to ride into town to obtain medicine. In town, Gates robs the pharmacy and is chased by local law enforcement, including Sheriff Deegan, his father-in-law (Kurtwood Smith).
After escaping, Gates meets Yellow Wolf in the wilderness, and they return to the Cheyenne camp. By this time, the sheriff has gathered a posse and sets out to hunt down Gates both for robbing the store and to find Gates' female companion, whom the sheriff believes Gates has hiding in the Oxbow.
Gates and Sloan continue to grow closer to the Cheyenne, and Sloan discloses that they are indeed the last of their kind. However, Yellow Wolf shows Gates that the sheriff is following his trail and is slowly getting closer to the encampment. Knowing that if discovered, the Cheyenne will fight and die, Gates proposes a solution; using some leftover TNT the Cheyenne had taken from explorers many years earlier, he'll create a distraction and allow the Cheyenne to flee deeper inside the Oxbow and live in peace, far away from civilization. Sloan decides to stay with the Cheyenne, which Gates reluctantly agrees to.
The two share a passionate kiss, and Gates begins to set up his plan. Gates gives himself up to the sheriff and pleads with him to leave the wilderness. However, the sheriff discovers the hidden tunnel and prepares to enter it. Escaping, Gates attempts to light the TNT with a rifle, but the sheriff stops him and threatens him with a gun to his head. Yellow Wolf appears, surprising the sheriff, and fires an arrow at the TNT, setting it off.
Gates and the sheriff are propelled out of the tunnel into the waterfall. Gates saves the sheriff, who is badly wounded. The deputy tells everyone to clear out, and they all head back to town to treat the wounded sheriff and Gates.
In Gates' holding cell, the sheriff confronts him about what Gates saw. Gates relents and says some things don't need an explanation; they deserve to remain undiscovered. This seemingly helps smooth over Gates' and the sheriff's relationship.
Sloan and the Cheyenne are shown to have successfully escaped. An indeterminate time later, Gates has begun searching for them. Using hints provided by Sloan, he is able to find them. The film ends with a passionate embrace between Sloan and Gates.

Tags: comedy, flashback

Review:
I am Northern Cheyenne and the premise of the movie is based, I believe, on the legend of the Lost band of Suthai ( a Cheyenne band) I particularly enjoyed seeing Eugene Black Bear (the old Cheyenne Chief) Eugene is a Cheyenne and a Sundance Priest in real life.
I have rarely seen a movie where certain scenes run chills down my spine.One scene in particular is the one where Lillian, and Lewis, first encounter the Native Americans.
This scene didn't only send chills up my spine, but much to the credit of Tab Murphy, it brought tears to my eyes, as also did other scenes in the movie.Yellow Wolf, who was played by Steve Reevis, was I think aware of the changing world beyond his own, and up until now the only way he could prevent the outside world from infiltrating his own was to do away with its representatives, Which meant of course killing them.
_Last of the Dogmen_ proves how well a story based on an implausible premise (traditional Cheyenne surviving in the mountains with their culture intact) can work if everything else is kept real.
The action is realistic, and the characters are drawn honestly and allowed to behave in a natural, realistic manner.As others have pointed out, it's a quiet little story as these stories go, and it's also one of Berenger's better performances; I feel as though I should bird-dog this director, because all the principles turn in good, nuanced work.
I recommend this movie as light or even moderate fare, with something for both romantics and adventurers.(Curiously, as far as I can recall, the title is never explained in the film.
Throw in a little occasional humor, decent acting jobs, suspense, the ability to hold your interest, and you get a film that allows you to escape your cares and spend a couple hours in the paradise of the Canadian Rockies.This is a must see for western fans, fans of the great out doors, and guys like me who're in love with Barbara Hershey..
Berenger is a treat to watch here, too as a tired old bounty hunter with a faithful dog & a good horse.
When three convicts escape from prison and head into the Montana mountains, the local law enforcer hires skillful tracker/bounty hunter Lewis Gates (Berenger) to go find them.
After spying someone in the trees it leads Gates to an investigation on the possibility of a lost tribe of Cheyenne Indians living in the mountains.A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary Western, even if it's cribbing clichés from a number of films and TV episodes of the past.
Formula of story is simple, grizzled tracker man Berenger and prim anthropologist Hershey are poles apart, but into the mountains they go in search of a hidden tribe of Cheyenne.
There's observations galore in here about the advancement of time, different cultures etc, and a nod to the Sand Creek Massacre, while a back story sub-plot involving Kurtwood Smith is deftly handled; if a little redundant in the grand scheme of things.Anyone who has seen the likes of The African Queen, Dances With Wolves and the Twilight Zone Episode: A Hundred Yards Over The Rim, wont be particularly surprised by what transpires in eventuality.
I've never liked cowboy or Indian pictures, but this movie  realisticly sets up a fantastic but simple premise that there are Indians still living in the wilderness.
As an afterthought........the studio added a pointless narration by an uncredited Wilford Brimley.......arguably the most irritating..annoying..unnecessary voice over I've ever heard......this is called the Theatrical audio on the disc...& should be avoided like a week old plate of beans.Before you play it..go to the 'Languages' section on the DVD..choose the Director's audio version...& enjoy this improbable little gem of a film..
That's what happened today as I watched "Last of the Dogmen." There are elements that remind me a bit of "Dances with Wolves" and "Cocoon." I think the "Cocoon" part is Wilford Brimley's voice in the narration and the supernatural elements.
If you really want to enjoy this film, then faith that anything is possible will help.Any western with Native Americans being pursued by white oppressors will always be reminiscent of many films before and after "Dances with Wolves." This film is in favor of preserving the rights of the Cheyenne to continue their heritage.
Gates (Tom Berenger) and Lillian ( Barbara Hershey) have their rom-com "meet cute" when Gates seeks her help in learning more about a possible hidden Cheyenne tribe he encounters evidence of while in pursuit as a bounty hunter.
In search of the possible tribe, the two main characters end up on a long and fruitful journey along with Gates' faithful dog Zip.Once with the Cheyenne, they both come to understand their ways, but conflict occurs when Gates leaves the hidden camp to return for medicine.
But if you enjoy a good western with beautiful scenery, a beautiful story, and an ending based on hope and faith that goodness will prevail, then this is a worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours..
The Director's cut, the featurettes, even a section on the authentic native American costumes, all give a fascinating insight into the difficulties in making a movie like this.
My hat's off to Tab Murphy's writing and direction, and of course Tom Berenger (the perfect Lewis Gates)and Barbara Hershey.
When I feel the pressures of modern day living closing in on me I can watch this movie and then take off on one of my horses into the wilderness outside my back door and get away from everything except for an occasional, "Silver bird with a long white tail," overhead.
That's when I get the itch to feel my horse moving under me while riding through the thick forest.I liked the, you know it is going to happen, love story and the idea of a Native American tribe surviving all those years without being found.The American Paint horses use in the movie for the "Lost Tribe," were a special touch for me, since I own a Paint horse.
There is romance with good and believable chemistry between the leads, well done and believable conflict between Gates and his father in law, humor, commentary on the American West in the form of a moral lecture, and the initial conflict between the two Alpha males that turns to respect and then friendship.The unlikely star of the movie is really the dog; I don't know if that was intentional or not, but it will make you want to get a dog like that.My favorite and most disturbing scene is the dream sequence.
The story is about the survival in a 'lost valley' in the Oxbow region of Montana (actually shot in Alberta, Canada, presumably because Montana is not wild enough anymore) of the descendants of a band of Cheyenne Indians called 'the dogmen'.
A lot of real Indians are cast in the film, speaking genuine Cheyenne, as Barbara Hershey astonishingly does herself.
This is a moving fable, dealing with the issues of the 'loss of the wild', the crushing of Native American culture by the unspeakable brutalities of white settlers, the betrayals of trust which deprived the Indians of their habitats, and the continuing psychological perversion of bitter people who want to stop the innocent enjoyment of life by shattering the dreams and the enforcement of degradation upon those too weak to protect themselves.
They should make a sequel with the same actors, but I would prefer one without the voice-over narrative.I don't recall seeing many movies with Tom Berenger in them, but this is one that I will never forget.
I'm certain to look for "Last of the Dogmen" to add to my extensive collection of videos and DVDs. I only hope that I can find a captioned version.I am going to tell everyone I know about this wonderful film..
I think Tom Berenger and Barbara Hershey did a wonderful job.
I had just vacationed there and was seeking films of the scenery.What I got, in the bargain, was a very good movie.
I was disappointed with the Banal narration at various points in the American version of the movie ,on the English rental release ,this aspect was non-existant,and made for a better overall film.
I still rate it a 10 out of 10 movie ,with the two main characters playing off well against each other ,the story line good ,better by far than "Dances with Wolves".
!. Modern Setting; but filmed in the true Western Movie tradition.
This is a movie that you will stop and watch every time it shows on TV: IF you have a true romantic spirit and love an outdoor action movie.The first sentence says it all, but let me say that the actors are well matched and the chemistry is great.
I recently spent some time in Western Vancouver Island and was struck by the scenery and immediately thought of this movie and the beautiful backdrop in every scene.
Tom Berenger Played his Part like it was his life story.
Barbara Hersey is very good in it as a Professor, and Tom Berenger as a sort of black sheep, a rebel of sorts, with a dog that he loves more then anything.
I bought this film at Christmas time, I wanted it for my collection of great movies..
It was not until the movie first hit TV (HBO, I think) that I endured the credits to learn that it had been filmed in Alberta, Canada and Mexico.I also loved the theme music.I have seen this film about 15 times in the past 10 years.
I think we all want to believe that we could turn back time and maybe find a Shangri-La, even in the far reaches of the American west, and that is what happens to Louis Gates in this movie.Highly recommended for the good story and the beautiful scenery!.
This movie had everything I could ever want - Tom Berenger, the Cheyenne continuing to live in peace without modern man's corruption, Barbara Hershey as a gentle caring anthropologist realizing her dream, a man and his dog, Wilfred Brimley's narration giving thoughtful insights, beautiful music, AMAZING scenery (did I mention Tom Berenger?), and the chance to dream again of the possibility of a real Shangri-La. Every time I watch it, this film leaves me with feelings of peace (from the outcome and their way of life), romance (the beautiful untainted love story between Lewis and Lillian), and the dream of someday traveling to the beautiful spot where it was filmed.
Movies are meant to entertain, teach, and take us away from the rotten world we live in; this one fulfilled all of those requirements and should have been publicized much more, even nominated for best film, actor and supporting actor.
The plot pedigree is obviously "Lost Horizon' and many other films on the "lost tribe " theme but this story was done simply and tastefully, making one long to believe it.
After a bus carrying several convicts in Oregon overturns and several prisoners to escape into an especially harsh and dangerous part of the country, the local sheriff decides to dispatch a highly regarded bounty hunter by the name of "Lewis Gates" (Tom Berenger) to locate and bring them back in.
So to help him understand what is going on he drives several hours out of his way to locate a professor of Native American studies named "Lillian Diane Sloan" (Barbara Hershey) in the hope that she can give him some answers.
I can't hold that against him, but at least I can warn anyone who's reading this to save your time and money and if it's "Dog Soldiers" you want, well there's this nifty little horror film by that name directed by the same gentleman who brought us the uber-eerie "The Descent" last year.
I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for the Native Americans each and every time I watch this movie.
I hope to see Tom Berenger and Barbara Hershey in another movie like this one and to have it written and directed by (TAB MURPHY) because he did an amazing job with this one!
The scenery in this film is beautiful, the Indians are authentic, the action is great, and so is the cast.
The scenery is beautiful, the Characters are likable, it moves along with twists and turns and it is like a Classic Children's Story that can be enjoyed by Adults as well.This is Family entertainment at its best.
Anyway....probably my favorite movie of all time, due to the story, the effects (as when they first found the dog soldiers...great effects!), the actors, the score, & the magnificent scenery!.
Classic plots and characters and a somewhat predictable ending, but still a wonderfully well executed movie that makes for a fun ride and great to watch.
We have traveled thru the area in Canada where this movie was filmed-it is some of the most spectacular scenery we have ever seen.
Tom Berenger is excellent in the role of Lewis and the dog is great.
***SPOILERS*** You at first don't exactly know what your watching in "the Last of the Dogmen" it that it has nothing at all to do with the 19th century American West but the hunt for a trio of escaped convicts in the wilds of modern Montana.Being sent out to captured the dangerous fugitives, who had killed a prison guard in their escape attempt, is the grizzled and fatalistic bounty hunter Lewis Gates, Tom Berenger, and his faithful companion, and only friend in the world, his tracking dog Zip.Tracking the three fugitives into the impassable Oxbow Quadrangle Gates finds what's left of them with a broken Indian arrow as the only clue to what exactly did them in.
It also had them protect their unexplored and pristine land with the bravery and ferocity of the then, back in the 1860's, Cheyenne Dogmen whom these now modern Indians are the descendants of.Gates who had shut himself off from the world since his wife the daughter of the town's Sheriff Deegan, Kurtwood Smith, was accidentally drowned-when she fell off her horse-would in fact find a new reason for living in the dangerous world beyond the "Wolf Valley" in the Oxbow.
It was there that the remaining Dogmen Cheyenne tribe settled and lived in peace from the hated "white man" for over 100 years.It took a long time for Gates with the help of the fluently Cheyenne speaking Diane to win over the suspicious Dogman Indians but in the end it proved dividends to both in each taking turns saving each others lives.
The final moments of the movie "Last of the Dogman" is about the most feel-good, without being too schmaltzy, ending I've even seen in that Gates together with Diane and Zip, who was almost killed by a Cheyenne arrow, ended up being together in Dogman Country.
A place where time stands still and where life, and the environment, isn't corrupted.P.S The movie besides its uplifting storyline and powerful acting by Tom Berenger Barbara Hershey and the Dogman's Indian Chief Yellow Wolf played by Steve Reevis is also beautifully narrated by actor and former rodeo clown, who's job is to distracts a wild 2,000 pound bull from goring a fallen rider, Wilford Brimley..
The movie is marred by the totally unnecessary Wilford Brimley narration which makes it sound like an episode of The Dukes of Hazard, and by a doubly untied loose end at the conclusion of the film which will be obvious to anyone who sees it.
This was a great movie..Being an HBO movie, I wasn't sure how good it would be or that it would have too much graphic violence and language..I was pleasantly surprised to find it entertaining, and a very believable movie..Tom Berenger and Barbara Hershey were excellent..The scenery gorgeous..and it was a love story too..but a very tender one at that..There should be more movies like it...
Dances with Wolves (1990), Thunderheart (1992), and Last of the Dogmen (1995), are all movies that made me proud to have been "captured" by the native American spirit when I was born in 1957.No, I am not 1/4 Cheyenne or Cherokee, nor would I ever want to be one of the multitude who claims to be one of them, just because it is fashionable.
That movie made me feel like I wanted to be a part of that hidden Cheyenne camp, away from the traffic, the war, high school shootings, and senseless killings every day all over America.
I have seen most of Tom Berenger's movies, and I feel that this may, perhaps, be his best effort.
That is,when there seems to be a fitting justice to an awful dilemma,and the hero is human enough to be a believable character.I liked the performances too of the entire cast of American Indians,and felt a deep compassion,as well as respect for the characters they played.Barbara Hersey has always been a favorite of mine,as well as Tom Berenger,and the dog won my heart.
I liked watching this film since it saw 2 people go back in time to the 1800's when the Plains Indians still ruled the prairies.
wonderful movie, good story: watch it!.
Thus when bounty hunter Lewis(Tom Berenger) comes up with an arrow he found in the nearby wilderness of Northwest Montana, anthropologist Lillian(Barbara Hershey) identifies it as a Dogmen replica, which can be bought in souvenir shops.
The rest of the supporting cast is superb as well.In some ways this movie is as much a love story as it is a western with Hershey and Berenger in search of something totally opposite and finding themselves and each in the process.
The only problem I did have, is at the end, he refers to himself in the first person as if he was somehow part of the story, yet it was never revealed which character he was, (a good guess would be he was the lead Deputy).As for the film itself, I found the entire cast to be believable, interesting, and lovable.