The Vanishing American

Plot synopsis:
The film opens long ago in Monument Valley, after tribes of Native Americans have defeated other ancient cliff dwellers; afterwards, Europeans arrived to conquer the Native Americans. Later, in the early 20th Century, a tribe of Navajo are living on a reservation overseen by an individual who hates Native Americans, named Booker. He and his men steal the best Native American's horses for their own profit. Nophaie, a tribal leader, complains to Booker's superiors, but he is unable to gain fair treatment from the whites. When World War I breaks out, Army Captain Earl Ramsdale comes west in search of the horses that Booker was supposed to have bought from the Natives for a fair price. Marian Warner, the teacher at the Native American School, befriended Nophaie, teaching him to read; she convinces him that the Great War is a fight for a more just world, and that, when that world comes, the Native Americans will be treated better. Nophaie, not only brings horses for the Army, he and many others enlist, and distinguish themselves in battle. But when they come back after the war is over, they find life for the Native Americans even worse than when had they left. When they go on the warpath, Nophaie rides to warn the Whites. Nophaie and Booker die in the fighting, and Nophaie's sole comfort is dying in the arms of Marion, whom he loved. The film is a mixture of contradictory stereotypes that aims to show its viewers the subjugation of the Native American people during the time of World War I. Nophaie and his people ultimately come to realize that their traditional ways of life may be coming to an end. They also note that there is an equal place for them within White America.

Tags: murder

Review:
A spirited woman comes to the defense of exploited native -americans. Marion Warner (Audrey Totter) inherits property in Navaho country controlled by ruthless Indian agent Morgan (Forrest Tucker) and his henchman Glendon (Jim Davis). Because the property is a source of water in this arid country, Morgan covets it. He also covets a young Indian girl whom he has imprisoned at the agency. When Marion uses her skill with a six-shooter to help the girl escape, Morgan plots to kill her as well as swindle her out of her property. Meeting up with the rebellious Navaho Blandy (Scott Brady). Marion is drawn to him both as an ally and as a man. Together they attempt to save the Navauo, Zane Gray's Vanishing Americans. Along with her role as Adrienne Fromett in the film adaptation of Raymond Chandler's "The Lady in the Lake", this is one of Miss Totter:s best performances and gives this offbeat western it's zest.. Interesting Zane Grey adaptation ....... Zane Grey was a prolific & beloved author of many of the finest western novels ever. Screen adaptations of his works have had a spotty history, but this film is worth a closer look.Scott Brady, Forrest Tucker and Lee Van Cleef stand out in this interesting western saga. Tucker in particular was under-appreciated during his career. This film helps remind the viewer how good he really could be, when given a classic story and a plumb role.Along with Riders Of The Purple Sage, this was my favorite Zane Grey story. While a bigger budget would have helped, this film still captures some of the charm of the famed novel. Slightly above-average.. Budget seems too low for the story, by Zane Grey. The title might make you think of a Flaherty classic but this is a remake of a 1925 film based on a Zane Grey story. The 1925 film had a Darwinian message about survival of the fittest, but this 1955 version is intent on showing the misery, hardship and bravery of the Navajos. Unfortunately the budget seems too low for the story and even having Alan Le May (The Searchers, The Unforgiven, among others) writing the screenplay cannot save the film. The probable use of stock footage makes it confusing. It is interesting to see Navajos instead of the usual (but still present here) Apaches, and Sioux. Good performance of Audrey Totter and one can notice a young Lee Van Cleef. Unusual for the time it was released, was showing Forrest Tucker (Morgan) trying to rape Marion (Audrey Totter) also Morgan's relationship with Yashi (Gloria Castillo).. Enjoyable Zane Grey Adaptation. "The Vanishing American" is a Zane Grey story about the plight of the Navajo Indians in the early 20th century.Tough as nails Marion Warner (Audrey Totter) inherits a piece of land in an unnamed part of the south west. The land includes a strategic water hole that is vital to all of the surrounding area. At first she plans to run the Indians off the land and directs unscrupulous Indian Agent Blucher (Gene Lockhart) to see to it. Blucher is merely a puppet for local town boss Morgan (Forrest Tucker) who has plans of his own.Marion meets Blandy (Scott Brady) an educated Navajo who soon shows her the plight that faces his people. Marion meanwhile befriends the Navajo girl Yashi (Gloria Castillo) whom Morgan has "taken unto himself" and plans to help her escape. Blandy meanwhile has a run in with Morgan and his henchmen Glendon (Jim Davis) and Jay Lord (Lee Van Cleef) and winds up burning Morgan's store to the ground. (The scene of the burning store is lifted directly from "Johnny Guitar" (1954)). This all leads to the inevitable confrontation between the bad guys and the Indians."The Vanishing American" was directed by Republic's workaholic director Joe Kane. As was the norm in his pictures there's plenty of action and a fast moving story line. The aforementioned fire sequence with its fight scene and the battle sequences are well staged. I did feel however, that there were far too many night scenes.Scott Brady surprised me with his controlled performance as Blandy. Gunslinging Audrey Totter was excellent in the female lead showing both toughness and vulnerability. Tucker as always, makes a formidable villain. Unfortunately Davis and Van Cleef are given little to do other than obey Tucker's orders.In addition to those previously mentioned, the cast included Charlie Stevens as a renegade Apache, James Millican as a U.S. Marshal, Glenn Strange (sans mustache) as the Navajo chief and Hank Worden and Francis J. McDonald in other minor roles.Previously filmed as a silent in 1925 with Richard Dix and Lois Wilson in the leads.