Seminole (1953) DVD

Directed by the great Budd Boetticher (Ride Lonesome, Comanche Station and East of Sumatra), Seminole is notable for offering a sympathetic representation of Native Americans.

Rock Hudson stars as officer Lance Caldwell who is assigned to Fort King in the Everglades. A boyhood friend of Seminole Indian chief Osceola (Anthony Quinn), Caldwell opposes the maniacal Major Degan's (Richard Carlson) plans to wipe out the local Seminole tribe. Caldwell is rescued by Osceola after a violent battle and finds himself swiftly court-martialled. When Osceola returns to Fort King in an attempt to initiate peace he is brutally murdered and Caldwell framed for the crime. Can truth prevail?

Superior western fare tautly scripted from his own story by Charles K. Peck Jr., Seminole thrillingly meshes action, betrayal and racial politics. Look out for Lee Marvin as surly cavalry Sergeant Magruder.