White settlers battling Indians is a standard Hollywood storyline. But what happens when one frontier household contains both Whites and Indians? Which side does the household identify with, and support? That's the question, provocative for its era, in this early 1960's Western from director Don Siegel.
The story's characters are mostly stereotyped, especially the Indians who lack individuality. They are the story's antagonistic force, consistent with racial bias of previous decades. Further, that they speak English instead of their native language supports their status as two-dimensional cartoon figures, hardly more than movable set pieces.
On the other hand, the film's dialogue at least provides the Indians with a motivational rationale for their hostility. At one point in the film, their chief, Buffalo Horn, tells Pacer, the half-breed: "Whose land is this? Who has lived here since the beginning of time? They (the Whites) come against us, forever cutting deeper and deeper into our land, forever pushing". That's a big improvement in dialogue from earlier Westerns.
Filmed unfortunately in Cinema Scope, the visuals have an annoying letterbox projection. But the lonesome "Texas" landscape is beautiful and, when combined with the sound of a howling wind, creates an evocative, melancholy mood. The use of camera filters is obvious in this film. And I could sometimes not tell if a scene was supposed to be day or night.
Casting and acting are acceptable. For a professional singer, Elvis gives a fine performance.
The "flaming star" title refers to a personal vision at the onset of death, as described in the title song, which is quite beautiful and haunting. But the film's nondescript score is super annoying, especially toward the end, when it overwhelms the plot action.
The film has a Hollywood look and feel that screams: studio production. Yet, the story of a family caught in the middle of racial conflict, with attendant thematic implications, and the script's intelligent dialogue deserve respect from viewers. Further, some of the visuals are captivating. And my overall assessment of this film is mildly positive.
The story's characters are mostly stereotyped, especially the Indians who lack individuality. They are the story's antagonistic force, consistent with racial bias of previous decades. Further, that they speak English instead of their native language supports their status as two-dimensional cartoon figures, hardly more than movable set pieces.
On the other hand, the film's dialogue at least provides the Indians with a motivational rationale for their hostility. At one point in the film, their chief, Buffalo Horn, tells Pacer, the half-breed: "Whose land is this? Who has lived here since the beginning of time? They (the Whites) come against us, forever cutting deeper and deeper into our land, forever pushing". That's a big improvement in dialogue from earlier Westerns.
Filmed unfortunately in Cinema Scope, the visuals have an annoying letterbox projection. But the lonesome "Texas" landscape is beautiful and, when combined with the sound of a howling wind, creates an evocative, melancholy mood. The use of camera filters is obvious in this film. And I could sometimes not tell if a scene was supposed to be day or night.
Casting and acting are acceptable. For a professional singer, Elvis gives a fine performance.
The "flaming star" title refers to a personal vision at the onset of death, as described in the title song, which is quite beautiful and haunting. But the film's nondescript score is super annoying, especially toward the end, when it overwhelms the plot action.
The film has a Hollywood look and feel that screams: studio production. Yet, the story of a family caught in the middle of racial conflict, with attendant thematic implications, and the script's intelligent dialogue deserve respect from viewers. Further, some of the visuals are captivating. And my overall assessment of this film is mildly positive.