Konterr Brilliant and touching

BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

Yazmin Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

JohnHowardReid Guy Madison (Larry Knight), Rory Calhoun (Phil Acton), Carole Mathews (Laura Jordan), Cathy Downs (Kitty Reid), Johnny Sands (Randy Reid), Steve Brodie (Burke Kimber), Art Baker (Colonel James Reid), Iron Eyes Cody (Chief Yellowstone), Emory Parnell (Sergeant Johanssen), Queenie Smith (Mrs Johanssen), Eddy Waller (Joe), James Bush (Eddie), John Holland (Roberts), Douglas Fowley (Simms), Harry Brown (piano player), Kermit Maynard (scout), Gregg Barton (Frank). Director: JOHN RAWLINS. Original screenplay: Louis Stevens. Photography: Jack MacKenzie. Supervising film editor: Richard Cahoon. Associate film editor: W.J. Murphy. Music composed by Lucien Moraweck and John Leipold, directed by Lud Gluskin. Art director: Lucius O. Croxton. Set decorator: John Sturtevant. Men's wardrobe: Frank Beetson. Gowns: Ann Peck. Make-up: Norbert Miles. Hair styles: Gale McGarry. Photographic effects: Jack R. Glass. Camera movements: Charles Straumer, Morris Rosen. Military adviser: Colonel Henry J. Matchett, U.S. Army. Production manager: Harry S. Franklin. Assistant director: Clem Beauchamp. Sound recording: Jean L. Speak. Western Electric Sound System. Producers: Julian Lesser, Frank Melford. A Windsor Picture. Exterior scenes photographed with the co-operation of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the National Parks Service and the Office of Indian Affairs.Copyright 1 April 1949 by Windsor Pictures Corp. Released through Allied Artists. Original release prints processed in sepia. New York opening at the Palace: 14 July 1949. U.S. release: 1 April 1949. U.K. release through Pathé: 27 March 1950. Never theatrically released in Australia. 75 minutes.SYNOPSIS: Three cavalry officers, once fast friends, become mortal enemies because of a woman.NOTES: Filmed in Arizona. According to early press releases, the script was based on a novel by Harold Bell Wright, and had additional dialogue by Otto Englander. Olin Howland appears in the cast list as a circuit rider, whilst J.W. Cody plays Walking Bear.COMMENT: Something new was attempted in this "B" western in which the emphasis is not on action but on a strong love story. Unfortunately, this innovation pleased no-one. Action fans felt short-changed and those who appreciate complex romantic plots don't see westerns, period. Another problem is that the acting is not vigorous or convincing enough to carry the situations. Guy Madison, in a key role, is especially weak and immature.Nonetheless the movie is sufficiently well directed and literately scripted to command respect. Our attention is tripled by superb location cinematography — even though the present black-and-white prints look over-exposed and washed-out (this was done to accommodate the sepia bath which would have restored contrast, sharpness and depth. Original release prints must have looked magnificent).

MattyGibbs A dashing cavalry officer is torn between two women causing ructions for those closest to him. This is more of dialogue driven rather than action driven western. Unfortunately it's not a particularly interesting story which makes much of the film a bit stale. However the good looking cast, decent acting and some occasional stunning cinematography make it worth at least one viewing. The ending was a bit strange, almost like it didn't know which way to go, sombre or happy, so it tried a bit of both. Which I kind of liked as it goes. Overall it's not a bad film just one that's not particularly memorable.

zardoz-13 Guy Madison and Rory Calhoun vye for the affections of the virtuous Cathy Downs in "Arabian Knights" director John Rawlins' cavalry versus the Indians saga "Massacre River" until a besmirched Carole Mathews enters the picture. Ostensibly, the title of this 78 minute, Allied Artists release refers to the river that divides the land of the red man and the land of the white man. Naturally, the Native Americans constitute a major presence in this dusty oater, and the iconic Native American actor Iron Eyes Cody plays Chief Yellowstone. Nevertheless, despite the presence of Iron Eyes Cody and two battles with the Indians, the romantic rivalry between the two leading men over the leading lady overshadows the Indians. Initially, our two heroes, both officers in the U.S. Cavalry, are stationed at a remote frontier fort where the commanding officer's beautiful daughter, Kitty Reid (Cathy Downs of "My Darling Clementine"), is the object of our two heroes. Just to give you an idea when Hollywood produced this western, Guy Madison was the bigger celebrity star of the two. Initially, when Lieutenant Phil Acton (Calhoun) proposes to Kitty, she turns him down without a qualm for Madison. Between these two is the daughter's younger brother, Randy Reid (Johnny Sands of "Sabre Jet") who is itching to get into the action. Of course, the fort commandant, Colonel James Reid (Art Baker) struggles to keep his headstrong son out of the flight of Indian arrows. No sooner has our hero, Larry Knight (Guy Madison) committed himself to a marriage with Kitty than he encounters another dame, Laura Jordan (Carole Mathews of "Cry Murder"), who shows up in a nearby town. Laura owns half of a saloon run by Burke Kimber (Steve Brodie of "Roustabout"), and he isn't happy with the revelation that Laura is going to be his partner. Eventually, the intolerance that they have for each other prompts Burke to try to shoot Laura in the back. Surprisingly, Larry intercedes on Laura's behalf and kills Burke. Larry and Laura discover each other, and Larry backs out of his wedding with Kitty. Naturally, this upsets Randy and he confront Larry and they quarrel and Randy shoots Larry. Laura witnesses this confrontation and shoots Randy in the back before he can finish Larry off. Larry and Laura become fugitives and Phil pursues them, even after they cross Massacre River. Eventually, Larry and Phil relinquish their rage and together they fight an Indian onslaught. The ending contains a surprise that gives this above-average but far from ambitious western a tragic conclusion

alexandre michel liberman (tmwest) What comes out stronger in this western is the romantic part, a love story that has all the odds against it. Larry Knight (Guy Madison) is an officer who has everything going for him, a beautiful fiancée Kitty (Cathy Downs) daughter of the commander who will make sure Knight will have a bright career after he gets married, and great friends, Phil (Rory Calhoun) and Kitty's brother Randy (Johnny Sands). Knight meets Laura Jordan (Carole Mathews) the saloon owner, who is having trouble with her partner Kimber (Steve Brodie) who wants her out. Knight tries to resist his love for Laura,and who could blame him considering the hurt feelings he will cause and the loss of his career? I enjoyed seeing this film, it has good actors and an unusual story for a western.