Blu ray review: Tomahawk (1951)

Kino Lorber has released another post-war western in technicolor on blu ray, this time George Sherman’s Tomahawk (1951) starring Van Heflin and Yvonne de Carlo. Some of it is based on true events.

The gist of the film’s narrative has Van Heflin as Jim Bridger, a friend to the Sioux nation. A traveling show is being escorted through Sioux territory by the US Cavalry when a Lieutenant kills an unarmed young Sioux boy. This leads to retaliations and a series of battles.

Much of post-war western cinema has a clear-cut good vs. bad narrative with the white man or cowboys battling the Indians who are too often presented as a savages. Bridger argues that the Sioux only engage in battle when provoked, and the circumstances present this as part of the narrative.

Sherman’s wide shots use the location filming effectively, filling the negative space with beautiful, colorful scenery. This often frames the burst of frenetic action. Along with Heflin, de Carlo is part of the traveling show, Susan Cabot is an Indian traveling with Bridger, and the cast is strengthened by Alex Nicol as the overzealous cavalry Lieutenant with a bigoted reaction to the Sioux. Jack Oakie lightens up many scenes, Preston Foster adds a veteran’s presence, and it is run to see a young Rock Hudson as one of the cavalry members.

The story is compelling, the acting is strong, and the action sequences are exciting and well paced. Kino Lorber’s blu ray has stunning color, along with a typically enlightening and informative commentary track by Lee Gambin and Rutanya Alda.

The blu ray can be ordered at this link: TOMAHAWK