The Stalking Moon (1968)

Introduction
"The Stalking Moon" is a Western, suspense film directed by Robert Mulligan, released in 1968. The movie is an adaptation of Theodore V. Olsen's 1965 novel. Starring Gregory Peck and Eva Marie Saint, the film informs the story of a retired Army Scout, Sam Varner (Gregory Peck) who unwillingly agrees to escort a white lady Sarah Carver (Eva Marie Saint) and her half-Apache son far from an extremely hazardous Apache warrior.

Setting and Plot
The movie is embeded in post-Civil War Western America. After retiring from the army, Sam Varner finds that Sarah Carver and her half-Apache son have been held captive by an Apache people. Sarah's child is the offspring of a notorious Apache warrior called Salvaje. On knowing of his child's presence, Salvaje triggers to recover him. Forced by circumstance and convincement, Sam decided to take Sarah and her kid back to his ranch in New Mexico.

Main Characters and Development
Gregory Peck's character Sam Varner is a positive, independent male who at first appears to have no emotional connection to others due to his solitary lifestyle. Yet, as the film progresses, Sam's character progresses with the plot, showing a softer side towards Sarah and her boy, particularly when faced with the horror caused by Salvaje.

Eva Marie Saint's portrayal of the quiet, distressed Sarah Carver is tragic. Utterly frightened of being recaptured by her captor, Salvaje, she slowly warms to Sam and eventually finds comfort and security in his company, hinting at a prospective romance.

The Conflict and Climax
The film intensifies as Salvaje tracks them, and their tranquil journey develops into a game of endurance and survival. An air of suspense pervades and peaks as Salvaje clandestinely infiltrates Sam's ranch, gazing at Sarah through a window, leaving behind a talisman. Sam understands that Salvaje will not give up pursuing them. The suspense continues to rise as Sam, Sarah, and the young boy face many hazards and close encounters with the deadly Salvaje.

In a climactic ending, a lethal confrontation in between Sam and Salvaje happens. Salvaje's steadfast decision to recover his son leads to extreme encounters and face-offs. The film reaches a practically excruciating tension before its explosive end.

Conclusion
"The Stalking Moon" is not a conventional Western film due to its infusion of suspense and thriller elements. These unforeseen facets create a distinct cinematic experience. The film greatly depends on mental stress rather than action-packed scenes or dialogue. The ominous existence of Salvaje is an ever-looming risk. The movie's soundtrack also plays a considerable role in creating a suspenseful environment.

The story's narrative arc is effective and compelling, with the growing relationship in between Sam, Sarah, and the young boy at the heart of it and their cumulative opponent stalking them. The movie ends on a confident note, leaving the audience to speculate the future of the characters.

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