Movie Summary"Seminole", is a 1953 American Technicolor Western movie directed by Budd Boetticher and features an ensemble cast which includes Rock Hudson, Anthony Quinn, and Barbara Hale. The movie is based upon real historical events surrounding the Seminole resistance against U.S. advancement and hostility in Florida throughout the mid-19th century.
Plot SummaryRock Hudson portrays Lieutenant Lance Caldwell, a West Point graduate appointed to Fort King, a military base in Florida. Lance reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Revere Muldoon (played by Barbara Hale), who is now the owner of a plantation and has an understanding outlook towards Native people. An important character, Osceola (played by Anthony Quinn), is a half-Seminole, half Scottish guy who went to school with Lance yet now leads his people in challenging the U.S. federal government's intrusion into their area.
Osceola's clash with the U.S. armed force is intensified by Major Degan, played by Richard Carlson, who is set on war with the Seminoles. Degan manipulates situations, disregards treaties, and tricks his superiors to sustain the fire of conflict. Lance, who is essentially good and principled, is torn in between his loyalty to his military task and his compassion towards the Seminoles' fight for their rights.
Conflict and ResolutionThe film depicts the growing tension between the Seminole people and the U.S. Government with battles occurring due to broken treaties and violent fights. Lt. Lance Caldwell is presumed of murder when Major Degan is found dead. A trial ensues in which Lance, professing his innocence, brings light to Degan's duplicity and hostility towards the Seminoles, leading to his death.
Meanwhile, Osceola is recorded under a flag of truce, violating understood laws of war - an act of treachery led by the armed force. As the film advances, Osceola's health deteriorates, primarily due to his mistreatment in prison.
Conclusion"Seminole" ends with an awful turn of events. Osceola passes away, despite the very best efforts of Revere and Lance. Post Osceola's death, Lance's name is cleared as the real scenarios surrounding Major Degan's death are exposed. On a positive note, Lance ends up with his youth sweetie, Revere.
In the concluding scenes, the movie makes a poignant commentary on the oppression, bias, and damaged promises withstood by the Seminoles at the hands of the U.S. Government. The movie doesn't avoid slamming the government's policy towards native people.
Last Thoughts"Seminole" weaves an intriguing story of romance, action, and historical drama highlighted by themes of betrayal, honor, and the battle for justice. The on-screen performances of Rock Hudson, Anthony Quinn, and Barbara Hale produce a compelling portrayal of the events surrounding the Seminole resistance. With spectacular cinematography and an extreme story, "Seminole" is a considerable Film entry in the Western genre, acknowledging the awful history of Native American people throughout the U.S. growth period.
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