The McMasters (1970)

The McMasters Poster

When a black Civil War veteran becomes co-owner of the southern McMasters ranch, the incensed local Confederate veterans come gunning for him and his Indian wife.

Overview
"The McMasters" is a 1970 western drama directed by Alf Kjellin and written by Hal Thau. The movie includes stars like Burl Ives, Brock Peters, David Carradine, Nancy Kwan, and John Carradine. Embed in the post-Civil War period, the movie looks into the racial tensions and discrimination widespread throughout that age. The plot follows Benjie, an African American male, who upon returning from the Union Army, is associated with an intense battle for survival and acceptance.

Plot
The main protagonist, Benjamin 'Benjie' Tyreen (Brock Peters), after functioning as a sergeant in the Union Army during the Civil War, goes back to his old ranch in the West. He comes back with a main deed of release for his slave master's lands as part of his previous master's passing away wish. Benjie fast ends up being the odd one out in a deeply prejudiced society, structured around white supremacy.

The narrative displays the battles he deals with as a brand-new landowner in a hostile environment. The regional neighborhood, consisting of White Feather (David Carradine), a hostile Native American, is instantly antagonistic towards his newly gotten status and land. White Feather eliminates Benjie's livestock and brainwashes residents, prompting hatred and producing departments within the town.

Thematic Elements
The movie highlights the racial clash of the duration, setting its narrative foregrounding the concern of race and prejudice. It explores the idea of ownership and rights, trying to paint a practical picture of the bitter battles of Black Americans during the age. The socio-political discourse showcased in the motion picture checks out the essence of human rights and social justice, proving far ahead of its time.

In the constituency of timeless westerns, "The McMasters" provides non-stereotypical portrayals by highlighting the struggles of the oppressed over the traditionally glorified figures of Caucasian cowboys. The movie presses the boundaries of the western genre, adding intricacies and depth to its characters and plot.

Performances
Brock Peters delivers an excellent efficiency as Benjie, a Black man who dares to challenge the norm, asserting his rights, and taking on a chaotic wave of racial hatred head-on. David Carradine as White Feather provides an antagonistic character filled with bitterness and prejudice. His performance imbues much stress to the story.

Other stars, consisting of Burl Ives, portraying a thoughtful figure, Kolby, and Nancy Kwan, depicting a Chinese servant, Robin, supply diverse point of views, making the movie a profound assessment of prevalent human rights issues.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "The McMasters" is identified by an impressive storyline and captivating performances. The plot, dealing with essential concerns of racism and bias, supplied a considerable contribution to cinema throughout the period. Even 5 decades after its initial release, the impact and relevance of the movie continue, calling for reflection on social attitudes towards race and ownership. Confrontational and daring in its storytelling, "The McMasters" is a movie with depth and a profound message, making it a distinct and important masterpiece in the history of western movie theater.

Top Cast

  • Burl Ives (small)
    Burl Ives
    McMasters
  • Brock Peters (small)
    Brock Peters
    Benjie
  • David Carradine (small)
    David Carradine
    White Feather
  • Nancy Kwan (small)
    Nancy Kwan
    Robin
  • Jack Palance (small)
    Jack Palance
    Kolby
  • John Carradine (small)
    John Carradine
    Preacher
  • L.Q. Jones (small)
    L.Q. Jones
    Russel
  • R. G. Armstrong (small)
    R. G. Armstrong
    Watson
  • Dane Clark (small)
    Dane Clark
    Spencer
  • Frank Raiter
    Grant
  • Alan Vint (small)
    Alan Vint
    Hank