Walk The Proud Land (1956)

The true story of John Clum (Audie Murphy) sent by the Department Of The Interior as an Indian Agent to the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona territory in 1874. After years of abuse from both previous agents and a hostile military, Clum attempts to restore pride and self sufficiency to the Apaches with the aim that the reservation will eventually be self governing by the Apache. Based on the biography APACHE AGENT by Woodworth Clum (his son) and directed by Jesse Hibbs (TO HELL AND BACK). A fascinating story in its own right, the film places a fictitious "romantic" conflict between an Indian widow (Anne Bancroft) and Clum's wife (Pat Crowley) to pad out the film's brief running time. However welcome it always is to see Bancroft, it wasn't necessary as it takes away the focus of Clum's intriguing story. Alas, it took many years for Clum's dream to be fulfilled. It wasn't until 1955 when the U.S. government actually turned over the San Carlos reservation to the Apaches. The CinemaScope lenses were under the care of Harold Lipstein (PAL JOEY). With Charles Drake (who has one of the worst drunk scenes I've ever seen), dancer Tommy Rall (7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS) who's used principally as an actor but gets to do an Indian war dance, Anthony Caruso, Morris Ankrum and as Geronimo, Jay Silverheels.