Drums Across The River (1954)

When a crooked scoundrel (Lyle Bettger) attempts to start an Indian war for profit, a young man (Audie Murphy) whose mother was killed by Indians reluctantly finds himself in the role of peackeeper. Directed by Nathan Juran (ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN), this minor western has a script that edges it past the usual second feature programmer. Which is a good thing since there's no character development but the usual western stock figures. But its strong pro-Indian stance is unique enough to carry it through its brief 80 minute running time. It's handsomely shot by Harold Lipstein (DAMN YANKEES) in vivid Technicolor. With Walter Brennan (as Murphy's level headed father) giving a fine performance that deserved a stronger movie and good enough here to remind us what a wonderful actor he was. Also with Hugh O'Brian overdoing the villainy, Lisa Gaye (looking a ringer for her sister, Debra Paget), Mara Corday, Regis Toomey and Emile Meyer.