Allegheny Uprising (1939)

In Pennsylvania (pre-American Revolution), a small group of men in Indian country takes matters into their own hands when the British provincial command is ineffective in stopping the trade of weapons to Indian tribes. Based on the novel THE FIRST REBEL by Neil H. Swanson and directed by William A. Seiter (YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER). Loosely based on fact, namely the Black Boys Rebellion of 1765 that came after the conclusion of the French and Indian War. It's a rather simplistic "western" (yes, I know it takes place in Pennsylvania) with savage Indians slaughtering and kidnapping children and despite the impressive cast (John Wayne and Claire Trevor reuniting after the success of STAGECOACH), it's rather unremarkable. The workmanlike if uninspired direction by Seiter holds the picture together but there's a lack of urgency to the proceedings which might have helped intensify it. The acting is decent except for Wilfrid Lawson's annoying Scotsman, who's meant to provide comic relief but all he does is make you want to kick his face in. With George Sanders, Brian Donlevy, Chill Wills, Ian Wolfe and Robert Barrat.