Cattle Queen Of Montana (1954)

After her father (Morris Ankrum) is killed, a feisty young woman (Barbara Stanwyck) attempts to stake their claim in the cattle business despite threats from land grabbers (Gene Evans). At the same time, a young Blackfoot Indian (Lance Fuller) attempts to guide his tribe toward peace with the white settlers while his nemesis (Anthony Caruso) wants war with them. Directed by Allan Dwan (SLIGHTLY SCARLET). Under the aegis of producer Benedict Bogeaus, director Dwan made several fine films at RKO in the 1950s. He's a favorite of the auteur crowd and the auteurists have tried to make more of this pleasant but unexceptional western than is there. It's a programmer enhanced by John Alton's (AN AMERICAN IN PARIS) Technicolor lensing of the Montana locations (Glacier National Park). Already in her mid 40s (and only 10 years younger than the actor who plays her father) Stanwyck is perhaps a bit mature for the part but it doesn't tax her acting ability and, of course, she's always a welcome presence. With Ronald Reagan, Jack Elam, Chubby Johnson and Yvette Duguay.