RELEASED IN 1975 and written/directed by Charles Pierce, "Winterhawk" chronicles events in western Montana in the 1840s when small pox breaks out in a remote tribe of Blackfoot. The titular chief (Michael Dante) goes to the New Americans to apprehend a remedy, but things don't go well and a movie-length chase ensues. Dawn Wells from Gilligan's Island plays the female lead while Leif Erickson plays a mountain man who's friends with the Blackfoot. Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, L.Q. Jones & Elisha Cook Jr. have peripheral roles.

While watching, I was reminded of 1977's "Grayeagle" and therefore wasn't surprised to discover that Pierce made both films. "Grayeagle" is superior, though, and it shows that Pierce learned a thing or two while making this one two years earlier.

The movie has its points of interest, like a notable cast, with great alpine locations and moments of aesthetic wonder. But it's marred by a sometimes draggy vibe with overly syrupy moments and a blaring piano-oriented score that starts to grate due to its booming redundancy. Moreover, Winterhawk (the character) is depicted as excessively mysterious, noble and superhuman, not to mention more time needed spent on his group in the chase for the simple sake of human interest. If you can handle these cavils, however, this is a worthwhile Western.

Some have pointed out that "Winterhawk" is noteworthy because of its respectful view of Native Americans (who aren't really 'native' since their ancestors emigrated from Asia),yet pro-Indian Westerns actually go back to "Buffalo Bill" (1944),"Fort Apache" (1948),"Broken Arrow" (1950) and "The Last Wagon" (1956),not to mention the more contemporaneous "A Man Called Horse" (1970) and "I Will Fight No More Forever" (1975).

THE FILM RUNS 98 minutes and was shot in Kalispell & Browning, Montana, and Durango & Silverton, Colorado.

GRADE: B-

Up n the mountains of Montana ad Colorado on the Blackfoot and Flathead Indian reservations it musr have been a rugged shoot for the filming of Winterhawk. Michael Dante in the title role makes a proud and impressive Blackfoot chief.

Who is on a mission for his tribe. He wants to trade with the white trappers in 2840ish Montana, furs for medicine for smallpox . The disease has ravished hs tribe. But the minute the trappers hear smallpox they open fire. So Dante grabs the niece and nephew of missionary Elisha Cook for trade. Dawn Wels who narrates the film from the perspective of old age and Charles Pierce, r., are the barter.

Cook hires Leif Erickson to lead a rescue party. There's also a score to settle with L.Q. Jones who was the one who started te shooting. Erickson has some personal score to settle with Jones.

Beautiful cinematography of the high country is the number one feature of Winterhawk. Dawn Wells's narration is also poignant in many spts. And finally a realistic portrayal of the Blackfeet people.

One good western.

It is set in 1845 Montana, there a Blackfoot Indian : Michael Dante seeks smallpox serum from a nearby trapper camp for his stricken tribe . When he is attacked for his efforts , he takes vendetta by kidnapping two of the settlement's members : Dawn Wells . Then a posse : Leif Erickson , Denver Pyle , Woody Strode , Elisha Cook Jr is formed , going after him . Before the West ever saw the American cowboy..Winterhawk had become a Blackfoot legend . He was the greatest legend the Blackfoot ever had ... and the White Man could never forget .

An agreeable , melodramatic Western movie with trappers , mountain men , Indians and extremely nasty baddies . It packs thrills , noisy action , pursuits and gorgeous landscapes. Exceptional and colorful photography of the gorgeous scenary can't hide the cliched story , in spite of it , resulting to be enjoyable enough . Very marvellous scenary shots of the Rocky Mountains and some pretty soundtrack make up for some of the known , predictable plot . The picture contains a good cast , giving dencent interpretation , with plenty of Western notorious secondaries as Leif Erickson , Denver Pyle , Elisha Cook Jr , Woody Strode , Michael Dante , L. Q. Jones in a really villain role and Arthur Hunnicut's last screen appearance

It packs a sensitive and rousing musical score by Lee Oldridge . Luminous and briiliant cinematography from Jim Roberson and Charles B Pierce himself . This acceptable and in medium budget motion picture was well directed by Charles B Pierce . This craftsman also made similar style westerns such as : Hawken's Breed , Sacred Ground and Grayeagle . Although he also made terror genre as Town that dreaded Sundown, The Evictors , Legend of Bobby Creek , Bobby Creek II and Adventures as Norseman . Rating : 6.5/10 . Worthwhile watching.