A small group of US Cavalry, led by Lt. Billings (Robert Stack), must deliver a treaty to Indian chief Gray Eagle within six days to prevent the tribe from going to war against the whites. Gray Eagle’s son and daughter (Keith Larsen, Joan Taylor), however, oppose the treaty and do everything in their power to prevent the Cavalry unit from completing their harsh desert trek to the tribe’s main encampment.

During the perilous journey, the soldiers lose their water and horses and, finally, Billings must deal with a revolt when the enlisted men discover a gold mine.

CRITIQUE

War Paint (1953) is an okay “B” western in Pathe Color, proficiently directed by Lesley Selander, no stranger to the genre, that is enhanced with a few good action sequences, some nice views of Death Valley and a plot with two or three intriguing twists.

Unfortunately, the first half of the film is rather slowly paced (a problem with many “trek movies”), and the picture’s budget limitations are obvious (e.g. too often, key action occurs off-screen).

Perhaps what bothers me most about this picture is that the basic story is actually very good and, in the hands of another director, other screenwriters and with a bigger budget could have become a Western classic.  Indeed, the theatrical trailer likens the movie to both The Lost Patrol and Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and I would agree that the story had that potential.

The cast, which includes Charles McGraw, Peter Graves and Douglas Kennedy, is definitely competent, but not very colorful.  Robert Stack may have been a great Elliott Ness, but this Western would certainly have benefited from a Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda or a Glenn Ford in the leading role.

That said, if you’re a fan of Westerns, this “B” is still entertaining, and not a bad way to spend eighty-five minutes.

THE VIDEO

As part of MGM’s “Limited Edition Collection,” this is a “burned,” as opposed to a “pressed” DVD, and is manufactured from the best elements available.

The full screen Pathe Color picture has no significant problems.

THE AUDIO

The Mono is crisp and clear.

THE EXTRAS

Included is the film’s Theatrical Trailer.

FINAL THOUGHT

This is an above average “B” western with an interesting plot.