The Pathfinder

Jay Silverheels makes a far less unlikely Chingachgook than Lon Chaney in the later TV series, but gets a fraction of the screen time.

At least this perfunctory Sam Katzman production boasts Technicolor, attractive locations and the handsome Helena Carter; not that leading man George Montgomery deserves her since he's so boorish towards her, even after he's supposedly fallen in love with her.

George Montgomery stars in a minor western matinée feature that is a takeoff of "The Last of the Mohicans". Here, the plot angle has the Pathfinder and his Indian sidekick on a mission to divine French plans for an attack on the U.S. colonies in the Great Lakes region. The French have enlisted hostile Mingo Indians to enlist them in ousting the colonists during the French and Indian War. The two heroes path is fraught with danger as they trek through the wilderness with a pretty French interpreter who supplies the romantic interest for the Pathfinder. The technicolor is good and in spite of a thin story line, the film is worth watching for the nostalgia the fine supporting cast offers.

George Montgomery is well cast as Natty Bumpo in this handsome version of James Fennimore Cooper's novel. He's off on a spying mission on French forces along with Helena Carter. Jay Silverheels is Chingachgook, Chief Yowlachie --sometimes known as Daniel Simmons, back in the day when he was an opera singer -- and Rodd Redwing make up the Amerindian contingent of the actors, although they all derived from tribes far afield from the Algonquins.

There's nothing out of the ordinary in this Sam Katzman production when it comes to scripting or acting, but Henry Freulich's Technicolor camerawork is certainly well done, showing off the French blues that all the French characters wear.

I suppose all films adapted from Fenimore Cooper can be considered as westerns.... They are, actually, and this one is very pleasant, despite the Sam Katzman's production. Sidney Salkwow was directing and I suppose that compensated the Katzman's disability to provide enough budget and care in a costume and action movie, which gives the audiences the feeling to be taken as dumb people. Here, I did not have this feeling, or maaybe a bit less than in other Sam Katzman's productions. It is colorful, good paced, very pleasant to enjoy. Yes, I don't dislike this little film. Despite Sam Katzman's presence as the producer. Very rare indeed.

James Fenimore Cooper's The Pathfinder has George Montgomery playing a defector after Montgomery in the title role and Jay Silverheels as Chingachgook find the Mohican tribe completely wiped out with only young Uncas left to tell the tale.

It was the Delaware tribe who have lined up with the French as the French and Indian War has started.

With Silverheels as a contact, Montgomery goes to the French and offers to be a guide. His mission is to determine their strength. He also has along with him Helena Carter who speaks French because he does not speak a word.

Routine action/adventure from Sam Katzman who was getting a bit more budget to work with since leaving Monogram.