Battle of Rogue River

In this reminder of his journeyman days as a director of westerns for Columbia William Castle was already showing signs of the cynical sense of humour that soon became a feature of his exploitation pictures in his depiction of the US cavalry as an ill-humoured bunch; the Indians not being much better as the chief berates his braves for sustaining insufficient casualties during a raiding party

George Montgomery shows a natural talent for winding his men up the wrong way and certainly lives up to his admonition that "An officer's weakness is measured by every one of his men that likes him personally".

Martha Hyer, meanwhile, as a comely lass in a blouse and tight britches shows she has other fish to fry when she gazes longingly at him and coos "Did you ever notice what blue eyes he has?"; to which Montgomery's idea of banter when he tells Hyer "Not another word" and she replies "Fine!" is to respond "That's another word!"

This film begins in 1850 when Oregon was still a territory in which certain American businessmen are keen to prevent statehood as it would affect their profits. To that end they continue to stir up the native Indian tribes in that area as they figure that violence between them and the American army will at least prolong its territorial outlook. It's during this time that a new hard-nosed Army officer named "Major Frank Archer" (George Montgomery) arrives at one of the forts with a mission to defeat the warring tribes under "Chief Mike" (Michael Granger) and compel him to surrender. Helping him in this effort is a frontiersman by the name of "Stacey Wyatt" (Richard Denning) who happens to be romantically involved with one of the women at the fort named "Brett McLain" (Martha Hyer). However, their relationship changes upon the arrival of Major Archer as does the role that Stacey has assumed as well. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film started off well enough but then loses its vitality after the first 30 minutes or so. Admittedly, it isn't a bad Western as far as it goes but there are much better out there and for that reason I have rated this film accordingly. Average.

George Montgomery is the hard-nosed "Maj. Archer", sent to command a frontier post that has been struggling to defeat a local tribe under the accomplished command of their Chief "Mike" (Michael Granger). Quickly disliked by those under command for his brusque manner, he must try to lick them into shape as battle lines are drawn with his shrewd foe. Sadly, though this has some decent action scenes now and again, there is an annoying romance between "Archer" and "Brett" (Martha Hyer) and the plot proceeds to follow a rather timid and predictable route as the adventurous elements give way to a standard tale of betrayal and, ultimately, a rather underwhelming degree of common sense. It's produced to a decent enough standard, but sadly the story and the efforts from all concerned are pretty unremarkable.

12 O'Clock High Meets Virginia City in Castle-directed "B" programmer. George Montgomery is adequately tight-lipped as non-nonsense Major taking over failed outpost. Richard Denning gives a marvelously multi-dimensional performance as Stacey Wyatt, as militia leader with a hidden agenda. John Crawford adds an interesting interpretation of the Hugh-Marlowe-type role of reformed reprobate. Martha Hyer provides eye candy and adds a bit of sass to boot. Good, clean, fast, and unchallenging fun.

I was raised on such Westerns, as a child I would sit with my Father to watch the Sunday afternoon Cowboy movies.

In fact, in later years he would often tell girlfriend's of mine, this was the only time I was quiet and happy.

The majority were such cheaply produced films, with the occasional John Wayne or Audie Murphy movies as a treat.

The best comment of this movie happens between Miss McClain and the Major, when he attempts a compliment to the young woman and Miss MC Clain replies: "Easy Major, One campaign at a time!. "

It is good for a B - movie, no doubt. But nevertheless not up to Hollywood Western standards, for sure.

Like all B - movie Westerns, the story is poor and good script is replaced by the usual Indian Savages Versus the noble and righteous White folk.

Anyway, for those hoping to get a Western movie from their local TV stations, this will do.

Not great, poor script writing, and poor knowledge of the US uniform of the time.

Acting is average in general, yet somehow it gets by.