Battle of Rogue River

Probably the most distinguishing feature about this "B" western is the choice of names for the characters. One of the leading men is named Stacey, the leading lady is named Brett and their Native American adversary is named Chief Mike! Montgomery plays a zero-tolerence, by-the-book Major who comes to an Oregon fort with orders to solve the Indian problem. There have been skirmishes back and forth across the title river and he's been given instructions to end the conflict, one way or another, to pave the way for Oregon statehood. (It does complicate matters that his orders from headquarters change on a dime!) Denning is the head of a civilian militia who is also heavily involved in the fighting. Both men have their eye on a Sergeant's daughter (Hyer) who has a mind of her own. Finally, some misunderstanding and manipulation leads to a final stand off between the Cavalry and the Indians. There isn't a lot that's particularly special about this film, one of dozens of this kind, but it does entertain and is brief enough not to drag much. Montgomery is handsome, stalwart and charming, even through his icy exterior. Hyer is spirited and flirtatious. Crawford looks as if he's going to have a decent role (and it's great to see him looking young and handsome), but it only goes so far before he's lost in the shuffle. The Indians, aside from Granger as the Chief, don't come off as particularly authentic or menacing. At least the dialogue has a few decent lines. Other films have covered this territory better, but it's not a bad time killer. Directed by infamous showman William Castle just prior to his horror spree, it's a wonder audiences didn't get a clamp that looks like an arrow went through their head with each paid admission!

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!"

There are a Few Things of Interest in this "Assembly Line" Picture that was made in the Middle of the Decade Long Love Affair with the "Western".

Directed with a Surprising Lack of Style by Horror Manipulator William Castle. It has a Strong B-Movie Cast Playing Cookie Cutter Characters. Nothing here Elevates but it is Competent, in Color, Widescreen and Short (71 min).

It is one of those Professional Only Entertainments that 1950's Movie Going Audiences were Offered that didn't Give a Hoot about Anthony Mann or Budd Boetticher. It's sort of a Pedestrian Escape and one of Many Traditional Following the John Ford Mantra.

Try and Catch all the Interesting Names of the Leading Characters. Slightly Above Average of its Kind and Plays it Safe all the way.

It Stars Middle Budget Stalwarts George Montgomery, Richard Denning, Michael Granger, as "Chief Mike" the most polite and even handed "Savage" You're likely to see, and Martha Hyer as the Only Woman in the Movie, a Feisty Female with Brains and Beauty.

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.

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.