Smith!

Not-bad adaptation of Paul St. Pierre's book "Breaking Smith's Quarter Horse" by the Disney Studios, a sensitive depiction of the 20th century Native American and his relationship with the white man. Irresponsible rancher Glenn Ford tries talking a young Indian accused of murder into giving himself up and standing trial, though the local law has already decided the kid's guilt and is ready to hang him high. Director Michael O'Herlihy keeps a slow, steady pace throughout--some may think too slow--giving hint this G-rated tale was meant more for young adults than the matinée crowds. The dramatics are sobering if heavy-handed (particularly in the courtroom), though Glenn Ford's tender rascal Smith infuses the picture with heart. The cinematography is rote and disappointing, and the child actors are a bit stiff, but Keenan Wynn relishes his role as a hate-mongering sheriff and Nancy Olson (when she finally stops fretting over financial matters) matches up well with Ford, looking splendid in his older years. ** from ****

Theres nothing I hate worse than when Hollywood puts make-up on white people and tries to pawn them off as ethnic. The chief in this movie is obviously a Native American but Warren Oates with brown makeup saying "how" is just stupid. All credibility for this film is lost because of this. Glen Ford is good but the actress they chose for his wife does nothing but scream and nag at him in every scene. Terrible.

This arguably tries too hard and its message is crammed in, but it at least does have positive intentions.

'Smith!' features likeable performances from Glenn Ford and Chief Dan George, while Keenan Wynn is a good actor to have onscreen - even if he plays an antagonist. Nancy Olson's character is annoying, though. There is also unfortunately some inappropriate casting, namely Warren Oates. I do like the look of the film, in how it is shot etc.

The plot is pretty messy, even with an obvious motive. The tone of the film seems, at least to me, to be all over the place as it probably tries to do too much. It's also the definition of the white savior trope. Despite those things, it does at least end in pleasant fashion.

In his only venture with the Magic Kingdom, Glenn Ford stars in the title role as Smith a rancher with an indulgence for the local Indian population. The Indians squat on his range, occasionally help themselves to a steer or two for food and Ford puts up with it and it exasperates wife Nancy Olson no end. But when young Frank Ramirez takes refuge on his land being wanted on a murder charge that's stretching things a bit.

Your sympathies are with Ramirez especially after seeing hateful deputy sheriff Keenan Wynn in pursuit of him. In the end Ramirez has to stand trial in Dean Jagger's courtroom and its quite a scene with Chief Dan George as Ramirez's chief witness.

I'm surprised that Glenn Ford did not do more films for the Disney Studios, his generally placid image would seem to work well as a Disney type protagonist just as Fred MacMurray's did. Smith who like Columbo we never learn the first name of is a role that fits Ford perfectly. He also gets a nice courtroom scene as an interpreter his first since Trial during the middle Fifties.

Disney Studios did not give this one a whole lot of care, it's indifferently photographed and edited and I remember it being in and out of theaters in 1969 really fast. That's a pity because this easy going modern western with a bit more care could have been a classic for the Magic Kingdom.

200912: In some ways, this film is an absolute disaster by modern standards and would likely be a target of the cancel culture. Two reasons include the English used by the First Nations characters and secondy, caucasian Warren Oates portraying "Walter Charlie" as well as Columbian Frank Ramirez portraying "Gabriel Jimmyboy". When the film began, I was immediately concerned because it was a Disney production and I was tortured enough by those in my youth. Then I realized it wasn't truly a western but rather a modern western...well, at least by 1969 standards. If one is patient, however, this film shines with it's message of equality and kindness. In fact, this film was quite progressive considering the release date. Kudo's to Disney afterall. The payoff is in patience. Await Chief Dan George's testimony, he carries "Smith!" much like he's done in other classic productions. Personally, I ended up smiling upon the credits, even with this film's hindsight flaws.