Western
United States of America,Mexico
The 1954 film Sitting Bull, directed by Sidney Salkow, tells the story of the conflict between the Sioux tribe and the US government, particularly General Custer's attempts to force the Sioux onto reservations. Chief Sitting Bull, portrayed by J. Carrol Naish, resists these efforts and the tensions between the tribes and the US Army escalate.
Michael Pate plays Parrish, a sympathetic white man who seeks to negotiate peace between the two sides. However, his efforts are seen as collaboration with the enemy by the Army, and he is court-martialed. Sitting Bull takes pity on Parrish and appeals to President Grant (Douglas Kennedy) to pardon him. In the film's climactic final battle, Custer (played by William Hopper) leads his troops in an attack on the Sioux at Little Bighorn, resulting in a devastating defeat for the Army.
The film was notable for its sympathetic portrayal of Sitting Bull, who was often vilified in earlier depictions of the conflict. Sitting Bull's speeches in the film were written by Lakota Sioux author and activist Vine Deloria Jr., adding to the film's authenticity and accuracy. Despite some historical inaccuracies, Sitting Bull was a groundbreaking film for its time in its respectful treatment of Native American culture and perspectives.
