Review of The Last Wagon (1956) by Albert G — 18 Aug 2010

The film's best recommendation toward today's viewer is its effective Cinemascope widening of classic and colorful Monument Valley vistas.

The stunning Arizona scenery backdrops what appears at first blush to be another Injuns versus settlers mid-Century Saturday matinee oater. This, however, is another subtle 1950s vehicle out of Fox studios intended to take existing racial prejudice to task.

Widmark's the white man raised by Comanches, who at one point has taken revenge on settlers who killed his Comanche wife and children - and he's a wanted man for it. But when Indians commit the same sin, by attacking a group of helpless wagoneers, Widmark casts his lot with the holed-up white men (and women and children). In the process, he cures them of their own hatred of Indians.

It may be the same essential theme as that embedded within "The Searchers" but this plotline is quite lacking in such drama. Widmark's delivery is interesting to view, but he's no Duke. Except for Widmark's wagon-train love interest, most of the other deliveries are forgettable.

Predictable plot - and the conclusion breezes well past predictable and straight into quite corny/sappy territory.

RECOMMENDATION: Primarily to fans of Westerns looking to add some depth/texture to their library - - or viewers who'd like another long, lush look at classic Western scenery.