Grayeagle (1977) User Reviews (24)

A simple Western with powerful scenes and spectacular outdoors

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 8 February 2010]

When a homesteader (Ben Johnson)'s daughter (a gorgeous Lana Wood, Natalie Wood's sister) is abducted by a Cheyenne Indian (Alex Cord), one of the greatest Cheyenne warriors who ever lived , the father launches a search for her recovery . He's is accompanied by an Indian friend (Iron Eyes Cody) and a frontiersman (Jack Elam). They spend time doggedly pursuing his kidnapped daughter when are attacked by a bunch of nasty Indians and then the hard-hearted trapper takes revenge .

This nice and well-paced Western contains adventure , interesting characters , romance , shootouts and spectacular fights . Action Western is pretty good , stylishly developed , a first-rate story and powerful told too . A great featured-role acting by veteran Jack Elam leads some eye-catching supporting performance along with Ben Johnson and Paul Fix . Appears relevant secondary actor named Iron Eyes Cody , usual player Indian roles (¨Great Sioux Massacre¨, ¨Sitting Bull¨, ¨A man called Horse¨) , though actually of Sicilian origin . Full of wide open spaces with breathtaking landscapes exceptionally filmed ; however it is necessary an urgent remastering because of the film copy is worn-out . The flick was well directed by Charles B Pierce who even appears credited in a brief role . He's an expert on terror genre (¨The Evictors¨ , ¨Boggy Crek¨ I, and II , ¨The town that dreaded sundown¨) and Western (¨Hawken's breed¨, ¨The winds of autumn¨, and ¨Winterhawk¨ realized in similar style to ¨Grayeagle¨). This big-scale adventure will appeal to Indian Western fans because you will find impressive battles and an ending haunting or over-melodramatic according your tastes . Rating : Good , worth a look for fans of Western.

panoramic views with high entertainment value; needs to be watched more than once to be appreciated

[rbook41 · 7/10 · 14 February 2012]

Grayeagle has the makings of a cult film that needs to be viewed multiple times in order to get some of the back story. Written in the late 1970's, it marks something of a transition between the old-style Westerns that don't care a hoot about political correctness, to an increasing awareness that is neither fully-developed yet nor overly strident.

Most of the key actors are veterans to the screen, with the one exception being Lana Wood who is still a bit of an ingenue here, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Much of Jaime Mendoza-Nava's music is excellent in the film, though my guess is that a few odd pieces are borrowed from elsewhere, as they come across in sort of a strikingly uneven way in tone, and seem vaguely familiar.

To the film's credit, attempts have been made toward authentic portrayal of Native culture, although key roles were played by non-Natives. What little of the Native languages are spoken is lovely to listen to. Other authentic aspects include reverence toward elders, interaction between multiple cultures in mutual contact, and Native spirituality, particularly with regard to topics such as dreams and death.

One of the underlying ironies of the film involves the fact that Grayeagle initially performs the kidnapping out of reverence for the dying wish of his elderly chief (Beth's biological father) who must see his absent child once again or face becoming a ghost. Grayeagle has no thought of himself in the act, but is rewarded richly for his selflessness and self-control by winning the heart of the girl who might have despised him for the deed, and by being endowed by the chief with material wealth.

Another irony of the film lies in the chief's likely perception of the growing attachment between Grayeagle and the girl, and of the material endowment that he gives Grayeagle functioning as an odd reverse of the Cheyenne custom of Bride Price, which ordinarily would have been paid by the groom's family to the bride's family. Here however, the chief is functioning as both sides of the family, and giving the groom what he needs to win the bride's hostile surrogate white father (who could be doubly hostile when he learns of his deceased wife's infidelity with the chief). The chief is further seeing to the upcoming needs of his daughter, whose aging father and uncle (Iron Eyes) will not always be present to care for her in their isolated prairie homestead existence. One wonders then, if the chief's initial dream of his daughter may have involved much more than just seeing her face to face one more time.

The fact that this film came out when it did in the late 1970's means that it came out just as the sexual revolution was losing a bit of its initial steam (hemlines were beginning to come down again), but nevertheless was a genie that could never be put back in its bottle. The film is sensual but surprisingly clean for the era, although the viewer may be surprised at the level of tension that is both produced and alleviated by simple physical acts such as hand-holding. An interesting balance is struck between patriarchy of the men in Beth's life, and of the growing strength of her own inner person, which appears to be increasing ironically the more she submits to Grayeagle, who clearly must be a good half-generation older than she (he is graying at the temples a bit), although still young enough to be a more-than-competent defender. Both young people by the end of the film have saved the life of the other twice, further putting the female on an equal footing.

Some possible sexual symbolism in the film may include the spear and ring game, as well as the entry of Grayeagle into the door of Beth's father's house in the extended final scene as credits are rolling.

Subtle humor is one reason to view the film more than once, as much of it is easy to miss upon the first viewing. Viewers might want to pay special attention to Alex Cord's easy-to-miss smirks and how they are timed. As mentioned before, the music itself sometimes jarringly moves from serious to comical.

It would be impossible to come away from this film without a sense of the inter-relatedness of the various humans on the frontier, in spite of racial and cultural tensions that were easily inflamed at the time. Ben Johnson is a Caucasian with an inter-racial household; Cheyenne turn to Shoshone for hospitality; Ben Johnson puts aside multiple justifications for malice and receives the young Cheyenne warrior into his home for convalescence at the end, and probably inter-racial marriage to his daughter.

Kudos to Paul Fix for being the believable and lovably humble elderly chief; to Alex Cord for overcoming the iron lung in his youth to go on and become a picture of physical health; and to Iron Eyes Cody for being the endearing easy-going uncle who is one of the few characters who know the whole back-story in this film.

behind the movie

[lynneesque · 5/10 · 23 March 2006]

They put a lot into this movie and deserve a 10 for effort. I believe I saw a couple of power lines in the showing in Helena, Montana in 1978 where it was filmed but I have not seen it in a while and they may have been edited out later. This was an interesting production. As the costume assistant I was able to work with Dave Powell (son of famous western artist Ace Powell who was a modern day Charles Marion Russell). The making of the movie and getting to know the cast members and crew was an experience for me at 16. A lot of interesting things happened during the production. I recall that at the end of the movie they did not use the actual actors credited as they had walked off the set for the sunset scene. Some were out fishing with my dad. I could go on and on. I enjoyed most of the experience, made a lot of clothes (here is an old shirt, make 16 just like it). Lana Wood's measurements were approximately 47x17x32, fun dressmaking all around. Thanks for the experience Mike (producer and great guy) - I still think of you and don't have crows feet yet - Thanks for the memories, Warren's daughter.

This movie does not deliver...

[jimgrayson24 · 1/10 · 23 January 2008]

Being born in 1951, I grew up in the day of the Western movie. I remember both Ben Johnson and Jack Elam in their prime and this movie was merely a vehicle for the two of these gentlemen to pick up some money in their later years. We've all seen this sort of thing before. The score is awful and over the top, the story line is weak, the editing is slow and rough, the characters are either forgetful or downright stupid, the dialog is pathetic and the portrayal of the Native Americans embarrassing. It hurt me to see Iron Eyes Cody reduced to this trash. My dad, who is 87 at the time of this writing, watched this with me and we both were very tired of it well before it was over. Fact is, my dad ended up leaving the room with twenty minutes left. I finished it only to see the credits. It is not pleasant for me to write such a comment for a movie for I would much rather be kind but I simply felt compelled to do so in this instance to save others from wasting their time on this mess.

I don't think it's "remake of The Searchers"

[overninethousand · 7/10 · 10 September 2007]

It's rather Revisionist Western answer to this movie. It's as much of romance as adventure/drama/whatever, and actually I enjoyed it much more (which was't that hard, since I didn't enjoy The Searchers at all).

I don't remember this movie clearly because I've only see it once and quite long tim ago, but I thought it was pretty good for 1977 a western, at least back then. Some people here compared this film to Dances With Wolves, but for me it reminded me rather more of Soldier Blue, actually (no, there was no violence against women and children, and no soldiers for that matter). It's a little flick and I don't remember no mass scenes, and this reminded me of 84 Charlie Mopic. The actor playing the titular character was probably the most persuading white-guy "Indian" I've seen... maybe because he's so heavily body-painted and hardly spoke at all?

Frankly, I don't know why so low general rating just under average. I gave it strong seven, and it's a sincere rating of this movie as a whole. I'd like to see it again.

Oh, brother . . .

[randy_lejeune · 1/10 · 7 February 2001]

One of the "newer" versions of the old western genres, the Indians are the good guys in this poor excuse for a movie. A chief named "Grayeagle" kidnaps a white lady who turns out to be of Indian descent so that she can rejoin her tribe, and naturally, she ends up defending her kidnapper and being grateful to him for bringing her "home", while another guy tries to hunt Grayeagle down. Long, boring, stupid and poorly acted. Don't waste your time.

Another one of those "if only" movies

[jcook56050 · 6/10 · 23 June 2011]

I'm going to make a suggestion here. When you watch this movie for the second time, turn down the volume completely. Make up your own wonderful scripting and music. Somehow, the scenes, acting, and storyline make complete sense and the movie becomes a wonderful exploration of images from a first rate motion picture that might have been. There are moments of incredible color and western imagery that are delightful to see, even if they fall far short of being the reality of the era depicted. Sorta reminded me of a nice western novel you picked up in a shop while in the airport. There's Alex Cord and Lana Wood in a classic lover's pose on the front cover with Iron Eyes Cody looking on in the background. Perfect Native Americans, who of course, are not native at all. This motion picture had everything it needed to be a wonderfully engaging drama with spectacular filming and broad scope. Yet, somehow during its production, it simply became a good children's tale. So, the question here is; how do you manage to get the money and all these industry tools, Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, and all those great actors, and turn a wonderful movie into this? I don't know. But, it saddens me.

Just really dumb . . . and boring

[stevepb · 1/10 · 22 July 2022]

This is a truly awful movie, from dismal beginning to dismal end.

I doubt anyone likes Ben Johnson more than I do, ever since I first saw "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" more than sixty years ago, but this is just bad . . . Really bad.

Damsel in distress, the film's a bit of a mess.

[weezeralfalfa · 6/10 · 8 May 2017]

There have been any number of films familiar to me featuring one or more white females captured by Native Americans and attempts to rescue them, whether or not they wanted to be rescued. But this story is unique, in that it's planned from the beginning to release the captive unharmed after the infirm chief takes a look at her, he being said to be her father, unbeknown to her until he greets her in his native village. According to one reviewer, about 40 min of this film was hacked off, presumably to reduce its run time. That may explain some of the confusing events. However, it's not so bad that some viewers might find it a worthwhile experience.

Lana Wood: Natalie's younger sister, makes a beautiful-looking '70s urbane woman, who looks and acts quite out of place as an 1840's pioneer woman. Unfortunately, she couldn't act the part, serving mainly to add sex appeal. Putting several bits of information together, I gather that Beth's(Lana)father was actually Chief Running Wolf. I wonder how this came about, since trapper John Colter seems to have been her acting father all along, apparently unaware that he was not her biological father. Her mother most likely was a Native American, which would make her a full N.A.! She hardly looks the part.

The lunatic called The Bugler is quite a character, played by the director Charles Pierce, who was also the producer and one of the writers. Apparently, he was a white, whose madness was considered by the Shoshone a sign of having special spiritual powers. In consequence, he usually led a bunch of Shoshone. I can't recall another character in a western quite as consistently demented.

Ben Johnson's character, John Colter, is the namesake, of a famous trapper in this area, who was included in the Lewis and Clark expedition, and given credit for discovering the Yellowstone and Teton region. However, he died elsewhere in 1812, and this story takes place in 1848. I don't believe he had any children.

After the Shoshone captured trappers Colter and Willis, they played with them, challenging them to beat a brave, while tethered to a pole in the ground. Willis eventually was shot in the back with a couple of arrows. In contrast, Colter killed his opponent and was released from captivity. This episode much reminds me of a famous incident involving the real John Colter, in which he was captured by Blackfeet, stripped naked, and made to run a race for his life, given a head start. He killed the front runner behind him, then continued to run for his life. Meanwhile, his trapper partner was killed, as in the film.

Some Cheyenne braves are depicted playing a stylized game of "counting coup", in which they are supposed to spear a series of rings on hooks, each on a pole in a line. I wonder if this game was actually a feature of Cheyenne culture?

None of the principle actors playing Native Americans was actually a N.A.. Iron Eyes Cody, often assumed to be a N.A., was actually born a Sicilian. Jack Elam, barely recognizable, played trapper Willis. Paul Fix played Running Wolf, while Alex Cord played Grayeagle. All of the "good" N.A. were Cheyenne, whereas the Shoshone, along with the Bugler, were cast as "bad".

Yikes! Avoid this stinking mess.

[dfoy-3 · 2/10 · 23 August 2008]

I can understand the actors, all skilled second-tier people working to make a living, participating in this nonsense, but the writer/director/producer has really, truly stunk the place up. I recommend he find a decent textbook and re-read the part about high concept. Watch this as an archaeological expedition, a research exercise into truly dreadful scriptwriting. But not for serious entertainment. Lana Wood -- I'm sure God will forgive you. Charles Pierce, you managed some stunning cinematography, you hired good costume and props people, and your method of faking dead animals to keep the SPCA off your tail was remarkable, but the rest is Hollywood crap at its crappiest. There is absolutely no reason to believe in, or care about, or ...when it comes right down to it...watch any of these people. Not one of them. There's a lot more to verisimilitude than costumes and props. Apparently you were on some kind of mission to revive the noble savage myth, but all you managed to do was mock and trivialize it.

Grayeagle

[MarDendy · 9/10 · 24 January 2008]

I loved this movie and would recommend it as a family picture. I disagree that this is a poor remake of the "Searchers" they are not the same at all. Some of the reviewers obviously never really watched the films. I'm a fan of Ben Johnson, Iron Eyes Cody and Jack Elam. I thought Jimmy Clem was so believable in his part of Abe Stroud, though I thought he did a little too much spitting tobacco. Paul Fix was unreconizable as himself in the part of Running Wolf, I would never have guessed it was him. Charles B. Pierce was very convincing as the demented bugler. Lana Wood was very pretty and I think tried to do a good job but she really wasn't a very good actress, at least in this part. Alex Cord was just right in his portrayal of Grayeagle. He really had to carry the scenes he did with Lana. Grayeagle says little because that was the right way to portray a warrior of the day who knew some English but saved it for when he had something to say. Small talk would have been ridiculous for Grayeagle. He used facial expressions and body language very well. Alex Cord was so graceful mounting and dismounting the Appaloosa and rode well centered, it was a pleasure to watch him ride. I always thought Ben Johnson was the best rider I had seen in movies but Alex Cord is excellent. They did a good job picking the horse for Greyeagle to ride, that appaloosa was just the type that would have been ridden in the 1800's not the quarter horse type appaloosa seen in so many movies. Greyeagle's horse looked and moved like the kind of horse a high warrior might ride. Looked like fun to ride if you didn't have to re-shoot too many scenes. I liked the attention to detail of the costumes and blanket for the Appaloosa with the buffalo pictures, meaning kills? I had lots of questions about the meaning of costume items worn by the Cheyenne and customs portrayed in the film. I wish the director could have had Standing Bear tell Beth the meaning of things that went on in the Cheyenne camp so the viewer wouldn't be left with questions about what they were watching. There were a few glaring oops in the film such as the same quilt seen in the Coulter cabin as in Abe Strouds cabin, also the fabrics and colors were all wrong for the period. Shoes on the Indian ponies, though that could be overlooked due to horses used to being shod could come up lame in the filming. I also had the feeling that the Coulter cabin and Abe Strouds cabin were one in the same just changed a little inside. The appearing and disappearing stripes on the legs of the appaloosa, kind of noticeable I think. The music was wonderful and the scenery was beautiful. One of my favorite scenes was Ben Johnson, Jack Elan and Iron Eyes Cody racing across the land shouting to each other and running full out. I think they really had a good time with that scene. Big Oops, Ida Coulter? Trapper Coulters wife was referred to as Maria by the Cheyenne who visited her. The name Ida Coulter was never mentioned. I hope this movie is available to purchase again , I think it's a classic.

Entertaining over-the-top Western from 1977

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 18 December 2014]

RELEASED IN 1977, "Grayeagle" is a Western about a settler in the 1848 Montana region (Ben Johnson) whose daughter (Lana Wood) is kidnapped by a Cheyenne brave (Alex Cord). He teams-up with his Native partner (Iron Eyes Cody) and a friend (Jack Elam) to get his daughter back. Along the way they must tangle with a Shoshone hunting party, including a crazy brave named Scar (Jacob Daniels).

While the plot is reminiscent of 1956's "The Searchers," it's different enough to not be a rip-off. "Grayeagle" may be far from a big-budget Western, like "The Searchers," but I like it better. It genuinely surprised me for a number of reasons. For one, it's not a typical Western; it's just as much a Native American film as it is a cowboy/settler Western; and the Natives are portrayed quite well, considering the time period.

Secondly, everything about the movie is over-the-top, like the acting, the (melo)drama and the blaring score. Speaking of the score, it plays like the bombastic music of the original Star Trek TV series, but updated to the mid-70s and fitted for a Western. It's quite good, sometimes even moving, albeit decidedly dated.

The plot similarities to "The Searchers" is interesting in that Lana Wood's sister, Natalie, played the kidnapped girl in that film. Speaking of Lana, she's just gorgeous. You might remember her as Bond girl Plenty O'Toole in 1971's "Diamonds are Forever."

The annoying, half-crazy character Bugler was played by the director, Charles B. Pierce, who made the similar "Winterhawk" (1975). You might remember Iron Eyes Cody (aka Standing Bear) as the American Indian shedding a tear about litter in one of the America's most famous television public service announcements, "Keep America Beautiful," from the early 70s. While Cody certainly looked Native American and claimed his father was Cherokee (and his mother Cree), he offered conflicting data on his heritage. Evidence shows that he was a 2nd generation Italian-American based on an interview with his half-sister and documents, which included a baptismal record. But Cody denied the claim. He was likely part Native, but who knows?

Shot in the Helena National Forest Northeast of Helena, Montana, the landscapes are picturesque. "Grayeagle" is full of gusto and reminiscent of the later "The Mountain Men" (1980). It must be respected because the creators gave it their all to entertain the viewer; in fact, I include it on my hallowed "Favorite Westerns" list, perhaps as more of a guilty pleasure since the flick is so overdone that it sometimes borders on ridiculous. So I can see why some people don't like it. While it's often supremely entertaining, the sacred words are fitting: "Just because you like a movie doesn't mean it's good."

THE FILM RUNS 104 minutes.

GRADE: B/B- (6.5/10)

Grayeagle

[wowcharlie3 · 14 May 2006]

Unfortunately, I think this is one of the worse movies I have ever seen. I bought it purely for unintentional comedy moments and my family and I roar at it. How in the world did Scar have all those straight white teeth? Why did it take forever before the horseback fight scene began? It really is a poor man's version of The Searchers I never thought Lana Wood was that bad an actress, but this movie is horrible. One of the other issues I have with it is that the script is so poorly written, i felt sorry for Ben Johnson and Alex Cord having to take jobs in this fluff-piece. The film looks grainy and is often too dark. I cannot recommend it.

Tripe, pure tripe

[capechick2730 · 2/10 · 2 January 2008]

I love Westerns but this one had me reaching for the remote control. The story was nice but the actors were just going through the motions, Ben Johnson kept ordering his Indian friend around like he was his own personal servant and there was some totally useless scenes that were thrown in for no purpose that I can see.

It's your usual Western with a "Woman Kidnapped by Indian" theme. In this case Lana Wood is kidnapped by an Apache and her father and his Indian friend spend most of the movie looking for her. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

It's funny when you look back at older Westerns and see the leading lady with full make-up, especially when she's wearing too much blush and her hair always looks perfect no matter how far & long she has traveled by horseback as a captive.

The only thing that made this worthwhile, in my opinion, was the love story aspect, otherwise don't waste your time. Watch Quigley Down Under if you want a great Western.

Ouch, Alex.

[louiepatti · 1 September 2004]

This poorly-made movie has a surrealistic tone to it that numbs the mind. Details of why crucial events are unfolding seem sketchy and unfinished. Perhaps that was the director's intent, except for the fact that the whole film lacks any semblance of direction. Nor is there much in the way of acting, dialogue, plot or cinematography. The resolution is out of focus and painfully obvious political correctness abounds, typical for its time frame. In fact, Grayeagle seems like a lousy hallucinogenic drug trip, especially when viewed at three AM. One of Alex Cord and Ben Johnson's worst efforts, and I'm a fan of both actors---a real waste of their talents and of the viewer's time.

"Never understand why some folks do what they do."

[classicsoncall · 6/10 · 6 December 2008]

What - that's it? I'm trying to take away something meaningful from this picture, but it's not working. Let's see - Beth Colter (Lana Wood) is kidnapped by the title character (Alex Cord), and it's ultimately revealed that he did so in order to introduce her to her biological father, a dying chief of the Cheyenne tribe. So how is it that John Colter (Ben Johnson) might not have figured this out and been a little more realistic about Grayeagle's intentions? Without a back story about the origin of Colter and his daughter, how is the viewer supposed to react when her paternity is revealed? I mean, we see Colter going to pray at the grave of his wife, who Beth acknowledges as her mother. Colter's friend Standing Bear (Iron Eyes Cody) knows all about Beth's Cheyenne background, but all this time he's kept that secret? I mean, she didn't just fall from the sky at birth, but the whole time Colter played it like his wife was Beth's mother. Am I missing something here?

Without trying to figure it all out, probably the best one can expect from this picture are the characterizations. Alex Cord as Greyeagle is sufficiently regal in his bearing and demeanor, and he adequately filled the role (for a white man playing an Indian that is). Charles Pierce as the demented bugler was something of an anomaly for a Western character, and I always enjoy seeing Jack Elam in any kind of role. As well as Iron Eyes Cody, but gee, couldn't Colter have treated him with a little more respect as a purported friend instead of bossing him around the way he did? The Lone Ranger considered Tonto an equal partner even when he asked him to go into town to scout out the bad guys. You'd think that Colter could say please once in a while.

Then you have Paul Fix in the opening credits as Running Wolf, so when it comes time for Running Wolf to appear on screen, I'm asking myself, where's Paul Fix? That didn't look like any kind of make up job, and I had to wonder if the real Paul Fix sent a stand in that no one noticed. Just another question mark that pops up along with all the others.

What it comes down to is that this is one baffling movie that could have really made it if a little more thought went into the story to clean up some of major sticking points. What I might have to do is watch it again the next time it hits Encore Westerns to see if I missed something. But I'm betting I didn't.

Turned into a bit of a plod

[Marlburian · 6/10 · 29 April 2022]

This film started off well enough (apart from the curious scene with the mysterious rider silhouetted in the setting sun on the horizon contrasting with the cabin in full sunlight) but its last 30 minutes or so dragged along when they should have been more exciting. Very few of the Native Americans looked realistic, one exception being Standing Bear, ironically played by Iron Eyes Cody, whose heritage has been queried in other reviews.

Talking of whom, I couldn't work out the significance of his flashback halfway through the film, when a young Running Wolf visits Standing Bear's cabin and ominously eyes his young daughter (or wife?) who looks nothing like a Native American. Was she to become the mother of Beth, who was later adopted by the Colters? Enigmatic scenes like this make me wish for the IMDB Message boards (discussion forum) of a decade ago where I might have been enlightened.

The version I saw was the full 104-minute version. Perhaps the 60-minute UK cut was less puzzling.

Great cinematography, and it's always good to see Ben Johnson and Jack Elam.

Good for fans of classic Westerns.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 6 August 2021]

Alex Cord plays the title role, one of the mightiest Cheyenne warriors that ever lived. One day, he kidnaps Beth Colter (Lana Wood), the daughter of homesteader John Colter (Ben Johnson), for reasons that remain obscure until well into the story. John sets out on an epic search for his child, accompanied by his Indian friend Standing Bear (Iron Eyes Cody) and his eccentric buddy Trapper Willis (Jack Elam). After all the time she spends with Grayeagle, Beth realizes that it's true: he means her no harm, and in fact will be determined to protect her.

"Grayeagle" is a reasonably appealing Western that does go on a bit long. The sequence in which John and Willis are harassed by trouble-making Shoshones, in particular, is protracted. But overall, this not-uninteresting reworking of the plot of "The Searchers" is noteworthy for being just as much an Indian story as it is a Western. Written, produced, and directed by Charles B. Pierce, it has excellent atmosphere (it takes place in Montana territory in 1848), superb widescreen photography by Jim Roberson (who also edited), and a simply wonderful music score by the under-rated composer Jaime Mendoza-Nava. It has action, drama, and comedy, with Elam effortlessly stealing the show as he was so often prone to do. Also: while characters can and do die, the film is violent without being particularly gory.

The performances are mostly solid, although the crazed character (the Bugler) played by Pierce himself does wear out his welcome early on, and Woods' character can get annoying at times. Also appearing are the great character actor Paul Fix as an aged Chief named Running Wolf, and Pierce regulars like Cindy Butler and Jimmy Clem. Both Cody (a longtime fixture in this genre) and Cord have an effective screen presence.

Likeable entertainment with an endearing feel-good ending.

Seven out of 10.

its a classic

[lanalou127 · 8/10 · 29 January 2006]

It's a classic story. It has love, action, culture, and that old timely feel. I've watched it since I can remember and it never gets old. A White woman is kidnapped by an Indian warrior and travels to Cheyanne camp encountering a few adventures. Soon she finds she's the daughter of the chief and falls for the warrior that took her there. Finally she returns home with the love the Cheyanne. Grayeagle had good actors and awesome scenery. I enjoy it every time I watch it. Most all family could watch and enjoy. So I recommend it if your tired of the old gun fighting Indian movies and ready to see a good old fashioned western love/action story.

Poignant and Enjoyable

[masibindi · 10/10 · 15 January 2007]

This tale features the corny professionalism that makes American International Pictures so fun to watch. Although politically incorrect and revisionist, it touches the heart. The viewer sees the late Natalie Wood's sister giving it her all. Alex Cord goes against type to be genuine in his depiction. Western fixtures Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, Paul Fix, Charles Pierce, etc., enhance any horse opera. Critics, use your free rental coupon to watch 'Dances with Wolves'. Fans of Samuel Z. Arkoff, get the popcorn ready. You'll also need a handkerchief and a strong stomach for the implied violence. Just sit back and enjoy the show.

Grayeagle entertains and creates a warm human feeling

[frankpeinemann · 8/10 · 4 September 2001]

Grayeagle is entertaining. Jaime Mendoza-Nava made a fine music score. Nicely shot landscape panoramas give the impression of the Big Country. The outdoor reminds me of the movie Dances With Wolves. Alex Cord is a feast for the eyes with his costume, his body paintings and his decorated horse. He plays a decent fellow and is active as an indian warrior in full proud colors who is kidnapping the daughter of Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson automatically assumes the cliches, that a young woman can only be kidnapped by hostile indians to be disgraced. Therefore he eagerly tracks the enemies and gets into a lot of selfmade trouble. Persons of different cultures get acqainted. The kidnapping is disclosed as a friendly forced invitation for the daughter to meet her biological father who is the chieftain of the tribe. Alex Cord and his fellows have the best intentions to escort him through his few left final hours until he dies of old age. Furthermore they try and succeed to make him feel happy and to be in party with his people while he passes away. This movie creates a warm human feeling.

One of the best Cheyenne Warrior tales of all time, for me.

[cofma · 10/10 · 9 July 2008]

I have recently 7/08 finally gotten my very own copy VHS OF GREYEAGLE. It is the most beautiful Indian movie I have ever seen, even with its imperfections of the times, my favorite actor Alex Cord, should have been given top billing on this one..beautiful music, scenery, loving story of respect for the elders, especially our American Indian ancestors.. My favorite movie of all time..It's 31 years old..I still watch it all the time to feel good about humanity...Threw out the movie, it also has it's quick humor if one pays attention..Great.The music in this movie is so beautiful, and impacts the acting of the characters that,it all blends so well..Maybe some day, there will be a remake of Greyeagle, for all western fans, but for me only Alex Cord, as the lead actor will do.

Excellent & accurate portrayal of frontier life.

[grteton · 10/10 · 12 January 2003]

Set in 1848, Montana Territory, this film is an excellent & accurate portrayal of frontier life. Starring Ben Johnson, Iron Eyes Cody, Jack Elam, Lana Wood & Alex Cord, it shows indians and settlers as they really were. Thoroughly enjoyable for the Western Film Fan.

Grey Eagle

[cakeladyspicer · 10/10 · 5 March 2006]

i would like to buy Grey Eagle VHS or DVD. do you know where i can get one. i have a 70 year old woman who likes to watch the movie all the time. she is in a wheel chair and hospital bed. she really loves Alex Cord and iron eyes Cody, I have looked every where and i cannot find one. I like the part where Lana Wood falls in love with Grey Eagle. I also like some of the clothes that were worn back then. We should dress like that now. I did not like the part about the man who acted like he was crazy and got killed.i do not know what else to say except that the movie was well written and directed. i don't think there is a better movie.i want to buy it not read reviews about it. she may die and this is one of her dying wishes.