Charlton Heston and Brian Keith are fur trappers out west during the mid 1800's. This one depicts white fur trappers' encounters with native Americans at the time.

The lives of mountain men are well portrayed; realistically dramatized. The roles of the "injuns" are not quite as well done; too Hollywood. The plot is basically indian bad guy, white man good guy. White man takes indian woman for wife. Indian man wants indian woman back and seeks revenge on white man.

The direction is pretty good. The cinematography is beautiful. The dialogue is very interesting to listen to.

Considering when it was made, before politcally correct was really in style(not that I approve of P.C. films), and considering its star is Charlton Heston, it's not a bad movie, I enjoyed it. I recommend it if you like American history, adventure and the great outdoors. I give it 7 stars.

• Though it's never explicitly stated in the film, the story takes place during 1838. This is based on the fact that the beaver market was declining and the rendezvous was held on the Popoagie River. The "Era of the Mountain Man" ended two years later.
• Many of the extras in the rendezvous scenes are reenactors known as "Buckskinners". These folks had a grand old time making this film. Most of the costumes seen in the rendezvous scenes,including weapons, and many of the horses, were the personal property of the actors wearing them.
• Final film of Victor Jory.