The Unforgiven (1960)

Uplifting story about life in pioneer days

"The Unforgiven" is a wonderful movie starring Burt lancaster and Audrey Hepburn that weaves a number of themes into a tapestry of beautiful colors. It depicts, with a great deal of honesty, the struggles of the pioneer families in the Southwest, fighting the Kiowa tribes, the difficult climate and the stubborn soil. Further it shows the racism and brutality that existed on the part of the Kiowas, determined to hold their land and their people against the invaders, and the pioneers, equally determined to make new lives and new homes for themselves in the wilderness. Against this backdrop, the reaffirmation of family love and loyalty, the closeness of neighbors and the bonds of human ties are mirrored in the intrinsic decency and courage of Ben Zachary, portrayed by Burt Lancaster in one of the best performances of his storied career. In this movie, of which Lancaster is the undisputed star, Burt is masterfully supported by a cast of excellent actors giving superb performances. Audrey Hepburn plays Rachel, the Indian girl rescued by the Zachary patriarch and raised as their own, unaware that she is not Caucasian until the crisis point of the film. Audie Murphy very ably plays Cash Zachary, the only racist member of the family, whose transformation is a reaffirmation of the family bond. The movie is cast well, set brilliantly and moves very well, with a dramatic line that is both balanced and sustained by the performances and the musical score. Lancaster both paces and dominates the film, as he always does, and gives a moving, authentic and riveting portrayal of a man whose sheer will and determination to defend and protect his family redeems them from the secret that scarred their past and threatens to destroy their future. June 22, 2008

Good - Riveting

With a stellar cast who do not disappoint, 'The Unforgiven' has been a favorite since childhood. Rachel (Audrey Hepburn) is revealed to be an Indian, unknown to anyone except her mother (Lillian Gish). A band of Kiowas hear of it, and Rachel's Indian brother visits the house to make a trade for her. When the family refuses, they are attacked in some of the best fighting scenes I've watched. An eerie, unusual twist is added in the film when Ben (Burt Lancaster) returns from Wichita with a baby grand piano for his mother. When they hear the Kiowas making magical music on their flutes and drums (a fascinating scene) Lillian Gish plays her piano outside loudly to show them that they might have some magic of their own. Doug McClure is good as the youngest brother. Audie Murphy is excellent as the brother-who-leaves-but-comes-back. A classic movie to be enjoyed over and over. March 30, 2008

THIS MOVIE IS BETTER THAN THE REVIEWS YOU SEE HERE

I've read Steve's review, which did a pretty good job of belittling this film. But, I will say his information about Hepburn's miscarriage during the filming was very interesting and adds much for background.

However, I found this film fascinating because it portrays more honestly how people lived in that period. Even though this family had built and moved to something better, they kept their original dwelling that was dug out of earth and sectioned so they had a hiding place from the Indians. The earth cabins were cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I've never seen a movie show a family in one of those "earth cabins", dug into the ground. I've seen pictures of those cabins in old photographs, but never have I seen a movie use one. So many films put the characters in a homey, log cabin, above ground that we leave the theatre, wishing we could live in a log cabin. Lodgings were not that clean or comfortable, and this film reveals that.
Also, I beg to differ with Steve on the John Saxon character. He's right on one hand - the character does disappear after the white men ordered him to run down the crazy white man so they could hang him. But he returns at the very end when he leaps in front of Hepburn's character, in full Indian regalia, and stares at her with such sadness and longing, before she kills him. You then realize it is the "half breed", that he went back to the Kiowas to live(I believe I have the correct tribe), and wanted to take Hepburn back with him. I thought it was a great surprise ending and I'm shocked that no one picked up on it.
Burt Lancaster makes this film. He is so honest and believable, even though I would not have expected his speech to fit well into that period. But he carries it off with such power and sincerity, you forget everything but what you see on the screen.
Also, it was lovely to see Lillian Gish again and as always, she
touches your heart with just a glance. I encourage anyone who has not seen her silents to do so and witness what a brilliant actress she was - and remained so until her death.
John Huston was a brilliant director - and keep in mind that even on his worst day, he was still greater than almost any other director working in his time. This movie stands up better than most films released today. Don't dismiss "The Unforgiven" as second rate. February 3, 2008

Strange cast - Muddled message *** spoilers ***

A strange and, ultimately, hypocritical Western.

I MUST start with Audrey Hepburn. Hopefully this isn't spoilage for you: she plays an American Indian. Honest! There's a certain duskiness to her makeup but not enuf to give it away in the early scenes. (Plus, traces of her original accent, too, to throw you off.) Bottom line: this sober character isn't the best of her performances.

Burt Lancaster and Audie Murphy as brothers. Honest! At least Audie gives a good performance - as he generally does when he's not a total good guy.

Silent screen star Lillian Gish is rather good as the fierce family matriarch of this tumbleweed ranch.

Joseph Wiseman, with his modern urban persona, has the supporting role of a crazed ex-soldier who makes ominous appearances.

John Saxon, painted up to a degree that Audrey Hepburn isn't so we'll accept him as a half-breed Indian. His supporting character is unpleasant and he's treated unpleasantly. But he has a great chase scene.

When I first saw this film, at the end of it, I wondered if the Indians deserved what they got. I now see that the blame falls on the muddled-thinking of the writers of this script who thought they could make a message movie that sanctions a romance between a white man and a Indian woman while whites defend themselves against the savagery of faceless Native Americans -- trying to reclaim the sister kidnapped from them years earlier. If you're American Indian, don't be surprised if you are shocked and saddened at the film's climax. July 14, 2007

good old western

I like old westerns and I got this because Audie Murphy was in it
It's a good western April 2, 2007

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