Directed by John Ford • 1960 • United States
Starring Woody Strode, Jeffrey Hunter, Constance Towers
In 1866, new fighting units comprised of African American recruits—nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers because of the bison coats they wore in winter—were formed within the United States Cavalry. Against this backdrop, legendary director John Ford crafts the story of Sergeant Rutledge (Woody Strode), a Ninth Regiment officer on trial for rape and murder. Lieutenant Cantrell (Jeffrey Hunter) defends Rutledge as witnesses give testimony (relived in flashbacks) revealing the sergeant’s gallantry—and the shocking truth behind the alleged crimes. Ford, who examined frontier racism in THE SEARCHERS, explores similar territory in this landmark western, the power of which still rings out with uncommon force decades later.
Please be advised: this film contains offensive racist language, racial stereotypes, and graphic violence directed against Black and Native American people.
Directed by Ralph Nelson • 1966 • United States
Starring James Garner, Sidney Poitier, Bibi Andersson
Stylishly directed by Ralph Nelson and featuring a memorable and rousing score by Neal Hefti, DUEL AT DIABLO is a tale that will grip you from beginning to end. Frontier scout Jess Remsberg (Jam...
Directed by Gordon Parks • 1969 • United States
Starring Kyle Johnson, Alex Clarke, Estelle Evans
The first film directed by an African American for a major American studio, THE LEARNING TREE is a personal triumph for director-producer-writer-composer Gordon Parks. Adapted from his own autobiogr...
Directed by John Guillermin • 1970 • United States
Starring Jim Brown, Lee Van Cleef, Patrick O’Neal
Just over the border, along the most rugged stretch of frontier between the United States and Mexico, lies a place know as El Condor, an impregnable fortress that holds a fortune in gold. In Apac...
