NR | 1h 44m | Drama, Western | 1959
Back in the days of yore, a man’s reputation could travel a long way across the American frontier, especially when he’d done somebody a good turn or made a few enemies.
Director Gordon Douglas explores this rugged world in “Yellowstone Kelly,” a colorful Warner Bros. Western starring Clint Walker, Edd Byrnes, and John Russell. The film is set during the troubled years following the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1879.
Walker plays an independent trapper whose familiarity with Sioux territory has given him an unusual understanding of the people living there.
The title character was inspired by a real American frontiersman, Luther Sage “Yellowstone” Kelly, who spent years hunting, exploring, and serving as an Army scout across the northern plains. The film takes considerable liberties with his adventures. The story is based on a 1957 novel by author Heck Allen, who wrote under the pen name Clay Fisher.
Older Westerns show how a man’s character could be tested by the promises he made and the people he chose to befriend. Kelly’s relationship with a Sioux chief introduces that very question, since both men have good reasons to remember their previous dealings.
Trouble Along the Yellowstone
In 1876, Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly (Walker) boards a riverboat headed for Fort Buford to trade wolf hides for supplies. Maj. Towns (Rhodes Reason) tries recruiting him to map Sioux territory for a military expedition; he hopes to avenge Custer and earn himself a promotion.
Kelly turns him down flat. He also brushes off an eager young drifter named Anse Harper (Byrnes), although the kid’s persistence eventually convinces him to let him tag along.
Their travels take an unpleasant turn when Sioux warriors capture them and bring them before Chief Gall (Russell). Years earlier, Kelly saved Gall’s life by removing a bullet from his body. The chief has since allowed him to trap peacefully in Sioux territory.
Now, he demands that Kelly perform the same operation on Wahleeah (Andra Martin), a wounded Arapaho captive. Refusing could prove fatal, especially since Gall’s hotheaded nephew Sayapi (Ray Danton) is eager to stir up trouble.
After escaping captivity, Wahleeah turns up exhausted at Kelly’s remote cabin. Neither Kelly nor Anse can stomach turning her away, although sheltering her is certain to anger Sayapi, who wants her for himself. Meanwhile, Towns continues preparing his soldiers for a confrontation with the Sioux, despite Kelly’s warnings.
Big Country, Bigger Personalities
Walker definitely looks at home in the saddle. At 6 feet, 6 inches tall, he’s an imposing sight whether squaring off against angry soldiers or other troublemakers. His deep voice and relaxed manner suit Kelly’s stubborn personality, especially when dealing with military officers who expect their orders to be obeyed.
Walker had some real-life experience with rough living, having served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II while still a teenager. He seems to put little effort into intimidating people; sometimes merely a disapproving look is enough to make people reconsider their next words carefully.
Western fans will also enjoy recognizing some familiar faces among the top-shelf supporting cast. Claude Akins plays a rowdy Army sergeant, while John Russell portrays Sioux Chief Gall. The actors had played the villainous Burdette brothers in Howard Hawks’s “Rio Bravo,” released earlier that same year (1959).
Russell gives Gall a stern, commanding presence, while Byrnes brings youthful enthusiasm and humor to his role as Kelly’s inexperienced companion, Anse. Danton makes a suitably unpleasant Sayapi, although his jealousy becomes rather tiresome after a while. Andra Martin does well as Wahleeah, as she deftly maneuvers around the men pursuing her.
At a peppy-paced 91 minutes, “Yellowstone Kelly” has enough adventure and fine scenery to satisfy fans of the genre, and Walker’s performance is enjoyable throughout.
Viewers will appreciate the film’s treatment of honor, including Kelly’s willingness to respect the Sioux and speak against decisions he believes will lead to unnecessary bloodshed. His friendship with Gall also reminds watchers how acts of kindness can influence relationships many years later, even during periods of open hostility.
For all the gunplay and dangerous encounters, viewers will also admire the veteran trapper’s determination to do what he believes is right, regardless of whose feathers he happens to ruffle along the way.
“Yellowstone Kelly” is available on Amazon, YouTube, and Apple TV.
‘Yellowstone Kelly’
Director: Gordon Douglas
Starring: Clint Walker, Edd Byrnes, John Russell
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour, 31 minutes
Release Date: Feb. 12, 1960
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
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