1957 film
Revolt at Fort Laramie is a 1957 American Color by Deluxe Western film directed by Lesley Selander and starring John Dehner, Gregg Palmer, Frances Helm and Don Gordon. The film was shot in Kanab, Utah with Harry Dean Stanton making his debut in the film.
Plot
In 1861, the undermanned garrison of Fort Laramie, Wyoming Territory was attempting to keep the peace with the Sioux Nation led by Chief Red Cloud. As part the Treaty with the Indians, The United States Government pays Red Cloud in gold to keep the peace and support his people. However Red Cloud comes up with the idea of stealing the gold and use the non payment as an excuse to go to war.
Meanwhile, as the United States face events that lead to the American Civil War, the garrison of the fort is split in their sympathies, a third of the men led by Sgt Darrach support the Confederate States of America while the rest led by Sgt Serrell support the Federal Union. When the garrison hears about the Battle of Fort Sumter, the Confederate faction not only wants to leave the army, but capture the fort and take the gold shipment due to be paid to Chief Red Cloud to Texas.
One of the Southerners warns Capt. Tenslip and Lt. Waller on the Southerner's plan to mutiny, for which he is murdered for betraying the cause with his screams covered by the men singing Dixie. Tenslip is worried that his commander, Major Bradner, a Virginian may side with the South. Meanwhile, Red Cloud sees the opportunity to split and wipe out the garrison as well as keeping the gold.
Production
Parts of the film were shot at the Kanab movie fort and Kanab Creek in Utah.[1]
Notable quotes
"The bitterest choice of all; to break your oath or your heart"—Major Seth Bradner[2]
Soundtrack
Two well known and historical songs are included in the soundtrack of film:
Lyrics: James E. Greenleaf, C. S. Hall, C. B. Marsh, and others, 1861
Music: American folk song, 1856
Lyrics and music: Daniel Decatur Emmett
