They Rode West (1954)

**_Calvary versus Kiowas and Commanche_** A young humanitarian doctor (Robert Francis) arrives at a fort in southwest Oklahoma and has to contend with the Indian-hating captain (Philip Carey) while trying to help the Kiowas during an outbreak of malaria. The coquettish niece (Donna Reed) of the fort’s commander has eyes for him, but he seems more interested in Manyi-ten of the Kiowa (May Wynn). Meanwhile the Commanche are looming. "They Rode West” (1954) was inspired by “Broken Arrow” from four years earlier mixed with a setting a little reminiscent of “War Arrow” from the previous year. It’s almost on par with the former and superior to the latter. Robert Francis was perfect for the role of the doctor because he had the noble look of someone who was motivated by moral principle as opposed to peer pressure. He and May Wynn previously appeared together in “The Caine Mutiny.” Unfortunately, 8.5 months after the release of this movie he died with two others in a plane crash that he was piloting. He was only 25. It runs 1 hour, 24 minutes, and was shot at Corriganville movie ranch, which was located just east of Semi Valley, which is northwest of Los Angeles. GRADE: B