The Charge at Feather River

Synopsis

The Charge at Feather River is a 1953 Western film directed by Gordon Douglas featuring Guy Madison as a determined cavalry officer facing peril and deception on the American frontier. Set against the backdrop of tense conflict between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes, the story follows a group of soldiers tasked with a dangerous mission after a surprise attack. The film is notable for its exciting action sequences, including the innovative use of the Gatling gun, and for exploring themes of loyalty, courage, and warfare. With suspenseful plot twists and dynamic characters, it embodies classic Western tropes while delivering an engaging cinematic experience.

Cast

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  Guy Madison

  Miles Archer

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  Frank Lovejoy

  Sgt. Charlie Baker

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  Helen Westcott

  Anne McKeever

• 

  Vera Miles

  Jennie McKeever

• 

  Dick Wesson

  Pvt. Cullen

• 

  Onslow Stevens

  Grover Johnson

Reviews

Critically, The Charge at Feather River has received mixed to positive reviews over the decades. On IMDb, it holds a score of 6.2/10, indicating generally favorable opinions from viewers. Many appreciate the film's action-packed sequences and strong performances by a solid cast led by Guy Madison. Critics have praised the innovative use of the Gatling gun in battle scenes, which adds a unique technological edge to the traditional Western setting. However, some reviewers feel the plot is somewhat formulaic and predictable by modern standards. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official critic score for the film, but audience reviews reflect appreciation for its classic Western atmosphere and solid production values. Metacritic lacks a formal compilation of reviews due to the film’s age, yet historical reviews often commend its pacing and direction, while occasionally noting a lack of depth in character development. Overall, The Charge at Feather River remains an entertaining Western that appeals to fans of the genre looking for a mix of action and traditional frontier storytelling.

See also

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