Seminole

3/27/2022

An extremely clean-cut Rock Hudson is a West Point graduate sent to help the Major at Fort King flush out some Seminole who live in the Floridian swamps. He has some history with the tribe, and it's leader - a rather unconvincing Anthony Quinn, so wants to try finding a peaceable solution to their relocation. Needless to say, they have no intention of being sent to a reservation and the battle lines are drawn. Add to the mix an intransigent by-the-book Major (Richard Carlson) whose only objective is to obey his orders - regardless of casualties; and Barbara Hale as the go-between for the parties and we get quite an enjoyable, if not particularly action-packed adventure story told by way of a retrospective at Hudson's court martial for murder and treason. The photography is lovely, and the

2/24/2025

**_Colorful “Western” with the lush milieu of Florida (where it was shot)_** In 1835-1837, during the Second Seminole War, a fresh lieutenant (Rock Hudson) and friend of Chief Osceola (Anthony Quinn) is assigned to Fort King in the heart of Florida, which is commanded by a strict major (Richard Carlson), who hates the Indians. Barbara Hale and Lee Marvin are also on hand. “Seminole” (1953) tackles American history with the addition of expected Hollywoodisms, like the unbelievable ending. Yet the gist is surprisingly true: Major Degan was based on General Thomas Jesup (and the character was even called Jesup until three days before shooting, a change that was made to prevent potential legal ramifications); Osceola was friends with a Caucasian or two, as he is with the lieutenant (such