One Little Indian

One Little Indian is a 1973 western film starring James Garner, Vera Miles, and Pat Hingle. The plot of the movie follows Lieutenant Colonel Ray Roper, a Union cavalry officer who is given the task of transporting a group of Cheyenne prisoners from a remote army outpost to a new reservation in Florida. Among the prisoners is a young boy named Mark, who Roper soon discovers is not actually Cheyenne, but rather the son of a white settler who was kidnapped and raised by the Cheyenne.

At first, Roper is skeptical of Mark's story and treats him as just another prisoner. However, as they continue their journey together, Roper begins to see Mark as a person and develops a bond with him. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including hostile Indians, harsh weather conditions, and treacherous terrain.

As the journey goes on, Roper also learns more about the Cheyenne people and their way of life. He begins to understand that they are not the savage heathens that he once thought they were, but rather a proud and noble people who have been mistreated by white settlers and soldiers alike.

Throughout the film, there are also several subplots involving other characters. One of these subplots involves Roper's superior officer, Colonel Potts, who is determined to capture the renegade Indian leader Horse, who is rumored to be leading a group of warriors in a raid against white settlers. Potts believes that capturing Horse will be the key to stopping the Indian attacks, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.

Another subplot involves an Army deserter named Jimmy, who Roper and the others encounter along their journey. Jimmy is a former soldier who has deserted his post and is now living among the Cheyenne. He is initially hostile towards Roper and the others, but eventually comes to see them as friends and allies.

Overall, One Little Indian is a well-crafted western film that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and cultural understanding. The performances by James Garner, Vera Miles, and Pat Hingle are all excellent, with Garner in particular delivering a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of the conflicted Roper. The film also features beautiful cinematography and an evocative score that helps to convey the sweeping vistas and epic scale of the American West.