Ten Who Dared

Ten Who Dared is a 1960 American Western adventure film by Walt Disney Productions. The movie tells the story of ten men who dared to explore and map the vast unknown territory of the Grand Canyon in the 19th century.

The film showcases Brian Keith as Major John Wesley Powell, the leader of the expedition consisting of nine other men, played by John Beal, James Drury, R.G. Armstrong, David Stollery, Ben Johnson, Dan Sheridan, Kevin Hagen, Stan Jones, and L.Q. Jones. The group, which is now famously known as the Powell Geographic Expedition, set out on a perilous journey to travel down the Colorado River and brave the unchartered waters of the Grand Canyon.

The movie begins with the ten men gathering together for the first time at a campsite in the Wyoming Territory. The men are strangers to each other, each hailing from different backgrounds and professions. Major Powell takes charge of the team and shares his ambitions for the expedition, which is to explore the Grand Canyon and collect scientific data about the river and its islands.

The men set out on their journey and quickly face many challenges, including dangerous rapids, boulders, and unforgiving cliffs, which threaten to tip their boats at any moment. As they journey deeper into the canyon, tensions rise, and conflicts arise between the men.

The character development in the movie is one of its strong suits, as each character is given ample screen time to showcase their unique qualities and challenges. The film also explores the complex relationship between Powell and James Sumner, a crazed and paranoid Civil War veteran on the expedition who is often violent to the other men.

The movie's direction by William Beaudine is solid, and the action scenes are well-choreographed, especially those depicting the rapids and the heroes' battle with the elements. The film also boasts some breathtaking visuals of the Grand Canyon, which are awe-inspiring and stunning.

The film has a running time of 92 minutes and is suitable for a family audience. The music, composed by George Bruns, serves as a great accompaniment to the visuals and action sequences in the movie.

Overall, Ten Who Dared is an incredibly well-made film that provides viewers with a glimpse into the camaraderie, hardships, courage, and daring of a real-life historical expedition. The movie also touches on scientific curiosity and conservation, portraying the explorers as men who are passionate about collecting knowledge and expanding human understanding of the world they live in.

Ten Who Dared is a perfect blend of adventure, drama, and history, and an excellent example of the kind of epic, inspirational films that Disney was known for creating during its classic era. The movie is a must-watch for any film buff interested in American history, the Wild West, or outdoor adventures.