The McMasters

The McMasters is a Western film from 1970 that features a single mother named Lolly, played by Joan Blackman, and her young son, Jody, portrayed by Joshua Bryant, who struggle to create a home for themselves in the Wild West in the aftermath of the Civil War. The story follows their journey as they seek out Lolly's father-in-law, Cash, a confident cattleman played by Burl Ives, who has not seen his son, Lolly's late husband, in several years.

As Lolly and Jody travel to find Cash, they face a barrage of dangerous situations and individuals who attempt to harm them. These threats include hostile Native Americans, hostile authorities, and Jody's blossoming adolescence, all of which complicate their journey. Along the way, they come across a former Union soldier named White Feather, played by Brock Peters, who has become a hermit in the wilderness after the war's end. He provides them with aid and information.

After finally meeting with Cash, Lolly discovers that she has inherited cattle land from her deceased husband, and Cash shows her the ropes of being a cattlewoman, introducing her to the risks and rewards of running the ranch. Meanwhile, Jody begins to develop an attraction towards Cash's son, a half-Indian named Joe, played by David Carradine. Cash, however, has mixed feelings about their relationship, leading to tension between the two men.

The film is visually stunning, with sweeping landscapes and thrilling action sequences. The McMasters is not your usual Western as every major character in the film is flawed and held accountable for their actions. The film portrays Cash as a cold, tough patriarch who has no interest in raising his grandson or reconciling with his son's wife, while White Feather is depicted as a man with a traumatic past who has become a recluse.

The film takes on heavy themes such as racism and prejudice, and presents the idea that war and systemic injustice can impact people's lives a long time after the fighting has ceased. Brock Peters deftly portrays White Feather's inner turmoil, and Burl Ives delivers a mesmerizing performance as Cash, a complex individual who is not entirely good or evil. David Carradine also brings a captivating energy to the role of Joe, a man caught between two worlds.

The McMasters is a fresh take on the usual Western trope of the lone cowboy, replacing it with a more nuanced, character-driven story that explores themes relevant even today. The film features authentic costuming and a stirring musical score that complements the visuals and performances. Directed by Alf Kjellin, The McMasters is an all-around brilliant film that deserves a spot among the great Westerns of the seventies.