The Trackers

The Trackers is a 1971 western movie directed by Earl Bellamy, and starring Sammy Davis Jr., Ernest Borgnine, and Julie Adams. The film takes place in the late 1800s in Arizona, and it tells the story of Sam Paxton (Davis), a former slave who now works as a scout for the U.S. army, and who is tasked with leading a group of soldiers and civilians to safety after a group of Apache warriors attack their camp.

The movie starts with Paxton and his friend, an Apache named Ke-Ni-Tay (played by Neville Brand), scouting ahead of the group. They come across a group of Apaches led by Buffalo Horn (played by Emilio Fernández), who warns them that the group they are leading is being watched by a band of renegade Apaches led by Cal (played by Jorge Rivero).

Paxton and his group continue on to a nearby fort, where they are met by Major Pickens (played by Borgnine) and his troops. Pickens is skeptical of Paxton's abilities and insists on taking over the leadership of the group. However, Paxton has a personal stake in the safety of the group, as his wife and daughter are among them, and he is determined to see them to safety.

As the group travels through the desert, they are constantly plagued by Cal and his men, who seem to know their every move. Paxton, Ke-Ni-Tay, and Pickens must work together to outsmart Cal and keep the group safe. Along the way, they are joined by a woman named Alice (played by Adams), who has been separated from her husband and is looking for safety.

The Trackers is a solid western movie, with a well-executed plot and strong performances from the cast. The movie deals with themes of race and prejudice, as Paxton faces discrimination from both the soldiers and civilians in the group. However, his skill and bravery eventually win over their respect, and he becomes a hero in their eyes.

The movie also explores the complex relationship between Paxton and Ke-Ni-Tay, as two men who are from different worlds but who share a friendship and mutual respect. Their conversations often delve into the nature of prejudice and the long history of conflict between white settlers and Native Americans.

The action scenes in the movie are well-done, with plenty of thrilling horse chases, shootouts, and ambushes. The cinematography is also impressive, capturing the beauty and danger of the Arizona landscape.

Overall, The Trackers is an enjoyable western movie that is worth watching for fans of the genre. The cast is strong, the action is exciting, and the themes explored in the movie are relevant and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of Sammy Davis Jr. or just enjoy a good western, The Trackers is definitely a movie you should check out.