El piel roja

It is rare to find Technicolor (2-strip) used for a dramatic film. Most often it was used for musicals. This almost forgotten film utilizes Technicolor for 62 minutes of its 82 minute running time (only two back to back reels encompassing 20 minutes utilized sepia and this was to compare the washed out life of the white man with the Technicolor life of the Native American).

The tones are beautiful and almost all of the Technicolor footage is exterior location work. Light blue, reds, greens are predominant. The new DVD is impeccable in that the Paramount print is near mint- clear sharp images and beautifully reproduced color tones. The original sound discs for reels 1, 3 and 8 survive and are optional for the soundtrack of the DVD presentation, which also utilizes a full length new piano score.

We noted the title song and main theme bear a marked resemblance to the four note title song RIO RITA but without credit.

The story is told elsewhere in these reviews, but the script, direction and performances must be very highly praised. The plea for tolerance, education and the improvement of living conditions makes this a real message film, but the low key deliverance of these messages also makes this a great film.

This was another of Richard Dix's Native American performances - see also THE VANISHING American (1925). He was most at home and is very effective, as are all cast members.

This is a true gem - we are grateful it has survived and is once again available to the public.