Ten Who Dared

Many of the Disney live-action films from the 50's and 60's are too easily derided these days for their sepia-toned view of the past, and American past in particular. The main example of this would be Disney's interpretation of Davy Crockett. But without Walt's enthusiasm for the creation of America and it's people many a folk hero would be lost in time. So even though Disney may have painted a sugar-coated vision of these stories at least they were brought to the attention of a wider audience who could then discover them for real.

Ten Who Dared is a perfect example of this with it's exploration (pun intended) of the adventures of John Wesley Powell and his team who were the first people to explore and chart the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869.

As you can expect they get in to some scrapes with Native Americans as well as the river itself and a rebellion in the camp has some dire consequences.

Although the film may not sit with the best westerns ever made it is a fun journey, with a group of characters recognisable to any fan of men- on-a-mission movies, and is a great way to spend 90 minutes and learn some American history at the same time.