European rendition based on James Fenimore Cooper's famous novel and , of course, shot in Madrid surroundings such as Manzanares Del Real and Colmenar Viejo . This is a Spanish-Italian co-production with a varied cast formed by actors of diverse countries . The classic James Fenimore Cooper's novel is brought to screen in this Western adventure and in Spaghetti/Tortilla style . The picture takes several liberties and is partially inspired on the notorious novel . XVIII century , French and British army battle themselves to take North American and Canadian territory . There happens Indian wars between Hurons , Mohawk and settlers and army , while the tribes allied fight to each side . The story is about a dying tribe called the Mohicans in which only two are left , Uncas (Daniel Martin who starred same role in the version directed by Harald Reinl) and his father Chingachgook (Jose Marco) as well as one white man named Hawkeye (Hawkeye's real name in the novel is Natty Bumppo, being played by Luis Induni) , a fur trader . They are set upon by French soldiers and their cohorts , Huron tribesmen led by the evil Cunning Fox (who in original novel is called Magua) . On their way they intercept Indians attacking a small regiment in command of captain Duncan Edward (Jack Taylor , Jesus Franco's usual actor) including the two daughters (Sara Lezana as Cora and Barbara Loy as Alice) of Colonel Munroe (Paul Muller) on their rout to fort Henry . The three men lead the survivors to the fort while love stories take place but the War continues . They fight to protect them against the raiding Huron Indians . On rout they are double-crossed by Cunning Fox (José Manuel Martín , Spaghetti's customary secondary player) . Meantime the fort is besieged by a French Army and Indians allied , commanded by a General (Pastor Serrador) . There , subsequently takes a place a massacre carried out by traitor Hurons against Fort Henry soldiers .
This is an exciting film , plenty action , thrills , fights , love and breathtaking outdoors . Acceptable action sequences in medium budget with rousing attacks and spectacular fights . Charismatic performance for all casting . The notorious Spaghetti actor , Luis Induni is good as Hawkeye and women protagonists , Sara Lezana , Barbara Loy , are wonderful . Special mention to Daniel Martin as honorable Unkas and Jose Manuel Martin as an appropriately villainous in a powerful performance . Look for secondary actors usual of Spaghetti Western as Jose Marco , Rufino Ingles , José Riesgo , Lorenzo Robledo , among others . And two Eurotrash actors , Jack Taylor and Paul Muller , both of whom Jesus Franco's habitual . Colorful cinematography by Carlo Carlini -however, being worn-out and necessary a perfect remastering- reflecting splendidly the sunny exteriors from Manzanares Del Real and Colmenar Viejo where in the 60s and 70s were shot hundreds Spaghetti/Chorizo Western . Evocative as well as atmospheric original musical score by Bruno Canfora and Angelo Francesco Lavagnino . The motion picture was professionally directed by Mateo Cano , though with no originality . Rating : 5,5/10 . Acceptable and passable .
The picture was partially based on historical events . Although the Ft. William Henry massacre actually took place, historical fact differs somewhat from historical fiction. A Col. Munro was in command at the fort and did indeed surrender to Montcalm when General Webb could not arrive in time to reinforce him. The attack by the Hurons after the surrender was directed at the colonial militia and its Indian allies. Munro and the British regulars were at the head of the column under the protection of French soldiers and did not know that the column had been attacked until they arrived at Ft. Edward. James Fenimore Cooper based his novel on reports from survivors of the attack. The British used the attack to stir up the colonials to join in the fight against the French. In all versions of the movie except this one, Munro survives and is saved by Hawkeye. Munroe survived in real life as well.
Other retelling about this classic story ¨The last of the Mohicans¨ are the followings : 1922 , mute adaptation by Maurice Tourneur and Clarence Brown with Wallace Beery as Magua ; the classic 1936 by George B Seitz with Randolph Scott as Hawkeye ; Spaghetti rendition (1965) by Harald Reinl with Joachim Fuchsberger , Karin Dor , Daniel Martín , Anthony Steffen , Carl Lange . And TV series titled ¨Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans" (1957) by Sam Newfield with John Hart and Lon Chaney along with 1985 TV movie by James L. Conway with Steve Forrest and Ned Romero . Of course , the best rendition was directed by Michael Mann (1992) with Daniel Day Lewis, Madeleine Stowe , Jodhi May and Wes Studi as Maua.
