A Different Drum

I showed this film to my classes while teaching HS on the Navajo reservation during the early 80s. About a young Native American man under family pressure to follow in his father's footsteps, it is a good lesson for letting young people find themselves and choose a life that gives them personal satisfaction. I was initially attracted to the actors, Jay Silverheels (the most resonant voice in film!) and Chief Dan George. The acting by the two well-known actors was as expected, solid and believable. The others were believable as well. Can't remember if Silverheels' character is a college president or faculty member, but the story begins as the family is preparing to go listen to him give a speech at the school. His son gets angry after more pressure to abandon his choice of being an auto mechanic. The family goes without him, so he is left with Grandpa. After discussing the situation, the two decide to race to the school to attend the speech. On the way, the police try to stop them for speeding. During an effort to lose the police, Grandpa begins chanting to the spirit of Quanah Parker. Two great lines result: 1) Son asks Grandpa which road to take. Grandpa stops his chanting briefly to say--The spirit of Quanah Parker says TAKE THIS ROAD"; 2) When they come over a hill to find the police car waiting for them, Son asks "What does the spirit of Quanah Parker say now, Grandpa?" Grandpa deadpans "The spirit of Quanah Parker says 'Nice Try'". I highly recommend this as a short, simple story that a general audience of all ages will find satisfying.