I spoke to Ed Platt in early 1974, not long before his death. If he was troubled by the financial failure of "Santee," he didn't show it; he was warm and unpretentious. We had a common interest in video production, which probably helped him open up. In any event, I didn't see "Santee" for more than 35 years; I must say, Ed's innovative use of video to film hurt the movie; and, as a relatively novice producer, Ed should have played it safe and stayed with film. The interior shots appear horribly lit, and the initial scenes are cluttered and almost tedious. However, after Glenn Ford shows up, the movie loosens up, and we get a pretty well written, expertly acted movie. The casting, particularly of Ford, Michael Burns, Harry Townes and Jay Silverheels is especially inspired. Dana Wynter seems an odd choice, especially since the reddish lighting makes her look Native American, and she can't completely disguise her British accent. However, Wynter's chemistry with Ford and Burns is downright terrific, and she dominates every scene.
"Santee" needs more fleshing out, and the money spent on the flashback could have been been spent building Ford's relationship with Burns. The ending comes too soon and too abruptly. Nonetheless, "Santee" is one of Ford's better westerns, certainly better than "A Time for Killing," "Day of the Evil Gun" and "The Last Challenge." As Ford's last starring western it is a flawed, if fitting tribute to one of the great cowboy actors.
I give "Santee" a "6".
