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"TREACHERY RIDES THE RANGE"

This RKO "B" Western is full of stereotypes and songs, but despite its thin plot, there's sympathy for the Indians. Red Taylor is a captain in the U.S. Cavalry who grew up with an Indian, Chief Red Smoke. The government promises to protect Indian buffalo herds from hunters, but devious fur traders disguise themselves as soldiers and kill one of Red Smoke's sons. The Indians go whooping off on the warpath. Only Taylor can restore peace, by appealing to his Indian "brother." Thorpe was featured in the credits, playing to the hilt the role of a noble Red Man, speaking "Indian" and riding a horse with considerable skill. For a brief period in Hollywood in the 1930s, more real Indians were hired for native roles than white actors wearing sun oil and wigs. Jim Thorpe's tireless advocacy for the 250 native actors he represented was paying off.

treachery rides the range
 

JIM THORPE ASSOCIATION

A Moira Productions Film in association with Datline Productions, © 2008, Lillian Lincoln Foundation