Red Tomahawk (1966)
82 mins | Western | December 1966
Director:
R. G. SpringsteenWriters:
Steve Fisher, Andrew CraddockProducer:
A. C. LylesCinematographer:
W. Wallace KelleyEditor:
John F. SchreyerProduction Designers:
Hal Pereira, Al RoelofsProduction Company:
A. C. Lyles ProductionsSome sources give Panavision as film's anamorphic process.
After a decade-long absence from feature films, actress Betty Hutton was poised to make a comeback as “Dakota Lil” in producer A. C. Lyles’s upcoming film for Paramount Pictures, Red Tomahawk. Hutton and her co-star, Howard Keel, had previously appeared together in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corp.’s 1950 release, Annie Get Your Gun (see entry). Principal photography began on 4 May 1966 at Albertson Ranch in Westlake Village, CA, as noted in that day’s DV. By the following week, production had moved to Stage 16 at the Paramount Pictures studio lot in Hollywood, CA, according to the 9 May 1966 LAT. Hutton’s part was scheduled to conclude after ten days of filming. However, on 13 May 1966, a DV news item announced the actress was out of the film due to “a misunderstanding on the approach to the picture.” Joan Caulfield was hired to replace her.
Theatrical release took place on 25 Dec 1966 at Cincinnati, OH’s Twin Drive-In, where Red Tomahawk played as the second feature after Fantastic Voyage (1966, see entry), as advertised in that day’s Cincinnati Enquirer. A 6 Jan 1967 opening was scheduled to follow in Pittsfield, MA, the 4 Jan 1967 [Pittsfield, MA] Berkshire Eagle noted. ...
Some sources give Panavision as film's anamorphic process.
After a decade-long absence from feature films, actress Betty Hutton was poised to make a comeback as “Dakota Lil” in producer A. C. Lyles’s upcoming film for Paramount Pictures, Red Tomahawk. Hutton and her co-star, Howard Keel, had previously appeared together in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corp.’s 1950 release, Annie Get Your Gun (see entry). Principal photography began on 4 May 1966 at Albertson Ranch in Westlake Village, CA, as noted in that day’s DV. By the following week, production had moved to Stage 16 at the Paramount Pictures studio lot in Hollywood, CA, according to the 9 May 1966 LAT. Hutton’s part was scheduled to conclude after ten days of filming. However, on 13 May 1966, a DV news item announced the actress was out of the film due to “a misunderstanding on the approach to the picture.” Joan Caulfield was hired to replace her.
Theatrical release took place on 25 Dec 1966 at Cincinnati, OH’s Twin Drive-In, where Red Tomahawk played as the second feature after Fantastic Voyage (1966, see entry), as advertised in that day’s Cincinnati Enquirer. A 6 Jan 1967 opening was scheduled to follow in Pittsfield, MA, the 4 Jan 1967 [Pittsfield, MA] Berkshire Eagle noted.
Following the massacre of General Custer and the 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn, Army Captain Tom York rides into nearby Deadwood to warn the townspeople that the rampaging Sioux may attack. York is suspected of being a deserter until gunfighter Ep Wyatt identifies him as a special agent of the Army. Two huge Gatling guns are buried somewhere in the town, but only Dakota Lil of the local dance hall knows where, and she refuses to disclose the hiding place, claiming that they have already caused enough tragedy, including the deaths of her husband and little boy. York persuades her that the guns are vital to warding off an Indian attack, and she eventually leads him to where they are buried. Before they can be assembled, however, they are stolen by Elkins, a gambler who intends to sell them to the Sioux. Banded together by York, the townspeople kill Elkins, build barricades, mount the Gatlings, and prepare for the attack. York, Wyatt and old Columbus Smith ride off with the Gatlings to help a cavalry troop pinned down by the Sioux. Although Smith is killed, cavalry troops are found, and the Sioux quickly scatter. With peace restored, York decides to settle down in Deadwood with Dakota ...
Following the massacre of General Custer and the 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn, Army Captain Tom York rides into nearby Deadwood to warn the townspeople that the rampaging Sioux may attack. York is suspected of being a deserter until gunfighter Ep Wyatt identifies him as a special agent of the Army. Two huge Gatling guns are buried somewhere in the town, but only Dakota Lil of the local dance hall knows where, and she refuses to disclose the hiding place, claiming that they have already caused enough tragedy, including the deaths of her husband and little boy. York persuades her that the guns are vital to warding off an Indian attack, and she eventually leads him to where they are buried. Before they can be assembled, however, they are stolen by Elkins, a gambler who intends to sell them to the Sioux. Banded together by York, the townspeople kill Elkins, build barricades, mount the Gatlings, and prepare for the attack. York, Wyatt and old Columbus Smith ride off with the Gatlings to help a cavalry troop pinned down by the Sioux. Although Smith is killed, cavalry troops are found, and the Sioux quickly scatter. With peace restored, York decides to settle down in Deadwood with Dakota Lil.
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