Wuchak RELEASED IN 1977, "Grayeagle" is a Western about a settler in the 1848 Montana region (Ben Johnson) whose daughter (Lana Wood) is kidnapped by a Cheyenne brave (Alex Cord). He teams-up with his Native partner (Iron Eyes Cody) and a friend (Jack Elam) to get his daughter back. Along the way they must tangle with a Shoshone hunting party, including a crazy brave named Scar (Jacob Daniels).While the plot is reminiscent of 1956's "The Searchers," it's different enough to not be a rip-off. "Grayeagle" may be far from a big-budget Western, like "The Searchers," but I like it better. It genuinely surprised me for a number of reasons. For one, it's not a typical Western; it's just as much a Native American film as it is a cowboy/settler Western; and the Natives are portrayed quite well, considering the time period. Secondly, everything about the movie is over-the-top, like the acting, the (melo)drama and the blaring score. Speaking of the score, it plays like the bombastic music of the original Star Trek TV series, but updated to the mid-70s and fitted for a Western. It's quite good, sometimes even moving, albeit decidedly dated.The plot similarities to "The Searchers" is interesting in that Lana Wood's sister, Natalie, played the kidnapped girl in that film. Speaking of Lana, she's just gorgeous. You might remember her as Bond girl Plenty O'Toole in 1971's "Diamonds are Forever."The annoying, half-crazy character Bugler was played by the director, Charles B. Pierce, who made the similar "Winterhawk" (1975). You might remember Iron Eyes Cody (aka Standing Bear) as the American Indian shedding a tear about litter in one of the America's most famous television public service announcements, "Keep America Beautiful," from the early 70s. While Cody certainly looked Native American and claimed his father was Cherokee (and his mother Cree), he offered conflicting data on his heritage. Evidence shows that he was a 2nd generation Italian-American based on an interview with his half-sister and documents, which included a baptismal record. But Cody denied the claim. He was likely part Native, but who knows? Shot in the Helena National Forest Northeast of Helena, Montana, the landscapes are picturesque. "Grayeagle" is full of gusto and reminiscent of the later "The Mountain Men" (1980). It must be respected because the creators gave it their all to entertain the viewer; in fact, I include it on my hallowed "Favorite Westerns" list, perhaps as more of a guilty pleasure since the flick is so overdone that it sometimes borders on ridiculous. So I can see why some people don't like it. While it's often supremely entertaining, the sacred words are fitting: "Just because you like a movie doesn't mean it's good."THE FILM RUNS 104 minutes.GRADE: B/B- (6.5/10)

cofma I have recently 7/08 finally gotten my very own copy VHS OF GREYEAGLE. It is the most beautiful Indian movie I have ever seen, even with its imperfections of the times, my favorite actor Alex Cord, should have been given top billing on this one..beautiful music, scenery, loving story of respect for the elders, especially our American Indian ancestors.. My favorite movie of all time..It's 31 years old..I still watch it all the time to feel good about humanity...Threw out the movie, it also has it's quick humor if one pays attention..Great.The music in this movie is so beautiful, and impacts the acting of the characters that,it all blends so well..Maybe some day, there will be a remake of Greyeagle, for all western fans, but for me only Alex Cord, as the lead actor will do.

Jim Grayson Being born in 1951, I grew up in the day of the Western movie. I remember both Ben Johnson and Jack Elam in their prime and this movie was merely a vehicle for the two of these gentlemen to pick up some money in their later years. We've all seen this sort of thing before. The score is awful and over the top, the story line is weak, the editing is slow and rough, the characters are either forgetful or downright stupid, the dialog is pathetic and the portrayal of the Native Americans embarrassing. It hurt me to see Iron Eyes Cody reduced to this trash. My dad, who is 87 at the time of this writing, watched this with me and we both were very tired of it well before it was over. Fact is, my dad ended up leaving the room with twenty minutes left. I finished it only to see the credits. It is not pleasant for me to write such a comment for a movie for I would much rather be kind but I simply felt compelled to do so in this instance to save others from wasting their time on this mess.

lanalou127 It's a classic story. It has love, action, culture, and that old timely feel. I've watched it since I can remember and it never gets old. A White woman is kidnapped by an Indian warrior and travels to Cheyanne camp encountering a few adventures. Soon she finds she's the daughter of the chief and falls for the warrior that took her there. Finally she returns home with the love the Cheyanne. Grayeagle had good actors and awesome scenery. I enjoy it every time I watch it. Most all family could watch and enjoy. So I recommend it if your tired of the old gun fighting Indian movies and ready to see a good old fashioned western love/action story.