Drum Beat

Though heavily advertised as Delmar Daves’ Drum Beat, this film owed its existence to producer-star Alan Ladd. The star is cast as a veteran Indian fighter Johnny MacKay, who because of his close relationship with the Medoc tribe is sent out to negotiate a peace treaty. Once he has arrived in Medoc territory, Johnny (Ladd) must contend with the misspent emotions of his childhood sweetheart Toby (Marisa Pavan), the sister of Indian chief Manok (Anthony Caruso). Jealous over Johnny’s relationship with pretty Nancy Meek (Audrey Dalton), Toby has cast her lot with renegade warrior Captain Jack (Charles Bronson), who honors no treaties. Though the film has a Native American villain, Drum Beat is largely sympathetic to the plight of the Indian. Based on a true story, the film is distinguished by J. Peverell Marley’s breathtaking exterior photography, and by Victor Young’s ballad-like musical score., Set during the 1869 Modoc Indian uprising along the California-Oregon border, a veteran Indian scout with a close relationship with the tribe is sent to negotiate a peace pact, but must deal with a renegade warrior who honors no treaties., Indian fighter MacKay is on a Presidential order to negotiate with the Modocs and escort a young girl home, but with the renegade Captain Jack around his job may be a little tough., Drama about an Indian fighter who, on the command of the American President, must negotiate peace with a rebel leader.