Charles B. Pearce produced, co-wrote and directed Winterhawk, a Western starring Leif Erickson, Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, L.Q. Jones, Michael Dante and Elisha Cook Jr.
The film is set in the early 19th century. Winterhawk, the Indian chief of Backfoot tribe (Michael Dante), seeks help for his smallpox infected tribe by attempting to trade furs.
After a double cross, which involves the theft of his furs and pelts and the killing of his two companions, he and his braves come back to the town. He takes revenge by kidnapping a white woman (played by Dawn Wells) and her young brother, after which he is pursued by a posse.
Though well shot, and dealing with significant issue, the movie is too earnest, hampered by sluggish pacing and obvious mise-en-scene that is barely serviceable.
Cast
Leif Erickson as Guthrie
Woody Strode as Big Rude
Denver Pyle as Arkansas
L.Q. Jones as Gates
Elisha Cook Jr. as Finley
Seamon Glass as Big Smith
Dennis Fimple as Scoby
Arthur Hunnicutt as McClusky
Dawn Wells as Clayanna / Narrator
Chuck Pierce Jr. as Cotton
Jimmy Clem as Little Smith
Sacheen Littlefeather as Pale Flower
Gilbert Lucero as Crow
Ace Powell as Red Calf
Michael Dante as Winterhawk
