Cast
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Bruce Bennett
as Lincoln Rand Jr / Kioga
Mala
as Kias
Monte Blue
as Yellow Weasel
Harley Wood
as Beth Munro
Noble Johnson
as Mokuyi
William Royle
as Manuel Solerno
Tom Chatterton
as Doctor Edward Munro
George Eldredge
as Allan Kendall
P.J. Kelly
as William Williams
Dick Wessel
as Dirk
Fred 'Snowflake' Toones
as George
Tuffy
as Tawnee
Crew
Director
- John English
- William Witney
Producer
- Robert M. Beche
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Hawk of the Wilderness distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John English brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1938, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hawk of the Wilderness took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 213 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 254 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 407 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hawk of the Wilderness shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Scarlet Horseman, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hawk of the Wilderness subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Master Key and Mystery of the Riverboat explore similar territory, Hawk of the Wilderness stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 1938
- Runtime: 3h 33m
