Cast
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Steve Forrest
as Hawkeye
Ned Romero
as Chingachgook
John Anderson
as Hutter
Victor Mohica
as Chief Rivenoak
Joan Prather
as Judith Hutter
Charles Dierkop
as Hurry Harry March
Brian Davies
as Lieutenant Plowden
Ted Hamilton
as Sieur de Beaujeur
Betty Ann Carr
as Wa-Tah-Wa
Madeleine Stowe
as Hetty Hutter
Ruben Moreno
as Tamenund
Alma Beltran
as
Rosa Maria Hudson
as
Andrew William Lewis
as
Stephen Taylor
as
Crew
Director
- Richard Friedenberg
Producer
- Bill Cornford
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Deerslayer represents a fascinating example of Western/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Richard Friedenberg 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 1978, 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 The Deerslayer took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2246 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 100 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Deerslayer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike When the Legends Die, which focuses more on action than character development, The Deerslayer subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Unforgiven and Manitou's Shoe explore similar territory, The Deerslayer stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 18, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 14m
