Prologue to Wounded Knee
Prologue to Wounded Knee

Movie spotlight

Prologue to Wounded Knee

1973
Movie
85 min
English

An Indian is accused of the rape and murder of a white girl. The girl's stepfather incites the townspeople to punish the Indian - to cover up the fact that it was actually he who committed the crime.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: David GreeneGenres: Drama, History, Western

Plot Summary

This made-for-television film chronicles the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. It explores the complex tensions between the Lakota Sioux and the U.S. Cavalry, highlighting the cultural misunderstandings and broken promises that fueled the conflict. The narrative focuses on key figures on both sides as tensions escalate towards the tragic confrontation.

Critical Reception

As a made-for-television movie from the early 1970s, "Prologue to Wounded Knee" received a modest reception, often praised for its attempt to dramatize a significant and tragic event in Native American history. While it may not have garnered widespread critical acclaim, it served as an educational piece for a broad audience, depicting the historical context surrounding the Wounded Knee incident.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film is noted for its historical attempt to portray the events preceding the Wounded Knee massacre.

  • It highlights the perspectives and conflicts between the Lakota Sioux and the U.S. Cavalry.

  • While perhaps not a cinematic masterpiece, it served as an accessible introduction to the historical context for television audiences.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this historical television film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was part of a wave of made-for-television movies in the 1970s that began to tackle more sensitive historical and social issues, bringing them to a wider audience than theatrical films might have at the time.

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