From Savage to Nobleman: Images of Native Americans in Film

The focus on Native American characters gives a unique perspective for understanding stereotypes and the interplay of racism, sympathy, and empathy in the historical periods of narrative film. Hilger traces the portrayal of Native Americans, from the silents and early sound films through films of each decade, covering over 800 films. An introduction discusses the traditional images of the Noble Red Man and Savage. The final chapter discusses new images based on tribal identities in recent films such as Powwow Highway. Each of the historical chapters begins with detailed interpretations of representative films such as The Vanishing American, They Died With Their Boots On, Cheyenne Autumn, and Dances With Wolves. With a film title index. This book will be useful not only to students of film but also of history, popular culture, sociology, social work, education, and ethnic studies.