The Red Man's View (1909 Film) -- Directed By D.W. Griffith -- Full Movie

Tranquil is the existence of the Kiowa tribe which our story involves until the approach of the conquerors, the white men, who claim the land that had long been possessed by this tribe of Shoshone family. On this eventful day. Silver Eagle and Minnewanna plight their troth by the side of the mountain brook. They have hardly returned to the wigwam of the chief, Silver Eagle's father, when an Indian rushes up with the news that the paleface is coming. The little settlement is thrown into a panic of fearful anticipation, for they have endured many bitter experiences. Their fears are realized, for the white men appear and order the poor Indians to move. This they do with stoicism, and packing up their effects they start on the long trek. Minnewanna, however, is detained by the men to act as a slavey. Silver Eagle is at first inclined to remain by her side, but his sense of duty toward his father, the chief, who is very old and feeble, forces him to go with him. From place to place they migrate, only to be urged still further on by the relentless persecutions, until from the brow of a lofty mountain they exclaim, "Oh! morning sun light us on to a better land; a land where we may rest our heads.'' In the meantime little Minnewanna has tried to escape, but she has not gotten far when apprehended and brought back. The long journey proves too much for the old chief and he succumbs to the ordeal. As he dies the tribe chant the song of death. He is then interred according to the custom of the tribe. A bier is erected on stakes and covered with moss and leaves. On this the body is placed with his bead to the east, a fire to light his way and food that he may not hunger. The son, Silver Eagle, now that his duty is fulfilled, dashes back after his little Indian sweetheart. His endeavors to steal her away are discovered and several of the men are about to dispatch him, when another, more altruistic than the rest, interposes and bids the young brave take his squaw and go in peace, and we last see them with bowed heads at the bier of the chief. This subject portrays rather a new treatment of the Indian story, its poetic beauty being no small feature.—Moving Picture World synopsis

Directed by D. W. Griffith
Written by Frank E. Woods
Starring Owen Moore
James Kirkwood
Cinematography G. W. Bitzer
Release date

December 9, 1909

Running time
14-15 minutes
(1 reel, 971 feet)
Country United States
Languages Silent
English intertitles