The 1947 film Unconquered is an American historical epic adventure directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard. The supporting cast features Boris Karloff, Cecil Kellaway, Ward Bond, Howard da Silva, Katherine DeMille (the director's daughter), C. Aubrey Smith, and Mike Mazurki. Released by Paramount Pictures, the film depicts the violent struggles between American colonists and Native Americans on the western frontier in the mid-18th century during the 1763 Pontiac's Rebellion, primarily around Fort Pitt (modern-day Pittsburgh).
The film opens in 1763 with Abigail "Abby" Hale (Paulette Goddard) being tried for the death of a Royal Navy officer who was killed when she tried to save her brother from the press gang. The judge condemns her to be hanged, then offers her the "king's mercy": transportation to the British colonies in North America and a term of "not less than 14 years as an indentured servant, to be sold at auction." She chooses the latter. Aboard ship as it nears Norfolk, Abby incurs the anger of trader Martin Garth (Howard da Silva), who then insists upon the auction being held there and then.
Captain Chris Holden (Gary Cooper), a Virginian, outbids Garth for Abby's contract and sets her free. Holden then learns from the commandant of Fort Pitt, Captain John Fraser (Cecil Kellaway), of a plot by the French and Indians to attack the fort and massacre the settlers. Holden resolves to warn the other settlements, but Garth, who is in league with the French, tries to stop him.
Holden eventually succeeds in warning the settlers, and a battle ensues between the colonists and the Native Americans. The colonists are victorious, and Holden is hailed as a hero.
Unconquered is a classic epic film with a sweeping story, stunning visuals, and a strong cast.
The film was a critical and commercial success when it was released, and it has since become a cult classic. It is considered to be one of Cecil B. DeMille's best films, and it is often praised for its historical accuracy and its epic scope.
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Cast
- Gary Cooper as Captain Christopher Holden
- Paulette Goddard as Abby
- Howard da Silva as Garth
- Boris Karloff as Guyasuta, Chief of the Senecas
- Cecil Kellaway as Jeremy Love
- Ward Bond as John Fraser
- Virginia Campbell as Mrs. John Fraser
- Katherine DeMille as Hannah
- Henry Wilcoxon as Captain Steele
- Sir C. Aubrey Smith as Lord Chief Justice
- Victor Varconi as Captain Simeon Ecuyer
- Virginia Grey as Diana
- Mike Mazurki as Bone
- Porter Hall as Leach
- Richard Gaines as Colonel George Washington
- Gavin Muir as Lieut. Fergus McKenzie
- Jane Nigh as Evelyn
- Alan Napier as Sir William Johnson
- Marc Lawrence as Sioto, Medicine Man
- Raymond Hatton as Venango Scout
- John Mylong as Colonel Henry Bouquet
London Astronomers:
- George Kirby as Charles Mason
- Leonard Carey as Jeremiah Dixon
- Frank R. Wilcox as Richard Henry Lee
- Davison Clark as Mr. Carroll of Virginia
- Griff Barnett as Brother Andrews of Pennsylvania
- Lloyd Bridges as Lieut. Hutchins
- Oliver Thorndike as Lieut. Baillie
- Nan Sunderland as Mrs. Pruitt
- Rus Conklin as Mamaultee
- Iron Eyes Cody as Red Corn
- Julia Faye as Widow Swivens
- Paul E. Burns as Dan McCoy
- Mary Field as Maggie
- Diane Wadelow as Lancashire Lass
- Clarence Muse as Jason
- Cecil B. DeMille as Narrator (uncredited)
- Robert Warwick as Pontiac (uncredited)
- Gordon Richards as Sheriff (uncredited)
- Jay Silverheels as Indian (uncredited)
- Chief Thundercloud as Chief Killbuck
- Rodd Redwing as Indian (uncredited)
- Chief John Big Tree as Indian (uncredited)
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Writers: Charles Bennett, Fredric M. Frank, Jesse Lasky Jr., Jeanie MacPherson
Box Office Gross: NA
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Adventure Drama History Romance Western
Release Date: October 10, 1947