Watch The Stalking Moon

The Stalking Moon from 1968 is a Western movie directed by Robert Mulligan and produced by Alan J. Pakula. The film stars Gregory Peck, Eva Marie Saint, and Robert Forster in leading roles. The movie is set in the late 1800s and tells the story of a Western Army Scout named Sam Varner, played by Peck, who takes in a white woman and her half-Indian son after the woman's Native American husband is killed by Sam in a gunfight.

The movie opens with Sam returning to his army post after completing his duty as a scout. After his return, Sam learns that a woman named Sarah Carver, played by Eva Marie Saint, and her young son have been found on the prairie, and they need a safe place to stay. Sam volunteers to care for them until they can be transported to safety. Sarah Carver is hesitant to accept Sam's help, but she has nowhere else to turn, and the safety of her child is her only concern. As time passes, Sarah begins to see that Sam is trustworthy and begins to develop feelings for him.

As Sam and Sarah begin to bond, they find themselves facing a dangerous threat from Sarah's husband's tribe. The tribe's leader, Salvaje, played by Nathaniel Narcisco, wants to take Sarah and her child back to their people. Sam has to protect Sarah and her son, and he must confront Salvaje in a final showdown.

The Stalking Moon is an intense and well-crafted Western drama. The story of a white woman and half-Indian child finding refuge with a man who killed the child's father is a compelling premise. The movie is a character-driven story, and the audience gets to watch the characters interact and learn about each other, establishing an emotional connection with them.

Gregory Peck's performance as Sam Varner is exceptional. Peck brings depth and nuance to the character, portraying an army scout with a tragic past and a desire for a peaceful life. Eva Marie Saint is equally remarkable as Sarah Carver, who is determined to protect her child and find a safe place to live. Their chemistry onscreen is wonderful, and their relationship feels authentic and heartfelt.

Robert Forster delivers an impressive performance as Salvaje, the leader of the tribe who will stop at nothing to get Sarah and her son back. Forster gives the character a menacing and unpredictable quality that adds an element of tension and danger to the movie.

The movie is beautifully shot, and the breathtaking landscape of the Western wilderness is a character in itself. The cinematography captures the vastness and beauty of the prairie, and the soundscape is equally impressive. The score by Fred Karlin is haunting and memorable, and it adds emotional resonance to the movie's emotional beats.

Overall, The Stalking Moon is a Western masterpiece that deftly balances action, drama, and romance. It is a thought-provoking movie that explores themes of race, identity, and family. Anyone who appreciates well-made Western movies will enjoy this gem from 1968.

The Stalking Moon is a 1968 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.