Watch Yellowstone Kelly

Yellowstone Kelly is a 1959 Western film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring Clint Walker, Edd Byrnes, and John Russell. The movie follows the story of a fur trapper named Kelly, who arrives at the Yellowstone River in 1870 to trade furs with the local Indian tribes. However, Kelly's peaceful trade mission is interrupted by a group of bandits who are on the run from the law.

Kelly's encounter with the bandits leads him to cross paths with Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Miles, who is leading an army expedition to pacify the surrounding Indian tribes. Kelly joins the expedition as a scout and meets Joe Hatcher, a young gunslinger who wants to make a name for himself in the West. Initially skeptical of each other, the two men eventually bond and become friends.

As the expedition progresses, Kelly and Hatcher come across Sitanka, a Sioux chief, who has been wrongly accused of instigating a war against the white settlers. Kelly, who knows the truth, decides to help Sitanka in his quest for justice. The stakes are high since the expedition's success hinges on the timely pacification of the Indian tribes.

The movie is a classic Western adventure that takes the audience on a journey through the untamed landscapes of the American West. The film's stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the Yellowstone River and the surrounding rugged terrain. The soundtrack, composed by Howard Jackson, adds to the movie's epic feel.

One of the movie's strengths is the chemistry between the main actors. Clint Walker, famous for his role as Cheyenne Bodie in the TV series Cheyenne, gives a nuanced performance as Yellowstone Kelly. He portrays Kelly as a complex character who is not just a rugged frontiersman but also a man of honor and empathy. Edd Byrnes, best known for his role as Kookie in the TV series 77 Sunset Strip, delivers a standout performance as Joe Hatcher, a cocky yet likable gunslinger. John Russell, who played Marshal Dan Troop in the TV series Lawman, plays the role of Colonel Miles with authority and charisma.

The movie also touches on some serious themes, such as race relations and the exploitation of the natural resources of the American West. The portrayal of the Sioux chief, Sitanka, is respectful and dignified, which was uncommon for Western films of the time. The movie shows how the Sioux were systematically pushed out of their ancestral lands and robbed of their way of life.

Overall, Yellowstone Kelly is a must-see for fans of Western movies. Its engaging plot, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography make it a classic of the genre. Clint Walker's portrayal of the titular character and his bond with Edd Byrnes' Joe Hatcher add heart to the film's epic storyline. The movie is a perfect example of how the Western genre could transcend the clichés of its time and tell stories that are compelling, entertaining and socially relevant.

Yellowstone Kelly is a 1959 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.