Cheyenne Autumn facts for kids

Cheyenne Autumn is a 1964 American epic Western movie directed by John Ford. It stars famous actors like Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, James Stewart, and Edward G. Robinson. The movie was released by Warner Bros. and was even nominated for an Academy Award in 1965. It's known for being one of the few Westerns of its time that tried to show the story from the perspective of Native Americans.

What is Cheyenne Autumn About?

This movie tells the story of the Cheyenne people in 1878. They were forced to live on a reservation in Oklahoma, far from their traditional lands in Wyoming. The film shows their long and difficult journey as they try to return home. This journey was a real historical event, often called the "Cheyenne Exodus." The movie highlights the challenges and struggles the Cheyenne faced during this time.

Why is This Movie Important?

Cheyenne Autumn is considered a "Revisionist Western". This means it looks at the old stories of the American West in a new way. Traditional Westerns often showed Native Americans as villains. However, this movie tries to show their side of the story, focusing on their courage and their fight for freedom and their homeland. It was one of the first major Hollywood films to do this.

Who Made the Movie?

The Director: John Ford

John Ford was a very famous director, especially known for his Western movies. He directed many classic films like Stagecoach and The Searchers. Cheyenne Autumn was one of his last Westerns. He wanted to make this film to apologize for how Native Americans were shown in some of his earlier movies.

The Main Actors

The movie features a strong cast of well-known actors.

• Richard Widmark plays Captain Thomas Archer, a U.S. Cavalry officer who tries to help the Cheyenne.
• Carroll Baker plays Deborah Wright, a Quaker teacher who also supports the Cheyenne.
• James Stewart appears as Wyatt Earp, a famous lawman.
• Edward G. Robinson plays Carl Schurz, the Secretary of the Interior, who deals with Native American affairs.

What is an Academy Award?

An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is a very important award given for excellence in movies. It's one of the most famous awards in the world. When a movie is nominated for an Oscar, it means it's considered one of the best films of the year in its category. Cheyenne Autumn was recognized for its achievements in filmmaking.

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