There is a sequence at the end of "Captain from Castile" starring Tyrone Power when the Spanish set out to conquer the New World. It's a fantastic scene accompanied by a monumental musical theme, "Conquest", by composer Alfred Newman. I was disappointed the movie ended at that point. We don't get to see what happens.
However "Seven Cities of Gold" starts where "Captain from Castile" left off, albeit 140 years later. A Spanish army sets out to explore California; this time accompanied by a stirring score by Hugo Friedhofer, another of the great film maestros. Both he and Newman gave the Spanish themes a thorough workout.
The film is based on the 1769 expedition to California led by Captain Gaspar de Portolà (Anthony Quinn). Forcing his way into the expedition is peace-loving missionary, Father Junipero Serra (Michael Rennie), who wishes to build missions to convert the natives.
After encountering the Indians and winning them over, Portolà's second in command, Lt. Jose Mendoza (Richard Egan), causes friction. He ignores advice often given to travellers not to fool around with the native women; Ula (Rita Moreno), the trim, tanned chief's daughter proves far too tempting.
Eventually Mendoza is forced to reject her. You might get away with that sort of thing during the rose ceremony on "The Bachelor", but not here. It takes an act of self-sacrifice to save the expedition.
The film is not a mindless action fest. In fact, it might be just a little too talky. It acknowledges the damage done during the Spanish conquests, but presents Father Serra and his faith in a positive light.
I have always liked Richard Egan. He had an amazing presence. He looked heroic and actually was. You read snippets about his military service during WW2; the hand-to-hand combat expert, and hints of lone missions in the Philippines, but he never spoke of it. There were bigger stars than Richard Egan, but not bigger men.
Jeffrey Hunter seemed a little awkward in his feathers and war paint while Anthony Quinn on the other hand was gravitas personified. He exuded the qualities that make you believe he could lead men anywhere.
I remember seeing "Seven Cities" on B/W television. It's not the way to see it. The filmmakers went to a lot of trouble with impressive sets, authentic costumes and real locations. Widescreen and full colour do it justice.
However "Seven Cities of Gold" starts where "Captain from Castile" left off, albeit 140 years later. A Spanish army sets out to explore California; this time accompanied by a stirring score by Hugo Friedhofer, another of the great film maestros. Both he and Newman gave the Spanish themes a thorough workout.
The film is based on the 1769 expedition to California led by Captain Gaspar de Portolà (Anthony Quinn). Forcing his way into the expedition is peace-loving missionary, Father Junipero Serra (Michael Rennie), who wishes to build missions to convert the natives.
After encountering the Indians and winning them over, Portolà's second in command, Lt. Jose Mendoza (Richard Egan), causes friction. He ignores advice often given to travellers not to fool around with the native women; Ula (Rita Moreno), the trim, tanned chief's daughter proves far too tempting.
Eventually Mendoza is forced to reject her. You might get away with that sort of thing during the rose ceremony on "The Bachelor", but not here. It takes an act of self-sacrifice to save the expedition.
The film is not a mindless action fest. In fact, it might be just a little too talky. It acknowledges the damage done during the Spanish conquests, but presents Father Serra and his faith in a positive light.
I have always liked Richard Egan. He had an amazing presence. He looked heroic and actually was. You read snippets about his military service during WW2; the hand-to-hand combat expert, and hints of lone missions in the Philippines, but he never spoke of it. There were bigger stars than Richard Egan, but not bigger men.
Jeffrey Hunter seemed a little awkward in his feathers and war paint while Anthony Quinn on the other hand was gravitas personified. He exuded the qualities that make you believe he could lead men anywhere.
I remember seeing "Seven Cities" on B/W television. It's not the way to see it. The filmmakers went to a lot of trouble with impressive sets, authentic costumes and real locations. Widescreen and full colour do it justice.