Eagle's Wing (1979)
Director:
Anthony Harvey
Writers:
Michael Syson (story), John Briley (screenplay)
Stars:
Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, Harvey Keitel
Though made in Britain and Europe,Eagle's Wing qualifies as a Western. Easterner Pike (Martin Sheen) does a lot of growing up in a hurry when he becomes a trapper out-West. By mid-film, Pike is accomplished enough to compete with Comanche chief White Bull (Sam Waterston, there's a masterpiece of nontypecasting!) over possession of a white, wild stallion. The film contains subliminal pro-ecological and pro-tolerance messages, courtesy of its politically-minded stars and the screenplay by futureGandhi scrivener John Briley. Supporting Sheen and Waterston are such never-fail performers as Harvey Keitel and Stephane Audran.