Don't Believe the Hype

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Blistering performances.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Made right after the Full Implementation of the Hays Code that Limited the Portraying of Certain types of Violence and Behavior, this Film shows Signs of Capitulation and Adherence but not Complete Surrender.There is Interracial Love making, Scalping, Torture, and other Displays of Nastiness that give this Movie a Real Feel for the Frontier Days and the Conflicts of Cultures and Countries.Quite Impressive, the Film Holds Up really well and Modern Audiences will be Surprised that this Early Hollywood effort is a Testament at how Good they could be at their Craft when everything was Clicking. It has very Little that is Dated or Embarrassing Today. Especially the Reverence and Tolerance given All Points of View from All Points of View.A good companion piece to the Michael Mann remake, this is a film that could be offered as one of the best of the early "period" films of the slowly evolving studio movie machine that would peak just a few years later.

During most of the twentieth century, white actors usually played leading ethnic roles in Hollywood's films. Chinese, American-Indian and many other groups were played by various actors who often looked and sounded nothing like the people they were intended to portray. It was wrong, but that was the way it was. So, when you watch "Last of the Mohicans" (1936), just accept the goofy casting of Robert Barrat as 'Chingochgook' and Bruce Cabot as 'Magua'. Sure, they were supposed to be American-Indians but were popular white supporting actors. And although you may disagree, Cabot and Barrat did reasonably good jobs in these odd roles--particularly Cabot. And, if you think this is goofy, remember in two earlier versions, Bela Lugosi (in a German-made version) and Boris Karloff BOTH played American-Indian roles!! So, it could be worse! As for the story, it's a very good retelling of the James Fenimore Cooper story. Randolph Scott has always been an underrated actor--probably because his acting seemed so natural and unadorned. He played the role simply and effectively. The rest of the cast were also very good. While some might disagree, this might just be the best of the various versions of the story. I've seen about a half dozen others (including the Daniel Day-Lewis version) and liked the 1936 film best. And, while you might think it crazy, the made for TV version with Steve Forrest is awfully good as well.Nice sets, excellent acting and costumes, this one does justice to this timeless American classic.

"The Last of the Mohicans" with a young Randolph Scott and no shirt. (Be still my heart!) Hawkeye (Scott) is a handsome, laid back scout for the Colonists. He is very knowledgeable in the ways of the Native Americans. Alice Munro (Binnie Barnes) and her sister, Cora (Heather Angel), are the daughters of the fort commandant. During a murderous raid (after their father surrenders the fort under a flag of truce) they are captured by Magua (Bruce Cabot). This is after he murders their father. With the help of best buddies Chingachgook (Robert Barrat) and his son Uncas (Phillip Reed), Hawkeye must try to rescue the women from the Hurons and death. Of course they end up with a British 'leader' (?) in the persona of Major Duncan Heyward (Henry Wilcoxon). He's in love with Alice. At first the Major causes trouble for everyone. Hawkeye refuses to obey a couple of orders. Being a British officer that doesn't set well. The Major doesn't realize that pride and a lack of knowledge is a dangerous combination in this New World. But he begins to understand and respect Hawkeye and his friends. Then there's the differences in the land his army occupies. Thus begins the building of a strong mutual respect for each other.These men are from very different backgrounds but they must work together. All this will help build to an outcome that will bring both anguish and happiness.

Even if it weren't based on a book, this movie would have been horrible, and its worse because it is nothing like the classic book it was based on. I would recommend you read the book, but if all possible, pass by this sad excuse for a movie.1/10