Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson

Watch Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson

"The greatest buffaloer of them all!"
  • PG
  • 1976
  • 2 hr 3 min
  • 6.1  (5,266)
  • 61

Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson is a 1976 Western film directed by Robert Altman and starring Paul Newman, Joel Grey, and Kevin McCarthy. The film is loosely based on the real-life showman William F. Cody, who was better known as Buffalo Bill, and his popular Wild West Show, which toured North America and Europe in the late 19th century.

The film is set in 1885, and primarily takes place in the arena where Buffalo Bill (played by Newman) puts on his Wild West Show. The show is a mix of staged historical reenactments, circus-like performances, and showcases of Native American culture, with various members of Cody's group playing famous figures from the American West, such as Annie Oakley (played by Geraldine Chaplin) and Wild Bill Hickok (played by Burt Lancaster).

However, the film quickly reveals that the show is not as genuine as it appears. Cody and his colleagues are often shown arguing over how to present the reenactments, with many of them insisting on exaggerating or outright fabricating events and details in order to make them more exciting and marketable. The show's Native American performers, including Sitting Bull (played by Frank Kaquitts) and his entourage, are largely relegated to passive roles, subjected to racism and exploitation by their white counterparts.

As the film progresses, the tensions between the Native American performers and the white showmen come to a head. In particular, Sitting Bull becomes increasingly disillusioned with Cody's show and the way it misrepresents his culture and history. This culminates in a climactic showdown between Sitting Bull and Cody, in which the former confronts the latter over his lies and manipulations.

One of the key themes of Buffalo Bill and the Indians is the idea of myth-making and the role of popular culture in shaping historical narratives. The film suggests that Cody's Wild West Show, despite its flaws and inaccuracies, had a profound effect on the way that Americans - and people around the world - viewed the American West and its people. At the same time, the film illustrates the dangers of such myth-making, particularly when it involves whitewashing or erasing the experiences of marginalized groups.

The performances in Buffalo Bill and the Indians are excellent across the board. Newman is particularly effective as Cody, portraying him as a charismatic but deeply flawed showman who is torn between his desire for success and his uneasy conscience about the show's dishonesty. Grey is also outstanding as Nate Salisbury, Cody's PR man, who is often shown scheming and manipulating behind the scenes. And Kaquitts brings a powerful presence to his role as Sitting Bull, imbuing the character with a quiet dignity and determination.

Overall, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson is a thought-provoking and insightful film that both celebrates and critiques the mythology of the American West. Robert Altman's direction is masterful, blending elements of traditional Westerns with an absurdist, satirical edge. The film is both entertaining and enlightening, and remains relevant today as a commentary on the ways in which popular culture can shape our understanding of the past.

Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson is a 1976 western with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 61.

Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
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Where to Watch Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Starz, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1976
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    2 hr 3 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (5,266)
  • Metascore
    61
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