Winterhawk

Winterhawk is a classic western film that was written by Charles B. Pierce, Earl E. Smith and Kalai Strode. Distributed by Charles B. Pierce Film Productions, the film was directed by Charles B. Pierce and features Michael Dante, Woody Strode, Denver Pyle, Leif Erickson and Elisha Cook Jr., L. Q. Jones and Arthur Hunnicutt. The film takes place during the 19th century period. Much of the west at that time was mostly known to house locally organized Indian inhabitants. In this region, the Indians go about the business of tending the land and building communities. They are also approached by the sparse number of white traders and trappers, along with a smattering of mountain men.

The Indians are encouraged to develop strategies with the white men for the benefit of both. For a time, these activities seem to work well and all is going along smoothly for both the men and the Indians.

Winterhawk, a Blackfoot chief decides to enter into business with the white men, believing that they can all benefit from the budding trade in the region. He is doing a lot of transporting of furs to be traded with the white men which he exchanges for medicine. The medication is needed to fight the rabid smallpox epidemic that has been destroying tribes across the land. It is also hoped that the medicine can be cultured so that more can be easily made.

However, the white men have been routinely taking advantage of the Indians. Winterhawk is double crossed and his furs stolen. To exact revenge, he decides to kidnap a local white woman (played by Dawn Wells). Her younger brother, Cotton (played by Chuck Pierce Jr.) ultimately disappears into the mountains.

Pursuit parties are assembled and embark upon journeys to rescue the boy and the woman. The party becomes more populated as it stops along the route, collecting a great number of citizens, each one taken with the plight of those lost.