Pillars of the Sky

Pillars of the Sky written by Sam Rolfe, George W. George, and John Lee Mahin and directed by George Marshall, is a 1956 western film featuring Jeff Chandler, Dorothy Malone, and Ward Bond. Set in the midst of the 1860s Pacific Northwest, the backdrop of Pillars of the Sky is the establishment of the new railroad lines coming through Native American territory, causing tensions to rise.

Jeff Chandler portrays First Sergeant Emmett Bell, a fair-minded, fierce and stubborn non-commissioned officer assigned in the Oregon Territory. He is characterized as a man straddling two worlds, respected by both the U.S. Army and nearby Native American tribes alike. Chandler's character exhibits an intrinsic understanding and appreciation for the Native American tribes, embodying tolerance, and cultural intermingling rarely displayed during this film era.

The narrative sets in motion when the U.S Army starts constructing a wagon road through the territory, disregarding the treaties they have with the Nez Perce tribes. This act threatens to upturn the fragile peace between the military and the tribes, setting the film's main conflict. Bell finds himself torn between his duties as a soldier sworn to protect settlers and his respect for the rights and traditions of the indigenous tribes.

Dorothy Malone stars as Calla Gaxton, a courageous mission-educated widow. Malone brings a compelling element of romance to this adventure film. Calla shares a past with Bell. Her return to the territory after the death of her missionary husband results in the rekindling of the long-held torch Bell had for her reinspiring the affections they held for each other within the harsh western front.

Ward Bond plays their strict but fair commanding officer, Captain Tom Gaxton. Ward’s portrayal is robust, offering a well-balanced argument of changing times requiring concession from all sides. His character, determined to carry out the mission while trying to maintain peace, brings an added layer of complexity to this strife-ridden frontier.

The supporting cast brought to the screen an engaging combination of Army troopers, settlers, and Nez Perce people all with varying perspectives and allegiances — adding nuanced depth to the story's fabric.

The movie employs meticulously researched Native American symbolism, presenting rituals, traditions, and even the tribal languages authentically. The filmmakers' imaginative depiction of the culture, coupled with remarkable performances from the cast, paints a vivid picture of a forgotten time in America — a time where cultures clashed, and the struggle for peaceful co-existence was ongoing.

Pillars of the Sky served as an allegorical narrative in a world where cultures were merging and clashing at unprecedented rates. It can be seen as a reflection of the times, tackling issues related to territorial encroachment, cultural preservation, racial relationships, and the concept of progress.

Visually stunning, the film was shot in Oregon's lush landscapes, including the breathtaking McKenzie River Valley. The scenes are largely outdoors, beautifully capturing the wilderness that was the Pacific Northwest in the mid-19th century. The cinematography provides an immersive experience, transporting the viewer back in time to the western frontier.

Over the years, Pillars of the Sky has come to be appreciated as a visually beautiful western with a compelling storyline. It exemplifies the western genre’s power when it strays from the traditional simplistic good vs evil plots and explores multifaceted characters, each dealing with their divided loyalties and internal conflicts.

The film's historical backdrop intertwined with the culturally sensitive narrative brings to life a tale from America's past that raises timeless questions of justice, equality, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress. A strong testament to the era of westerns, Pillars of the Sky remains a valuable film for anyone interested in the genre or those seeking insight into America's historical narratives.