The Far Horizons

Colourful Historical Adventure
Released theatrically in 1954, "The Far Horizons" is an entertaining film about the Lewis and Clark expedition at the turn of the ninteenth century, a pivotal event in the history of the United States. I suspect that historians will roll their eyes at the "Hollywood" version of this famously long, arduous but important expedition that ultimately ensured that America would reach from "sea to sea". Personally I have no problem with actual events being "enhanced" for the entertainment, as well as the enlightenment, of an audience.

President Thomas Jefferson (avuncular Herbert Heyes) has just completed the massive Louisiana Purchase deal with Napoleon, greatly expanding the territory of the United States. However, this vast area now needs to be explored and mapped. The President decides that his loyal secretary, Meriwether Lewis (steadfast Fred MacMurray), is the man for the job, along with a soldier experienced in fighting Indians, William Clark (a driven, intense Charlton...

Good Movie!
I realize that this movie is not completely accurate and that a Native American did not play the part of Sacajawea, but I thought it played out well because it gave us a clear idea of some of the circumstances that led up to and possibly happened during this arduous journey west. The scenery was beautiful. My daughter is reading a book about Sacajawea and it opened her eyes to many interesting events in history. One of them being how the Indians lived and their devotion to the land was very apparent. I am very happy to have purchased this movie and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand this part of history better. You may want to read about this part of history first, like we did, so that you can separate fact from fiction.

Memories
Enjoyed seeing the movie "Far Horizons" again. Watched part of it filming in Jackson Hole country back in 1954. Nice to have it on DVD.

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