The story is set in the British province of New York during the French and Indian War, and concerns—in part—a Huron massacre (with passive French acquiescence) of between 500 to 1,500 Anglo-American troops, who had honorably surrendered at Fort William Henry, plus some women and servants; the kidnapping of two sisters, daughters of the British commander; and their rescue by the last Mohicans.
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I have to say that being an English major and having taught for many years, I always found these James Fenimore Cooper books incredibly dull. They were so talky an descriptive. I would imagine creating a screenplay for one wasn't so hard because most of the setup was there. So what gets pulled out is a sort of generic pioneer guy (Daniel Boone like) and the adventures he had. At his side was his Indian buddy and his adversaries were usually other tribal characters. He had the long rifle which had to reloaded time after time. He was feared by his enemies because he managed to be pretty much alone. Women were there but they were silly (some say Cooper never met one) and pretty much to be rescued. This is probably the most entertaining book and the one movies seem to latch on to. Randolph Scott does an adequate job as Hawkeye (for some reason the same guy had different name in the books). The non Native American actors are also adequate.
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.
Although I have never read the book, I have seen several movies about "The Last of the Mohicans" including those that starred Harry Carey, Michael O'Shea (Buster Crabbe as Magua), Steve Forest, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Randolph Scott as Hawkeye (Nathaniel). Also the TV program starring ex-Lone Ranger, John Hart. For me the number one is Randolph Scott. I'm not saying that the others aren't good, but he is my idea of a clean cut, all American hero whom I'd like to have as a friend especially in time of danger. Actor for actor, the 1936 version has the best cast. Nobody is better than Bruce Cabot as Magua and Robert Barrat is the greatest Chingachgook of all, even though neither one is a real Indian. The final fight to the death between the two of them is far superior than that of any other version and Barrat's homage to his dead son Uncas (Phillip Reed) brings me to tears. There is room for all of these versions, and if you can, watch all of them and pick your own favorite.
Those who enjoyed the 1992 Michael Mann/Daniel Day-Lewis version of this American classic might also like to take a look at this older Hollywood production and contrast the two. Randolph Scott plays Hawkeye as a much more affable, almost happy-go-lucky character than does the famously intense Mr. Day-Lewis. The Indian roles are played by palefaces here, but at least they're not egregiously insulting to native Americans.It still surprises me from time to time when I see how well movies were made so long ago, when the art form didn't have that long of a tradition behind it. Techniques and temperaments change over the years, but the world is big enough for more than one good version of 'The Last of the Mohicans.'
