Smith! (1969)

Walt Disney
Directed by Michael O'Herlihy
My rating: 2.5 stars out of 4
IMDb
(DVD, Walt Disney)

Smith is an easy-going rancher with a soft heart for Indians. When a young Indian is accused of murder, he goes beyond the call of duty to defend him. The characterizations by a group of old pros like Glenn Ford, Nancy Olson and Keenan Wynn are broad: there is the local corrupt sheriff, the lovable old rancher and his ornery wife. It all ends up in a long-winded court trial. The highlight is the testimony by old Chief Dan George, who instead of telling the facts of the case gives an allegorical story about self-defense.