Tecumseh

Year: 1972 Length: 99 minutes Director: Hans Kratzert

At the beginning of the 19th century when the Napoleonic Wars raged in Europe, battles among the westward moving white settlers and the Indians threatened in their existence are became commonplace. One of the most visible representatives of the Americans is governor Harrison of Indiana. By means of so-called treaties he tries to barter land from the Indians. He uses the feuds among the tribes and differences of opinion among the chiefs for his own ends.

However, his deceiving manipulations meet resistance when the Shawnee Tecumseh manages to unify all the land still in Indian hands and declares it inalienable property. Nevertheless, after alternating battles and courageous resistance the Indians succumb to an enemy that is superior in numbers and weaponry. Tecumseh dies in this battle on October 5th, 1813.

Picture and text (c) 1983 Progress Film-Verleih