The Covered Wagon
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
James Cruze
Lois Wilson
J. Warren Kerrigan
Ernest Torrence
Charles Ogle
Ethel Wales
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Two wagon trains--one led by Wingate, the other by Will Banion--in 1848 travel from Westport Landing (Kansas City) over the Oregon Trail to California and Oregon. Their major adventures include the crossing of the Platte River, an Indian attack, and a prairie fire. The narrative revolves around Will Banion and Wingate's daughter, Molly. Her scoundrel fiancée, Sam Woodhull, works constantly to discredit Banion, with the eventual result that Banion and his wagons are banished from the train and follow the lure of gold to California. Molly learns the truth through Kit Carson and Bridger and sends Jackson for Banion. They are married after Jackson saves Banion from being murdered by Woodhull.
Director
James Cruze
Cast
Lois Wilson
J. Warren Kerrigan
Ernest Torrence
Charles Ogle
Ethel Wales
Alan Hale
Tully Marshall
Guy Oliver
John Fox
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
In an early cut of this film prior to its release, director James Cruze appeared in a brief cameo heavily disguised as an Indian. Screenwriter 'Jack Cunningham' wrote him a memo saying that, even if viewers didn't recognize him from his days as an actor, he looked too "white" alongside the genuine Indians who appeared in the film. Cunningham prevailed, and the scene was deleted.
Notes
Adolph Zukor was later added as Presenter with Jesse L. Lasky. "'The Covered Wagon' ... is dedicated to the memory of Theodore Roosevelt" (souvenir program). The cast of 3,000 people includes 1,000 Indians brought from reservations in Wyoming, New Mexico, and other States under the direction of Col. T. J. McCoy.
