This is referred to quite a bit, as a B Western – but the locations used and the action sequences would suggest a bigger budget film. I would think that the leading actors would be seen as, not exactly  from the front rank of stars at that time – although they proved adequate in this DeLuxe Color action packed Western – and In Cinemascope.

There were some very good Westerns made around this time – I think of The Searchers and The Last Wagon made the year before – as was The Secret of Treasure Mountain which although not really in the same league as the first two mentioned – nevertheless to me, it was a memorable and enjoyable film.

John Ericson and Lola Albright headed the cast list in this film.

Oregon Passage is  directed by Paul Landres and starring John Ericson, Lola Albright, Edward Platt, and Rachel Ames. Its plot follows a clash between an army lieutenant and Shoshoni Indians in the Cascade Mountains region of Oregon in 1871, where it was filmed.

With bigger Stars,  I am of the opinion that this one could have done very well indeed.    It is well made, and beautifully photographed.   The story also, is good – and we have plenty of action.

Oregon Passage is a tough and action packed picture. The action scenes, particularly the final raid on the fort, are well staged.

John Ericson is good as the dedicated young officer — he’d already been in Bad Day At Black Rock (1955) and Forty Guns (1957). Edward Platt is easy to hate as the  Major- and Lola Albright and Toni Gerry manage well in the roles of the cavalry wife and Indian squaw, respectively.

It was based on a novel by Gordon D. Shirreffs.

Above – The Indians prepare to attack.

Cinematographer Ellis Carter was a real craftsman, often working at Universal-International. He shot some of the best of the studio’s late-50s. films.

Ellis Carter’s outdoor work on Oregon Passage is often beautiful. He and his crew certainly made the most of their two weeks on location.

Above – The Soldiers dig in to fight back as the Indians attack

Above – All Out Fighting

Above – Casualties

Above – A lone Indian

Above – Forward the Soldiers

Above – John Ericson  targets the Chief

Above: The final showdown

Above: The final showdown

Above – A Fight to the finish

Above – A Romantic Ending

Above – the filming was actually done in Oregon