Bison Adventure Films – A Wild Ride

Description: This adventure film, loosely based on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, includes scenes where the explorers encounter bison on their journey. The film's depiction of the American wilderness includes these majestic creatures.

Fact: The film stars Charlton Heston and Fred MacMurray. It was shot in various locations in the American West, capturing the spirit of exploration.

Description: While not primarily about bison, this John Ford classic features scenes where the vastness of the American West is highlighted, including the presence of bison herds. The film's exploration of the frontier includes these iconic animals.

Fact: The film was shot in Monument Valley, Utah, which has become synonymous with Western cinema. John Wayne's performance is often cited as one of his best.

Description: A sprawling Western that features a dramatic cattle drive through bison territory, highlighting the clash between old and new ways of life in the West. The film's wide-angle shots of the plains and the bison herds are a visual treat.

Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was one of the first films to use the VistaVision process for its widescreen format.

Description: This film, while focusing on historical events, includes scenes with bison, emphasizing their importance in the lives of Native American tribes. The film's portrayal of the Sioux Wars includes dramatic buffalo hunts.

Fact: The film was one of the first to depict the Battle of the Little Bighorn from the perspective of the Native Americans. It was shot in South Dakota.

Description: This film follows a mountain man's journey through the Rockies, where he encounters various wildlife, including bison. The film's focus on survival in the wilderness makes it a fitting addition to this collection.

Fact: Robert Redford's performance as Jeremiah Johnson was critically acclaimed, and the film has since become a cult classic. It was shot in Utah, providing a realistic backdrop for the story.

Description: A satirical take on the life of Buffalo Bill Cody, this film includes scenes with bison, reflecting the Wild West shows that featured these animals. The film's exploration of myth versus reality includes the bison's role in American folklore.

Fact: The film was directed by Robert Altman and features Paul Newman as Buffalo Bill. It was shot in Canada, with some scenes filmed at the Banff National Park.

Description: This epic Western follows Lieutenant John J. Dunbar as he befriends a tribe of Lakota Indians and learns to live among them, with bison playing a pivotal role in their culture and survival. The film's breathtaking cinematography captures the essence of the Great Plains and the bison herds that once roamed there.

Fact: Kevin Costner, who also directed the film, won the Best Director Oscar for this movie. The film was shot on location in South Dakota, where real bison were used for authenticity.

Description: Set during the French and Indian War, this film features scenes where the characters navigate through the wilderness, encountering bison along the way. The film's depiction of the American frontier includes the majestic bison as part of the natural landscape.

Fact: The film's score by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman was nominated for an Academy Award. The movie was shot in North Carolina, with some scenes filmed in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Description: A classic Western that includes scenes with bison, showcasing the historical significance of these animals in the lives of Native Americans and settlers. The film's depiction of the Old West includes dramatic buffalo hunts.

Fact: Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur star in this film, which was directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie was one of the first to use Technicolor for its outdoor scenes.

Description: A lesser-known Western that focuses on the lives of buffalo hunters in the late 19th century. The film's narrative revolves around the bison herds and the impact of hunting on the plains.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white, which adds to its gritty, historical feel. It was one of the first films to address the decline of the bison population due to commercial hunting.