Indians in The Magnificent Seven

Normally we don't associate The Magnificent Seven, the classic Western based on Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, with Indians. "Everyone knows," even those who haven't seen it, that it's about cowboys vs. Mexican banditos. But Indians do play a minor but essential role in the movie.

In fact, it's an Indian who first brings Chris (Yul Brynner) and Vin (Steve McQueen) together to form the group's nucleus. Unfortunately, he's a dead Indian who's been lying in the street two days. Here's the undertaker (Whit Bissell) explaining the situation to Henry and another salesman:Undertaker:  They say he isn't fit to be buried there.

Salesman:  What? In Boot Hill?!

Henry:  There's nothing up there but murders, cutthroats and derelict old barflies, and if they ever felt exclusive, brother they're past it now.

Undertaker:  They happen to be white, friend. And old Sam ... old Sam was an Indian.

Henry:  Well I'll be damned. I never knew you had to be anything but a corpse to get into Boot Hill. How long's this been going on?

Undertaker:  Since the town got `civilized`. Oh it's not my doing, boys, I don't like it, no sir. I've always treated every man the same, just as another future customer.Chris and Vin agree to drive the hearse up the street to the cemetery. A crowd follows them and someone shouts "Injun lovers!" But they face down the opposition and ensure that Old Sam is buried properly.

We don't know if Chris and Vin harbor other prejudices, but their willingness to stick up for an Indian is telling. Clearly, they have the stuff of heroes inside them. It's no surprise when they decide to protect a poor Mexican town for the principle of it.

Judging by the town's festival, the farmers' culture has a strong Indian influence. Their celebration is a mixture of Catholic and Native religion (e.g., a dancer wearing a deer's head). You can see similar celebrations in New Mexico's pueblos today.

Also, the Harry Luck character keeps speculating about what the seven are really protecting: gold, silver, gemstones, etc. Eventually he suggests it must be "Aztec treasure." It's a further confirmation that the region has Indian roots.

For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.