The Far Horizons (1955)
A sweeping historical Western following Lewis and Clark's legendary expedition into America's uncharted frontier, guided by the remarkable Sacajawea.
The Far Horizons - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Far Horizons
- Release Year: 1955
- Directed by: Rudolph Maté
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, Western
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 4, 1955 (United Kingdom), January 24, 1956 (Germany - 12), February 10, 1956 (France), March 13, 1961 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Sentieri di guerra (IT), Dalekie horyzonty (PL), Indianernes krigslist (DK), 遥かなる地平線 (JP), Sacajawea of the Shoshones (US), De Slavin der Minnetarees (NL), Bortom fjärran horisonter (SE), Verre horizonten (BE)
- Production Companies: Pine-Thomas Productions, Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Far Horizons - Plot
Virginia, 1803. After the United States of America acquires the inmense Louisiana territory from France, a great expedition, led by William Lewis and Meriwether Clark, is sent to survey the new lands and go where no white man has gone before.
The Far Horizons - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the frontier adventure unfold on screen.
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The Far Horizons - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rudolph Maté
Main Cast
- Fred MacMurray
- Charlton Heston
- Donna Reed
- Barbara Hale
- William Demarest
- Alan Reed
- Eduardo Noriega
- Larry Pennell
- Herbert Heyes
- Lester Matthews
Writers
- Edmund H. North
- Winston Miller
Producers
- William H. Pine
- William C. Thomas
The Far Horizons - FAQs
Is The Far Horizons based on a true story?
Yes. The Far Horizons is inspired by the real Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase. The film dramatizes the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, including their reliance on Shoshone guide Sacajawea, all historical figures.
How is Sacajawea portrayed in The Far Horizons?
Donna Reed plays Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who guides Lewis and Clark westward. The film notably gives her a central romantic role alongside Charlton Heston's Clark, a dramatic embellishment that drew criticism from historians but added emotional depth to the frontier adventure narrative.
Where can you stream The Far Horizons?
The Far Horizons is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be streamed for free through Hoopla, which is accessible via many public library memberships at no additional cost.
Who are the main actors in The Far Horizons?
The film stars Fred MacMurray as Captain Meriwether Lewis, Charlton Heston as Lieutenant William Clark, and Donna Reed as Sacajawea. Supporting roles are filled by Barbara Hale, William Demarest, Alan Reed, Eduardo Noriega, Larry Pennell, Herbert Heyes, and Lester Matthews.
What is The Far Horizons about?
Set in 1803, the film follows the Corps of Discovery as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark lead an expedition into the vast Louisiana Territory acquired from France. Guided by Sacajawea, they traverse uncharted wilderness, encountering Native American tribes and forging a path to the Pacific Ocean.
Who directed The Far Horizons?
The Far Horizons was directed by Rudolph Maté, a Czech-born filmmaker known for his work as a cinematographer before transitioning to directing. He helmed several Hollywood productions in the 1950s, and this film stands among his more ambitious historical epics of that era.
How long is The Far Horizons?
The Far Horizons has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes). The film was produced by Pine-Thomas Productions and released by Paramount Pictures, offering a sweeping widescreen depiction of the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the American frontier.
When was The Far Horizons released?
The Far Horizons was theatrically released in the United States on May 20, 1955. It subsequently opened in the United Kingdom on July 4, 1955, followed by Germany in January 1956, France in February 1956, and Spain in March 1961.
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