Based on the classic writings of James Fenimore Cooper, this exciting frontier adventure series vividly captured the daring exploits of Hawkeye, "first of the long rifles," and his faithful blood brother Chingachgook, last of the Mohicans. Set in New York's Hudson Valley of the 1750s, the series was filmed almost entirely in Canada from 1957 to 1958 utilizing authentic outdoor settings and carefully observed period detail. Athletic and handsome John Hart, famous for playing the title role in
Jack Armstrong, The All-American Boy (1947) and numerous action adventure movies, is a natural as Nat 'Hawkeye' Cutler. Lon Chaney, Jr. plays the Chingachgook role with relish, years after he had gained fame for his starring role in
Of Mice And Men and the classic Universal movie
The Wolf Man.Episode 1 - Snake Tattoo: Hawkeye and Chingachgook offer to help a young Indian boy who has been raised by a white man. They discover the youngster is actually the son of a Cree tribe chief.
Episode 2 - Medicine Man: Wenatchgo, an old medicine man, is found wandering through the woods by Hawkeye and Chingachgook. The elderly tribesman reveals that he has been driven out of his clan by an ambitious younger brave.
Episode 3 - Scape Goat: The harsh winter has taken a heavy toll on the Tuscarora tribe. Hawkeye tries to help the Indians brace against the elements and fend off starvation.
Episode 4 - The Contest: It's a battle of wits as Hawkeye and Chingachgook take on two thieves with false identities.