The stereotypical depiction of Indians certainly did a flip-flop when Little Big Man was made. The angry, stupid, cruel savage was replaced by the sensitive, earth-loving, ideal human as demonstrated by the Cheyennes in the movie. And of course, Custer was transformed from martyred American hero to megalomaniac, bloodthirsty murderer. The depiction of the Indians was redeemed by Chief Dan George, who was excellent in his role.

The most realistic (in my opinion) depiction of Indians and the true nature of the Indian Wars was represented in the film Ulzana's Raid, a Burt Lancaster vehicle from the early 70s. Hollywood is notorious for black and white judgement calls: Divining the deeper understanding behind complex issues has never been the strong suit. The fact that most Americans have divined their opinions about Indian people and the complicated issues surrounding them from movies is a sad statement about the national mentality.