An Up-To-Date Squaw

About This Movie

An Up-To-Date Squaw is this curious blend of comedy and Western that captures a moment of cultural intersection, albeit through a rather skewed lens. You’ve got this Indian woman who, caught up in the tourists’ fashionable allure, decides to transform herself with the most eye-catching attire. The pacing is quick, almost frenetic at times, especially when her husband starts chasing her through the town, leading to some amusing pandemonium. The practical effects are minimal, but the performances are delightfully earnest, lending a sort of naive charm to the piece. It’s fascinating not just as a film but as a snapshot of early 20th-century attitudes towards Native Americans and tourism – not exactly flattering, but definitely intriguing.

This film is relatively scarce in collector's circles, reflecting the era's limited preservation practices. Various formats have surfaced over the years, but prints are often in rough shape. Many collectors appreciate it not only for its historical context but also for its comedic take on cultural encounters, making it a curiosity worth exploring.