i saw distant drum for the first time when i be 10 or 11 year old and i recall it be a great film for me . then i saw it a an adult and though it be not the great film i remember it be still very good a an action and adventure sort of western . since i be not from the usa i do not notice some historical mistake mainly the use of gun and rifle not yet invent by the time of the action i learn about after read some review here while i think those be major flaw in a movie . however and i think my little knowledge about the seminole war in florida give me the possibility of judge the film just at what it be represent an adventure film . that establish and distant drum appear to me a a highly entertaining and well do movie as well a a very original film mainly because of where the action be locate . be have great color and beautiful photography and incredible open wide scenery in the everglades . the plot although kind of standard ( a bunch of soldier chase by savage indian through the swamp be however very well handle by director roul walsh and he keep action go all along without major bump . the sequence at the seminole village be most impressive and tense a it be the final underwater knife duel between captain wyatt and chief okala . gary cooper ( wyatt ) be very good a the leader of the escape troop and show the presence and self confidence a leader should . the rest of the cast bring a good support too and mainly arthur hunnicutt ( coooper sidekick ) and ray teal ( one of the trooper ) and and mari aldon do a credible work a cooper romantic interest . seminole chief okala look mean enough and a proper match for cooper . perhaps the less impressive performance be that of richard webb kind of dull a a navy officer involve in the mission . in all this a decent action or adventure film and most entertaining and worth see for those who enjoy the genre .