During a short break this month, I saw another one of the dramatiztions
of a Tony Hillerman novel called "The Dark Wind." This movie also
features Officer Jim Chee and Lt. Leaphorn. This 1991 movie is not a
part of the PBS series. It features Lou Diamond Phillips as Officer
Chee, and Fred Ward as Lt. Leaphorn. Leaphorn's character is not
featured very much in the story. It centers around Chee. It has a couple
of other familiar faces, notibly Gary Farmer as a Hopi Deputy Sheriff.
The story centers around a murder in the former 'Navajo-Hopi Joint Use'
area. Chee has just moved to the area and he becomes embroiled in an
investigation that finds himself as a suspect. In comparison to the more
recent series starring Adam Beach and Wes Studi, Chee seems to spend
more time involved in traditional, spiritual activities.
It was an interesting story that fits in with the other movies.
I like to look through the credits of movies. I noticed a couple of
names. Miller Nez was the Navajo advisor for the movie. I know a couple
of younger members of the Nez family. Another name I noticed was the
Production Office Assistant: Carlota Piestewa.
You can buy a copy of this movie, or of the book, through the links below. Click on the title for information, click on "Buy" to order a copy.
Click on one of the underlined phrases below to go to that page.
