Last of the Dogmen, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

Could a tribe of Indians live in complete isolation from the world in the 1990"s and no one know anything about them? That's the premise of this adventure-romance starring Tom Berenger as a modern day cowboy bounty hunter. Berenger plays Lewis Gates, an expert tracker, who agrees to help a small town sheriff (Kurtwood Smith) find three escaped convicts who have fled into a remote mountainous area in Montana. Gates, convinced that an unknown tribe of Indians is living in the area, persuades Dr. Lillian Sloan (Barbara Hershey), an anthropology professor, to teach him the history of Indian tribes in the region. Together they undertake an arduous journey into the wilderness in search of the descendants of a group of Cheyenne soldiers known as the Dogmen who survived a massacre in 1864. Lewis and Lillian eventually find the natives, become friends with them and even adopt their lifestyle. But their peaceful existence can't last because the sheriff has sent a party to locate them. In spite of some exciting action and truly spectacular scenery, the story seems contrived and the acting at times is not too believable. Still, THE LAST OF THE DOGMEN is reasonably entertaining for those who enjoy outdoor adventure movies.

Although Lillian and Lewis are too very different personalities, they become attracted to each other. This could have led to a sexual relationship, but it doesn't because the producers apparently decided to impart some traditional values into the story. Other values are also present, such as a respect for the Indians and their culture. The Indians are fierce warriors and shoot Lewis' dog with an arrow to prove it. Once they recognize that Lewis and Lillian pose no threat to the tribe, they become friends. A little Indian girl even nurses Lewis' dog back to health. Also, the sheriff, who has held a long time grudge against Lewis, resolves to quit hating him. However, the writers could not resist inserting jolting profanities and some obscenities into the dialogue, making the film offensive to discriminating viewers and not appropriate for children. If it were not for its rough language, THE LAST OF THE DOGMEN would be suitable for family viewing.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Savoy PIctures, 152 W. 57th St.38th Floor, NY, NY 10019