In the novel Ethan (In the novel his name was Amos) was killed at the end and Martin rescues Debbie. But they are rejected by white society because of Indian taint. The pair end up at the burnt out ruins of the Edwards ranch. You are left with the impression that Debbie and Martin will only have each other for the…

It was remade as a TV movie with James Arness and Bruce Boxlightener. I don't think Ethan Edwards is a villain. He's just a character with alot of amoral and imoral qualities. He is redeemed when he spares Debbie, but he is punished at the end with rejection and self imposed exhile

Barbara Stanwyck was….woof! Her sexuality held more power than, say, Julliana Moore's full blown nudity and coke-addled character in BOOGIE NIGHTS.