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Tell Others About This Page By Using This Button "SEPTEMBER DAWN" (2007) (Jon Voight, Trent Ford) (R) Alcohol/ Drugs Blood/Gore Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude Frightening/ Tense Scenes Guns/ Weapons *None Heavy Extreme *Heavy Extreme Imitative Behavior Jump Scenes Music (Scary/Tense) Music (Inappropriate) Profanity Mild None Mild None Minor Sex/ Nudity Smoking Tense Family Scenes Topics To Talk About Violence Heavy None Heavy Heavy Extreme QUICK TAKE: Drama: Tensions rise as religious doctrine forces a group of mid-19th century Mormons to deal harshly with settlers who are passing through on their way to California. PLOT: It's 1857 and a group of settlers led by Captain Fancher (SHAUN JOHNSTON) are headed from Arkansas and Missouri through Utah on their way to California. There, they plan on bringing horse racing to the miners, but currently need a place to rest as well as feed their horses and other livestock. They get a curt reception, however, by six horsemen, led by John D. Lee (JON GRIES), who are part of an elite security detail enlisted by the Mormon church to keep immigrants at bay and reduce any sort of outside influence on their strict religious lifestyle. After checking them out with his young adult sons Jonathan (TRENT FORD) and Micah (TAYLOR HANDLEY), however, local leader Bishop Jacob Samuelson (JON VOIGHT) decides to give the seemingly innocuous settlers a two-week stay. While settler Nancy Dunlap (LOLITA DAVIDOVICH) doesn't think that's a good idea as she has bad vibes about Jacob and his clan, young Emily Hudson (TAMARA HOPE) is thrilled. While she cares for the young child of widower Robert Humphries (HUNTLEY RITTER), she's taken an instant liking to Jonathan, and the feeling is mutual. Ordered by his father to watch the strangers, and with the race horses as a natural in, Jonathan spends time with the settlers. The fact that some of them are from Missouri, however, doesn't sit well with Jacob or Mormon leader Brigham Young (TERENCE STAMP) who remember when people from that state attacked them and killed their former leader, Joseph Smith. Accordingly, and interpreting the Bible through their Mormon faith, they decide they must get rid of these strangers who they view as amoral and beneath them. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? Unless they have some interest in the real story and/or are fans of someone in the cast, it doesn't seem too likely. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R For violence. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: JON VOIGHT plays the stern local leader of the Mormon settlement who initially allows the settlers to stay on their land, but then changes his mind, quoting religious doctrine as the reason for exterminating the strangers. TRENT FORD plays his son who questions his father and the doctrines of their faith when it appears that's going to lead to a violent and deadly end for the settlers. He also develops feelings for Emily that further complicate the matter. TAMARA HOPE plays a young settler who cares for Robert's young child, but develops feelings for Jonathan despite their religious and cultural differences. SHAUN JOHNSTON plays the captain who's leading the settlers to California and must decide what course of action they should take once they're attacked and surrounded. TAYLOR HANDLEY plays Jonathan's younger brother who already has several wives and loses control of his inhibitions as the bloodbath begins. JON GRIES plays the leader of the elite Mormon security detail that protects their lands and ways. Initially reluctant to carry out his superiors' orders, he finally does, and kills various settlers. TERENCE STAMP plays the leader of the Mormon church who orders that the settlers be exterminated. HUNTLEY RITTER plays a widower who allows Emily to care for his son, and he's developed romantic longings for her, meaning her attraction to Jonathan doesn't sit well with him. LOLITA DAVIDOVICH plays a settler who the Mormons view as amoral due to her wearing of pants and carrying a gun. She feels uneasy about their hosts from the get-go. CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: The following is a quick overview of the content found in this R-rated, period drama. Brief profanity and a handful of colorful phrases are present, as is brief, sexually related dialogue (including that related to polygamy). There's partially seen (through a sheer curtain) and distant female full frontal nudity (mostly breasts) and male rear nudity, while a young couple briefly makes out. Violence consists of people being killed by various means (gunfire, arrows, stabbings and slicing), with varying amounts of bloody results. The killings (of men, women and children) are all done in the name of religion (with the Mormons of the 1850s being the fanatical culprits), and those scenes and moments of peril might be rather unsettling, intense, and/or suspenseful for viewers. Tense family material includes past and present familial deaths, as well as a father and adult son having a falling out, while thematic material includes discussion of the real life events, as well as religion and how certain people and/or groups interpret it and/or manipulate the beliefs of others. For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there are varying amounts of handheld camerawork in the film (sometimes fairly bouncy). ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE None, but Fancher tells Jonathan they're bringing horse racing (and related gambling) to the miners of California to give them something to do besides drinking and "whoring." BLOOD/GORE We see a little blood on one man's shirt after he's been shot. We see a flashback to Mormons killing their own who they think have sinned, including the silhouette of a throat slitting, and then another silhouette of a severed head being held (only briefly seen). A woman's clothed body (presumably murdered) floats by in a river, with Jonathan then carrying that back to the settlers' camp. There's some spilling of blood during the first Mormon attack on the village (such as some spurting out as a girl is shot in the torso). Lee and his men attack a few men looking for help, shooting them off their horses (blood comes out of one man). Micah shoots a man off his horse, with the latter's shirt bloodied. We hear what sounds like Micah vomiting (from having just committed murder). We see a dead man on the ground with a knife in his chest (and blood's around that). Those who are murdered are bloody, and Micah has their blood on him as he goes on a killing spree. Once free of his shackles, Jonathan races to the settlers' camp, only to find some dead and bloody bodies (some with arrows sticking out of them) on the ground. He then makes his way to the scene of the bigger massacre, and more bloody bodies are seen on the ground. A man forces his brother to shoot him dead by acting as if he's going to shoot a young woman (we see blood squirt out). Jacob fires his rifle from a distance and hits a young woman in her torso, delivering a mortal wound (we see some blood on her dress). DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE The settlers initially get a steely reception from Lee and his armed men despite nicely asking and offering to pay to stay on the Mormon land for rest and grazing for their livestock. Jacob, Brigham Young and others look down on the strangers as amoral, beneath them, and eventually needing to be exterminated. That's not only to remove their presence and potential influence, but also -- according to their religious doctrine -- to save their souls (even referring to the religious strangers as children of Satan). Brigham Young states that Hell cannot remove him and that he's the voice of God. The Mormons refer to the Christians as gentiles (meant in a derogatory fashion). Jonathan saying that Jacob thinks Nancy is an abomination for being a woman who wears pants and carries a gun. Jacob wants Jonathan to marry, saying that he's the Bishop and thus Jonathan can have any girl he wants. We learn that Jacob allowed an apostle to take his wife in the past (stating it was a religious calling), and Jonathan is upset about that in the present. We then see a flashback to his mom coming back to get him as a child, but then a view of her dead body on the ground, with Jacob present to see that (and accepting the decree that she be killed). Various Mormons dress as Indians to attack the settlers. A Mormon refers to the Indians as savages. Brigham Young lies to federal investigators about his involvement in the massacre. FRIGHTENING SCENES Scenes listed under "Violence" (specifically the attacks on the camp) and/or "Blood/Gore" may be unsettling or suspenseful to younger viewers and/or those with low tolerance levels for such material. Viewers may be concerned for the settlers when Brigham Young and Jacob give the orders to have all of them killed. A man chases Jonathan through the woods (both on horseback), but it turns out to be Micah and the tension evaporates once that's known. Robert gives his baby to Emily so that he can go off to the Mormons for help, unaware that they were the ones who just attacked them (posing as Indians). Four days after the attack, the settlers are low on food, water and ammo, but can't leave as they're surrounded. The Mormons fool the settlers into dropping their guard (when we know what's going to happen). They convince the settlers to put their guns in one wagon and their children in another, and then lead them on a long march. We then see people lying in wait, and then the attack begins. During the massacre, Emily grabs Robert's baby and tries to flee, eventually hiding off on the side of a field. Micah then finds her and aims his pistol at her, with Jonathan then showing up and pleading for him to stop. Following the massacre, Jonathan raises his gun to his head to commit suicide, by a nearby crying baby stops him. GUNS/WEAPONS Pistols/Rifles/Knives/Arrows/Tomahawks: Carried and/or used to threaten, wound, or kill others. See "Violence" for details. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR Phrases: "Something to do besides drinking and whoring," "Fool," "May they go to hell," "I think that boy does speak horse," "Hell cannot remove me," "I am the voice of God" and "Have you all gone mad?" Jonathan approaches and eventually rides a horse that's reportedly too wild to ride. JUMP SCENES None. MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE) A mild amount of suspenseful music plays in the film. MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE) None. PROFANITY At least 1 damn, 1 hell, and 1 use each of "Dear God," "God," "Oh God" and "Oh my God." SEX/NUDITY There's talk that Micah has several wives, and Jacob says he thinks his son should get another. We later hear that Jacob has 18 wives, while Brigham Young has 27. Fancher tells Jonathan they're bringing horse racing (and related gambling) to the miners of California to give them something to do besides drinking and "whoring." A Mormon states that he'd have no problem killing his wife if she lay with his brother (meaning sex). About having wives, Micah tells Jonathan that there's nothing like a soft body to cuddle up with at night. Later, he says he's going home to go to bed with his wives. We partially see Jonathan in bed, shirtless. Through a sheer curtain at a religious indoctrination ritual, we partially see a young woman's full frontal nudity (specifically her bare breasts) as well as Jonathan's full rear nudity (both are brief views). Jonathan happens upon Emily standing (clothed) in the river, somewhat sensuously bathing herself (the slow motion of her hand, as well as her expression results in the sensual aspect). She also lowers one shoulder of her dress to wipe the wet cloth or sponge there. She then sees Jonathan, joins him on his horse, and the two passionately kiss, mostly in silhouette. SMOKING None. TENSE FAMILY SCENES We hear that Emily helps widower Robert with his young child. Nancy is a widow with children in her care. We learn that Jacob allowed an apostle to take his wife in the past (stating it was a religious calling), and Jonathan is upset about that in the present. We then see a flashback to his mom coming back to get him as a child, but then a view of her dead body on the ground, with Jacob present to see that (and accepting the decree that she be killed). Mad at Jacob, Jonathan pushes him back against an interior barn wall and then pins him down, trying to strangle him. Micah then shows up and pulls Jonathan away. A man forces his brother to shoot him dead by acting as if he's going to shoot a young woman (we see blood squirt out). TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT The true events that inspired the film, and the accuracy thereof and/or any artistic license taken with the story. Mormonism, its founding, history, and other elements. Polygamy. There's talk that Micah has several wives, and Jacob says he thinks his son should get another. We later hear that Jacob has 18 wives, while Brigham Young has 27. The notion of killing in the name of religion, particularly regarding the supposed belief of saving the victims' souls by murder. Differing religions and the various ways in which they look at dealing with others, including sinners. How paranoia, persuasion, and propaganda can lead people to do unthinkable things, such as murdering innocent people. The comment that money is the root of all evil. The notion of love at first sight. What a $2,000 horse in 1857 would equate to today (that's how much Fancher says his cost). Jonathan saying that Jacob thinks Nancy is an abomination for being a woman who wears pants and carries a gun. Jacob stating that death (via murder) will lead to eternal salvation for the settlers. The fact that the last attack occurred on September 11, 1857. VIOLENCE There's a flashback to various Mormons ransacking and then burning a place. There's a flashback to a mob coming after Joseph Smith, Jacob and others. They storm a door, during which Joseph Smith and another man are shot dead (we see a little blood on one's shirt). We see a flashback to Mormons killing their own who they think have sinned, including the silhouette of a throat slitting, and then another silhouette of a severed head being held (only briefly seen). We see a flashback to Jonathan's mom coming back to get him as a child, but then a view of her dead body on the ground, with Jacob present to see that (and accepting the decree that she be killed - the murder is not seen). Mad at Jacob, Jonathan pushes him back against an interior barn wall and then pins him down, trying to strangle him. Micah then shows up and pulls Jonathan away. A woman's clothed body (presumably murdered) floats by in a river, with Jonathan then carrying that back to the settlers' camp. Jonathan struggles with men as they arrest him. We later see him shackled to a bed (to prevent him from warning the settlers about what's to occur). Various Mormons dress as Indians to attack the settlers. Their siege then begins, starting with a girl being shot in the torso (and blood squirts out). Bullets then fly both ways, while the Mormons fire arrows into the camp. Various people are hit on both sides, while a man nearly strikes Emily with his rifle butt as she cowers, but another settler shoots her attacker dead. An arrow, however, hits her rescuer, killing him. That's followed by some hand to hand combat before the Mormons retreat and then surround the camp. Lee and his men attack a few men looking for help, shooting them off their horses (blood comes out of one man). Micah shoots a man off his horse, with the latter's shirt bloodied. While shackled to a bed, Jonathan breaks a window and grabs Micah by the hair on the other side, threatening to cut his throat if he doesn't free him. We see a dead man on the ground with a knife in his chest (and blood's around that). The Mormons fool the settlers into dropping their guard (when we know what's going to happen). They convince the settlers to put their guns in one wagon and their children in another, and then lead them on a long march. We then see people lying in wait, and then the attack begins. Men, women, and children are all gunned down, stabbed, sliced and killed in other ways (including Micah repeatedly bashing one with a rifle butt), with some bloody results. A man forces his brother to shoot him dead by acting as if he's going to shoot a young woman (we see blood squirt out). Jacob fires his rifle from a distance and hits a young woman in her torso, delivering a mortal wound (we see some blood on her dress). A firing squad shoots a man dead (we don't see the impact). Reviewed August 24, 2007 / Posted August 24, 2007

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