Question 1

Why was Devil's Doorway shelved after its press preview?

Accepted Answer

After an unsuccessful May 1950 press preview, MGM shelved the film due to its grim, uncompromising, downbeat story that seemed to spell box-office disaster.

Question 2

Which historical events form the basis of Devil's Doorway?

Accepted Answer

The film has some basis in history, referencing the 1851 Fort Laramie treaty, the Bozeman Trail, Red Cloud's War, and the 1868 treaty that closed the Powder River Country to whites.

Question 3

Who played the Native American character Red Rock, and what was his real background?

Accepted Answer

James Mitchell played Red Rock; he was Caucasian, a trained dancer and choreographer who performed in Oklahoma! (1955) and was a friend of choreographer Agnes de Mille.

Question 4

How much profit did Devil's Doorway earn according to the Eddie Mannix Ledger?

Accepted Answer

The film earned $1,349,000 in the US and Canada and $747,000 overseas, resulting in a profit of $25,000 (about $339,000 in 2025).

Question 5

Which awards did Devil's Doorway receive?

Accepted Answer

The film received awards from the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in 1950 and the Writers Guild of America in 1951.

Devil's Doorway

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