Director James Cruze produced the first historical Epic Big Screen Western in 1923 for Paramount Pictures. One of the most popular and critically acclaimed films of the first half of that decade. With J. Warren Kerrigan, Lois Wilson, and Ernst Torrence. An authentic retelling of the plight of pioneers on the trek of Oregon Trail during the 1840's. Literally hundreds of real Indians, and the actual offspring of the settlers themselves took part in the making of the picture. Conestoga's abound.