Who killed Billy Myers in the English? This question has intrigued readers and film enthusiasts alike since the release of the 1971 film “A Man Called Horse.” Directed by John Sturges and based on the novel of the same name by Peter Pagnall, the movie tells the story of an English soldier, Billy Myers, who is captured by the Cheyenne tribe during the American Indian Wars. The film’s climax revolves around the mystery of Billy Myers’s death, leaving viewers guessing about the identity of his assassin. This article delves into the various theories and interpretations surrounding this enigmatic event.
The film opens with Billy Myers, a British soldier, being captured by the Cheyenne tribe during a skirmish. As he is taken prisoner, Myers is subjected to the harsh realities of life among the Native Americans. Over time, he earns the respect and friendship of the tribe, particularly the young warrior, Younger Bear. However, Myers’s past as a soldier eventually catches up with him, leading to a series of conflicts that threaten the fragile peace between the Cheyenne and the white settlers.
The question of who killed Billy Myers in the English remains a central mystery throughout the film. There are several potential suspects, each with their own motivations for taking the life of the Englishman. One of the most likely suspects is Younger Bear, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with Myers’s presence in the tribe. As the film progresses, Younger Bear’s resentment towards Myers grows, culminating in a climactic confrontation. Some viewers believe that it is Younger Bear who ultimately kills Billy Myers, driven by a combination of anger and a desire to protect his people.
Another potential suspect is the tribe’s medicine man, who is seen performing a ritual that seems to curse Myers. Some viewers interpret this as a prelude to Myers’s death, suggesting that the medicine man may have had a hand in his demise. Additionally, there is the possibility that a white settler or another member of the tribe could have been responsible for the murder, as Myers’s presence among the Cheyenne becomes a source of tension between the two groups.
The film’s ending leaves the identity of Billy Myers’s assassin ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations. Some viewers believe that the film’s creators intentionally left the mystery unresolved, leaving it up to the audience to decide who killed Billy Myers in the English. This ambiguity adds to the film’s enduring appeal, as viewers continue to debate the issue and form their own theories.
In conclusion, the question of who killed Billy Myers in the English remains a captivating mystery within the film “A Man Called Horse.” With several potential suspects and an ambiguous ending, the film invites viewers to explore various interpretations and theories. Whether it was Younger Bear, the medicine man, or another individual, the death of Billy Myers serves as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics between Native American tribes and European settlers during the American Indian Wars.
