The Deerslayer (1943): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1943, The Deerslayer is an action, adventure and history film directed by Lew Landers, running about 67 minutes. “THE THRILL TALE OF AMERICA'S PIONEERS!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Deerslayer, a white man who was brought up by the Mohicans, helps his old tribe when the Hurons steal Princess Wah Tah, the betrothed of his friend Jingo-Good. His friends, the Hutters, are a white family living on an ark in the middle of a lake. The Hurons attack them and Deerslayer enlists the aid of scout Harry March, who is escorting sixty-five brides to the near-by settlement. Deerslayer and Harry are both in love with Judith Hutter, who is secretly in love with Harry. The Hurons succeed in capturing her father and Harry, where-upon Judith's sister Hetty, playing on an Indian superstition never to harm an insane person, feigns madness and makes an escape. Hutter, Judith, Hetty and Princess Wah-Tah return to the ark, where they ate attacked by the waiting Hurons and Hetty is killed. Deerslayer, Harry and the settlement men arrive to time to drive the Hurons away.

Who’s in it. The Deerslayer stars Bruce Kellogg as Deerslayer, Jean Parker as Judith Hutter, Larry Parks as Jingo-Good and Warren Ashe as Harry March, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Deerslayer page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Deerslayer tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.