Project XX: End of the Trail

About This Movie

So, Project XX: End of the Trail is one of those early documentaries that really digs into the darker side of American history, focusing on how Native Americans were treated during the westward expansion. The tone is somber, almost haunting, as it presents stark visuals and narratives from the time that make you think. It's part of the NBC News 'Project Twenty' series and captures the rawness of its subject matter, which was pretty bold for the era. The pacing might feel slow to some, but that gives it a reflective quality, letting the weight of the material sink in. Not a flashy film, but it’s got a certain honesty that can be quite powerful.

This film originally aired as part of the Project XX series but is also notable for its later distribution on 16mm for educational use. Its availability in that format has made it somewhat of an uncommon find for collectors. Interest tends to come from those who appreciate historical documentaries and the rare insight it provides into a difficult period in American history. It's not often you stumble upon a piece that handles these themes with such a straightforward approach from the 1960s.