The Pioneer

In 1938, legendary stuntman Enos “Yakima” Canutt (44) argues with his pregnant wife, Audrey, before heading to perform a dangerous stunt. At a studio in Culver City, Yak suggests modifying the stunt due to an agitated horse, but the director insists he follow the script. The stunt goes wrong, sending him to the hospital. Flashing back to early 1900s Washington, a teenage Yak defies his father, Lemuel, by riding an unbroken horse. At the county fair, he witnesses legendary Native American rider, Jackson Sundown. When Yak rides a bronco and wins a bet against his father, Lemuel walks away without congratulating him. Sundown, however, acknowledges his skill. Back in 1938, Yak regains consciousness in a hospital, with Audrey furious over his reckless career. In his youth, Yak asks Lemuel for permission to ride in the Pendleton Round-Up, but Lemuel refuses, insisting he stay on the farm. Yak sneaks away, hopping a freight train with some friends. At the rodeo, Yak struggles but gains Sundown's mentorship. Over time, Yak hones his craft, and after his name appears in the newspaper, rodeo boss C.B. Irwin offers him a job. Despite his talent, Yak remains overshadowed by a cheating rival, Rufus Rollins. Yak, feeling guilty for leaving the ranch, is encouraged by his brother to do what he was born to do…ride. He returns to the rodeo, joining Irwin’s stable and traveling the circuit. He visits Sundown, who has fallen ill. When Sundown cannot compete at Pendleton, Yak has to compete without his mentor alongside him. Yak facing Rollins having the ride of his life and wins the World Championship of Pendleton but questions his future. Back to 1938, Yak is still struggling to recover from his injuries. He receives an offer from John Wayne and director John Ford to work on Stagecoach. Doubtful of his ability to still perform these dangerous stunts, he’s reluctant. Flashing back to post rodeo, Yak finds himself in a Hollywood picture, impressing the director and landing a lead role, though he doubts his acting ability. With the arrival of talkies, he is dismissed for his voice but reinvents himself by pioneering safer and more spectacular stunt techniques. He meets a young John Wayne and teaches him how to fight for the screen, while shaping his on-camera cowboy persona. At a party, Yak meets Audrey and they develop a relationship. During a picnic together, Yak reflects on his estranged father. In 1938, Yak and Audrey visit Lemuel’s grave. Overcome with pain and emotion, Yak collapses, but miraculously, his twisted intestine untwists. He returns to L.A. to plan the legendary Stagecoach stunt—a harrowing leap from a horse to a moving stagecoach, riding its underside. At 45 mph, Yak executes the stunt flawlessly. Ford calls it the greatest stunt ever filmed. Yak returns home to Audrey and their children, having accomplished something that only he could do. POSTSCRIPT: Yakima Canutt revolutionized stunts, becoming the first stunt performer to receive an Academy Award. His innovations continue to influence action cinema today.