Apache (1954)

Director:

Robert Aldrich

Writers:

Paul Wellman (novel)
James R. Webb (written by)

Release Date:

9 July 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Plot:

Following the surrender of Geronimo, Massai, the last Apache warrior is captured and scheduled for transportation to a Florida reservation...

Plot Keywords:

Apache | Geronimo | Surrender | On The Run | Cornfield

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	Massai
Jean Peters	...	Nalinle
John McIntire	...	Al Sieber
Charles Bronson	...	Hondo (as Charles Buchinsky)
John Dehner	...	Weddle
Paul Guilfoyle	...	Santos
Ian MacDonald	...	Clagg
Walter Sande	...	Lt. Col. Beck
Morris Ankrum	...	Dawson
Monte Blue	...	Geronimo

Also Known As:

Bronco Apache (USA) (original script title)

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | West Germany:12 (f) | Australia:G | Finland:K-16 | Norway:12 | Sweden:15 | UK:U | USA:Approved (PCA #16783, General Audience)

Filming Locations:

Burro Flats, Simi Hills, California, USA

Company:

Hecht-Lancaster Productions

Trivia:

There really was a renegade Apache warrior called Massai, who was a bloodthirsty killer renowned for stealing, raping and murdering. He did indeed escape from a prison train bound for Florida and made his way back to his homeland. It is, however, doubtful that he was six feet tall and had blue eyes like Burt Lancaster.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The tire tracks on the mud when Massai came back to the girl.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Lt. Col. Beck: Do you think he means it this time?
Al Sieber: We'll see.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Living Steam: Virginia and Truckee Then and Now at the Nevada State Railroad Museum (2008) (V)

First Western Filmed Through the Indian's Point of View

There may be some criticism as to Lancaster and Peters with blue eyes and classic American features portraying Indians, but this was a box office hit in its day and is still worth watching today. This was the first movie that allowed audiences to see the world through the eyes of an Apache and that merits consideration when you select to see this film. It opened the road for other movies focused through the Indian's point of view, which are still being made today (and that includes Gibson's Apocalipto). Both Lancaster and his beautiful squaw, Jean Peters, give excellent performances, despite their blue eyes; which is another reason to watch this flick. It is very well done and the Indians come out as dignified people thanks to good acting. These two actors are definitely pros. They actually manage to act natural with difficult, though smart, dialog that was written to enhance the way Apaches talked at the end of the 19th Century. The screenplay is very interesting and based on the acclaimed novel "Bronco Apache". Look for Charles Bronson (billed as Bruchinsky) playing Peters' beau. Lots of action, too. Lancaster broke his leg when the film started shooting in October '53, but resumed shooting the following month. Peters was liked by cast and crew, but, like some members of the cast, developed an animosity toward the difficult Lancaster during the final days of shooting; which makes her performance the more outstanding because she had to play a squaw that is totally devoted to his character, Massai. The romantic part is quite subdued, but it had to do with the way it was written, and nothing more; which is fine, for Apache warriors had little time to devote to love. The film's ending was fine. But you be the judge of that.