Apache (1954)

Refusing to let himself be re-settled on a Florida reservation, Massai, an Apache warrior, escapes his captors and returns to his homeland to become a peaceful farmer.

Director:

Robert Aldrich

Writers:

James R. Webb (written for the screen by), Paul Wellman (novel) (as Paul I. Wellman)

Stars:

Burt Lancaster, Jean Peters, John McIntire

Cast

Complete credited 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

Storyline

Following the surrender of Geronimo, Massai, the last Apache warrior is captured and scheduled for transportation to a Florida reservation. Instead, he manages to escape and heads for his homeland to win back his girl and settle down to grow crops. His pursuers have other ideas though.

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Plot Keywords:

arizona territory | reservation | military | army | geronimo | 

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Taglines:

From the arms of his woman he drew his love... From the thunder winds that roared across his land he drew his strength! This is the story of Massai - the lone Indian brave who held an entire U.S. Army at bay

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Genres:

Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 October 1954 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Bronco Apache

Filming Locations:

Agoura Ranch, Agoura, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,240,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$6,000,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,000,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hecht-Lancaster Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in 30 days.

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Goofs

Jean Peters - the blue-eyed Apache woman.

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Quotes

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

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits: This is the story of Massai, the last Apache warrior. It has been told and re-told until it has become one of the great legends of the Southwest. It began in 1886 with Geronimo's surrender.

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Connections

Referenced in Aldrich Over Munich: The Making of 'Twilight's Last Gleaming' (2012)

User Reviews

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.