In Apache territory, a supply Army column heads for the next fort, an ex-scout searches for the killer of his Indian wife, and a housewife abandons her husband in order to rejoin her Apache ... Read allIn Apache territory, a supply Army column heads for the next fort, an ex-scout searches for the killer of his Indian wife, and a housewife abandons her husband in order to rejoin her Apache lover's tribe.In Apache territory, a supply Army column heads for the next fort, an ex-scout searches for the killer of his Indian wife, and a housewife abandons her husband in order to rejoin her Apache lover's tribe.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
- Col. Foster
- (as Alf Elson)
- Ramirez
- (uncredited)
- Trooper Nyles
- (uncredited)
- Deputy Clem
- (uncredited)
- Trooper Casey
- (uncredited)
- Norton
- (uncredited)
- Trooper Swenson - Bugler
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJames Garner's first western since leaving Maverick (1957) and Sidney Poitier's first theatrical western.
- GoofsAs Jess Remsberg and others descend a rock wall via ropes under a full moon, the men each cast two shadows.
- Quotes
Ellen Grange: They all think that any decent woman would prefer to die than live as an Apache squaw. Maybe they're right.
Jess Remsberg: Death comes soon enough. Anyone who hurries it is a damn fool.
- Crazy creditsThe United Artists logo is sliced off the screen with a bloody Calvary Saber, slicing an "X" across the screen, revealing the opening scene. At the end, the same saber slices the live picture away, as (sort of) a fade out.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Across 110th Street (1972)
A competently well-made and satisfying western that's highlighted by the prominent cast and exhilaratingly taut and unsparing action sequences. Ralph Nelson smoothly paces this drum-beating foray, with its adeptly bold and old-fashioned direction. His professional touch lifts the screenplay. Going a long way to giving it a real bravado feel amongst the gritty, dusty and sprawling rocky terrain, which is masterfully framed with a lot of ticker and claustrophobic channelling by cinematography Charles F. Wheeler. The main feature of the film that strikes a chord, has got to be composer Neal Hefti's effectively novel, melodic score that seems to match and illustrate the sequences and overall feel rather well, despite the uncanny tone for this type of film. I found the dynamic cues to be rather contagious. Albert and Michael M. Grilikhes' open screenplay (which is based on the Marvin Albert's novel, "Apache Rising") is pretty much to the point and a little lacking by simply going through the motions. But even with those vague moments, it still thrives on well-rounded dialogues from its sturdy script. In there are configurations of racism, and the unfair treatment of the Indians, but it's the personal confrontations and torment that makes for one gruelling exercise. It never lets any of this get carried away, but the starkly harsh nature stays throughout. The performances are richly devised, to stew up depth and realism due more to their favourable acting than in the way of the material. James Garner's winningly focused performance as rugged, seldom Jess is first-rate. Sidney Poitier classy turn as Toller is a different stroke and admirably good one. Bill Travers' growing performance is very strong and humane. Dennis Weaver eclectically solid. Bibi Andersson was mildly okay, but was hindered and the modest John Hoyt didn't see enough time as Chata.
Dated, but a well handled, compelling and tough as nails western, which finally shines through.
- lost-in-limbo
- May 27, 2007
- Permalink
- How long is Duel at Diablo?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1