Captain Apache (1971)

A Native American born US Army officer, Captain Apache, investigating a murder, uncovers a presidential assassination plot.

Director:

Alexander Singer

Writers:

Philip Yordan (screenplay), Milton Sperling (screenplay)

Stars:

Lee Van Cleef, Carroll Baker, Stuart Whitman

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lee Van Cleef	...	Capt. Apache
Carroll Baker	...	Maude
Stuart Whitman	...	Griffin
Percy Herbert	...	Moon
Elisa Montés	...	Rosita (as Elisa Montes)
Tony Vogel	...	Snake
Charles Stalmaker	...	O'Rourke (as Charles Stalnaker)
Charly Bravo	...	Sanchez (as Charlie Bravo)
Faith Clift	...	Abigail
Dee Pollock	...	Ben (as D. Pollock)
Dan van Husen	...	Al (as Dan Van Husen)
Hugh McDermott	...	Gen. Ryland
George Margo	...	Sheriff
José Bódalo	...	General (as Jose Bodalo)
Elsa Zabala	...	Witch

Storyline

During the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, the full-blooded Native American US Army Cavalry officer, Captain Apache, finds himself entangled in a well-planned conspiracy, while on a mission to investigate the death of the Indian Commissioner, Harry Collier. With his sole clue being the victim's cryptic dying words, "April Morning", Captain Apache will soon cross paths with the tough arms-runner, Griffin, as everyone around him who knows something about the puzzling case, eventually, ends up murdered. Is there an intricate plot and an even greater scheme of corruption behind those hideous killings? As the bullets start flying, the inquisitive Captain will shortly find out how deep the conspiracy goes.

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Plot Keywords:

president | presidency | locomotive | native | indian | 

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Taglines:

Take what you can. Kill at will.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Mystery | Thriller | Western

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Certificate:

GP

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was first announced for Yul Brynner in April 1970.

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Goofs

After Captain Apache is captured by Griffin's men outside the telegraph office he's taken to a run down stone building. Behind the building, in the upper right corner of the screen you can see some sort flashing neon sign or billboard in the distance.

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Quotes

Griffin: Why do you always insult people who might kill you?
Capt. Apache: I like to see a man enjoy his work.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue:

"THE ONLY GOOD INDIAN IS A DEAD INDIAN" Paleface Saying

"THE ONLY GOOD PALEFACE IS A DEAD PALEFACE" Indian Saying

"LOVE THY NEIGHBOR" Source Forgotten

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Connections

Featured in Trailer Trauma (2016)

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Soundtracks

Captain Apache
Sung by Lee Van Cleef
Music by Dolores Claman
Words by Richard Morris
Guitar solo Juan Marquez Sacasa (as Juan Marquez)

User Reviews

Funniest Euro-western ever

One of my favorite Van Cleef spaghetti westerns--more TV-show in look than a feature film and Van Cleef goes against type. I'm not surprised that everyone here dislikes it. The movie is definitely an acquired taste. I saw it during its theatrical run and wish I could find a decent print on DVD. TNT used to run it, I hope the western channel airs it someday. The very funny script is a non-stop barrage of one-liners but played so totally straight and dry by everyone, Van Cleef, Whitman, Carroll Baker, that it works. I've read that the cast had a good time making Apache. The twanging guitar soundtrack is terrific--totally unlike the music composed for most Euro-westerns. I'd love to buy the soundtrack CD.

Details

Country:

UK Spain

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

27 October 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Captain Apache

Filming Locations:

Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Benmar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1