Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)

The story of the Apache chief and his armed resistance to the U.S. Government's subjugation of his people.

Director:

Walter Hill

Writers:

John Milius (story), John Milius (screenplay)

Stars:

Jason Patric, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jason Patric	...	Lt. Charles Gatewood
Gene Hackman	...	Brig. Gen. George Crook
Robert Duvall	...	Al Sieber
Wes Studi	...	Geronimo
Matt Damon	...	Lt. Britton Davis
Rodney A. Grant	...	Mangas
Kevin Tighe	...	Brig. Gen. Nelson Miles
Steve Reevis	...	Chato
Carlos Palomino	...	Sgt. Turkey
Victor Aaron	...	Ulzana
Stuart Proud Eagle Grant	...	Sgt. Dutchy
Stephen McHattie	...	Schoonover
John Finn	...	Capt. Hentig
Lee de Broux	...	City Marshal Joe Hawkins
Rino Thunder	...	Old Nana

Storyline

The Apache Indians have reluctantly agreed to settle on a US Government approved reservation. Not all the Apaches are able to adapt to the life of corn farmers. One in particular, Geronimo, is restless. Pushed over the edge by broken promises and necessary actions by the government, Geronimo and thirty or so other warriors form an attack team which humiliates the government by evading capture, while reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.

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Plot Keywords:

arizona territory | apache territory | chiricahua apache | scout | revisionist western | 

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Taglines:

His name would never be forgotten.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Western

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for frontier violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Tom Horn and The Apache Kid were not portrayed in this movie. Most accounts have them as being instrumental in the capture of Geronimo.

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Goofs

When confronted in the Mexican cantina, Schoonover states that he is from Brewster County, TX. Brewster did not exist until it was marked off from Presidio County in February 1887, whereas this scene is set prior to Geronimo's surrender in September 1886.

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Quotes

Brig. Gen. George Crook: A lot of white-eyes want to see Geronimo hanged for murder.
Geronimo: Not murder. War. Many bad things happen in war.
Brig. Gen. George Crook: How many white-eye did you kill since you left Turkey Creek?
Geronimo: Maybe fifty. Maybe more. How many Apaches do you kill?
Brig. Gen. George Crook: You killed women and children.
Geronimo: So did you.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: White Man's Burden/Last Summer in the Hamptons/Wild Bill/The Journey of August King/Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995)

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Soundtracks

Deal Gently With Thy Servants, Lord
Performed by The Boston Camerata, Schola Cantorum (as The Schola Cantorum of Boston)
Joel Cohen, Director; Frederick Jodry, Director
Courtesy of Erato Disques S.A.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Accurate? Who Cares? Just Enjoy It.

How much of this is true, I cannot say. Perhaps I should do some research on it knowing how "accurate" most Hollywood historical films tend to be. For years, the white man was always the good guy; the Indian, the bad guy. Then came, the present day "political correctness" era where the Indian is the good guy and the white man is the bad guy. Frankly, I don't care in this case because this movie is simply a very entertaining film that is enjoyable to watch....and that's what movies are supposed to be: entertaining.

What makes it so entertaining?

1) a very interesting saga of the famous Apache Geronimo, fighting for his people and also living a life dedicated to revenge; 2) A great portrayal of him by actor Wes Studi, who has the perfect face and voice for the role; 3) a very solid all-male cast, with memorable leads played by Jason Patric, Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman and Matt Damon; 4) wonderful golden-hued cinematography, filmed in the mountainous area of Moab, Utah; 5) Not excessive violence nor a lot of profanity, rare for a Walter Hill directed movie. This is one of the stylish Hill's classier efforts. 6) Good sound if you have the DVD and a surround sound system.

Yes, this leans in the PC class with big-time leanings toward the Indian cause, but the Apache people apparently had a good case for their cause, at least with Geronimo's convincing question near the end of the movie: "There is plenty of land. Why do you want it all?"

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Apache languages

Release Date:

10 December 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Geronimo: An American Legend

Filming Locations:

Kayenta, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,018,452, 12 December 1993

Gross USA:

$18,635,620

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,635,620

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS (8 channels) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1