Review of Fort Apache (1948) by Scott W — 11 Apr 2010
John Ford's brilliant, heart warming ode to the U.S Cavalry is a delightful movie, full of richly drawn characters, authentic detailing and beautiful photography. The story is a little like a microcosm of the entire U.
S Cavalry experience as the West was tamed in the C19th and so ranges from the twee romance of frontier life to the cruelty, greed and hardships of military life. The Apaches are dealt with sympathetically whilst it is the punctilious Colonel Owen Thursday, brilliantly portrayed with complexity by Henry Fonda, who is seen to be the bombastic, inexperienced fool who ultimately brings destruction on his regiment.
The cast are simply wonderful; John Wayne has a restrained role as an experienced officer, forced to follow the foolish orders of his ignorant colonel. Others include the excellent Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen, George O'Brien, Pedro Amendirez and many other of Ford's favourites who would work with him and Wayne for many more films to come.
Shirley Temple and John Agar offer a romantic interlude. A tremendous piece of film making.
This review of Fort Apache (1948) was written by Scott W on 11 Apr 2010.
Fort Apache has generally received very positive reviews.
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