Fort Apache
Inspired by a 1947 James Warner Bellah short story “Massacre”, Fort Apache evokes historical echoes of Custer’s Last Stand and the Fetterman Fight. The critically acclaimed screen play and film are among the first to portray a balanced and sympathetic treatment of Native Americans.
Filmed in 1948, Fort Apache is a frontier outpost undergoing a change of command. To everyone’s surprise, regimental command is given to West Point graduate and Civil War General, Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda). The appointment passes over veteran regimental commander, Captain Kirby York (John Wayne). The arrogant Colonel Thursday is accompanied to his post by his daughter Philadelphia (Shirley Temple). She becomes attracted to a young officer, son of a Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Major. Thursday forbids his daughter to see a young man he believes beneath her station.
Unrest arises on the Apache reservation under Cochise due to the abuses of an unscrupulous Indian Agent. York urges the Colonel to intervene on behalf of the tribe. Thursday’s by the book regulation treats the Indian agent as a government representative entitled to protection. He has little regard for the Indian plight.
Cochise and his band jump the reservation. Thursday, with a Custer-like glint of glory in his eye, prepared to assault the Apache mountain stronghold. York warns Thursday the mission is suicidal. Thursday relieves York and with Fetterman-like arrogance launches his attack. Thursday’s command is nearly wiped. A few escape, Thursday among them; but others remain pinned down. Thursday returns to the remnant of his command and perishes with them. Cochise spares York and his detachment, believing York to be an honorable man.
Later Lieutenant Colonel Kirby York is preparing to lead a campaign to bring the Apache back to the reservation. A reporter asks if he has seen the painting of Thursday’s Charge. Kirby sets aside his opinion of Thursday’s fool hardy action, acknowledging the gallantry of the Colonel and his command will not be forgotten so long as the regiment serves. References to a painting and regimental history evoke Custer and his beloved Seventh Cavalry. All we need is a few bars of Gerry Owen.
Next Week: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
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Ride easy,
Paul
Filmed in 1948, Fort Apache is a frontier outpost undergoing a change of command. To everyone’s surprise, regimental command is given to West Point graduate and Civil War General, Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda). The appointment passes over veteran regimental commander, Captain Kirby York (John Wayne). The arrogant Colonel Thursday is accompanied to his post by his daughter Philadelphia (Shirley Temple). She becomes attracted to a young officer, son of a Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Major. Thursday forbids his daughter to see a young man he believes beneath her station.
Unrest arises on the Apache reservation under Cochise due to the abuses of an unscrupulous Indian Agent. York urges the Colonel to intervene on behalf of the tribe. Thursday’s by the book regulation treats the Indian agent as a government representative entitled to protection. He has little regard for the Indian plight.
Cochise and his band jump the reservation. Thursday, with a Custer-like glint of glory in his eye, prepared to assault the Apache mountain stronghold. York warns Thursday the mission is suicidal. Thursday relieves York and with Fetterman-like arrogance launches his attack. Thursday’s command is nearly wiped. A few escape, Thursday among them; but others remain pinned down. Thursday returns to the remnant of his command and perishes with them. Cochise spares York and his detachment, believing York to be an honorable man.
Later Lieutenant Colonel Kirby York is preparing to lead a campaign to bring the Apache back to the reservation. A reporter asks if he has seen the painting of Thursday’s Charge. Kirby sets aside his opinion of Thursday’s fool hardy action, acknowledging the gallantry of the Colonel and his command will not be forgotten so long as the regiment serves. References to a painting and regimental history evoke Custer and his beloved Seventh Cavalry. All we need is a few bars of Gerry Owen.
Next Week: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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Jean
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Sep 06, 2020 09:53PM
One of my favorite J.W. movies.
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