A “masterpiece” western from 1948 with an all star cast headed by John Wayne is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Fort Apache has a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating and rave reviews from those who have seen it. Directed by the legendary director John Ford it was the first part of his “Cavalry Trilogy” which was followed by She Wore a Yellow Ribbon in 1949 and Rio Grande in 1950 – both of which also starred John Wayne. This offering was loosely based on a true story with the source material for the screenplay being James Warner Bellah’s short story Massacre. The historical sources for that story have been attributed both to George Armstrong Custer’s Battle of Little Bighorn and to the Fetterman Fight, which was an 1866 battle during Red Cloud’s War.
While Wayne has top billing the impressive cast also boasts Henry Fonda and former child star Shirley Temple. Her then husband John Agar made his film debut in the flick, appropriately playing her love interest. The pair were the Timothy and Kylie of their day having married in 1945 after dating for two years. However the marriage wouldn’t last and they divorced in 1950.
The plot sees Fonda play arrogant and stubborn Civil War hero Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday who arrives in Arizona with his daughter, Philadelphia (Temple), to assume command of the Fort Apache outpost.
Once there he clashes with Captain Kirby York (Wayne) as he views the local Native Americans negatively. He is determined to engage them in battle for his own glory, despite York’s warnings.
The movie has been praised for its portrayal of Native Americans and was one of the first to present an authentic and sympathetic view of them in an era where they were widely derided.
The New York Times movie critic Dave Kehr called it “one of the great achievements of classical American cinema, a film of immense complexity that never fails to reveal new shadings with each viewing” and “among the first ‘pro-Indian’ Westerns” in its portrayal of indigenous Americans with “sympathy and respect” in his review of the DVD release in 2012.
It is not just beloved of critics. Those who have watched it have left rave reviews on Google praising the acting and scenery amongst other elements. “DAMN IT, this film has the WHOLE ENCHILADA!! Cast, script, director, cinematographer, editing, lighting, all working on top cylinders. I honestly, get a chill watching this historic, calvary picture. It is a masterpiece, a work of art, a clear validation of the art of film-making,” one person gushed.
“Great cinematic masterpiece for the beautiful setting and dynamic cinematography. Some of the acting is amazing and some is overplayed but a great film on so many ways,” another penned. “Outstanding movie. Henry Fonda and John Wayne at their best with a very strong supporting cast,” a third opined.
A fourth chimed in: “One of my very favourite classic war movies with an outstanding cast amid epic scenery. You will not be disappointed!” A fifth raved: “Love this movie! The story, setting, cast, directing all pulled together to create a classic western, frontier American movie. Never get tired of seeing this classic, the many characters so well played by the many talented actors/actresses.”
“Meanwhile a sixth shared: “It is a classic. Really shows the way native Americans were disregarded by white men. But, John Ford respected the Navajos and gave them employment and helped their economy by filming in Monument Valley. Should see, must see movie!”