Fort Apache
Seen it?1948 | 128 min | Western
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for most people. If you loved The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Easygoing.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 2 hr 8 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1948: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Owen Thursday sees his new posting to the desolate Fort Apache as a chance to claim the military honour which he believes is rightfully his. Arrogant, obsessed with military form and ultimately self-destructive, he attempts to destroy the Apache chief Cochise after luring him across the border from Mexico, against the advice of his subordinates.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 90K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Ford
- John WayneCapt. Kirby York
- Henry FondaLt. Col. Owen Thursday
- Shirley TemplePhiladelphia Thursday
- Pedro ArmendárizSgt. Beaufort
- Ward BondSgt. Maj. Michael O'Rourke
- George O'BrienCapt. Sam Collingwood
- Victor McLaglenSgt. Festus Mulcahy
- Anna LeeMrs. Emily Collingwood
- Irene RichMrs. Mary O'Rourke
- Dick ForanSgt. Quincannon