1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Solid Western, February 27, 2010
This review is from: Apache Uprising [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I like Rory Calhoun, Arthur Hunnicutt & John Russell. This is an enjoyable western with a solid plot. Especially interesting for Star Trek fans is the performance by DeForest Kelly who plays a youthful, crazed killer who is not quite as tough as he imagines. The plot involves some twists in efforts to rob the Butterfield Stage and is an early example of an attempt to show sympathy for the Indians as human beings. It also can be a bit graphic at times in showing violence to Indians. So I do recommend that you give it a viewing. I do wish that they had done a better job of filming 'doubles' when the scenes called for it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
STAGE WAY STATION: APACHE WELLS, January 4, 2010
This review is from: Apache Uprising [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This 90 minute technicolor movie was released through Paramount Pictures on 29 December 1965, filmed at Vasquez National Park, Aqua Dulce, California, it was a story based upon an Arcadia House January, 1961, hardcover western, WAY STATION by Harry Sandford and Max Steeber.
The film as usual differs from the details in the novel but yet retains many facts and features. Overall the plot centers around Apache war in New Mexico Territory of 1879, with several Apache leaders or chiefs conducting war and raiding, Geronimo, Victorio, Nachez, and in this movie: Antone. The movie color in technicolor is still very good, however, the movie has more of a "B" movie quality to it or better yet, a made for TV ambience about it. Overall it is a very effective 3 star movie, with some viewers such as myself according it a possible 4 star.
This movie was probably one of the last relased in the mid 1960s, had not the Italian westerns of Clint Eastwood been made, who can guess the fate of the Hollywood western as it was dying. Most of the stars in this movie are all aged actors of the 40s and 50s. Most are very effective in the roles they play, although it is hard to see Johnny Mack Brown playing his reduced role.
The movie could be broken up into segments: the opening encounter with the Apaches, then the town segment of Apache Wells, and finally the way station itself with an $80,000.00 heist of Butterfield money intended. All of the segments are quite separate and unique. While some of the players must of due course die, others eventually ride off into the sunset, happy ever after. For most western lovers it will be a 3 or 4 star effort, to others it will seem a bit lame and hokey.
I have a copy of the VHS from years back, breaking it out to watch every once and again. While there are many other better westerns, and many others worse, this movie is an enjoyable middle of the road 90 minute ride with the cavalry, Butterfield line, and the Apaches.
The actors within the movie are, among others:
Rory Calhoun - Jim Walker
Corinne Calvet - Janice MacKenzie
John Russell- Vance Buckner
Lon Chaney Jr. - Charlie Russell
Gene Evans - Jess Cooney
Richard Arlen - Captain Gannon
Robert H. Harris - Hoyt Taylor
Arthur Hunnicut -Bill Gibson
DeForrest Kelley - Toby Jack Saunders (crazy, crazy, crazy)
Johnny Mack Brown - Sheriff Ben Hall
Don 'Red' Barry - Henry Belden
Semper Fi.
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