Apache

"Apache" follows most of the standard Western tropes of the era and does admittedly have its moments. The appalling screenplay and Lancaster's/Peters hideous hair, make-up and casting are significant drawbacks.

Aldrich shows his promise as a director but the weak script lacks any kind of power or realism, and the casting of the two white leads as Native Americans looks rather ridiculous nowadays. The film's not hugely entertaining for the most part, floundering in the third act especially, but Lancaster's innate charisma just about keeps it ticking over.

If you can get past the preposterousness of Burt Lancaster and Jean Peters playing Native Americans, Apache tries to say something about the difficulties in establishing an indentity in American's cultural melting pot. Aldrich's strength is in visually depicting Massai's isolation and individuality, but it's not enough to overcome the corny dialogue and stilted acting. Lancaster, whose graceful presence adds dignity to any film, alas must trade stoicisms with other white guys in redface.

While "Apache" does contain a story worth telling, and Lancaster may be a legendary actor, he just didn't cut it as a Native American. By today's standards it's an offensive casting decision, but even putting that aside, it's still an unbelievable performance. Through the lense of time, in '54 having your main character be a noble native and having the white man be the bad guy is a pretty progressive kind of movie, but progressive does not equate to good.

Massai wasn't too big on women's lib based on this movie. Burt isn't enough to save this movie from not being anything great or truly interesting. I can't blame the dude for not wanting to go to Florida, though.

Viewed April 2, 2020.

Lancaster, as an Apache is a fail, would love to see this movie remade with better casting.

Once you accept the idea of blue-eyed Lancaster and Peters as two Apaches on the run, you may find much to admire in this Aldrich film. The action scenes are good, Massai's trip through St. Louis is unique and vivid. and, although the Native Americans speak in the laconic style of old Westerns, dry humor, fierce honor and a reverence for nature reveal themselves beneath the stoicism. Besides, no Native American couple in love had ever been treated so tenderly--or so mercifully--in a Western.

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While this film has a few redeeming qualities, they don't come close to overcoming the massive insult of having Lancaster play a native American. He's essentially in tan blackface the entire movie and you find yourself cringing every time he attempts to defend the honor of his people against white man's oppression. The only lasting impression this film leaves is "What where they thinking??"