Mangas Coloradas is about to enter into a peace treaty with the whites at Fort Yuma when a crazed settler guns him down. The killer is shot down in turn. Nevertheless, the chief’s son declares war.
And that means trouble for a small supply detail that leaves Fort Apache days later, bound for Fort Yuma with no knowledge that hostilities have broken out yet again.
Indian-hating Lt. Ben Keegan (Peter Graves) commands the patrol. Sgt. Jonas (John Hudson), an Apache, is assigned to scout for the patrol, though Keegan would prefer someone else.
You see, Keegan’s been romantically involved with an Indian girl named Francesca (Joan Taylor), the scout’s sister.
Jonas disapproves of the relationship, seeing no future in it for Francesca other than the disgrace of being cast aside once Keegan’s done using her the way he’d use an animal.
The other distraction of the female sort on this trip is Melanie Crown, a missionary intent on starting a school for Indian children at Fort Yuma.
She tries to get to know Sgt. Jonus. Both the scout and Keegan warn her that too much closeness would be frowned upon in the white man’s world.
And then there are the warring Apaches. Two dead soldiers at a poisoned water hole tell Keegan and company that this trip to Fort Yuma might be more hazardous than they anticipated.
Peter Graves as Lt. Ben Keegan, wounded an awaiting the next attack in Fort Yuma (1955)
John Hudson as Sgt. Jonas and Joan Vohs as Melanie Crown, growing closer during the journey in Fort Yuma (1955)
Review:
Decent cavalry versus Indian film featuring future star Peter Graves in his first top billing in a Western and Joan Taylor, cast yet again as a pretty Indian maiden.
Much of the early part of the film dwells on what’s perceived as the proper relationship between whites and Indians, men and women and the fact that Francesca and Melanie Crown both appear willing to break down those walls.
But the film is best when the action starts. A couple of the killings are surprisingly brutal for the mid-1950s. And these Apache are more clever than most. They’ve devised a cunning plan for getting through the gates of Fort Yuma.
All that said, the ending is a let-down.
Joan Taylor as Francesca, searching for Lt. Ben Keegan during a lull in the fighting in Fort Yuma (1955)
Abel Fernandez as Mangas, determined to avenge the death of his peace-seeking father in Fort Yuma (1955)
Directed by:
Lesley Selander
Cast:
Peter Graves … Lt. Ben Keegan
Joan Vohs … Melanie Crown
John Hudson … Sgt. Jonas
Joan Taylor … Francesca
William “Bill” Phillips … Sgt. Milo Hallock
James O’Hara … Cpl. Taylor
Abel Fernandez … Mangas
Addison Richards … Gen. Crook
Runtime: 78 min.
William ‘Bill’ Phillips, wounded and looking for cover during an Apache attack in Fort Yuma (1955)
James O’Hara as Cpl. Taylor, taken under Sgt. Hallock’s wing in Fort Yuma (1955)
Memorable lines:
Mangas: “My father wanted peace.” He breaks a war lance. “I want Fort Yuma.”
Gen. Crook: “There’s more to this, lieutenant, than seeing how many Apache we can shoot before they holler uncle. We’re supposed to make them believe in us. We’re supposed to convince the Indians we want to live in peace with them. I know that’s not easy when we’re shooting them down. But we’ve just about got it licked.”
Lt. Keegan: “Hallock, check the munitions wagon. Make sure those crates are riding firm. No jiggling.”
He rides off to check on the two pretty young women traveling in the other wagon.
Lt. Keegan, after seeing her talking to Jonas: “Miss Crown, I don’t know anything about the missionary business. But if you’re interested in Indians, I suggest you start small, like with the kids at Fort Yuma.”
Sgt. Jonas: “There is no love or respect in his heart for people of his own blood. I’ve watched him, fought with him. He is a cruel man. He kills with a savage pleasure because there is nothing but hatred in his heart. An Indian is an animal to him. You are an Indian. And he uses you — like an animal.”
Melanie Crown: “That boy is just a helpless prisoner. You can’t just hang him like that.”
Lt. Keegan: “Who says I can’t?”
Melanie: “It’s inhumane.”
Lt. Keegan: “Inhumane? He killed four of my men and he almost cut your throat. And don’t think he’s alone, Miss Crown, there are plenty more of them out there where he came from. And if one of them ever gets a hold of you, you’ll find out what the word inhumane really means. So if you’re in a praying mood, I suggest you say a few for all of us. We’ll need them.”
Joan Vohs as Melanie Crown, saved from an Apache brave by Sgt. Jonas in Fort Yuma (1955)
John Hudson as Sgt. Jonas and Peter Graves as Lt. Ben Keegan, receiving orders for the mission ahead in Fort Yuma (1955)
Addison Richards as Gen. Crook, doling out orders for the supply patrol in Fort Yuma (1955)
Joan Vohs as Melanie Crown and William ‘Bill’ Phillips as Sgt. Milo Hallock at the funeral of two troopers in Fort Yuma (1955)
Joan Vohs as Melanie Crown, springing into action as the Apache attack in Fort Yuma (1955)
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