Rock Hudson is Taza, son of Apache chief Cochise, whose dying wish is that his sons continue a peaceful co-existence with the white. Taza takes that to heart; he also has his heart set on a pretty Apache gal named Oona (Barbara Rush).
Problem is, his brother Naiche (Rex Reason) wants Oona, too, and Oona’s father Grey Eagle prefers Geronimo’s war-like ways. As it turns out, so does Naiche.
Taza slowly gains the trust of U.S. Cavalry Capt. Burnett. He evens convinces the cavalry to allow him to lead an Apache police force when the tribe is relocated to a reservation.
But trouble starts when Geronimo shows up on the reservation and Naiche comes across $300, enough to buy Oona from Grey Eagle and acquire guns that will spark a new Apache uprising.
Review:
So-so, featuring a rousing Apache-Cavalry battle at the climax in which things are constantly hurled at the viewer, a non-too-subtle reminder that this was filmed in 3D. Check out those boulders that are hurled at the troopers, who pretty much catch them like a football.
Rock Hudson does not exactly make the most convincing Indian, though Cochise apparently really had a son named Taza in real life. And Jeff Chandler has an uncredited role as Cochise in the death scene that opens the film. He had played the same part in “Broken Arrow” (1950), opposite Jimmy Stewart, and “Battle at Apache Pass” (1952).
Directed by:
Douglas Sirk
Cast:
Rock Hudson … Taza
Barbara Rush … Oona
Gregg Palmer … Capt. Burnett
Rex Reason … Naiche
Morris Ankrum … Grey Eagle
Eugene Iglesias … Chato
Richard Cutting … Cy Hegan
Ian MacDonald … Geronimo
Robert Burton … Gen. Crook
Joe Sawyer … Sgt. Hamma
Lance Fuller … Lt. Willis
Bradford Jackson … Lt. Richards
James Van Horn … Skinya
Charles Hovath … Kocha
Runtime: 79 min.
Memorable lines:
Capt. Burnett: “What he (Taza) like?”
Scout: “Well, he’s got it in him to be a greater chief than Cochise. Or a worse devil than Geronimo.”
Taza, as he puts on the blue coat of an Apache policeman: “It will easier fit my body than my mind.”
Commander: “Has Geronimo many followers in the other villages?”
Taza: “His name is magic. There are many who would ride with him, if thye had guns and bullets.”
Taza to Naiche: “You shame Cochise. You shame the Apache nation. No longer are you my brother. My blood cries out to kill you. But I am chief of the Charicowwas, so I cannot do this. But if you harm Oona, I will tear out your heart.”
Capt. Burnett: “Lieutenant, tell your men to make every bullet count.”
Lieutenant: “We haven’t got a chance.”
Burnett: “At least before they wipe us out, we’ll take most of these devils with us.”
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