Conquest of Cochise * (1953, John Hodiak, Robert Stack, Joy Page, John Crawford) – Classic Movie Review 12,260

’80 WHITE MEN RODE INTO THE HILLS TO TURN BACK THE APACHE TIDE!’

Director William Castle’s 1953 Columbia Pictures Western film Conquest of Cochise stars John Hodiak, Robert Stack, Joy Page, and John Crawford.

US Cavalry Major Tom Burke (Robert Stack) makes peace with the Apache Indians, led by their chief Cochise (a miscast John Hodiak in brownface), though there are factions within the tribe forcing him onto the warpath.

Apart from Stack’s decent performance, there is nothing particularly special to recommend this fairly dull B-movie oater.

Script (Arthur Lewis, DeVallon Scott), music (Constantin Bakaleinikoff), photography (Henry Freulich) and supporting actors are all a little bit below par, though the locations look good in Technicolor, and William Castle brings his usual robust enthusiasm to the project.

Also in the cast are Rico Alaniz, Fortunio Bonanova, Edward Colmans, Alex Montoya, Steven Ritch, Carol Thurston, Rodd Redwing, Robert Griffin, Poppy del Vando, Joseph Waring, and Edward Hearn.

Set in 1853, it is produced by Sam Katzman, who, according to William Castle, insisted that the Indians wore bathing caps to show they had shaved their heads to save money.

It is shot at the Corriganville movie ranch in Santa Clarita, California, and the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce, California.

The cast are John Hodiak as Cochise, Robert Stack as Major Tom Burke, Joy Page as Consuelo de Cordova, Rico Alaniz as Felipe, Fortunio Bonanova as Mexican Minister, Edward Colmans as Don Francisco de Cordova, Alex Montoya as Jose Garcia, Steven Ritch as Tukiwah, Carol Thurston as Terua, Rodd Redwing as Red Knife, Robert Griffin as Sam Maddock, Poppy del Vando as Señora de Cordova, Joseph Waring, and Edward Hearn.

© Derek Winnert 2022 Classic Movie Review 12,260

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