An American Western; A story about an arrogant cavalry colonel sent to a remote Arizona desert outpost, which he considers an insult after his service in the Civil War. Determined to show his heroism, he plots to lure the local Apaches into waging war. The first of three remarkable films director John Ford made about the United States Cavalry fighting Native Americans, such as the Apache, the Sioux, or the Cheyenne. The film deals with topics such as leadership, responsibility, heroism, and legend and is one of the first to present an authentic and sympathetic view of Native Americans. It is characterised by a superb example of military academy stiffness and martinet approach that meets a more organic Western community of an isolated outpost. Lt. Col. Owen Thursday was inspired by General George Armstrong Custer and his ill-fated stand at Little Big Horn. Immaculate and painstaking detail was given to the story's period and setting. Henry Fonda and John Wayne gave the drama authenticity and vigour. Ford's direction achieved broad scope, employing a non-linear narrative by using digressions from the main storyline to help produce the atmosphere of a military outpost, making the main theme about moral ambiguity in warfare powerful.
Review of Fort Apache
