In John Ford's sombre exploration of THE FETTERMAN MASSACRE OF 1866 mythologising of American heroes, he slowly reveals the character of Owen Thursday, who sees his new posting to the desolate Fort Apache as a chance to claim the military honour which he believes is rightfully his. Arrogant, obsessed with military form and ultimately self-destructive, Thursday attempts to destroy the Indian warrior Cochise after luring him across the border from Mexico. Fonda is effectively cast against type as stubborn martinet who rubs his own men - as well as neighboring Indians - the wrong way. First of ford's cavalry trilogy tells its story slowly, deliberately, with time for comedy and telling characterizations. Directed by John Ford Writing credits James Warner Bellah (story) Frank S. Nugent Cast (in credits order)verified as complete John Wayne .... Capt. Kirby York Henry Fonda .... Lt. Col. Owen Thursday Shirley Temple .... Philadelphia Thursday Pedro Armendriz .... Sgt. Beaufort (as Pedro Armendariz) Ward Bond .... Sgt. Maj. Michael O'Rourke George O'Brien .... Capt. Sam Collingwood Victor McLaglen .... Sgt. Festus Mulcahy Anna Lee .... Mrs. Emily Collingwood Irene Rich .... Mrs. Mary O'Rourke Dick Foran .... Sgt. Quincannon Guy Kibbee .... Capt. Dr. Wilkens Grant Withers .... Silas Meacham Jack Pennick .... Sgt. Daniel Schattuck Ray Hyke .... Lt. Gates (Adjutant) Movita .... Guadalupe (Col. Thursday's cook) Miguel Incln .... Cochise (as Miguel Inclan) Mary Gordon .... Ma (barmaid) Philip Kieffer .... Cavalryman (as Philip Keiffer) Mae Marsh .... Mrs. Gates Hank Worden .... Southern recruit John Agar .... 2nd Lt. Michael Shannon O'Rourke rest of cast listed alphabetically: Cliff Clark .... Stage driver (uncredited) Frank Ferguson .... Newspaperman (uncredited) Francis Ford .... Fen (stage guard) (uncredited) William Forrest .... Reporter (uncredited) Fred Graham .... Cavalryman (uncredited) Frank McGrath .... Cpl. Derice (bugler) (uncredited) Mickey Simpson .... NCO at dance (uncredited) Harry Tenbrook .... Tom O'Feeney (courier) (uncredited) Archie Twitchell .... Reporter (uncredited) Also Known As: War Party Runtime: 127 min Country: USA Language: English Color: Black and White Sound Mix: Mono (Western Electric Recording) Certification: Australia:G / Iceland:L / Finland:S / Spain:T / South Korea:15 (DVD rating) (2002) Awards: 2 wins & 1 nomination
