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Apache Drums (1950)

Director: Hugo Fregonese

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Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

A modest but unusually effective B Western about a small township overrun by Mescalero Apaches when a warning from the gambler expelled earlier by the mayor goes unheeded. Beautifully staged by Fregonese, especially the climactic attack on the church where the survivors make their stand, with painted Apaches erupting through the high windows like demons from hell. Val Lewton's last production, it is full of touches instantly recognisable from his RKO series: the subtle ambivalence undermining attitudes and ethical principles, the generous stance against racism, the concern for childhood (the gambler distracts the frightened kids with an exhibition of sleight-of-hand), the love of traditional songs (the kids led into a chorus of 'Oranges and Lemons'; the minister countering the Apache chanting by launching into 'The Men of Harlech').

Author: TM 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

  • Barbara Zastrow said...
    Posted on Aug 23 2008 12:29 I saw this movie when I was 10 years old and at a Drive -In theatre.I remember it being the most thrilling & first movie I ever saw. What is more thrilling to a 10 yr. old than Cowboys and Indians ? I would like this movie on DVD so I can watch it on my own T.V..Will this movie be coming on Dvd Anythime soon ?? I sure hope so !!!!
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Cast & crew

Director: Hugo Fregonese

Producer: Val Lewton

Cast: Stephen McNally, Coleen Gray, Arthur Shields, Willard Parker, James Griffith, Armando Silvestre full cast

Genre(s): Westerns

Duration: 72 mins


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