Apache (1954)

After the Apache chief Geronimo (Monte Blue) is forced to surrender to the U.S. Cavalry, a fierce warrior (Burt Lancaster) refuses to accept defeat and goes on a one man war against the Cavalry. Based on the novel BRONCO APACHE by Paul I. Wellman and directed by Robert Aldrich (THE BIG KNIFE). A strong and violent western that take a pro Native American approach as a lone Apache fights against the injustices perpetrated against indigenous people by the white man (although the film changes the book's downbeat ending). But there's an elephant in the room ..... Burt Lancaster. To his credit, Lancaster pursued roles that would challenge him as an actor even though he wasn't particularly right for them. I'm thinking of movies like COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA and THE ROSE TATTOO. Here, playing in brownface and with those startling blue eyes, he's more Lancaster the movie star than ever. Technically, miscasting aside there's nothing wrong with his performance, he's very good but I wish they had cast a more ethnic looking actor. Charles Bronson who has a supporting role as an Indian scout may be Polish but he looks like an Indian. If you can get past Lancaster's casting, it's a good western. With Jean Peters, John McIntire, John Dehner and Morris Ankrum.