Ambush (1950)

The U.S. Cavalry knows that traveling through unmapped hostile Apache territory in search of a woman (Marta Mitrovich) kidnapped by Apaches could mean a trap. So they ask a prospector and scout (Robert Taylor) who knows both the terrain and ways of the Apache for help. Based on the short story by Luke Short and directed by Sam Wood (GOODBYE MR. CHIPS). As a fan of movie westerns, I always enjoy coming across a new (to me) western that's above average. APACHE isn't a great western but it has a lot going for it including a solid screenplay by Marguerite Roberts, who adapted the book TRUE GRIT (1969) for the screen and a strong performance by Robert Taylor. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the film is a subplot involing an abused wife (Jean Hagen), her brute husband (Bruce Cowling) and the Cavalry Lieutenant (Don Taylor) who loves her. The outdoor B&W cinematography by Harold Lipstein (HELLER IN PINK TIGHTS) is very good and makes good use of the New Mexico and Simi Valley, California locations. The public liked it enough to make it a modest hit. With Arlene Dahl, John Hodiak, John McIntire, Leon Ames and Chief Thundercloud.