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Apache Uprising
Apache Uprising
Apache Uprising
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Apache Uprising
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. G. Springsteen
Screenplay byMax Lamb
Harry Sanford
Based onWay Station
1961 novel
by Harry Sanford
Max Steeber
Produced byA. C. Lyles
StarringRory Calhoun
Corinne Calvet
John Russell
Lon Chaney Jr.
Gene Evans
Richard Arlen
Robert H. Harris
CinematographyW. Wallace Kelley
Edited byJohn F. Schreyer
Music byJimmie Haskell
Production
company
A.C. Lyles Productions
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • December 29, 1965 (1965-12-29)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Apache Uprising is a 1965 American Technicolor Western Techniscope film directed by R. G. Springsteen and written by Max Lamb and Harry Sanford. The film stars Rory Calhoun, Corinne Calvet, John Russell, Lon Chaney Jr., Gene Evans, Richard Arlen and Robert H. Harris. It also includes the last screen appearance of one-time cowboy star Johnny Mack Brown. The film was released on December 29, 1965, by Paramount Pictures.[1][2]

Plot

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The film takes place in Arizona circa 1880s and deals with the stage coach lines trying to run from Texas through Arizona over to Phoenix and points west. The stage coach and passengers are attacked by renegade Apaches. These stage coach hands, passengers, and various AZ outlaws, all of whom are travelling through Indian country, are forced to join forces against the Apaches in order to save their lives and scalps.

Cast

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Apache Uprising

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Apache Uprising is a 1965 American directed by and produced by for . The screenplay was written by Harry Sanford and Max Lamb, adapted from the 1961 novel Way Station by Harry Sanford and Max Steeber. Set in post-Civil War during the , the story follows mustanger Jim Walker (played by ) and other passengers on a gold-laden who must band together to survive attacks by renegade Apaches and a of outlaws. The film features an of veteran Hollywood actors, many of whom were stars of earlier B-Westerns, including as a saloon singer, John Russell as a ruthless outlaw leader, as a stagecoach driver, as a greedy banker, as a grizzled scout, as Toby Jack Saunders, and in a supporting role. Shot in and with a runtime of 90 minutes, Apache Uprising exemplifies Lyles' low-budget "Geezer Westerns," which revived the careers of aging performers from the of cinema by casting them in fast-paced oaters. Filming took place at in , emphasizing action sequences involving stagecoach chases and raids. Released on December 29, with a New York premiere on January 19, 1966, the film received mixed reviews for its formulaic plot and stock characters but was praised for its nostalgic appeal and the chemistry among its seasoned cast. It holds a 5.7/10 rating on from user reviews and continues to be noted as a representative example of mid-1960s Westerns blending adventure with themes of unlikely alliances against common threats.

Overview

Plot

Apache Uprising is set in the during the post-Civil War era of the , where a travels from through hostile toward Lordsburg, carrying a valuable gold shipment and a diverse group of passengers including a saloon singer named Janice, stage line district manager Taylor, and other travelers unaware of the dangers ahead. Drifters Jim Walker and Bill Gibson, en route to Lordsburg to acquire mustangs, encounter an Apache attack and rescue an injured warrior whom they later discover is Chief Antone; they bury the victims of a massacred settler family and suspect a broader uprising is underway. Unable to convince a nearby patrol of the imminent threat despite joining them briefly, Jim and Bill board the stagecoach at Apache Wells, a remote way station, along with the other passengers. At the way station, outlaw leader Vance Buckner conspires with his accomplices, Jess Cooney and the hot-tempered gambler Toby Jack Saunders, to rob the stagecoach and eliminate all witnesses. Tensions among the passengers escalate when Toby Jack insults Janice, prompting a physical altercation with Jim; the outlaws then seize control, disarming everyone and demanding the gold, while revealing Taylor's secret involvement in the plot before Toby Jack kills him to tie up loose ends. As Buckner prepares to execute the captives, Jim and Bill disclose Chief Antone's presence aboard, warning that his tribe will launch a vengeful assault on the station; the revelation buys time but sparks chaos when the Apaches attack, during which Toby Jack shoots Bill but is himself killed by the warriors. In the ensuing battle, Jim and Janice flee the station but are captured by the ; Jim negotiates their by promising to return the wounded Chief Antone, enabling Buckner and to escape with part of the gold. Tracking the outlaws, Jim discovers mortally wounded and chooses to spare Buckner despite his crimes, but the pursuing Apaches demand Buckner's life in retribution for past atrocities against their people. The survivors band together to fight off the Apache attack at the way station, ultimately allowing a few, including Jim and Janice, to survive and reach Lordsburg. The story, adapted from the 1961 novel Way Station by Harry Sanford and Max Steeber, underscores themes of survival and fragile unity in the face of external and internal threats.

Cast

Apache Uprising features an ensemble of veteran Western performers assembled by producer , many of whom were established stars from earlier decades of Hollywood cinema. Rory leads as Jim Walker, a rugged drifter who becomes a key defender of the passengers amid frontier dangers. Corinne portrays Janice MacKenzie, a saloon girl shunned by her community for her unconventional morals and who joins the perilous journey. Among the key supporting roles, John Russell plays Vance Buckner, the cunning leader of a of targeting the . appears as Charlie Russell, the driver. is cast as Jess Cooney, a tough allied with Buckner in their scheme. depicts Captain Gannon, the authoritative army officer leading a patrol in the territory. Notable appearances include Arthur Hunnicutt as Bill Gibson, Walker's companion and fellow drifter. The film marks the final screen roles for Johnny Mack Brown, who plays Sheriff Ben Hall, and Jean Parker, appearing as Mrs. Hawks, a refined Eastern traveler on the stagecoach.
ActorRole
Rory CalhounJim Walker
Corinne CalvetJanice MacKenzie
John RussellVance Buckner
Lon Chaney Jr.Charlie Russell
Gene EvansJess Cooney
Richard ArlenCaptain Gannon
Robert H. HarrisHoyt Taylor
Arthur HunnicuttBill Gibson
DeForest KelleyToby Jack Saunders
George ChandlerJace Asher
Jean ParkerMrs. Hawks
Johnny Mack BrownSheriff Ben Hall
Don 'Red' BarryHenry Belden
Abel FernandezYoung Apache Chief
Robert CarricartChico Lopez
Paul DanielTonto Chief Antone
Roy JensonSgt. Hogan
Rodd RedwingArchie Whitewater
Dan WhiteTownsman
Ben StantonTownsman
Uncredited roles include several Native American warriors and additional townsfolk, portrayed by actors such as Jim Whitecloud and Foster Hood as Indians.

Production

Development

Apache Uprising originated from the 1961 novel Way Station by Harry Sanford and Max Steeber, which was adapted into a screenplay by Max Lamb and Harry Sanford. The film was produced by under his ten-picture contract with , focusing on low-budget Westerns designed to capitalize on nostalgia by featuring established actors from earlier eras of Hollywood cinema. This project was announced on June 7, 1965, in Daily Variety as Lyles' first endeavor in the series, aimed at appealing to mature viewers familiar with the stars' previous work. Direction was assigned to , a veteran of B-Westerns who had helmed dozens of such films since the , including titles like Marshal of Laredo (1945) and (1964), making him well-suited for Lyles' efficient production style. Lyles' casting approach emphasized veteran performers to evoke sentimental connections, including silent-era and classic Western stars such as , , and ; notably, it marked the final screen appearances for and . As a typical Lyles production, Apache Uprising operated on a modest —exact figures are not publicly documented—with a schedule geared toward rapid completion to minimize costs.

Filming

for Apache Uprising commenced on June 14, 1965, at in , where the production utilized the site's distinctive rock formations and rugged terrain to depict the Apache territory landscapes. The filming wrapped in late June after approximately two weeks, adhering to the tight schedules typical of A.C. Lyles Productions' low-budget Westerns for . No major incidents were reported during the shoot, reflecting the efficient logistics employed to meet the studio's production timeline under Lyles' ten-film contract. The film was shot in Technicolor using the process, a cost-effective format with a 2.35:1 that allowed for vibrant visuals of the Western landscapes. Cinematographer W. Wallace Kelley captured the natural lighting and expansive vistas to enhance the genre's dramatic action sequences. Director , a veteran of B-Westerns since the , employed a streamlined approach that minimized retakes and relied on practical stunts for the raids and chases, ensuring the production stayed on pace. Following the completion of , Jimmie created the score, which integrated orchestral elements to the tension in the action sequences and was recorded post-filming to align with the edited footage. This music work complemented the on-location efforts, contributing to the film's cohesive Western atmosphere without requiring reshoots.

Release

Distribution

Apache Uprising was distributed by , with its initial theatrical release occurring on December 29, 1965, as a B-Western programmed for double bills. These productions were designed to fill the bottom half of such double features, capitalizing on their low-budget appeal to sustain profitability through volume releases. The film's premiere involved a limited rollout across the , focusing on drive-in theaters and second-run venues that catered to audiences seeking affordable, nostalgic entertainment. Promotion emphasized its status as an Western, leveraging the star power of aging Hollywood veterans to draw viewers familiar with their earlier work. Marketing materials, including trailers, spotlighted high-stakes action, imminent attacks, and the seasoned cast's chemistry, positioning the film as a classic tale of peril. Posters similarly centered on Calhoun's rugged persona amid Western adventure motifs, underscoring themes of heroism against and indigenous threats. Internationally, Apache Uprising saw a constrained release beginning in 1966, with distribution in under localized titles such as Die Apachen in and Op Het Spoor van de Apachen in (Flemish), contributing to its global theatrical earnings. The film runs 90 minutes and carried no MPAA rating, aligning with family-oriented Western conventions of the era.

Home media

Apache Uprising was first made available on via a VHS release from Paramount Home Video on February 24, 1993. The film has not received an official DVD or Blu-ray edition from any major distributor. Due to its entry into the in the United States—stemming from lapsed renewal requirements for pre-1978 works—numerous unofficial DVD-R and digital releases have been produced by independent and public domain labels, often sourced from vintage prints or broadcast copies. As of November 2025, Apache Uprising is accessible for digital rental or purchase on major platforms including , Apple TV, and , with availability varying by region. These digital versions typically lack special features, though some editions include the original theatrical trailer or basic cast and crew biographies where sourced from archival materials.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release in late 1965, Apache Uprising received mixed to lukewarm reviews from contemporary critics, who viewed it as a standard B-Western in the vein of producer ' formulaic output. Daily Variety described the film as a "dull oater" with solid action sequences but a predictable plot, deeming it best suited for second-bill pairings rather than standalone attractions. In modern assessments, the film holds an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 on , based on 580 user votes, reflecting its appeal as a nostalgic, low-stakes Western. On , it lacks a Tomatometer score due to insufficient critic reviews (only 1 review) and an audience score due to fewer than 50 ratings. Critics and audiences have praised the ensemble cast's chemistry, particularly the interplay among veterans like , John Russell, and , which evokes classic Western tropes of unlikely alliances amid peril. However, common criticisms target the clichéd , formulaic , and modest production values typical of Lyles' quick-turnaround programmers. Film reviewer Dennis Schwartz noted it as "only for fans of those old-fashioned Westerns," assigning a B- grade for its unpretentious entertainment but lack of innovation. Commercially, Apache Uprising achieved modest success as a supporting feature, recouping its low budget through double bills and drive-in screenings without emerging as a major hit.

Legacy

Apache Uprising formed part of producer ' series of low-budget Westerns for in the , which aimed to nostalgically revive the genre during a period of declining theatrical popularity by featuring ensembles of faded from earlier eras. These films, including Apache Uprising, exemplified Lyles' strategy of casting aging actors to capitalize on audience familiarity and sentiment, thereby providing late-career opportunities while harking back to the B-Western traditions of and . The film holds particular significance as the final screen appearance for silent-era cowboy star , known for his roles in over 100 Westerns during the 1920s and 1930s, and for 1930s ingenue , whose career included notable parts in films like (1933). Their participation marked the end of an era for these veterans, underscoring Lyles' role in sustaining Hollywood's tradition of employing seasoned performers amid the industry's shift toward younger talent and television. In terms of influence, Apache Uprising represents a transitional example of late B-Westerns that blended straightforward action with ensemble dynamics, often studied in examinations of Hollywood's use of aging to maintain continuity. The film is preserved in the (AFI) Catalog of Feature Films, ensuring its availability for scholarly analysis and occasional public screenings at Western-focused events. Culturally, Apache Uprising reflects mid-1960s Western conventions in its portrayal of Native Americans, depicting Apaches primarily as antagonists in conflict with settlers and outlaws, though with subtle elements suggesting broader territorial grievances amid the genre's traditional framework. This approach aligns with the era's lingering stereotypes before the advent of more revisionist depictions in later Westerns.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apache_uprising
  2. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/17961/apache-uprising
  3. https://www.derekwinnert.com/apache-uprising-1965-rory-calhoun-corinne-calvet-john-russell-richard-arlen-lon-chaney-jr-gene-evans-classic-movie-review-13773/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060117/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060117/locations/
  6. https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/22882
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060117/reviews/
  8. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apache_uprising/cast-and-crew
  9. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/apache-uprising/cast/2030040714/
  10. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/206518-apache-uprising/cast?language=en-US
  11. https://onceuponatimeinawestern.com/apache-uprising-1966/
  12. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2005/dec/13/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0819806/
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/07/movies/a-c-lyles-producer-of-westerns-dies-at-95.html
  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/paramount-producer-ac-lyles-dies-639155/
  16. http://www.jimmiehaskell.com/filmography.html
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/1967/08/12/archives/producer-finds-a-bonanza-in-cutrate-westerns.html
  18. https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/apache-uprising-i60117
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060117/releaseinfo/
  20. https://www.allmovie.com/movie/apache-uprising-am83964
  21. https://www.ebay.com/itm/295434925450
  22. https://moviebuffsforever.com/products/apache-uprising-1965-dvd-1
  23. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/apache-uprising
  24. https://www.paramountmovies.com/movies/apache-uprising
  25. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apache_uprising/reviews
  26. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/09/30/veteran-hollywood-producer-ac-lyles-dies/2898169/
  27. https://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/big-screen/2013/oct/01/dig-a-hole-ac-lyles-the-man-from-paramount/
  28. https://today.troy.edu/news/dothan-johnny-mack-brown-wiregrass-archives/
  29. https://walkoffame.com/jean-parker/
  30. https://jeffarnoldswest.com/2021/03/apache-uprising-paramount-1965/
  31. https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/the-evolution-of-native-american-representation-in-westerns/63tmqv2y7
  32. https://ictnews.org/archive/geronimo-hollywoods-favorite-native-for-over-100-years/
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