Fort Bowie

When a ruthless and bloodthirsty major slaughters a band of Apaches who have come with a white flag looking to surrender, the U.S. army finds itself in an all out war with Apaches under Victorio, who has left the reservation. The commander of Fort Bowie, Col. Garrett, finds his job to contain the hostiles complicated after his wife, unhappy in her situation, makes false allegations of improper advances against Captain Thompson. The colonel then decides to send the captain on a suicide mission, to find and order Victorio back to the reservation.

Very much a "B" western, with script and acting to match, it features the always entertaining Ben Johnson in a rare leading role. His horsemanship is very much on display, at one point jumping his horse over the walls of Fort Bowie to get at the Apaches, who have overrun the fort. Beautiful Jana Davi also graces the screen as the half Mexican, half Apache Chanzana, one of Victorio's former wives. She has her heart set on landing Captain Thompson, but he is distracted by Alison Garrett, thinking her an ideal army wife.

Though "Fort Bowie" will never be mistaken for one of John Ford's western classics, there is plenty of action to satisfy most fans of the genre.

A group of Apaches visits a cavalry fort in hopes of laying down their weapons and coming to a peace agreement, but Maj. Wharton (J. Ian Douglas), wanting to make a name for himself, orders his men to massacre them. Meanwhile, Col. Garrett (Kent Taylor) believes his flirtatious wife is sleeping with Capt. Thompson (Ben Johnson), so he tries to get rid of the captain by ordering him to track Victorio (Larry Chance), a notorious Apache warrior who's plotting a large-scale attack on the fort.

A solid cavalry western starring Ben Johnson, an actor usually known for supporting roles, but here he is in the lead as a captain who hasn't only the Apaches to contend with but the colonel's troublesome wife; the latter lends an adult theme to a western that adeptly balances character and action, and boy does it have enough skirmishes to keep one happy. Checkout the frenetic finale where the Apaches turn the tables on the cavalry and fire at the charging cavalry from the fort's parapet. Overall, Fort Bowie is solid gritty western. It's pity that it isn't in colour.

Fort Bowie is directed by Howard W. Koch and written by Maurice Tombragel. It stars Ben Johnson, Jan Harrison, Kent Taylor, Maureen Hingert, Peter Mamakos and Larry Chance. Music is by Les Baxter and cinematography by Carl E. Guthrie.

In the main Fort Bowie is a Cavalry and Indians "B" Western, one that's predictable even if it's not afraid to show then ugly side of Cavalry brutality. Plot is built around Johnson's Captain Thompson, who after witnessing Major Wharton's (J. Ian Douglas) cruel slaughter of surrendering Apaches, reports to Colonel Garett (Taylor) that an attack by the Apache is imminent. Garrett promptly requests that Thompson escort his wife away from harm. Easier said than done, for Mrs. Garrett is a femme fatale causing as much consternation as the Apache!

It's great seeing Johnson in the lead, he holds court and is the fulcrum of what makes Fort Bowie better than average. His character's nickname is "Tomahawk" due to his ability with said weapon, and it's not long before we get to see it in action. In fact it's notable that the first battle staged is fought with axes, swords and arrows on both sides, and it's a well constructed battle. Alison Garrett (Harrison) is trouble and the poison she lays down is the worst kind, and it's that that gives the film an extra narrative kick. Helps that Harrison is socko gorgeous, who in turn is supplemented by other beauties Hingert and Barbara Parry.

So while some of the cast do indeed look stunning, so to does the scenery, with location filming out of Kanab excellently photographed by Guthrie. It's a shame this wasn't afforded some Technicolor frontage. The vistas make for some striking scenes, as the Indians gather and descend the hills etc. Everything is building up to the big final battle at Fort Bowie, where as the romantic shenanigans reach their peaks, so does the culmination of the Cavalry and Indians toing and froing. It's exciting, the stunt people earning their corn, to round out a thoroughly enjoyable genre piece for the so inclined for such. 7/10

not a review on the movie but I wonder if anyone could give more information on Jana Davi/Maureen Hingert? I am a large fan of movies from the 30's, 40's and 50's and liked this lady. It seems a shame she was in so few pictures and would like to know more about her. .... Just an old man's interest. Any input would be appreciated.

Probably not a large number of people can fill in any information for a minor actress but I would like to have any information available.

There HAS to be someone out there that has some information on her.

Thank you for any help.

I just saw her in GUN FEVER and fell in love with her all over again. Don't ask me why, I just did.

This western actually belongs to the military - fort - westerns category; Indians, cavalry...No outlaws, no sheriff, no town tamer, no cattle baron vs rustlers.... This western belongs to specific category. It is short, sharp, powerful but unfortunately too predictable for a movie goer like me. The story line is excellent, the directing solid, action sequences terrific, impressive.... No, this is an awesome Howard Koch's film, at the image that this producer turned director offered during his career. With maybe the exception of two juvenile delinquency flicks. Some scenes are not for the sissies, as in many Indian wars topic westerns. Indian tortures....