Indian Uprising

In a film that's a cut rate version of the story told in the John Ford classic Fort Apache, George Montgomery stars as the Indian wise and fair army captain on the Arizona frontier. Montgomery is in charge of a post that is dedicated to keeping the whites out of sacred Apache homeland.

Easier said than done as there's gold in those Apache hills and some unscrupulous whites want it. Adding to that there's a glory hunting army major who's looking to advance his career by stopping Geronimo played by Robert Shayne.

The only cast link to Fort Apache is that of Miguel Inclan who was a stoic and impassive Cochise in the Ford film and in Indian Uprising Inclan plays a more animated Geronimo.

Though not quite as good as Fort Apache, Devil's Doorway or Broken Arrow Indian Uprising is a solid western film with good action sequences. And in that the Indians are three dimensional characters it's a valuable teaching tool as well.

A modest Western, not without interest, though I found the ending a bit too neat. Relatively early for Hollywood (1952), it recognises the Indians' case - it was their land in the first place and it was whites (miners in this case) who broke the treaty. If anything, it shows Geronimo to be almost too co-operative and understanding. And the Apaches are acted by authentic-looking non-whites, rather than having whites in make-up.

George Montgomery looks quite good in the role of the grandly-named Chase McCloud, but mid-film some of his wide-eyed reaction expressions are a bit comical.

There's a subdued love interest with Audrey Long, apparently in her last film in a low-key film career. None of the other actors were familiar to me, apart from Carl Benton Reid whose limited screen time didn't justify his high billing.

Out of Columbia Pictures, Indian Uprising is directed by Ray Nazarro, written by Richard Schayer & Kenneth Gamet and stars George Montgomery, Audrey Long, Robert Shayne, Carl Benton Reid, Miguel Inclan & Eugene Iglesias. It's shot on location at Iverson Ranch, Chatsworth in California and Sedona in Arizona (Ellis W. Carter on photography).

Arizona 1885 and Captain Chase McCloud (Montgomery) is desperately trying to keep the peace with the Geronimo (Inclan) led Apache. But the residents of Tuscon don't want peace, there's gold out on the Apache reservation, which is now deemed as sole Apache territory. So when a new commander comes to the base and McCloud is relieved of charge, the treaty is easily broken by the corrupt townsfolk who use underhand methods. Can McCloud avert all out war and restore peace with the now mistrusting Geronimo?.

Considering its low budget restrictions and a largely unknown cast, Indian Uprising is far better than it has right to be. Sure the story is nothing out the ordinary, and definitely the "lone white man trying to keep peace" theme has been done considerably better than this. But the pace is brisk, the scenery pleasant and there's enough action spread out during the 75 minutes to keep the Western fan happy. Thesp wise it's stock performances for stock characters, tho Montgomery does fit the part well physically. While a waterside fisticuff sequence is a particular highlight. Shot in something boldly called Super Cine Color, the print of the film sadly isn't up to much. Cloudy colour flits in and out and spotting too is a reoccurring issue. It's unlikely that anyone loves this film enough to re-master it.

Still the print issues aren't major enough to stop one from enjoying the film. Quickly forgotten once over, Indian Rising is, however, an enjoyable enough Oater to spend a part of the afternoon with. 6/10

Cavalry captain Case McCloud finds himself in a perilous position when avaricious gold prospectors threaten to undermine the peace with the neighbouring Apache and their irascible leader, Geronimo.

An energetic little cavalry western starring the stoic George Montgomery as a cavalry captain knee deep in trying to quell an uprising is straight to the point, compact, with enough action and drama to keep you glued. Ray Nazzaro directs well.

Like it SHOULD be: One of those movies that makes you root for the Indians: Some white guys want to mine land which is part of a reservation, so they come up with an idea to result in the annihilation of the Apaches. The plan involves the caucasians killing a prospector but framing the tribe. The scheme also provides for the replacement of the Indian-friendly commander of the area's cavalry unit. How could the incoming major NOT think that he was dealing with unworthy savages? No glaring unreality here. Nice, color scenery. Professional in all other aspects, too. Pretty good, in my book.