Legends of Western Cinema Week: Fort Apache

Howdy y'all!!!

I'm all fired up to participate in my first Legends of Western Cinema Week!

A big Texas thank you to Emma and Olivia for hosting!

First off let me say, I know I'm not a huge cowgirl. If you know me and my style, I'm probably more of a princess, romantic, yuppie kind of girl.  But there are some westerns (books and movies) that grab me for many various reasons. And so, I'd like to share a new-found favorite, Fort Apache.

At Fort Apache, an honorable and veteran war captain (John Wayne) finds conflict when his regime is placed under the command of a young, glory hungry lieutenant colonel (Henry Fonda) with no respect for the local Indian tribe.

I believe this movie is filled with almost everything that constitutes a western; cowboys, indians, gun fire, horses, action, adventure, and even a bit of romance.  I really liked it because it was well rounded in all of these aspects.  I enjoyed the home-base feel that Fort Apache emits.  It's not just a bunch of tents and bachelors, but a home to soldiers, their wives, and children.  Even though they live in the uncivilized desert, the fort seems to have a sense of respect and courtesy.  

For instance, they host a festive dance party in honor of President George Washington's birthday!

When Philadelphia and Michael wanted to get married, her father, Lt. Col. Thursday, simply, politely, but firmly, forbid it. She obeyed her father respectfully.  I truly admire that.

The women respected and supported their men, through the good times and the bad.  They also supported and helped each other.  When Philadelphia needed necessities, she ran to the 'mother-hen' of the women who helped her so graciously to furnish her house.  All the women loaned one thing or another to help out!

Captain York was not only a good soldier but was also a good friend to the ones who needed him most.  He had a long time friendship with Cochise, the native chief, and treated him honorably and with respect.  He did not want to follow orders to trick the natives, but in the end was obedient to his commander.  Even after Col. Thursday's plans failed, Capt. York honored him as a brave leader.

And Philadelphia's costumes were beautiful.  I truly think women's dresses in the 'Westward Expansion' period are my absolute favorite.

Finally, this movie had an all around amazing cast!

From top to bottom: John Wayne, Henry Fonda, John Agar, and Shirley Temple

Some of the other wonderful actors included Ward Bond, Pedro Armendáriz, Victor McLaglen, and others.

I know these aren't your typical reasons to like a western, but I think its a fun way to look at it.  There are lots of other amazing elements to this movie and I'm sure the cowboys in our audience would enjoy the action and gunfire throughout the film!  It's a movie the whole family can enjoy!

I hope you get to watch this wonderful movie!  Have you seen it before? What did you think of it?

Also, please head over to meanwhileinrivendell.blogspot.com and allthingsbonnyandbeautiful.blogspot.com

to enjoy some more rootin-tootin wester legends!  Enjoy!