*** This review may contain spoilers ***
*Plot and ending analyzed*
Apache Drums (1951) is a tedious Western. Take an interesting theme like the Apache Indians, throw in enough filler to completely denude that, and then stage an absurd defensive sequence in a church, whereby the inept White townsfolk defeat the Apache Indians, who, for some reason, don't just go away, and that is what you have.
Most of the time of the film involves the constant bickering between two men (Stephen McNally as Sam Leeds and Willard Parker as Mayor Joe Madden). A lot of talk as well is stuffed into the film, as the townsfolk sit in their houses doing nothing. Why the Apaches don't attack then is unknown.
There's also a highly annoying character, Arthur Shields as Rev. Griffin, whose bigotry and asinine comments minimizing the Apaches begins to wear thin. Stephen McNally as Sam Leeds and Arthur Shields as Rev. Griffin hold off an Apache attack in an unbelievable sequence.
The Apache attack sequence in the church, although exceedingly ludicrous, is well lighted with Apache raiders colored in bright red or orange, which lends the scene to the unusual.
None of the actors are particularly likable, since they both hate each other and really, I didn't care much. I just wanted to see a decent Western, but it's not here.
*Plot and ending analyzed*
Apache Drums (1951) is a tedious Western. Take an interesting theme like the Apache Indians, throw in enough filler to completely denude that, and then stage an absurd defensive sequence in a church, whereby the inept White townsfolk defeat the Apache Indians, who, for some reason, don't just go away, and that is what you have.
Most of the time of the film involves the constant bickering between two men (Stephen McNally as Sam Leeds and Willard Parker as Mayor Joe Madden). A lot of talk as well is stuffed into the film, as the townsfolk sit in their houses doing nothing. Why the Apaches don't attack then is unknown.
There's also a highly annoying character, Arthur Shields as Rev. Griffin, whose bigotry and asinine comments minimizing the Apaches begins to wear thin. Stephen McNally as Sam Leeds and Arthur Shields as Rev. Griffin hold off an Apache attack in an unbelievable sequence.
The Apache attack sequence in the church, although exceedingly ludicrous, is well lighted with Apache raiders colored in bright red or orange, which lends the scene to the unusual.
None of the actors are particularly likable, since they both hate each other and really, I didn't care much. I just wanted to see a decent Western, but it's not here.