*** This review may contain spoilers ***
*Plot and ending analyzed*
Fort Bowie (1958) is a horrible Western, and there are many reasons that being the case. The most notable is a diluted script, bad acting, and a baseless portrayal of the Apache Indians war tactics. Ben Johnson is ineffective as the lead man, for he's as stiff as a bucket of heavy lead. You don't know if he sympathizes with the Apaches or wants them all killed, since he alternates throughout. I don't think it matters much since he comes off as some arrogant jerk.
The Apaches themselves are played as half-grunting oafs. The plot is the standard U.S. Cavalry versus the much-hated Apaches. One officer wants to use mild tactics, while another wants to kill them outright.
In the film, the Apaches attack a large fort head-on in one of the most ridiculous scenes of a Western. In reality, two Apaches could have sneaked in and burnt the fort during the night. But the Apaches were intelligent and always avoided large groups of soldiers or forts.
They also threw in a paltry love interest side-story that is so stupid that it defies any intelligence. The only reason to watch this film is because of the stuntmen who perform some good horse riding and battles scenes, that's about it.
Ben Johnson was a good character actor, but not a reliable lead.
This film falls short of being average at that.
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