Fort Apache 1948

Fort Apache

Critics Consensus

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 21

83%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 7,919

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Fort Apache Photos

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Movie Info

When arrogant and stubborn Civil War hero Lieutenant Colonel Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda) arrives in Arizona with his daughter, Philadelphia (Shirley Temple), to assume command of the Fort Apache outpost, he clashes with level-headed Captain Kirby York (John Wayne). Viewing the local Native Americans through an ignorantly negative lens, Thursday is determined to engage them in battle for his own glory, despite the warnings of York -- an act of folly that will have dire consequences.
  • Genre:
    western
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John Ford
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Argosy Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Mono
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.37:1)

Cast & Crew

John Wayne
Capt. Kirby York
Henry Fonda
Lt. Col. Owen Thursday
Shirley Temple
Philadelphia Thursday
Pedro Armendáriz
Sgt. Beaufort (as Pedro Armendariz)
John Agar
2nd Lt. Michael Shannon O'Rouke
Anna Lee
Mrs. Emily Collingwood
Victor McLaglen
Sgt. Festus Mulcahy
Ward Bond
Sgt. Maj. Michael O'Rourke
John Ford
Director
James Warner Bellah
Writer
Frank S. Nugent
Writer
Merian C. Cooper
Executive Producer
John Ford
Executive Producer
Richard Hageman
Original Music
William H. Clothier
Cinematographer
Archie Stout
Cinematographer
Jack Murray
Film Editor
James Basevi
Art Direction
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Critic Reviews for Fort Apache

All Critics (21) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (21)

View All Critic Reviews (21)

Audience Reviews for Fort Apache

  • Nov 12, 2019
    Rarely does a work juggle so many balls in the air, without dropping a one, and all done with panache and flair. The pictures, the writing, the cast, and the flow...all executed by a master storyteller. And so many points of view handled fairly, even epically! A film with so many standout scenes that one cannot be chosen. One of the best movies ever made.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 27, 2011
    The greatest of the "Cavalry" trilogy. Packed with great social commentary and amazing performances by Fonda, Wayne and Ward Bond. Fonda's final scene is one of the most powerful I've seen.
    Graham J Super Reviewer
  • Jun 12, 2011
    A very well done film, if a little over sentimental with regards to the army, by John Ford with solid performances from Wayne and Fonda. Fort Apache tells the tale of man't fate with regard to the time period and war. It also has lots of social commentary and was controversial in many ways concerning the questioning of heroes and legends as well as man's fate in the world, their legacy. Interesting to note is that the film was one of the first with superimposed credits during the opening, instead of the usual cards depicting the credits before the opening scene.
    Chris B Super Reviewer
  • May 17, 2011
    Made in 1948, Fort Apache is way ahead of its' time in a number of ways, namely its' complex themes. Henry Fonda is terrific, and the rest of the cast shines as well. My only significant criticism comes as a result of not enough of The Duke. A lesson Ford would later learn from.
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
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