Geronimo *** (1962, Chuck Connors, Adam West, Kamala Devi, Pat Conway, Lawrence Dobkin) – Classic Movie Review 5580

Producer-director Arnold Laven’s 1962 Technicolor movie stars Chuck Connors as Apache warrior Geronimo in this caring, pro-Native American Western about the Indian Chief trying to fight back against the US soldiers sent to subdue his revolt. Lawrence Dobkin plays General George A Crook, who is leading his troops in a bid to subdue the last Apache tribe led by Geronimo in 1880s Arizona.

The loosely historical screenplay by Pat Fielder follows the events leading up to Geronimo’s final surrender in 1886, but it distorts, simplifies and softens history disgracefully. However, nevertheless, the movie still entertains and looks great – and it means well.

Adam West also stars as Lieutenant John Delahay.

It was made by Arnold Laven, Arthur Gardner and Jules V Levy, released by United Artists and mostly filmed in Durango, Mexico.

It runs 101 minutes, is shot by Alex Phillips and is scored by Hugo Friedhofer.

The following year, Connors married co-star Kamala Devi, who plays Teela. Also in the cast are Pat Conway as Captain William Maynard, Armando Silvestre as Natchez, Ross Martin as Mangas, Denver Pyle as Senator Conrad, Eduardo Noriega as Colonel Morales, John Anderson as Jeremiah Burns, Enid Jaynes as Huera, Nancy Rodman as Mrs Marsh, Amanda Ames as Mrs Burns, Joe Higgins as Kincaide and Claudio Brook as Mr Henry.

RIP Adam West (September 19, 1928 – June 9, 2017).

Chuck Connors (April 10, 1921 – November 10, 1992).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5580

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