Fort Apache (DVD, 2006)

This 1948 John Ford classic was the first of the legendary 'Cavalry trilogy' that also included SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON and RIO GRANDE. Filmed in the breathtaking landscape of Monument Valley, Ford created a masterpiece as he tells the story of the Custer-like Lt. Col. Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda), and of the brave man, Captain Kirby York (Duke), who dared to stand against him. Joining Duke and Henry Fonda are Ford Stock Company regulars Ward Bond, Francis Ford, Hank Worden, Victor McLaglen, Ben Johnson, Pedro Armendáriz and Grant Withers. John Agar and Shirley Temple also deliver impressive performances. My favorite part of the film is the very end, when Wayne looks out the window at the passing troops and gives a moving statement about duty, honor and country, choosing to tell the press the legend instead of the truth about the massacre caused by Thursday's thirst for fame and glory. Quite simply one of the best films ever made, and proof of how Ford and Wayne could create magic on the silver screen.

Steven Holt
Movie Magic USA