Gunsmoke: The Last Apache

*Gunsmoke: The Last Apache*
Gunsmoke: The Last Apache
Genre	Western
Written by	Earl W. Wallace
Directed by	Charles Correll
Starring	James Arness
Music by	Bruce Rowland
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Executive producer	John Mantley
Producer	Stanley Hough
Production locations	Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas, USA; Alamo Village, Brackettville, Texas, USA; Bill Moody's Rancho Rio Grande, Del Rio, Texas, USA
Cinematography	Jerry G. Callaway
Editor	Ray Daniels
Running time	94 minutes
Production company	CBS Entertainment Productions
Original release
Network	CBS
Release	March 18, 1990
Related
	Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge; Gunsmoke: To the Last Man;

Gunsmoke: The Last Apache is a 1990 American Western television film starring James Arness, based upon the TV series Gunsmoke (1955–1975). It was preceded by Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987). Subsequent TV movies are Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994).

Plot

The time of the film is just before the surrender of Apache Chief Geronimo on September 4, 1886, and the setting is in Arizona and Mexico.

Matt has been out prospecting and visits Dan Reilly's store to cash in his gold dust and pick up his mail, which includes a letter from Yardner Cattle Company in Arizona territory. The letter is from "Mike" Yardner (from season 19 episode 3, wherein Michael Learned portrayed a widowed rancher), urging Matt to return to her ranch if he can.

Along the way Matt is assaulted by a rock-throwing Apache boy named Nachite (Kevin Sifuentes), and meets a U.S. Cavalry scout Chalk Brighton (Richard Kiley), who informs him that Geronimo is on the loose, but the real trouble is from the war chief Mandac aka Wolf (Joe Lara).

At the Yardner ranch, Matt finds Mike still alive after an attack by Apache warriors, but she tells him that her daughter Beth is in danger. After Beth is captured by Wolf, Mike reveals to Matt that Beth is his daughter. Together they head to the U.S. Cavalry Headquarters in Madera to try and enlist the Army's help to rescue Beth, only to be denied by Gen. Miles (Hugh O'Brian). Matt and Mike hatch a scheme to exchange Geronimo's grandsons, Nachite and Kyeta, for Beth.

On their way, Matt and Brighton are waylaid by Colonel Aloysius Felton Bodine (Geoffrey Lewis) and his party of scalp hunters. Mike's sharp-shooting helps them escape Bodine, and they ride out towards Fronteras, Mexico.

Meanwhile, Wolf intends to take Beth as his wife.

Cast

James Arness as Matt Dillon
Richard Kiley as Chalk Brighton
Amy Stock-Poynton as Beth Yardner
Geoffrey Lewis as Col. Aloysious Felton Bodine
Joe Lara as Wolf
Joaquin Martinez as Geronimo
Sam Vlahos as Tomas

Special Guest Appearances:

Hugh O'Brian as Gen. Nelson A. Miles
Michael Learned as Mike Yardner

Co-starring:

Peter Murnik as Lt. Davis
Robert Covarrubias as Bartender
Ned Bellamy as Captain Harris
Dave Florek as Smiley
Kevin Sifuentes as Nachite

Featuring:

Robert Brian Wilson as Corporal
Blake Boyd as Fraley
James Milanesa as Sentry Soldier

Production

The film was shot at multiple locations in Texas, including Big Bend Ranch State Park, Alamo Village near Brackettville, and Bill Moody's Rancho Rio Grande near Del Rio. It was dedicated to Amanda Blake, Stan Hough, and writer emeritus, Ron Bishop.

Reception

The film ranked seventh out of the programs airing that week with a 19.7/32 rating/share.^[2]^[3]

References

^ Thomas, Kevin (March 18, 1990). "Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (CBS Sunday at 9 p.m.)". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
^ "Ratings Roundup" (PDF). Broadcasting Magazine. 118 (13). Broadcasting Publications Inc.: 14 March 26, 1990. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
^ Greenland, David R. (2013). The Gunsmoke Chronicles: A New History of Television's Greatest Western. BearManor Media. ISBN 9781593937331. Retrieved October 2, 2022.