53 reviews
Classic Western
Worthy 1953 Western with William Holden & Eleanor Parker
Released in 1953 and directed by John Sturges, "Escape from Fort Bravo" was always one of my top Westerns of the 1950s. It stars William Holden as Capt. Roper, who ruthlessly oversees a group of Confederate prisoners at a fort in the SW wilderness. John Forsythe plays Confederate prisoner Capt. Marsh and Eleanor Parker stars as Carla, a woman who visits the fort under the pretense of attending a wedding. As Roper falls for Carla, the Confederates take advantage of his love blinded-ness. When Roper goes after a group of escapees the soldiers have no recourse but to team up against a band of marauding Mescalero Indians.
William Holden was in his prime here, as was the breathtaking Eleanor Parker, both stunning examples of masculine strength and feminine charm respectively.
Although the soldiers rarely miss and the Natives rarely hit, the Indians are depicted in a realistic, respectable manner, showing ingenuity in their resolve to wipe out the pinned-down group of whites.
William Campbell, well-known for the lead Klingon in the original Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" and less-so as the alien Trelane in "The Squire of Gothos," has a formidable supporting role as one of the escaping Confederates. He was almost fifteen years younger and barely recognizable.
While the events take place in 1865 the song played at the fort dance, "Mountains of Mourne," was written by Percy French 31 years later. Someone must've come back from the future.
FINAL WORD: I realize a lot of pre-60's Westerns come off eye-rolling or artificial, but "Escape from Fort Bravo," doesn't fall into that category; that is, aside from the dated opening tune and the aforementioned song at the dance, as well as the parts that were obviously shot in the studio, which was typical in that era.
The film runs 99 minutes and was shot in desolate regions of California (Semi Valley) and New Mexico (Gallup), including Death Valley National Park.
GRADE: B+
William Holden was in his prime here, as was the breathtaking Eleanor Parker, both stunning examples of masculine strength and feminine charm respectively.
Although the soldiers rarely miss and the Natives rarely hit, the Indians are depicted in a realistic, respectable manner, showing ingenuity in their resolve to wipe out the pinned-down group of whites.
William Campbell, well-known for the lead Klingon in the original Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" and less-so as the alien Trelane in "The Squire of Gothos," has a formidable supporting role as one of the escaping Confederates. He was almost fifteen years younger and barely recognizable.
While the events take place in 1865 the song played at the fort dance, "Mountains of Mourne," was written by Percy French 31 years later. Someone must've come back from the future.
FINAL WORD: I realize a lot of pre-60's Westerns come off eye-rolling or artificial, but "Escape from Fort Bravo," doesn't fall into that category; that is, aside from the dated opening tune and the aforementioned song at the dance, as well as the parts that were obviously shot in the studio, which was typical in that era.
The film runs 99 minutes and was shot in desolate regions of California (Semi Valley) and New Mexico (Gallup), including Death Valley National Park.
GRADE: B+
Glossy yet absorbing western romantic drama
Surrounded by hostile desert and belligerent Mescalero Indians, the Confederate prisoners of Fort Bravo are most in fear of their jailer Captain Roper. Only the beautiful Carla glimpses a chink of tenderness in his armour, but she deceives him by organising and joining an escape party
William Holden is his usual excellent self as the moody captain who strikes fear into his confederate prisoners, but soon Eleanor Parker - who is there to help her boyfriend confederate captain played by Dynasty's William Forsyth to escape-thaws that cold exterior, and she falls for him too. This makes for an arresting dilemma for them, and a pleasant viewing. Escape from Fort Bravo is an interesting mix of romance, drama and the usual cavalry excursion. It's glossy like a painting, yet absorbing. However, the finale elevates this western drama further with a tense showdown with the Mescaleros. The locations is superbly captured, the Mesa and towering buttes just as commanding as John Sturges direction.
William Holden is his usual excellent self as the moody captain who strikes fear into his confederate prisoners, but soon Eleanor Parker - who is there to help her boyfriend confederate captain played by Dynasty's William Forsyth to escape-thaws that cold exterior, and she falls for him too. This makes for an arresting dilemma for them, and a pleasant viewing. Escape from Fort Bravo is an interesting mix of romance, drama and the usual cavalry excursion. It's glossy like a painting, yet absorbing. However, the finale elevates this western drama further with a tense showdown with the Mescaleros. The locations is superbly captured, the Mesa and towering buttes just as commanding as John Sturges direction.
Union fort in Arizona used as a Confederate prison camp and surrounded by marauding Mescalero Apaches
"Escape From Fort Bravo" had a unique western storyline that shifted somewhat during the course of the film, but still left the viewer
with a decent film for its time. Fort Bravo is being used as a Confederate prison camp during the waning months of the American Civil War. Inside the fort's walls are the prisoners, wanting to escape, and the troops of the Union cavalry, trying to prevent their escapes, and outside are the bands of savage Mescalero Apaches, just waiting for anybody to leave the safety of the fort.
William Holden plays Capt. Roper, the Union officer given the dubious task of recapturing any escapees and returning them to Fort Bravo. It's an unpleasant task, he personally dislikes the job, but he does it, and does it all to well, much to the chagrin of the rebels still in the fort. During this time, a female Confederate sympathizer, played by Eleanor Parker, comes to the fort and will attempt to distract Holden, while she manages to enact the escape of her Confederate lover, played by John Forsythe. The escape occurs, some rebel prisoners manage to leave the fort, Parker goes with them, but she does not realize that Holden has come to fall in love with her. Roper, Holden's part, takes a small troop of men out from the fort in pursuit, he hoping to catch up with them before the Apaches do.
Besides the three main leads mentioned above, the supporting cast includes William Demerest, William Campbell, Richard Anderson, Polly Bergen, and in a pre "Broken Arrow" role, John Lupton. Campbell and Demerest do provide some comic relief, playing off each other's abilities, etc., but the lead parts do carry the picture and prevent it from becoming just another Cavalry-Indians western. 7/10
with a decent film for its time. Fort Bravo is being used as a Confederate prison camp during the waning months of the American Civil War. Inside the fort's walls are the prisoners, wanting to escape, and the troops of the Union cavalry, trying to prevent their escapes, and outside are the bands of savage Mescalero Apaches, just waiting for anybody to leave the safety of the fort.
William Holden plays Capt. Roper, the Union officer given the dubious task of recapturing any escapees and returning them to Fort Bravo. It's an unpleasant task, he personally dislikes the job, but he does it, and does it all to well, much to the chagrin of the rebels still in the fort. During this time, a female Confederate sympathizer, played by Eleanor Parker, comes to the fort and will attempt to distract Holden, while she manages to enact the escape of her Confederate lover, played by John Forsythe. The escape occurs, some rebel prisoners manage to leave the fort, Parker goes with them, but she does not realize that Holden has come to fall in love with her. Roper, Holden's part, takes a small troop of men out from the fort in pursuit, he hoping to catch up with them before the Apaches do.
Besides the three main leads mentioned above, the supporting cast includes William Demerest, William Campbell, Richard Anderson, Polly Bergen, and in a pre "Broken Arrow" role, John Lupton. Campbell and Demerest do provide some comic relief, playing off each other's abilities, etc., but the lead parts do carry the picture and prevent it from becoming just another Cavalry-Indians western. 7/10
A "Cavalry And Injun Pic" Done To A Turn
William Holden's character, in the Civil War-era Western "Escape From Fort Bravo" (1953), has a very appropriate name. When we first see his Capt. Roper, he is dragging an escaped Confederate prisoner, by rope, across the desert; a not-so-subtle warning to any other rebs who might be planning a similar break from the Union fort, deep in the Arizona Territory. But when that escape comes, led by Southern Capt. Marsh (John Forsythe) and abetted by Texan belle Carla Forester (Eleanor Parker), Roper is forced to follow the fugitives...even though the path leads straight into the country of the bloodthirsty Mescalero Apaches. Filmed in Death Valley National Monument and in gorgeous color, "Escape From Fort Bravo" showcases some truly spectacular scenery, not the least of which is Eleanor herself. One of the 1950s' most gorgeous of actresses, she looks absolutely ravishing here, her famous red hair a wonder to behold. She would also appear the next year in another film--"The Naked Jungle"--featuring man-eating ants. (Oh, did I forget to mention that those Mescaleros have a nasty habit of tying their prisoners to ant hills?) "Escape" boasts a very tough-talking script, with glints of humor coming from the bickerings between (those great character actors) Williams Demarest and Campbell, and its final third is remarkably suspenseful, as Roper, Carla and the escaped rebs are laid siege in a ditch, while the Mescaleros pick them off with rifle shot and lob volleys of arrows into their midst. Director John Sturges would go on to make three more classic Westerns over the next seven years ("Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," "Last Train From Gun Hill" and, of course, "The Magnificent Seven"), and here turns what is basically a "cavalry and Injuns pic" into a thing of real beauty and excitement. Yes, I really did enjoy this one.
Surprisingly original and therefor also likable movie.
It's an interesting western/prison movie cross-over, although above all the movie remains a western of course with some of its formulaic ingredients, in this movie it's mostly the use of Indians. The story makes the movie more original than most of the other western's from the '50's. It's originality also help to make this movie a better than average one.
Of course the story still feels the need to put in a love-story into the movie but that's basically the curse of every movie that's over 50 years old. Nevertheless the love-story itself is also quite different and original, so it isn't as distracting as in most other genre movies from the same period often was the case.
Director John Sturges has made many entertaining and adventurous movies in his career and I consider this as one of them, though it obviously is not his best work. It's just a good and enjoyable movie, with some real great moments, for in between.
At times its painfully obvious that the movie was for some part shot in studios with fake looking backgrounds in it. It makes the movie look outdated but that also by now has become part of the charm of these sort of movies. The cinematography is from Robert Surtees, who perhaps was the greatest cinematographer of his time. This movie isn't his best done however but it's a worthy one.
William Holden is good in his role, though it's hard to always like him because of the stubbornness and seemingly lack of emotion of the character. The supporting cast also pull of well, especially John Forsythe.
The musical score by Jeff Alexander is surprisingly great and I mean really great. It's not the usual some old, same old '50's western drivel. It's a score worth searching out, though I don't think it's available anywhere.
An enjoyable movie to watch, that's worth watching if you get the chance.
7/10
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Of course the story still feels the need to put in a love-story into the movie but that's basically the curse of every movie that's over 50 years old. Nevertheless the love-story itself is also quite different and original, so it isn't as distracting as in most other genre movies from the same period often was the case.
Director John Sturges has made many entertaining and adventurous movies in his career and I consider this as one of them, though it obviously is not his best work. It's just a good and enjoyable movie, with some real great moments, for in between.
At times its painfully obvious that the movie was for some part shot in studios with fake looking backgrounds in it. It makes the movie look outdated but that also by now has become part of the charm of these sort of movies. The cinematography is from Robert Surtees, who perhaps was the greatest cinematographer of his time. This movie isn't his best done however but it's a worthy one.
William Holden is good in his role, though it's hard to always like him because of the stubbornness and seemingly lack of emotion of the character. The supporting cast also pull of well, especially John Forsythe.
The musical score by Jeff Alexander is surprisingly great and I mean really great. It's not the usual some old, same old '50's western drivel. It's a score worth searching out, though I don't think it's available anywhere.
An enjoyable movie to watch, that's worth watching if you get the chance.
7/10
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- Boba_Fett1138
- Aug 15, 2007
- Permalink
"Just Space And Death"
In 1863, with the American Civil War raging, a prison camp has been set up to house Confederate prisoners deep in the Arizona Territory. This is the eponymous Fort Bravo.
Resentful of captivity, the Southern prisoners remain in a constant state of unrest, and escape bids are common. However, the hostile remoteness of the terrain and the vigilance of the Union's Captain Roper make a successful breakout virtually impossible. Beyond the sheer physical obstacles barring the path to freedom lie the ferocious Mescalero indians.
Roper is "the man that's always after people". A stern martinet, he holds it to be a matter of honour that every escapee shall be found and dragged back. He is hated by the prisoners, and though some of his own side dislike his methods, he is respected as an efficient and reliable officer.
There is a void in Roper's life. He needs love. "You've a big fist inside you that's always doubled up," he is told. For all his attention to duty, Roper is deeply unhappy. Then the beautiful Carla Forrester arrives at Fort Bravo ...
The film has a marvellous look. Shot by director of photography Robert Surtees on bright, sundrenched locations and developed in a process called Ansco Color (a new one on me - though that's not saying much), the movie is a feast for the eye. Creamy yellow sand and tawny hills form beautiful backgrounds against which the blue cavalry uniforms stand out magnificently. When Roper and Carla go for their romantic horseride, there is a vast sky above their heads. The shots of the indian riders circling the beleaguered cavalry troopers are gorgeous. At the climax of the film a small group Fort Bravo people is pinned down by the indians in a shallow depression in the sand, and yet again the look of the images is quite simply stunning. Warren Newcombe's special effects include volleys of indian arrows cascading down on the Fort Bravo party in arcs of hissing death.
There are one or two quibbles. Is a troop of cavalrymen the proper unit to garrison a prisoner of war camp? Would a mobile detail which was expecting to be ambushed really ride through a steep canyon? Surely the waltz playing at the fort social event - "The Mountains of Mourne" - is an anachronism? My guess is, the tune wasn't composed until fifty years after this. The 'night in the desert' passages are patently filmed in the studio - a great shame, considering the beauty of the location shots.
William Holden is at his tight-lipped, angry best as Captain Roper. Eleanor Parker looks divine as the improbable Carla. The trio of likeable Confederates, Marsh, Young and Campbell (played by John Forsythe, William Campbell and William Demarest resectively) doesn't quite come off as a comedy sub-plot.
The film is a good cavalry-and-indians caper, with Holden carrying most of it on his capable shoulders. There is even a hint of character development, as Roper learns eventually that "there's something better than being tough."
Resentful of captivity, the Southern prisoners remain in a constant state of unrest, and escape bids are common. However, the hostile remoteness of the terrain and the vigilance of the Union's Captain Roper make a successful breakout virtually impossible. Beyond the sheer physical obstacles barring the path to freedom lie the ferocious Mescalero indians.
Roper is "the man that's always after people". A stern martinet, he holds it to be a matter of honour that every escapee shall be found and dragged back. He is hated by the prisoners, and though some of his own side dislike his methods, he is respected as an efficient and reliable officer.
There is a void in Roper's life. He needs love. "You've a big fist inside you that's always doubled up," he is told. For all his attention to duty, Roper is deeply unhappy. Then the beautiful Carla Forrester arrives at Fort Bravo ...
The film has a marvellous look. Shot by director of photography Robert Surtees on bright, sundrenched locations and developed in a process called Ansco Color (a new one on me - though that's not saying much), the movie is a feast for the eye. Creamy yellow sand and tawny hills form beautiful backgrounds against which the blue cavalry uniforms stand out magnificently. When Roper and Carla go for their romantic horseride, there is a vast sky above their heads. The shots of the indian riders circling the beleaguered cavalry troopers are gorgeous. At the climax of the film a small group Fort Bravo people is pinned down by the indians in a shallow depression in the sand, and yet again the look of the images is quite simply stunning. Warren Newcombe's special effects include volleys of indian arrows cascading down on the Fort Bravo party in arcs of hissing death.
There are one or two quibbles. Is a troop of cavalrymen the proper unit to garrison a prisoner of war camp? Would a mobile detail which was expecting to be ambushed really ride through a steep canyon? Surely the waltz playing at the fort social event - "The Mountains of Mourne" - is an anachronism? My guess is, the tune wasn't composed until fifty years after this. The 'night in the desert' passages are patently filmed in the studio - a great shame, considering the beauty of the location shots.
William Holden is at his tight-lipped, angry best as Captain Roper. Eleanor Parker looks divine as the improbable Carla. The trio of likeable Confederates, Marsh, Young and Campbell (played by John Forsythe, William Campbell and William Demarest resectively) doesn't quite come off as a comedy sub-plot.
The film is a good cavalry-and-indians caper, with Holden carrying most of it on his capable shoulders. There is even a hint of character development, as Roper learns eventually that "there's something better than being tough."
Vigorous and moving cavalry Western with powerful scenes , exciting action and big name actors
A civil war era western set in Arizone stockade . During the Civil War , a group of Confederates are ruthlessly guarded by a hard-bitten cavalry officer , the pivotal role captain Roper (William Holden) . In the meantime , local Indian tribes are restive and the rebel prisoners try to getaway from captivity . Then , the rebel leader Capt. John Marsh (John Forsythe) accompanied by his underlings , the old Campbell (William Demarest) , the impetuous Young Cabot Young (William Campbell) and the coward Bailey (John Lupton) escape from the Union POW camp at Fort Bravo but has to contend with the desert , the Mescalero Indians and the pursuing Union troops . Along the way the suspect Carla Forester (Eleanor Parker) , a wedding visitor , is soon ensnared by seducing Roper from his duty . When the commander discovers what's happened , a tense hunt ensues throughout the stark outdoors , as Roper chases mercilessly his prisoners . There takes place a tense pursuit across enemy territory extremely surrounded by hostile Indians and being assailed by wave upon wave into the rugged landscape of Arizona .
It is a classic and old tale with excellent action set pieces skillfully worked , lots of action , well-executed , good performance all around and a big finish with assorted Indian parties making use of their relentless arcs and arrows . Slow-moving at the beginning , the flick works up to a breathtaking final when the group to be beset by hostile as well as unstoppable Indians . That's why there stand out the thrilling and surprising scenes when the main roles are trapped in the dangerous contours of Death Valley by hostile Mescalero Indians shooting killing arrows while attempting to get everyone back to the fort . Main and support players are frankly top-notch , delivering enjoyable interpretations from a cast headed by Holden , Forsythe and Parker . Nice acting by William Holden as hard-nosed officer and giving audiences one of their best looks . And awesome Eleanor Parker as a gorgeous Southern spy whose job is to break the Confederate prisoners out of jail . Support cast is frankly excellent , plenty of familiar faces , such as : Polly Bergen , Richard Anderson , Carl Benton Reid , John Lupton , Alex Montoya and uncredited Glenn Strange . Colorful and sunny cinematography by Robert Surtees , subsequently an expert cameraman of super-productions , this was planned to be filmed in 3D , but was eventually filmed in 2D, the first feature to employ spherical Panavision lenses . Being shot on location in Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch , Simi Valley , California , Gallup, New Mexico, and Death Valley National Park , California . Atmospheric and stirring musical sore by Jeff Alexander , including some wonderful songs .
The motion picture was compelling and forcefully directed , thanks capable hands of filmmaker John Sturges . The redoubtable John demonstrates his skill and mettle here . Sturges was a warlike genre expert (Great escape , Never so few , The Eagle has landed) and Western master (Gunfight OK Corral , Last train of Gun Hill , The law and Jake Wade , Magnificent Seven). Escape from Fort Bravo rating: 7/10 , better than average . Well worth seeing , the movie will appeal to William Holden fans .
It is a classic and old tale with excellent action set pieces skillfully worked , lots of action , well-executed , good performance all around and a big finish with assorted Indian parties making use of their relentless arcs and arrows . Slow-moving at the beginning , the flick works up to a breathtaking final when the group to be beset by hostile as well as unstoppable Indians . That's why there stand out the thrilling and surprising scenes when the main roles are trapped in the dangerous contours of Death Valley by hostile Mescalero Indians shooting killing arrows while attempting to get everyone back to the fort . Main and support players are frankly top-notch , delivering enjoyable interpretations from a cast headed by Holden , Forsythe and Parker . Nice acting by William Holden as hard-nosed officer and giving audiences one of their best looks . And awesome Eleanor Parker as a gorgeous Southern spy whose job is to break the Confederate prisoners out of jail . Support cast is frankly excellent , plenty of familiar faces , such as : Polly Bergen , Richard Anderson , Carl Benton Reid , John Lupton , Alex Montoya and uncredited Glenn Strange . Colorful and sunny cinematography by Robert Surtees , subsequently an expert cameraman of super-productions , this was planned to be filmed in 3D , but was eventually filmed in 2D, the first feature to employ spherical Panavision lenses . Being shot on location in Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch , Simi Valley , California , Gallup, New Mexico, and Death Valley National Park , California . Atmospheric and stirring musical sore by Jeff Alexander , including some wonderful songs .
The motion picture was compelling and forcefully directed , thanks capable hands of filmmaker John Sturges . The redoubtable John demonstrates his skill and mettle here . Sturges was a warlike genre expert (Great escape , Never so few , The Eagle has landed) and Western master (Gunfight OK Corral , Last train of Gun Hill , The law and Jake Wade , Magnificent Seven). Escape from Fort Bravo rating: 7/10 , better than average . Well worth seeing , the movie will appeal to William Holden fans .
Grey against Blue and Indians against everybody!
William Holden is Captain Roper, a strict commanding officer in charge of a large group of Confederate prisoners in a dry heat stockade at Fort Bravo, Arizona, in 1863...
He is disliked by his captors as well by his captives because of his displeasing behavior toward the escapees whom he invariably recaptures... A main example, dragging back to the fort John Lupton with a rope around his waist...
To Fort Bravo arrived, one morning, the talented, and beautiful Eleanor Parker (Carla) apparently for the wedding of a friend (Polly Bergen)... In fact she is scheming the escape of a rebel, Captain John Forsythe...
Carla - a confederate agent - knows how to charm and handle beautifully Holden in her sojourn in the fort... Holden is the only danger to her plan, as he is the man who finds everybody...
One night, she escapes in a horse-drawn cart with three men, and a coward storekeeper, her Confederate ally... A deceived Holden receives with shock the striking notice that Carla, the woman he loves, is the one who planned the escape... He sets out in their pursuit, ignoring that outside, and around him, in the wilderness, common enemy is watching, the deadly Mescalero Indians...
Holden is stern, enigmatic and firm as the brusque young officer, who keeps the restless prisoners in Fort Bravo while trying to keep out marauding Indians... However Holden is an ideal human officer with integrity beneath his inflexible rules that discipline is fundamental in and around Fort Bravo...
The film carries cautiously, continuous tense action sequences as it incorporates into the exciting climax... The state of expectation and the quality of hopefulness are extremely controlled... The cast gives force and pressure to the nature of the drama keeping the actions spontaneous... The dynamic climactic redskin ambush, with brutal arrow-artillery, express great tension... The rain of the Indians arrows is vigorously presented by John Sturges who directed many fine Westerns like "Backlash," "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," and "The Law and Jake Wade."
"Escape from Fort Bravo" is a great Western and a good suspense drama with a sweet romance and spectacular action... The scenery is overwhelming: the jagged rocks, the dirt and the sage as well as the play of light and shade, all fulfilling, in Technicolor, one purpose, Grey against Blue and Indians against everybody...
He is disliked by his captors as well by his captives because of his displeasing behavior toward the escapees whom he invariably recaptures... A main example, dragging back to the fort John Lupton with a rope around his waist...
To Fort Bravo arrived, one morning, the talented, and beautiful Eleanor Parker (Carla) apparently for the wedding of a friend (Polly Bergen)... In fact she is scheming the escape of a rebel, Captain John Forsythe...
Carla - a confederate agent - knows how to charm and handle beautifully Holden in her sojourn in the fort... Holden is the only danger to her plan, as he is the man who finds everybody...
One night, she escapes in a horse-drawn cart with three men, and a coward storekeeper, her Confederate ally... A deceived Holden receives with shock the striking notice that Carla, the woman he loves, is the one who planned the escape... He sets out in their pursuit, ignoring that outside, and around him, in the wilderness, common enemy is watching, the deadly Mescalero Indians...
Holden is stern, enigmatic and firm as the brusque young officer, who keeps the restless prisoners in Fort Bravo while trying to keep out marauding Indians... However Holden is an ideal human officer with integrity beneath his inflexible rules that discipline is fundamental in and around Fort Bravo...
The film carries cautiously, continuous tense action sequences as it incorporates into the exciting climax... The state of expectation and the quality of hopefulness are extremely controlled... The cast gives force and pressure to the nature of the drama keeping the actions spontaneous... The dynamic climactic redskin ambush, with brutal arrow-artillery, express great tension... The rain of the Indians arrows is vigorously presented by John Sturges who directed many fine Westerns like "Backlash," "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," and "The Law and Jake Wade."
"Escape from Fort Bravo" is a great Western and a good suspense drama with a sweet romance and spectacular action... The scenery is overwhelming: the jagged rocks, the dirt and the sage as well as the play of light and shade, all fulfilling, in Technicolor, one purpose, Grey against Blue and Indians against everybody...
- Nazi_Fighter_David
- Jan 11, 2000
- Permalink
Exceptional John Sturges western with another sterling William Holden performance
During the Civil War, Union captain at an Arizona fort chases down a group of deserters on their way to Texas (including the woman the captain loves, who aided in the band's escape), but all involved become trapped in a desert trench by bloodthirsty Indians. Director John Sturges' 18th film looks pretty fantastic when it ventures outdoors, due to Robert Surtees' robust cinematography. However, the M-G-M production suffers visually when mixing location shots with exterior scenes filmed in-doors (this despite foliage and a waterfall to compliment a fight sequence). Sturges keeps a fast pace, though the picture isn't tightly-wound; the narrative is episodic and drifts, with only William Holden's deeply-felt work in the lead to hold most of it together. Holden's captain, who rarely smiles and seldom has emotions, evolves into a strong, loyal character--he's the heart of this piece. I'm not sure how well-matched the actor is with Eleanor Parker (who does her usual blank-eyed, open-mouthed silent suffering), however his declaration of love for her is convincing, thanks to Holden's sincerity. The bravura third act heats up with tense excitement as the Indians close in. This is where Sturges really comes to the fore and shows what he can do with familiar material. **1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Apr 4, 2014
- Permalink
A Lot of Time And Trouble For Four Men
William Holden did Escape from Fort Bravo as a double loan out from his two studio employers, Paramount and Columbia. It would have been a wasted trip, but for the fact that he also did Executive Suite in the same package. Mr. Holden was much in demand after winning the Oscar for Stalag 17.
He's very much like Sefton from Stalag 17 only this time he's the jailer and up to all the tricks the prisoners have. He's second in command of a prison stockade in the west during the Civil War. And the prisoners and their jailers are surrounded by hostile Mescalero Apaches.
One trick he's not up to is the charms of Confederate agent Eleanor Parker. Coincidentally enough she's a friend of Polly Bergen who is post commandant Carl Benton Reid's daughter and she's arrived for Bergen's wedding to young Lieutenant Richard Anderson. But she's also sweet on Confederate captain John Forsythe and she's there to spring him.
Just why Forsythe's services are so desperately needed by the Confederacy is not gone into. In any event I would think that the Confederacy would try for a mass escape like in The Great Escape before using an agent to affect the escape of one man and some of his selected companions.
And what companions. Two feuding enlisted men William Demarest and William Campbell and a sensitive young lieutenant in John Lupton who already failed at an escape himself. Not the guys I'd take along.
Nevertheless Escape from Fort Bravo boasts of some great scenic photography in Death Valley and a very exciting last stand battle with the escapees and Holden facing certain death at the hands of the Mescaleros.
Director John Sturges and all the players involved did films a lot better than Escape from Fort Bravo.
He's very much like Sefton from Stalag 17 only this time he's the jailer and up to all the tricks the prisoners have. He's second in command of a prison stockade in the west during the Civil War. And the prisoners and their jailers are surrounded by hostile Mescalero Apaches.
One trick he's not up to is the charms of Confederate agent Eleanor Parker. Coincidentally enough she's a friend of Polly Bergen who is post commandant Carl Benton Reid's daughter and she's arrived for Bergen's wedding to young Lieutenant Richard Anderson. But she's also sweet on Confederate captain John Forsythe and she's there to spring him.
Just why Forsythe's services are so desperately needed by the Confederacy is not gone into. In any event I would think that the Confederacy would try for a mass escape like in The Great Escape before using an agent to affect the escape of one man and some of his selected companions.
And what companions. Two feuding enlisted men William Demarest and William Campbell and a sensitive young lieutenant in John Lupton who already failed at an escape himself. Not the guys I'd take along.
Nevertheless Escape from Fort Bravo boasts of some great scenic photography in Death Valley and a very exciting last stand battle with the escapees and Holden facing certain death at the hands of the Mescaleros.
Director John Sturges and all the players involved did films a lot better than Escape from Fort Bravo.
- bkoganbing
- Sep 9, 2006
- Permalink
A colorful cavalry-Indian western
This beautiful film is another action western about Union and Confederate soldiers at a western outpost whose task is to hold the territory for the Union, prevent rebel defections, and fight Indians. A pretty rebel sympathizer uses her charms to effect an escape of Confederate officers and the hunt is on. William Holden and Eleanor Parker play off one another well in this tug of war and wills with John Forsythe hovering as an interested party. The film has exciting cavalry-Indian battle scenes, and the second clash is particularly novel in its execution because it is done by Indians. A craven rebel soldier proves to be the unlikely hero at the wind up. The picture was filmed largely in Death Valley and is striking in its great visual beauty.
- NewEnglandPat
- May 25, 2003
- Permalink
A man's only mission in his life changes when he meets the right woman
If you enjoy a good old fashioned western that takes place mainly in the hot desert sun with a band of hostile Mescalero Indians hiding behind nearly every mountain top in pursuit of both sides of fighting Civil War troops, the north and the south troops, then this old fashioned western will be right up your alley.
William Holden plays Captain Roper, a take ALL prisoners kind of game warden who refuses to let even one confederate soldier make his escape across the desert. The Union's Captain Roper's main adversary is Confederate Captain John Marsh who is played by John forsythe.
Now what would a good western be without these two rival Captain's one representing the southern states and the other representing the northern states be if there wasn't a good looking damsel in distress to fight over? Yes, the damsel these two captains are fighting over is Carla Forester, played by Eleanor Parker.
To summarize, the north is winning the Civil war so the southern troops are trying to escape from Fort Bravo (thus the title) but they have to travel through the hot and unforgiving desert and Captain Roper will chase anyone down, including the woman he is falling deep in love with, that being Carla Forester who is also on the run.
Fifty (50) years ago I would have had nightmares after watching the Mescalero Indians striking fear in the troops as they tried to hold off the Indians in the desert. But now I just sit back and enjoy a good old fashioned western which I would classify this feature film in the category of "Good".
I give the film a 6 out of 10 rating
William Holden plays Captain Roper, a take ALL prisoners kind of game warden who refuses to let even one confederate soldier make his escape across the desert. The Union's Captain Roper's main adversary is Confederate Captain John Marsh who is played by John forsythe.
Now what would a good western be without these two rival Captain's one representing the southern states and the other representing the northern states be if there wasn't a good looking damsel in distress to fight over? Yes, the damsel these two captains are fighting over is Carla Forester, played by Eleanor Parker.
To summarize, the north is winning the Civil war so the southern troops are trying to escape from Fort Bravo (thus the title) but they have to travel through the hot and unforgiving desert and Captain Roper will chase anyone down, including the woman he is falling deep in love with, that being Carla Forester who is also on the run.
Fifty (50) years ago I would have had nightmares after watching the Mescalero Indians striking fear in the troops as they tried to hold off the Indians in the desert. But now I just sit back and enjoy a good old fashioned western which I would classify this feature film in the category of "Good".
I give the film a 6 out of 10 rating
- Ed-Shullivan
- Apr 28, 2018
- Permalink
Less than mediocre Western as Union and Confederate soldiers battle stereotyped Native Americans
Sturdy western builds to an exciting shootout for the climax...
MGM Over-Produces a Western
No need to repeat an oft-repeated story-line. The movie has two things going for it-- William Holden in an earnest performance, and some spectacular A-level scenery, some of which appears shot in the uncredited Sedona, Arizona area. Otherwise, the film is simply too flawed to rank among the better Westerns.
Apparently the studio had to really sweeten the pot to get the Oscar-nominated (twice) Eleanor Parker to lower herself into a macho Western. As a result, a number of crippling compromises occur. Her part is over-inflated for more screen time, even though these showcase scenes seriously sap the action. Altogether such concessions undercut the degree of tightness and pacing that would hold interest throughout. Instead, we get some badly constructed studio sets meant to accommodate her many outdoor love scenes. These do have a point in the plot, nonetheless they're seriously overdrawn. Then too-- as another reviewer perceptively notes-- her flashy costumes, spangled hair, and immaculate make-up resemble nothing so much as a countess entering the royal court, and this in the middle of deadly Apache territory to which she has traveled in a tiny stage compartment. This is what happens when a studio places star-power above believability.
I could go on about the damage done by hiring a diva to fatten up marquee appeal-- consider, for example, the casual shopping trip across Apache country that has all the care-freeness of a trip to an 1860's frontier mall-- but you get the idea. Had glamor-obsessed MGM wanted to make a real Western, Parker's part would have gone to the modest-looking and acting Polly Bergen, whose part, as it is, is about the size of a postage stamp.
There are other poorly thought-out flaws-- such as Confederate prisoners who one and all speak as if they were born in Chicago, or the ridiculous prisoners' pen that's supposed to discourage the massed Johnny-rebs from charging a single armed guard. My guess is that the studio didn't put up a more plausible barbed-wire fence because that would have reflected badly on the Union captors. Be that as it may, I'm ready to put up with some concessions to Hollywood commercialism in a good horse opera. But this one simply has too many compromises without enough compensation. (The well-staged arrow barrage is both novel and fascinating, but is about the only dramatic highlight.) Had the less image-conscious Columbia studio done the movie with, say, Budd Boetticher and the Ranown company, we could have gotten something special. However, the way this film stands, maybe a good story lurks inside all that glitz and fat , but it still awaits proper treatment.
Apparently the studio had to really sweeten the pot to get the Oscar-nominated (twice) Eleanor Parker to lower herself into a macho Western. As a result, a number of crippling compromises occur. Her part is over-inflated for more screen time, even though these showcase scenes seriously sap the action. Altogether such concessions undercut the degree of tightness and pacing that would hold interest throughout. Instead, we get some badly constructed studio sets meant to accommodate her many outdoor love scenes. These do have a point in the plot, nonetheless they're seriously overdrawn. Then too-- as another reviewer perceptively notes-- her flashy costumes, spangled hair, and immaculate make-up resemble nothing so much as a countess entering the royal court, and this in the middle of deadly Apache territory to which she has traveled in a tiny stage compartment. This is what happens when a studio places star-power above believability.
I could go on about the damage done by hiring a diva to fatten up marquee appeal-- consider, for example, the casual shopping trip across Apache country that has all the care-freeness of a trip to an 1860's frontier mall-- but you get the idea. Had glamor-obsessed MGM wanted to make a real Western, Parker's part would have gone to the modest-looking and acting Polly Bergen, whose part, as it is, is about the size of a postage stamp.
There are other poorly thought-out flaws-- such as Confederate prisoners who one and all speak as if they were born in Chicago, or the ridiculous prisoners' pen that's supposed to discourage the massed Johnny-rebs from charging a single armed guard. My guess is that the studio didn't put up a more plausible barbed-wire fence because that would have reflected badly on the Union captors. Be that as it may, I'm ready to put up with some concessions to Hollywood commercialism in a good horse opera. But this one simply has too many compromises without enough compensation. (The well-staged arrow barrage is both novel and fascinating, but is about the only dramatic highlight.) Had the less image-conscious Columbia studio done the movie with, say, Budd Boetticher and the Ranown company, we could have gotten something special. However, the way this film stands, maybe a good story lurks inside all that glitz and fat , but it still awaits proper treatment.
- dougdoepke
- Aug 5, 2007
- Permalink
When you're in the grave, Beecher, it doesn't matter too much how you got there.
Escape from Fort Bravo is directed by John Sturges and collectively written by Michael Pate, Phillip Rock, Frank Fenton and John Forsythe. It stars William Holden, Eleanor Parker, John Forsythe, William Demarest & William Campbell. Jeff Alexander scores the music and Robert Surtees photographs it primarily in and around Death Valley in California, USA.
"In 1863 while the War Between the States still raged, a large group of Confederate prisoners were held in a sun baked stockade at Fort Bravo, Arizona Territory. Captor and Captive - - these men in blue and grey - - eyed each other with hatred. In the wilderness around them a common enemy eyed them both - - the deadly Mescalero Indians"
Escape from Fort Bravo has some notable points of interest that go with it. 1953 was the year that William Holden went "A" list and started to get "big" money, along side this picture he also made Stalag 17 and picked up the Best Actor Oscar for his efforts. The film also serves notice of what a fine director of action John Sturges would become, he of course would go on from here to be known for such film's like Bad Day at Black Rock, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape. Of interest, too, is that the film was shot in the rarely heard of Ansco Color. Ansco Color was the American off shoot of the German Agfa Color, used notably by MGM, Ansco would eventually evolve into Metrocolor.
As for the film itself? Entertaining and efficient with just enough in its last quarter to keep it away from merely being routine. The premise is a solid one, we have a unique situation where the prisoners of this stockade are not manacled or locked up. Such is the harshness of the surrounding desert and the hostile Indians that dwell there, Holden's tough and grizzled Union Captain doesn't feel the need to properly incarcerate the men. We then get a crafty "infiltration" of the stockade and it's here where the film sags a little as too much time is spent on fleshing out a potential romance. Thankfully Sturges pulls it all together for a grand last quarter that sees enemies forced to come together in the hope of surviving. It's here where we are treated to some psychological warfare and a memorable form of attack from the Mescalero's.
The acting across the board is effective, with Holden naturally the stand out doing one of his moody turns, while Surtees brilliantly captures the beauty, yet perfect harshness, of Death Valley. Major plus point is the score from the often forgotten Jeff Alexander (Jailhouse Rock/Party Girl). The title song for the film is "Yellow Stripes" by Stan Jones, this is reworked to good effect throughout, this is also notable for being used in John Ford's Rio Grande in 1950. There's the tender strains of "Soothe My Lonely Heart" (also used in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and Alexander cleverly mixes that up to portray the pace and tones within the piece. It's a top score that wouldn't have been out of place in an "A" Western.
There's some distracting sound stage work that belie the fine work of Surtees' outdoor shooting, and the afore mentioned overkill of tedium as the romance angle is stretched too far. But it's a good production and never less than enjoyable. 7/10
"In 1863 while the War Between the States still raged, a large group of Confederate prisoners were held in a sun baked stockade at Fort Bravo, Arizona Territory. Captor and Captive - - these men in blue and grey - - eyed each other with hatred. In the wilderness around them a common enemy eyed them both - - the deadly Mescalero Indians"
Escape from Fort Bravo has some notable points of interest that go with it. 1953 was the year that William Holden went "A" list and started to get "big" money, along side this picture he also made Stalag 17 and picked up the Best Actor Oscar for his efforts. The film also serves notice of what a fine director of action John Sturges would become, he of course would go on from here to be known for such film's like Bad Day at Black Rock, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape. Of interest, too, is that the film was shot in the rarely heard of Ansco Color. Ansco Color was the American off shoot of the German Agfa Color, used notably by MGM, Ansco would eventually evolve into Metrocolor.
As for the film itself? Entertaining and efficient with just enough in its last quarter to keep it away from merely being routine. The premise is a solid one, we have a unique situation where the prisoners of this stockade are not manacled or locked up. Such is the harshness of the surrounding desert and the hostile Indians that dwell there, Holden's tough and grizzled Union Captain doesn't feel the need to properly incarcerate the men. We then get a crafty "infiltration" of the stockade and it's here where the film sags a little as too much time is spent on fleshing out a potential romance. Thankfully Sturges pulls it all together for a grand last quarter that sees enemies forced to come together in the hope of surviving. It's here where we are treated to some psychological warfare and a memorable form of attack from the Mescalero's.
The acting across the board is effective, with Holden naturally the stand out doing one of his moody turns, while Surtees brilliantly captures the beauty, yet perfect harshness, of Death Valley. Major plus point is the score from the often forgotten Jeff Alexander (Jailhouse Rock/Party Girl). The title song for the film is "Yellow Stripes" by Stan Jones, this is reworked to good effect throughout, this is also notable for being used in John Ford's Rio Grande in 1950. There's the tender strains of "Soothe My Lonely Heart" (also used in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and Alexander cleverly mixes that up to portray the pace and tones within the piece. It's a top score that wouldn't have been out of place in an "A" Western.
There's some distracting sound stage work that belie the fine work of Surtees' outdoor shooting, and the afore mentioned overkill of tedium as the romance angle is stretched too far. But it's a good production and never less than enjoyable. 7/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Jan 24, 2011
- Permalink
Roper's roses.
In the 1950's, John Sturges gained a reputation as a solid director of Western action on the basis of taut productions such as this and although beautifully shot by Robert Surtees with a good cast headed by William Holden and Eleanor Parker, it is alas done no service by Frank Fenton's lame script. Devotees of the genre will no doubt find something redeeming here but for this viewer at any rate, it must be accounted 'minor' Sturges.
- brogmiller
- May 12, 2020
- Permalink
Colorful Western.
- rmax304823
- Apr 18, 2011
- Permalink
Good Western
Good classic film that shows how the North dealt with the Confederates and American Indians at the same time during the U.S. Civil war.Good overall production and the ciematography was very good.To nitpick,the movie started slow and Parker's dresses were too unrealistic for the circumstances.Also the romance chemistry between Parker and Holden was lacking.The script could also have been a tag better.Still,the second half of the film delivered the action goods which will delight true Western genre fans.Only for fans of the genre who are not partial to the Confederate side and fans of the lead stars......
***
Just another story about an American Indian tribe trying to dispossess some squatters.
The story is set during the Civil War. For some reason, a Union prisoner of war camp is set way, way out west around the territory of the Mescalero Apache (which is around Southern New Mexico, though they were a nomadic tribe). When some of the Southern soldiers escape, it's up to the tough-as-nails Captain (William Holden) to track them down...or die trying. The problem is that eventually, when he does find the POWs, they're ALL at the mercy of the landlords...the Mescalero...and apparently they DON'T like squatters!
While in some ways the film is pretty decent, I really felt annoyed by much of the action. Again and again, the Mescalero warriors just rode around and around and around their horses...WAITING to be shot! They often didn't even fire back...just rode by as the soldier's shot at them! Only later did the Mescalero act with any sense of intelligence...which was kind of insulting AND stupid.
The casting decisions in this film were a bit odd. While it seemed odd seeing William Demerest as a Confederate soldier, it seemed REALLY odd to see John Forsythe, with his lovely Northern accent!
So is it worth seeing? Well, I'd put it in the category of 'Time Passer'...a film that is modestly entertaining but nothing more. Little about the movie excited me one way or the other.
While in some ways the film is pretty decent, I really felt annoyed by much of the action. Again and again, the Mescalero warriors just rode around and around and around their horses...WAITING to be shot! They often didn't even fire back...just rode by as the soldier's shot at them! Only later did the Mescalero act with any sense of intelligence...which was kind of insulting AND stupid.
The casting decisions in this film were a bit odd. While it seemed odd seeing William Demerest as a Confederate soldier, it seemed REALLY odd to see John Forsythe, with his lovely Northern accent!
So is it worth seeing? Well, I'd put it in the category of 'Time Passer'...a film that is modestly entertaining but nothing more. Little about the movie excited me one way or the other.
- planktonrules
- Apr 26, 2018
- Permalink
Only The Good Die Young
Well made but utterly, utterly familiar western.
- barnabyrudge
- Oct 28, 2005
- Permalink
Just another western
Looking for another mediocre 1950s western? Try Escape from Fort Bravo, starring William Holden as the leader of a Union prison camp and John Forsythe as one of the Confederate prisoners who's planning an escape. Stuck in the middle of Arizona with nothing but desert and Indians on all sides, what's the escape plan? You'll just have to rent the movie to find out.
I can tell you, without spoiling anything because it's very easy to guess and it gets revealed pretty quickly, that the master plan includes the lure of a woman. The beautiful Eleanor Parker is recruited to distract Bill so John and the others can escape. But when sparks fly for real, what will happen? A number of things, including extensive wardrobe changes for Miss Parker, which are the best parts of the movie. The end action scene is pretty good and there are lots of horse stunts, but you can also find those in any number of westerns.
I can tell you, without spoiling anything because it's very easy to guess and it gets revealed pretty quickly, that the master plan includes the lure of a woman. The beautiful Eleanor Parker is recruited to distract Bill so John and the others can escape. But when sparks fly for real, what will happen? A number of things, including extensive wardrobe changes for Miss Parker, which are the best parts of the movie. The end action scene is pretty good and there are lots of horse stunts, but you can also find those in any number of westerns.
- HotToastyRag
- Nov 3, 2018
- Permalink