Jeronimo

Although this movie has stale writing, uninspiring acting, and a cheesy plot, an understanding of the Historical context of the film adds much to one's viewing enjoyment. The movie, by no means, claims to be historically accurate (Geronimo is played by a white guy with make-up!), but it is a socially commentary on a century of unmoral and assimilationist Indian Policy in the United States. During the early 1960s President John F. Kennedy proposed a revision of this policy, calling for the recognition of Native Americans as distinct Nations. Kennedy's proposition was a dramatic diversion from the Indain Policy of administrations before him. This movie highlights, the poor conditions of the reservations, the forced conversion of Aboriginals to Christianity, and the policy's attack on the Aboriginal culture and way of life. This historical context, coupled with Adam West (who rocks my socks!) adds to the enjoyment of this film.

I should admit that I have no idea how accurate this biopic is of the legendary Native American called Geronimo. It's probably just loosely based on the real events surrounding him, so I probably should judge the movie on its entertainment level. I thought for the most part it was an okay western. While I would have preferred a real Native American to play the title role, I have to admit Chuck Connors did well, giving his character an intensity and charisma that keeps you watching and interested despite the script problems. The script problems include the movie not really going deep in his character, and ending at a point that will make you wonder what happened in real life to Geronimo afterwards. But despite these and other script problems, I have to admit that I was never bored, so I'll give this movie a pass.

Well meaning but wooden story of how Geronimo, with fifty Apaches, came to stand off the U.S. Army. Chuck Conners gives a creditable performance as a wooden Indian, and his soon-to-be real life wife plays the woman who loves him. Most amusing for Ross Martin as a wise-cracking sidekick and Adam West, four years before he became a wooden Batman, as a sympathetic army officer.

That's what the star Chuck Connors brings to this movie i.e. a respect for his character called Geronimo and he pulls it off quite nicely. You want to see a no nonsense leader who was forged by living off the land and does not fear life or death lead his people with dignity. You get that here. There is also an array of bad guys to hate and they really go all out to get you to do it. The hypocrisy, unfair treatment of Indians and the famous "fork tongue" of the white man all displayed very well here. Burt Lancaster took on a similar role in a movie called Apache just as entertaining too. However white men playing in non-white roles only takes us so far. Rock Hudson even tried it as did Charles Bronson and many others. Hey, it was a paycheck! There is some love relief, lots of horse-back riding, Calvary to make it a decent way to pass the time. Snack away, have a tasty drink and enjoy the Rifleman before he became Lucas McCain as Geronimo

Possibly because The Rifleman series that Levy-Gardner-Laven produced on television was shot in black and white was the reason that no one apparently noticed that Chuck Connors had blue eyes. In any event when they produced this B film about the last great Indian warrior chief Geronimo since they had Chuck Connors under contract for The Rifleman they figured to get him dirt cheap for this film. I'm sure Connors was also looking towards a big screen career as well.

If you can get over how ridiculous Connors looks as a blue eyed Indian, the film Geronimo is not a bad one given the fact it is a B film. It takes the Indian point of view dispassionately, just letting facts speak for themselves.

Geronimo in fact had surrendered and was sent to live on the San Carlos Reservation, but ill treatment by corrupt politicians and self righteous do-gooders as exemplified by John Anderson in this film, sent Geronimo packing along with some of his best warriors. They bedeviled the Arizona territory and the Mexican authorities for several years.

Geronimo took one thing he liked from San Carlos along with him, beautiful Indian maid Kamala Devi. Ironically enough Kamala Devi is an actual Indian Indian, but she's drop dead gorgeous in any culture. Chuck Connors thought so too because he left his first wife for her during the making of Geronimo.

With certain reservations, no pun intended, Geronimo is not a bad telling of the tale of the last campaign against the American Indians. But I can't believe that the team of Levy-Gardner-Laven couldn't afford some contact lenses for Chuck Connors in the budget.