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Home Reviews Classic Film Taza, Son of Cochise
Taza, Son of Cochise
Kino Lorber Studio Classics (Universal International Pictures, 1954), 79 min., Blu-ray: $17.97 (includes 3D, 2D), not rated, 2020.
by Trudie Root
Kiss the Blood Off My Hands
The General Died at Dawn
Directed by Douglas Sirk and adapted from a story by Gerald Drayson Adams, Taza, Son of Cochise is a technicolor western from the mid-fifties with 3D features. While the main stars in the film are played by white Hollywood actors, the film tries to portray Native Americans in a positive way. When Cochise (cameo by Jeff Chandler) dies, his son Taza (Rock Hudson) assumes leadership of the Chiricahua Apaches and desires to follow his father's dream of maintaining peace for the Apache people. Taza's brother Naiche (Rex Reason), however, wants war and expresses his support of Geronimo, the rival Apache leader. Taza and Naiche also want to marry the same woman Cona (Barbara Rush) but Cona's father supports Geronimo and favors Cona marrying Naiche. Naiche attacks Taza, is arrested, then escapes with help from his followers. With his band of Apache followers, Naiche starts trouble outside the village and kills three white pioneers. Although Taza captures and tortures the Apaches for their crimes, the Army Captain Burnett (Gregg Palmer) and his commanding officer insist that the prisoners must be punished by the Army; they take the Apaches to the nearby compound. General Crook states that the Apaches have broken the peace agreement and now must move to the lifeless San Carlos reservation. Taza agrees with the understanding he can form his own police force to oversee his people. Cona's father is unhappy and secretly plans to buy weapons and join Geronimo. In the final battle scene, the Apaches dedicated to Geronimo attack the cavalry, but Taza and his men come to the cavalry's rescue. While Taza finds himself caught between his native American tribe and the white people, he tries to do what is best to keep peace for the Apaches–even postponing marrying Cona until matters are settled. The magnificent Utah landscapes are one of the best aspects of the film. With 3D features, this film has plenty of action sequences too. Strong Optional Choice. (T. Root)
Drama Romance Action Kino Lorber Classic film review 1950s
Trudie Root
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