User reviews

Jeff Chandler reprises his role as Cochise (in "Broken Arrow") and, in the first ten minutes, dies after instructing his youngest son, Hudson's Taza, to keep the Apaches on the path of peace. Taza's half brother Nache (Rex Reason), however, wants to slaughter all white eyes. Barbara Rush is the Apache princess torn between the two brothers. On location, brutal desert sun, despite body make up, severely burned Hudson, mostly shirtless to exhibit his physique. Film was shot and released in 3-D with expected effects of rocks, spears, and arrows flying from the screen. As a churning Western, the Apache POV places "Taza" in a group of early 50s Westerns, such as "Broken Arrow" (James Stewart) and "The Savage" (Charlton Heston), that sided with Indians and culminated in "Apache" (Burt Lancaster). Moral score card is reckoned by pairing white and Apache villains. With brisk direction, handsome cast (notably Rush and Reason), and Technicolor capturing expanses of red-orange desert, "Taza" is respectably good of its kind. In dealing with Indians vs. whites, "Taza" may be a bit cavalier, but tongue-in-cheek? No. Hudson here was only one stair tread away from achieving major stardom in "Magnificent Obsession"--and looks it.

Not all 3d movies are filmed having in mind that 3d technique requires specific camera movements and well adjusted settings to shine. But Douglas Sirk, a consumated director did not make that mistake. Just watch the opening sequence with an indian on a horse standing in front of the deep immensity of the canyon at Arches National Monument Park in 3d and glorious technicolor. Breathtaking. The story -almost totally fictionized- turns pale before it but still is a nice entertainment. Jeff Chandler, who played Cochise in Broken Arrow and The battle at apache pass reprise the role uncredited at the beginning of the film, passing the leadership to his older son Taza. The story runs along to explain how indians are put aside in a reservation with many discontent trying to sublevate and others -guided by Taza- trying to preserve a peace difficult to mantain due to white man's rigid mentality. Imperative to watch it in 3d to enjoy the visual values of this film.

Universal joined the parade of film studios that wanted to cash in on the popularity of Indian chiefs during the 1950s. This western followed the familiar formula of war and peace, reservation vs. warpath story lines, trigger happy soldiers and renegade Indians. Rock Hudson stars as the obedient, peace-loving son of Cochise in this Arizona saga but his brother opposes the chief's death-bed wish and schemes with other Indians to break free to raid and plunder. That is essentially the plot here, with nothing new to offer fans of this genre. The movie has enough action and scenic vistas to maintain interest but also looks like it was filmed on a shoestring budget. Hudson and Barbara Rush make a fetching couple and the supporting cast is good but the film lacks the polish of other Universal westerns of this period.

One might have expected a lot more from Douglas Sirk in this, his single Western. Beautifully shot by Russell Metty who worked extensively with Sirk, it's a very routine Western of no great interest.

Before Sirk hit his stride with the great melodramas he tried his hand at light romantic comedy and costume drama with pleasing if not spectacular results. He brought little if anything at all to the Western.

Perhaps more than anything it's an important rung in the ladder of elevating Rock Hudson towards stardom which would come with Sirk's next film "Magnificent Obsession".

Hudson is adequate in the role, but that's hardly difficult amongst some truly wooden performances. All in all something of a low point in the amazing 50's career of Douglas Sirk.

Taza, Son of Cochise is directed by Douglas Sirk and written by Gerald Drayson Adams and George Zuckerman. It stars Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, Gregg Palmer, Rex Reason and Morris Ankrum. A Technicolor production with the Music scored by Frank Skinner and cinematography by Russell Metty.

In 1872 the long bitter war fought between the United States Cavalry troops and Apache bands led by Cochise came to an end. The peace treaty signed by Cochise and General Howard brought peace to the Arizona Territory. But three years later the mighty leader of the Chiricahua Apaches grew ill and come to the end of his days....

....the torch was passed to his first born son, Taza, who wants to follows his father's ideals and peace brokering ways. His second born son, Naiche, however, has different ideas, as does the mighty Geronimo.....

Douglas Sirk's only venture into the Western realm was originally shot in 3D around the gorgeous Arches National Monument Park. Following the pro-Indian theme that was becoming a feature of 1950s Westerns, it's a film that suffers primarily because of the casting of none Native Americans in the important character roles. Which is a shame because it's a gorgeous production that features action scenes full of vim and vigour. Story isn't out of the ordinary and the dialogue is often clunky as the Indian chatter is of the Hollywoodisation kind. Yet picture is never dull, the interest is always held as Taza attempts to hold on to peace for his people, whilst simultaneously he's trying to court the hand of Oona (Rush) against the wishes of her father, the war mongering Grey Eagle (Ankrum).

Hudson, badly cast as he is, can't be faulted for commitment in the title role. He clearly feels at ease working for Sirk (it was a coupling that would work together on a total of 9 movies), and at least he has the physicality for such a character. Unlike Ian MacDonald as Geronimo, who looks too old, is too staid and sticks out like a sore thumb. Russell Metty's photography is top draw, both in capturing gorgeous frames of the locale and in choice of colour lenses. Skinner provides a breezy, if standard Indian tinted Western musical score, and Sirk's direction is simple and effective with only minimal 3D moments part of the action. It's hardly an essential picture in the pantheon of pro-Indian Westerns, but it's better than it has a right to be, and with Pegasus' DVD release providing a lovely print, this is worth seeking out if only for Russell Metty's fine work. 6.5/10

When Cochise (played briefly by an uncredited Jeff Chandler) dies, his son Taza (played by Rock Hudson) takes over as chief of the Chiricahua Apaches and tries to maintain the peace. Followers of Geronimo wish to start fighting again.

It's a thoughtful script, and director Douglas Sirk claimed it was his favorite of his movies; he had always wanted to make a western. There are some issues with the movie, some caused by technical issues, and most by Rock Hudson's rather wooden acting. He's got two settings, thoughtful and angry, and that performance makes him, as the central character, seem rather stupid, especially given the more nuanced performances afforded the men playing cavalrymen.

The technical issues can be understood by knowing this was originally shot for 3-D, but released in a flat version. The compositions meant to showcase the depth of shot stick out like a sore thumb, lending a peculiarly film noir look to them. While Russel Metty's camerawork is exemplary in the big-screen shots of Utah, many of the more intimate scenes show up in a peculiarly dark and grey light.

The script by George Zuckerman keeps things moving along, but the problems of performance and camerawork lay heavily on this movie. Sirk and producer Ross Hunter abandoned the western for a series of glossy soap operas.

I wanted to like this movie, but it was pretty difficult to do so, as it is mediocre at best. A young Rock Hudson looks like a hunky movie star as he runs around showing off his bronze muscular body. However, once he opens his mouth, he just doesn't cut it as a Native American. The dialogue is basically a cartoon character of what most people think Indians sound like. Rock tries his best, but comes across unrealistic. Even the dramatic fight scene between Hudson and an extra appears cartoonish. Rock is stiff, wooden and devoid of any emotion, but like I said, he does try. The rest of the cast isn't much better, but the fault lies in the ridiculous dialogue. If you like Rock Hudson, the film is passable, if not, forget the whole thing.

Rock Hudson, Jeff Chandler, Rex Reason, Ian MacDonald, Barbara Rush...all not exactly American-Indian sounding names! Yet, all these folks are all painted up in "Taza, Son of Cochise" to play just such roles--which represents the single biggest problem with this movie. Not only aren't they Indians, they hardly look like them and give the film a certain silliness you can't get past. And, even if the actors had done great jobs in their parts (which they hadn't), this isn't enough to overcome this problem. However, for me this is EXACTLY why I watched the film--because it was so unbelievably cast! Yes folks, I AM a glutton for punishment. And, is there something worth watching here?

The film begins with Chief Cochise's death. His son, Taza (Hudson), vows to keep the peace--whereas his hot-headed son, Naiche (Reason), is determined to destroy the white folks. However, after their big showdown in which Taza kicks the snot out of him, some other renegades sneak in and set Naiche free. So, it's up to our hero, Taza, to find his wicked brother and maintain the peace. But even when he does, it might be too late for him and his people--especially when Geronimo is sent to live on Taza's reservation.

As for the rest of the film, it's a real mixed bag. On one hand, the film is gorgeous--with a fantastic location shoot in Utah as well as terrific music. So the film clearly had a nice budget and it's obvious the studio gave director Douglas Sirk the go ahead to make a quality film. However, the film also suffers from some downright awful dialog--dialog that often makes the 'Indians' sound like idiots. The worst of this often occurred with love scenes--which were among the least romantic in film history. Overall, the film is watchable but silly--and certainly not among the best or worst of the genre.

By the way, I wonder if this film was originally planned as a 3-D movie. This is because often punches, spears, giant rocks and whips are tossed directly AT the camera--like you'd see in a 3-D picture. Considering it came out in 1954, this is awfully likely. Also, historically speaking the movie is a mish-mash of facts and pure bunk.

The flick gets noisy action , crossfire , spectacular raids , a love story , and intrigue , it is slowly but surely built up , being quite entertaining . This Cavalry vs. Indians Western , set in 1872 , when Cochise and General Howard sign a treaty , but it is broken by the white men . Then , peacemaking Apache chief Cochise (Chandler, the last of Jeff's appearances as the Apache chief) dies and handing over the reins of power to Taza (Rock Hudson , Sirk's favorite actor) . When tomahawk and carbine split the West asunder appeared Taza . Then , the Chiricahua Apaches are torn between following Cochise's peace loving son Taza and his brother Naiche (Rex Reason) who is following the warlike renegade Apache warrior Geronimo (Ian McDonald), chief of Apaches Chiricaguas and his band of rebel Indians , the most blood-thirsty of Apaches . But in San Carlos reservation happens the riots , as the hopelessness of resistance against a foe you know you can't beat originate the rebellion . They will confront American cavalry in charge of General Crook (Robert Burton) and his officials . As the fate of the great Southwest lays in his hands , for this war the hour of decision in the last and deadliest of the Indian wars .

Enjoyable chronicle of Taza , Cochise'son , and his tribe isolated at Saint Carlos reservation and the strong fight between the Apache tribe led by Geronimo and the US cavalry , sustaining the interest for quite a while . This moving movie is an epic portrait of the historic story about the celebrated Indian battles against the USA cavalry , being inaccurate historically . As it has a highly fictionalized account of Taza's life , although famed Apache war chief Cochise did indeed have a son named Taza . An-Universal-International-Picture gets Western action , shootouts , romance , breathtaking raids on fort , colorful outdoors with big skies , being wonderfully photographed by Russell Metty and turns out to be fun . It's a medium budget film with good actors , technicians , production values and pleasing results . This Indian-on-the-warpath tale is based on historical characters : Cochise , Taza , Geronimo , Mangus , general Howard , and general Crook who tries to subjugate the great Apache warrior . At the ending , when takes place the Indian ambush , possesses all the sweep , grandeur and noisy action of the greatest Westerns of an age long past . Cast is pretty good . As Rock Hudson is acceptable as the known Apache who attempts to keep the peace between US cavalry and Indians . Rock gives category to the role , providing courage and uprightness . As well as the gorgeous Barbara Rush ; and Gregg Palmer as Capt. Burnett is nice as a honorable officer who is in charge of maintaining law and order . Fine acting from a great support cast such as : Rex Reason , Morris Ankrum , Eugene Iglesias , Robert Burton , Joe Sawyer and Lance Fuller . The best acting is given by Ian MacDonald as Geronimo who provides stature to the character , delivering sincerity and bravura . Brief interpretation from Jeff Chandler , he was known , until his early death , for playing Indian chief Cochise , a dignified portrait well shown in : ¨Broken arrow¨ (50) by Delmer Daves , that was acclaimed as the first Hollywood movie to side with the Indians , the first time the Red Indian was depicted as a human being rather than a brute savage merely to bite the dust at the hands of the US cavalry , as well as ¨Battle of Apache Pass¨ (1952) and ¨Taza , son of Cochise¨ (1954) , this latter Jeff/Cochise is briefly glimpsed as a dying man at the beginning . This trilogy of the Apache chiefs result to be one of the best considering some of the other attempts to portray the Apache war leaders .

This motion picture was professionally directed by Douglas Sirk in colorful style and 3D , though has a few flaws . Douglas Sirk often cited this film as the favorite of his own films since he always wanted to make a Western . The great filmmaker Sirk later to shot the most successful of the Rock's fifties films , his fetish actor , such as : A time to love a time to die , Magnificent obsession , All that heaven allows , Battle hymn , and Written on the wind .

Taza was originally in 3-d. 3-d was a novelty that was to bring back the TV viewers, an there are shots that fit the specialized view, to surprise the movie goer. Seen it once it's a surprise after that it's a distraction. Have to wait for holograms to surround you ala "real life". Rock takes on responsibility after the brief time of Jeff Chandler on screen. The apaches seem to actually be in typical apache "wickiups", an in the Arizona desert. He knows that the whites must be Accomodated and his people must accept the changes coming whether they want them or not. there is a lot of action, including a terrific apache vs. cavalry massacre, led by taza, so he's no wimp, an just as much a warrior as his father. An investment for a long non-stock footage fight, showed that heyday of the western included plenty of shooting and a massacre not hinted at but shown. The bad apaches kill some settlers, an here is a typical 3-d arrow coming out of the screen effect. eventually taza becomes a respected and accepted Indian chief , an foils the bad Indians who won't bend with the winds of change. It was very sympathetic to the Indians but had a large scale Indians vs. cavalry scene for the action and danger of the west,showing Indians were a power to be reckoned with. I am part Shawnee and have to set this as one of several 50's films that was sympathetic to the Indians and the their situations plus lotsa shooting an whooping, cause the Indians fought, as well as negotiated. not quite in the "john ford" category or near the movie experience of "the Searchers", but well worth the price of admission in the 50's and will entertain today. Rock was learning his craft an carried the movie well as a non-Indian acting in a good part.

With Jeff Chandler doing an obligatory appearance in his most famous role as Cochise the torch is passed to a new generation of Apache leaders in the persons of his sons Rock Hudson and Rex Reason. But in the title role in Taza, Son Of Cochise, Hudson seriously takes his dying father's admonition to stay on the path of peace while Reason wants to join up with Geronimo.

This rivalry spills over into their personal lives as Hudson and Barbara Rush are in love, but her war like father Morris Ankrum much prefers Reason as a new son-in-law. And when the guys come courting and have to come up with presents for the father-in-law for Rush's hand Ankrum prefers the stolen white man's wampum to the humdrum Apache style gifts that are the normal course in these things.

Taza, Son Of Cochise was shot in 3-D which I'm sure must have really been exciting and effective during the battle scenes especially the climax battle. I'd have liked to have seen it in a theater rather than on YouTube. Hudson does well in the starring role.

Western fans should be pleased though this is far from historically accurate.

This movie is well-famed and Rock Hudson looked great ( as he always did even to non-gay men). The long hair and darkened skin make him an awesome looking Indian. His Features are White but this was more often the case in Hollywood movies about Indians than roles of Indians played by real Indians. It is Ironic that Taza's son became an actor and acted in early westerns.. I learned this fact by IMDb. I shall use it in my future writing.

No-- It took 45 yrs to force Geronimo to Surrender and his legend is founded largely on the fact that he was never caught but due to many of his own warriors becoming scouts, he was forced to surrender. It is sad but in a very harsh way--just punishment that these scouts were stripped of their roles as Scouts and sent to the same prison where Geronimo was. They served much longer sentences than what they were given. This is yet another unfairness done to the APACHE and to Geronimo. Who died in his mid-eighties from alcoholism and from falling from his horse on the way home from a saloon. HE wound up in a irrigation ditch all night and caught pneumonia as a result and died shortly after. Not a fitting end for a man that could raise the back of the hair on many a settler and many a cavalry soldier who had to think about his chances of surviving a battle with him.

He almost beat the US army--but alcoholism is a disease that killed far more Indians than cavalry soldiers ever did. The Native American had NO time in their history to develop a resistance to the effects of alcohol---both the immediate effects and the long-term effects shortened the lives of most Native Americans who drank it.

In the much later movie GERONIMO starring Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall, the camera takes us on the long train ride to Florida in the end of the movie. Some Apaches who did not become traitors to Geronimo were being chastised by loyal warriors and Geronimo reminds them that they are so few that it would be good for them to learn to get a long- -he reminds them that all they have is each other.

Geronimo was a name that leaps off of the pages even now--- but in his lifetime-- anything written about him was read immediately because it was usually news about his ongoing exploits. It is very sad that they allow the mistake of saying that he was captured to be stated as truth among his own people. Because the fact that he was not captured or killed even though the forces used to find and arrest or kill him were massive, is a testimonial to the skill of the Apache and to Geronimo himself. I believe the final number that surrendered was under 100. However, I would not want to be a settler and live anywhere Near where that 100 Apache were running free. They were intelligent, skilled warriors and Geronimo has been called a tactical genius. Since he was NEVER captured-- that must be true.

I must clarify: I do not believe that Geronimo Was EVER actually Captured-- He did surrender twice and after the second surrender, he was sent to prison in Florida. He was treated with respect by white soldiers with high level rank and other Apache though that respect from White Generals did deteriorate, he was NEVER just dismissed by his peers. This movie shows that happening again and again. This is tragic for the Apache was never really conquered and to say that he was, cheats him of the truth. Entire Armies were sent against them but they were NOT actually beaten in the common sense of the word. IF I was an Apache-- I would want that fact to remain clear and would be angered by a sloppy screenplay from Hollywood that disputes the truth of the Apache's wartime accomplishments. They have never been equalled.

Warren E.Justice

Don't get me wrong.I've always been a big fan of Deltlef Sierck (Douglas Sirk in America)and most of his melodramas are among my all time favorites : "A time to live and a time to die ","All that Heaven allows" "Magnificent obsession" " Tarnished angels" "Written on the wind" plus those with Zarah Leander in Germany not to forget his final effort ,the remake of "imitation of life".

THis remake was drastically different from Stahl's version:the black servant Delilah became Annie and the only thing she could expect in life was a beautiful funeral.In Stahl's version (and in Fannie Hurst's novel) she was a businesswoman's associate ,in Sirk's screenplay she stayed the good servant -not very far away from GWTW's Mamma-who knew her place.

Still with me?I do think that,in spite of Sirk's storyteller qualities and good scenes (the discovery of the bruises on Barbara Rush's back),"Taza" is also a reactionary work .Taza (who in real life died of pneumonia two years after his dad)predates Annie in "Imitation" :he is the good Indian,who knows his place ,who (this is amazing) dresses like them ,who rebels against his people's customs and even fights them;on the other hand ,Geronimo (and his allies) plays the role of the villain : "we were hunters, warriors,we won't be breeders ".After all ,the white men are taking their land and sending them to reservations:his rebellion makes sense.

Rock Hudson,who was Sirk's favorite actor (his best parts were certainly "All that Heaven allows" and "Magnificent Obsession" -another remake of a Stahl's work-) ,is not well cast as an Indian.And what about Barbara Rush as a squaw?Debra Paget was acceptable ("Broken Arrow"),she is not.

Cochise, great Chief of the Apache nation is dead. The leadership passes to his son, Taza (Rock Hudson), whose determination to carry on his father's policy of peace with the white man meets with bitter opposition from other powerful members of the tribe - including Taza's own brother.

Douglas Sirk, famous for melodramas, tries his hand at directing a western, and that starring his favourite star Rock Hudson, and the result is a fast-paced, action-packed western with some melodrama and fine locations ( the canyon sequence towards the end features great photography).

Rock Hudson acquits himself well as the title character, taking charge, and comes across quite athletic. Barbara Rush as his girlfriend does really well, as does Morris Ankrum.

It's a solid western entertainment all the way through.

Maybe someone knows something more about this: I once read part of an interview with Rock Hudson in which he said that Taza, Son of Cochise was "one of the great tongue-in-cheek westerns of all time." He didn't pursue the pint, so I'm not sure what it is that's tongue-in-cheek about the film. However, Hudson did say that he and Sirk and company had a great time making it. I'd love to find a video of this seldom-seen film and check it out, but perhaps someone has an inkling?

Beware folks, because you deal here with the only western that director Douglas Sirk will ever give to us. But he has for this western his fetish actor Rock Hudson, so he is not totally alone in unknown territory. This is an agreeable piece of work, not worse nor better than other Universal westerns of this period. George Sherman could have done it too, and in the very same manner. By chance, Jeff Chandler, who played Cochise in THE BROKEN ARROW - for Twentieth Century Fox - was in the meantime "transfered" to Universal Studios, so it was easy for the production to use him as a dying Cochise in the beginning. And this is not a spoiler !!!!! Rock Hudson is OK, it also could have been worse. Good western.