Watch Gunsmoke: The Last Apache

Gunsmoke: The Last Apache is a made-for-television Western movie released in 1990. The movie stars James Arness as Matt Dillon, the central character of the popular television series Gunsmoke, who is now a retired Marshal. Richard Kiley plays Dr. John Chapman, an old friend of Matt's, and Amy Stoch is cast as Anne Marie, a young woman who has been living with the Apache tribe for years after being kidnapped as a child.

The movie is set in the late 1800s and starts with Matt Dillon living in retirement in Dodge City. He is asked to return to action to help his old friend Dr. Chapman, who is on a mission to find his daughter, who has been taken by the Apache tribe. Matt reluctantly joins the mission, and they set out on a dangerous journey to the heart of Apache territory.

As they travel through the harsh wilderness, the group encounters several obstacles and dangers, including hostile native tribes, treacherous terrain, and severe weather conditions. Along the way, they meet Anne Marie, a young woman who has been living with the Apache tribe for many years. She decides to join Matt and Dr. Chapman, hoping to find a way to reconcile with her past and to help them in their mission.

As they move deeper into Apache territory, they face increasing resistance from the tribe, who are outraged by the abduction of their chief's son. Matt and his companions must navigate through the dangerous and unpredictable terrain while trying to negotiate a peace agreement with the Apache tribe. Amid the tension and suspicion, they discover that the situation is far more complicated than they originally thought.

The movie highlights many of the familiar themes present in classic Westerns, such as the challenges of survival in a rugged and unfamiliar wilderness, the tensions between different cultures, and the struggles of individual freedom and identity. The characters confront issues of loyalty, trust, and humanity as they strive to overcome the obstacles and complete their mission.

One of the key elements of the movie is its attention to detail in portraying the harsh environment of the West. The cinematography captures the beauty and danger of the natural world, from the sweeping vistas of open plains to the treacherous rocky outcroppings that threaten to derail the mission. The story also pays homage to the rich history of the American West and the complex interplay of cultures that have shaped its development over time.

Overall, Gunsmoke: The Last Apache is a gripping and engaging Western movie that successfully captures the essence of the genre. The strong acting from the cast, led by James Arness as the iconic character of Matt Dillon, adds depth and nuance to the story. Director Charles Correll manages to infuse the film with a sense of authenticity and realism, creating a vivid and memorable cinematic experience for Western lovers and casual viewers alike.

Gunsmoke: The Last Apache is a 1990 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.