TAZA, SON OF COCHISE (1954) ** ½

Rock Hudson stars as Taza who inherits leadership of the Apache tribe from his father on his deathbed.  Tensions flare when several of his men break off and attack some white settlers.  To prevent further bloodshed, Taza agrees to move his people to a reservation and become a Calvary soldier to help police the reservation.  Trouble brews when Geronimo (Ian MacDonald) is taken prisoner and brought to the reservation where he begins talk of a revolt.

Directed by Douglas Sirk, Taza, Son of Cochise was made around the same time he and Rock were collaborating on their mawkish melodramas, Magnificent Obsession and All That Heaven Allows.   Although it’s probably looked down upon because it’s a B western, it does have some interesting aspects.  Even though Taza is seen as a traitor by his people for wearing a soldier’s uniform, he’s still not fully trusted by the whites for being a Native.  Because of that, Taza is stuck squarely in the middle as he strives for peace between both people.  You can see Sirk trying to wrestle with working in more adult subject matter into the material, although he’s only slightly successful at doing so.  

This isn’t Rock’s best performance by a long shot.  That’s mostly because he’s sorely miscast.  To make matters worse, he’s stuck speaking a lot of stilted Native American dialogue.  It is fun seeing This Island Earth’s Rex Reason as Rock’s hotheaded brother though.  It’s Barbara Rush who gives the best performance as Rock’s unrequited love who winds up betrothed to Reason against her will.  

If it wasn’t for the 3-D effects, this would’ve been a better than average, but forgettable programmer.  Thankfully, the 3-D is strong enough for me to give it a marginal recommendation.  Sirk doesn’t go overboard with the 3-D, waiting for just the right moment to spring it on the audience.  I also liked the way he kept a stick, tree, or hitching post in the foreground to make the depth-of-field effects pop.  In doing so, it gives you a good feel for the majestic plains and desert landscapes.  

The 3-D effects include:  

·         3-D Universal Logo

·         3-D Torch

·         3-D Spear

·         3-D Whip

·         3-D Arrow (multiple)

·         3-D Gun (multiple)

·         3-D Stone (multiple)

AKA:  Son of Cochise.