Ambush (1950)
A classic MGM Western pitting a frontier scout against the Apache in a tense race to rescue a captive woman on the American frontier.
Ambush - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1950
- Directed by: Sam Wood
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Western
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 13, 1950 (United States), December 14, 1951 (France - U)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ambush - Plot
A Westerner searches for a white woman held by the Apaches.
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Ambush - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sam Wood
Main Cast
- Robert Taylor
- John Hodiak
- Arlene Dahl
- Don Taylor
- Jean Hagen
- Leon Ames
- Chief Thundercloud
- Ray Teal
- John McIntire
- Bruce Cowling
Writers
- Luke Short
- Marguerite Roberts
Producers
- Armand Deutsch
- Sam Wood
Ambush - FAQs
What is Ambush (1950) about?
Ambush follows Ward Kinsman, a rugged frontier scout played by Robert Taylor, who is hired by the U.S. Army to locate a white woman taken captive by an Apache band. The film blends tense action with the moral complexities of frontier life, delivering a gripping portrait of the American West.
Is Ambush based on a novel or true story?
Ambush is adapted from a novel by Luke Short, a prolific author of Western fiction. Screenwriter Marguerite Roberts translated Short's story for the screen. While rooted in the historical tensions between the U.S. Army and Apache tribes, the specific characters and plot are fictional.
Where can you watch Ambush (1950)?
You can check current streaming and rental options for Ambush on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it's worth checking regularly for updates.
Who are the main actors in Ambush?
The film stars Robert Taylor as scout Ward Kinsman, John Hodiak as Captain Ben Lorrison, and Arlene Dahl as Ann Duverall. The supporting cast includes Don Taylor, Jean Hagen, Leon Ames, Chief Thundercloud, John McIntire, and Ray Teal, rounding out a strong ensemble.
How does Ambush portray the Apache Nation?
Ambush reflects the conventions of its era, depicting the Apache as adversaries in a frontier conflict. While the film centers on the cavalry and settler perspective, it does feature Apache characters including Chief Thundercloud as Tana and Charles Stevens as Diablito, though through a distinctly Hollywood lens of the time.
Who directed Ambush and what is his legacy?
Sam Wood directed Ambush, one of his final films before his death in 1949—the film was released posthumously. Wood was a prolific Hollywood director known for classics like A Night at the Opera and Kings Row, bringing considerable craft to this frontier adventure.
What are some films similar to Ambush (1950)?
If you enjoy Ambush, you might also like Hondo (1953), Rio Grande (1950), Apache (1954), and Garden of Evil (1954). For later takes on similar themes, The Last Wagon (1956), Rio Conchos (1964), and Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) are all worth exploring.
Was Ambush well received when it was released?
Ambush was a solid commercial entry for MGM in early 1950, benefiting from Robert Taylor's star power and the studio's production values. Critics of the era generally regarded it as a competent, entertaining Western, even if it followed familiar genre conventions rather than breaking new ground.
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