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Western Cult Classic

Adopted by Apaches, an Irish-born outcast walks a violent path between two worlds.

WHITE APACHE

1987 · 1h 40m · NR · Western · IMDB TMDB

Outlaws attack a band of settlers and kill everyone except a pregnant woman who's rescued by a band of Indians. The woman dies giving birth but Chief White Bear adopts her male baby, naming him "Shining Sky," and raising him as brother to his own son, Black Wolf. The boys grow up together and good-naturedly compete for the affections of pretty Rising Star. In a competition, Shining Sky accidentally kills Black Wolf, is forced from the tribe, and finds work in a nearby town where he pretends to be a mute. A townswoman named Isabella flirts with him but when he spurns her she yells "Rape!" Bart Ryder, henchman of the local "Colonel," runs Shining Sky out of town, hangs him by the wrists, and leaves him to die. Crazy Bull rescues Shining Sky and takes him back to the Indian village where he's reunited with Rising Star. Ryder, however, seeks to finish the job of killing the "White Apache."

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Quick Answer
What is White Apache about?

White Apache is a 1987 Italy-Spain Western film directed by Claudio Fragasso and Bruno Mattei about an Irish baby raised by Colorado Apaches who is forced to navigate loyalties and enmities as he grows into manhood.

Synopsis

This film is based on a true story of an Irish baby brought up by the Colorado Apaches. When a group of outlaws attack and destroy a wagon train, the only survivor gives birth to a baby, whom the Indian chief, White Bear brings up as his son and calls him Shining Sky. Shining Sky grows up with the chief's son Black Wolf and by a stroke of fate kills his best friend and brother. Overcome by grief he leaves and goes to live in the world of white men but decides to go back to the world of his youth, leaving an enemy, Redeath, behind him whom he is destined to meet again and again.
Details & Specs
Directors
Claudio Fragasso, Bruno Mattei
Writers
Franco Prosperi, José María Cunillés
Release
1987
Runtime
1h 40m
Country
Italy, Spain
Language
Italian, Spanish
Genres
Western
Also Known As
Apache Kid

Why Cult

Apache Adoption Tale

The story centers on an Irish child raised within the Colorado Apache tribe after his mother is killed, exploring cultural identity on the raw frontier.

Spaghetti Western Mashup

Directed by the infamous duo Claudio Fragasso and Bruno Mattei, this Italy-Spain co-production brands the genre with European sensibilities.

Brotherly Rivalry

Shining Sky and Black Wolf's tragic competition for Rising Sun propels the film into a series of betrayals and reconciliations.

Outcast Hero Arc

Banished for accidentally killing his brother, Shining Sky must reinvent himself among white townsfolk—until past enemies resurface.

Questions from the Vault

What is White Apache about? +

White Apache is a Western about an Irish baby adopted by Colorado Apaches, who must come to terms with divided loyalties after being forced from his tribe and pursued by dangerous enemies.

When was White Apache released? +

White Apache was released in 1987.

Who directed White Apache? +

White Apache was directed by Claudio Fragasso and Bruno Mattei.

How long is White Apache? +

White Apache runs for 100 minutes.

What genre is White Apache? +

White Apache is a Western.

Where can I watch White Apache? +

White Apache is available to watch on SassyFlix.