Adopted by Apaches, an Irish-born outcast walks a violent path between two worlds.
WHITE APACHE
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."
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
- 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
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.
Directed by the infamous duo Claudio Fragasso and Bruno Mattei, this Italy-Spain co-production brands the genre with European sensibilities.
Shining Sky and Black Wolf's tragic competition for Rising Sun propels the film into a series of betrayals and reconciliations.
Banished for accidentally killing his brother, Shining Sky must reinvent himself among white townsfolk—until past enemies resurface.
Themes & Keywords
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.