BALLYHOO MOTION PICTURES just wrapped up a whole slate of EXCLUSIVE bonus features for VCI Entertainment's Special Edition DVD release of William Witney's 1964 film, "APACHE RIFLES"(which streets Aug. 31st, 2010). This action-packed 'B-Western' stars the legendary Audie Murphy, as well as Linda Lawson, L. Q. Jones, and Michael Dante.
In the Arizona Territory in 1879, Apaches leave their reservation to wreak vengeance on the farmers and gold miners who have invaded their homeland. Captain Stanton of the U. S. Cavalry captures Red Hawk, son of Apache chief Victorio, and uses him to bargain for a truce, agreeing to see that greedy miners are kept off Indian territory. The unscrupulous white men murder the new Indian agent, however, and the Apaches are blamed. Stanton is replaced by Colonel Perry, who uses the opportunity to ambush Red Hawk and move him to a new reservation in Texas. Stanton feels that he has broken his word to the chief's son and offers to resign. Red Hawk, however, offers his friendship; and Stanton, with his half-breed fiancée, Dawn, decides to remain in the Cavalry.
And, like the resounding bugle calls heard throughout the film, "Apache Rifles" unknowingly heralded the end of an era within the genre. Shortly after it's theatrical release, Sergio Leone's masterful FISTFUL OF DOLLARS debuted in the United States, changing the American western landscape for generations to come.
This was the first of a four film collaboration between Murphy and Witney, the second being ARIZONA RAIDERS (1965), followed by 40 GUNS TO APACHE PASS (1967). Murphy died in a tragic plane crash during the preproduction phase of the forth film.
THE BONUS FEATURES (ALL PRODUCED BY DANIEL GRIFFITH/BALLYHOO MOTION PICTURES) INCLUDE:
"PLEASE, HOLD THE SPAGHETTI!: Apache Rifles and the End of the Conventional Western"- An all-new documentary featuring exclusive interviews with actor Michael Dante, western film historian/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner and Lone Pine Museum historian Chris Langley.
"CUT TO THE CHASE: The Serial Life of WILLIAM WITNEY"- A documentary excerpt featuring actor Michael Dante.
"MUSEUM OF LONE PINE FILM HISTORY: A Retrospective"- A discussion with historian Chris Langley regarding the museums history.