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The first MGM film in the 1950s, Ambush, was a Western directed by Sam Wood and starring Robert Taylor, John Hodiak and Arlene Dahl.
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The plot is based on the serial story Ambush by Luke Short in The Saturday Evening Post.
The movie was filmed on location at the Corriganville Ranch in Simi Valley, California.
This location was also used for outdoor actioners, such as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Jungle Jim (1948).
In 1878, Ward Kinsman (Robert Taylor), a prospector and Indian scout, is persuaded by the US Cavalry to find Mary Carlyle, the general’s daughter, who has been taken by Apaches.
Setting out on the trail with a few cavalrymen and Ann Duverall (Arlene Dahl), Mary’s sister, they come across an Apache encampment. Ward learns from an Apache woman that Mary has been taken by Diablito. Returning to the cavalry fort with Tana, a captive Apache, preparations are made for full-scale expedition to find Diablito.
Captain Lorrison (John Hodiak) proposes to Ann, but she is in love with Ward.
When Tana tries a double-cross, Ward kills him in self-defense.
Eventually the trackers come across Diablito’s camp and stampede the horses. A gun battle ensues, and cavalry re-enforcement column arrives and routs the band of Indians.
Lorrison sets off in pursuit of the escaping Apache, but he is ambushed and killed. Mary and Ann are re-united back at the fort.
The film earned $2,108,000 in the US and $1,107,000 overseas, resulting in a $401,000 profit.
Cast
Robert Taylor as Ward Kinsman
Arlene Dahl as Ann Duverall
John Hodiak as Capt. Ben Lorrison
Don Taylor as Lt. Linus Delaney
Jean Hagen as Martha Conovan
Bruce Cowling as Tom Conovan
Leon Ames as Maj. Breverly
John McIntire as Frank Holly
Pat Moriarity as Sgt. Mack
Charles Stevens as Diablito
Chief Thundercloud as Tana
Ray Teal as Capt. Wolverson
Robin Short as Lt. Storrow
Richard Bailey as Lt. Tremaine
Credits:
Directed by Sam Wood
Screenplay by Marguerite Roberts, based on Ambush, 1948 story in The Saturday Evening Post by Luke Short
Produced by Armand Deutsch, Sam Wood
Cinematography Harold Lipstein
Edited by Ben Lewis
Music by Rudolph G. Kopp
Color process Black and white
Production and distribution: MGM
Release date: January 13, 1950
Running time: 89 minutes
Budget $1,754,000
Box office $3,215,000
