Conquest of Cochise is a 1953 American Western film set in 1853 at the time of the Gadsden Purchase. Produced by Sam Katzman and directed by William Castle, it stars John Hodiak, Robert Stack and Joy Page.
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Plot
Army Major Tom Burke is assigned to lead four troops of cavalry dragoons into Tucson in the Gadsden Purchase, recently acquired by the United States from Mexico. Both the Apache, led by Cochise, and Comanche Indian tribes are at war with the Mexican population. In addition to the three stakeholders, Major Burke faces a treacherous businessman whose profits from selling alcohol to all parties is threatened by the prospect of peace.
Cast
John Hodiak as Cochise
Robert Stack as Maj. Tom Burke
Joy Page as Consuelo de Cordova
Rico Alaniz as Felipe
Fortunio Bonanova as Mexican Minister
Edward Colmans as Don Francisco de Cordova
Alex Montoya as Jose Garcia
Steven Ritch as Tukiwah
Carol Thurston as Terua
Rodd Redwing as Red Knife
Robert Griffin as Sam Maddock (as Robert E. Griffin)
Poppy del Vando as Señora de Cordova
Production
The film was shot at Santa Clarita, California, Corriganville movie ranch and the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce, California.
William Castle says Katzman insisted Indians wear bathing caps to indicate they had shaved their heads in order to save money.