40 Guns to Apache Pass

40 Guns to Apache Pass

Year: 1967

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: William Witney

Western

He must transport a shipment of rifles across the entire Apache territory while the Apaches, angry and on the warpath, threaten the region. The Army is tasked with protecting the tribe, but greedy white traders, aided by mutinous soldiers, steal the guns, forcing Murphy to recover them.

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Timeline & Setting – 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1868

The events unfold in 1868, a rugged postwar frontier period in the American Southwest. Frontier life demands long patrols, scarce resources, and constant vigilance against Apache attacks. Military logistics and the pursuit of strategic weapons drive the pace of the story.

Location

Arizona Territory, Apache Wells

Set in the Apache-dominated Arizona frontier around the outpost at Apache Wells. The landscape is a harsh desert stage for marching armies, raids, and tense standoffs. The post and surrounding terrain serve as the focal point for a mission involving rifles, survival, and the defense of homesteaders.

🏜️ Frontier 🏚️ Military outpost

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:26

Main Characters – 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967)

Meet the key characters of 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Capt. Bruce Coburn

An Army captain who must maintain order and push forward a dangerous mission to move rifles to Apache Wells. He is pragmatic, cool under fire, and willing to take bold steps to protect his men and civilians.

🎖️ Duty 🛡️ Leadership ⚔️ Courage

Cpl. Bodine

A hard-edged corporal whose ambition leads him to steal water and conspire with Cochise to trade rifles for gold. His treachery creates a direct threat to the mission and tests Coburn’s resolve.

🪖 Ambition ⚖️ Betrayal 🔥 Conflict

Mike Malone

The elder Malone son who disobeys orders during a raid, choosing to pursue combat with mixed results. His actions set off a chain of events that underline the dangers of improvisation in battle.

🪪 Family 🗡️ Bravery 🛡️ Duty

Doug Malone

The younger Malone son who starts as fearful but grows in courage, ultimately aiding Coburn and proving his worth in the defense of Apache Wells.

🧒 Youth 🛡️ Courage 🆙 Growth

Col. Reed

A stern, rule-bound commander who must balance the mission’s demands with his soldiers’ welfare, ultimately authorizing a dangerous rescue operation.

🎯 Authority 🗺️ Strategy 🛡️ Protection

Cochise

The Apache leader who presents a formidable strategic opponent, driving the conflict and forcing Coburn to adapt his plan to counter the threat.

🪶 Indigenous Leader ⚔️ Warfare 🧭 Strategy

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:26

Major Themes – 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967)

Explore the central themes of 40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎖️ Duty

Duty to the unit and the mission drives the decisions of Coburn and his men. The film tests loyalty, adherence to orders, and the consequences of failing to uphold command. Characters must balance personal risk with the larger goal of protecting civilians and securing arms.

🧭 Leadership

Leadership is explored through Coburn’s resolve and how he guides his troops under pressure. The arc includes judgment under fire, accountability for desertion, and the growth of a younger soldier who earns respect through action.

⚔️ Frontier Conflict

The confrontation with Cochise and the Apaches frames the action, featuring sieges, rescues, and tactical gunruns. The frontier setting forces difficult moral choices about defense, allegiance, and how to recover stolen rifles against a formidable foe.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:26

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40 Guns to Apache Pass Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 40 Guns to Apache Pass, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

40 Guns to Apache Pass Summary

40 Guns to Apache Pass Timeline

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40 Guns to Apache Pass Timeline

More About 40 Guns to Apache Pass

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40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

40 Guns to Apache Pass (1967) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow