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| THE ALSO-RANS -- Movies and TV shows that at least
tried hard. In this category I will try to present a few actors who came close -- or closer -- to doing justice to the role of Cochise. In some cases the performances were terrible but the appearance was acceptable, in other cases it was the actor's performance that managed to lend credibility in spite of the physical appearance. There have been precious few instances in cinema or television where this role has been intelligently handled, let alone convincingly presented. |
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A NOBLE EFFORT - particularly for an episode on a mainstream TV series . . . and that's no surprise, considering who wrote the script! "The Honor of Cochise" (1961) An episode of BONANZA Script writer: Elliott Arnold |
Cochise: Jeff Morrow (b. 1907 - d. 1993)
(Nationality: American - descent unknown) Trivia: He was the white-haired alien Exeter on the classic sci-fi film "This Island Earth" |
| The story is a stretch,
true, but I have to tell you I was pleasantly surprised at the way Cochise's
role was handled, and though the actor portraying him went over the top
a few times, he did manage to convey true leadership, austere presence, and
deadly seriousness. At no time did he act in a way that would have
diminished his image in the eyes of his ever watchful, ever cynical "lieutenants". Always to the fore was his unshakeable insistence on truth and honor (thus the title of the episode), and his right to exact justice, as seen by his People, on an American officer who had betrayed him. But in the end, it is Cochise's insight and recognition of honor and truthfulness in others, even his "enemies", that goes so far in my book to ring true. Given that the script was written by "Blood Brother" author Elliott Arnold, this shouldn't surprise anyone. If you can buy the premise that Cochise was so enraged at this second rate officer that he and a small group of his best warriors chased the man all the way from southern Arizona to far western Nevada (without catching him, yet), you'll actually enjoy this episode - if you can find it. Luckily, Bonanza is constantly on TV in reruns and if you watch for it you'll eventually see it. |
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THE MOVIES |
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REDISCOVERED |
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