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1: The Last Apache

The Last Apache (1990)

The Last Apache continues the story established in the 1973 Gunsmoke episode, “Matt’s Love Story,” in which Marshal Dillon is shot and suffers amnesia. He’s taken in by a hardened widow rancher, Mike Yardner played by the formidable Michael Learned of The Waltons. They let their guards down and soon fall in love, but when Dillon regains his memory, he can’t commit to Mike, and he leaves. Now, nearly a decade later, Matt receives a letter from Mike to come immediately. Meanwhile, Apache warriors attack the ranch and when Dillon arrives, he discovers Mike’s daughter Beth was kidnapped by Geronimo’s rogue War Chief Wolf. The stakes are significantly raised when Matt learns Beth is his daughter, from their long-ago affair. With no help from the U.S. Army, Matt and Cavalry Scout Chalk Brighton (Mike’s current love interest) devise a plan to exchange two imprisoned sons of Geronimo for Beth. But will Matt track down Wolf before the warrior marries Beth? Oh, the suspense! Not surprisingly, this plotline garnered some controversy, and wildly divided opinions. What’s yours?

Matt Dillon, Retired U.S. Marshal, Rancher, Father…

“I’m not too handy with words, but if the Lord asked me what kind of daughter I wanted, I’d sure know what to tell him. I’m real proud of you.” – Matt Dillon to his newfound daughter Beth

A Tribute to Amanda Blake

Amanda Blake died in August 1989, before this movie was in production. A dedication appears at the end.

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