Title: Apache Blood
Year: 1979
Genres: Western; Drama
Director: Vern Piehl

Cast:

• Red Wing as Ada Commanda
• Flying Eagle as Ze-Lak-Ta
• Frank Krol as Colonel Leonard
• Michael Nouri as Lt. Hamilton
• Gilbert Kahele as Chief Apache
• Deborah Lee as Mary Hamilton
• Paul Carr as Sergeant Roberts

Synopsis:

Ze-Lak-Ta, a proud Apache warrior, returns to his reservation to find his people oppressed by corrupt U.S. Army officers. When his sister Ada Commanda is wrongfully arrested for defending their land, Ze-Lak-Ta rallies both Apache and sympathetic settlers to confront the injustice. The ensuing conflict forces him to navigate between violent resistance and the hope of a diplomatic resolution. In a tense finale, Ze-Lak-Ta’s strategic acumen leads to a stand-off that compels Colonel Leonard to recognize Apache sovereignty—if only temporarily—highlighting themes of cultural survival and moral courage.

Trivia:

• One of the few Westerns of its era to center on Native American perspectives, casting actual Apache actors in key roles.
• Filmed on location in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, utilizing authentic tribal ceremonies and settings.
• Michael Nouri’s early role, before his later success in films like Flashdance (1983).
• The film struggled to find wide distribution, becoming a cult favorite on regional cable broadcasts.