Blu ray review: Two westerns from Kit Parker Films/Sprocket Vault

Westerns are central to the development of cinema, and over the years the genre greatly expanded its scope.  During the post war era, the genre was defined by towering classics like Red River, as well as many low budget productions that provided their own brand of significance.  By the 1960s, western cinema was being re-invented by the spaghetti westerns coming out of Italy, most notably the Sergio Leone “Dollars” trilogy that starred Clint Eastwood, then a refugee from the TV western series Rawhide.  Kit Parker Films has released a western double feature with newly restored films, one from the 60s, another from the post war era of 1948.

APACHE RIFLES

This 1964 feature is an independent production from Grant Whytock’s Admiral Films, which was financed by silent partner Edward Small. It stars Audie Murphy, who was coming to the end of his career, and his life.  Shot on location at Bronson Canyon and Red Rock Canyon State Park, California, this film benefits from great color cinematography and assured direction from William Witney, a veteran of serials and action westerns.  Witney, who was doing a lot of television at this time, rises to the occasion with the opportunity to work in color and widescreen.  His expansive establishing shots really take advantage of the process. 

Audie Murphy had, by now, come to understand how to anchor his scenes as a strong western hero, still buoyed by his real life exploits as a heavily decorated war hero. Supported by welcome western actors like L.Q. Jones, Ken Lynch, and J. Pat O’Malley, Audie Murphy effectively commands his scenes as an Indian fighter who seeks vengeance after his father had been betrayed by Apaches.  With its compelling narrative, bursts of action, and good performances, Apache Rifles is further benefited by the restoration provided on this blu ray release.

PANHANDLE

The second film on this double feature disc, is the post war low budget western that has several layers of significance.  Perhaps most interestingly is that its screenplay marks the debut of Blake Edwards and his writing partner John C. Champion, who also produced the film. The two would team up for another western feature, and while Champion later produced TV’s Laramie, Edwards would go onto direct such noted films as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Days of Wine and Roses, A Shot in the Dark, and Victor/Victoria. 

This is another revenge drama where Rod Cameron plays a retired Marshall and current rancher, who seeks to reveal his brother’s killer.  Directed by Lesley Selander, whose career includes many westerns including several in the Hopalong Cassidy series.  Panhandle was shot in sepia tone, and advertised that fact.  The restoration on the blu ray release makes the sepia tone a deeply striking visual.  Panhandle was released by Monogram/Allied Artists with the producers putting up $40,000 of the film’s budget.

Both films are 4K transfers from the original 35mm negatives, making each movie look as sharp as visually possible. As a special feature, the disc includes western movie expert Toby Roan’s interesting and informative documentary segments on Allied Artists and on Audie Murphy.

This highly recommended blu ray double feature came be purchased at this link: WESTERNS