The Bravos is a 1972 American Western television film directed by Ted Post and starring George Peppard. It aired on ABC on January 9, 1972, as a made-for-television movie.
Plot
The film follows Major John David Harkness (George Peppard), the commander of an isolated frontier cavalry post, who attempts to prevent an Indian war while also searching for his kidnapped son.
Cast
- George Peppard as Major John David Harkness
- Pernell Roberts as Jackson Buckley
- Belinda Montgomery as Heller Chase
- L.Q. Jones as Ben Lawler
- George Murdock as Captain MacDowell
- Barry Brown as Garratt
- Dana Elcar as Captain Detroville
- John Kellogg as Sgt Major Marcy
- Bo Svenson as Raeder
- Vincent Van Patten as Peter Harkness
- Joaquín Martínez as Santanta
- Randolph Mantooth as 2nd Lt Lewis
- Clint Ritchie as Corporal Love
- Michael Bow as Sgt Boyd
Production
The film was written by Christopher Knopf, based on a story by David Victor, Douglas Benton, and Christopher Knopf. It was produced by Groverton Productions and Universal Television, with an executive producer credit for David Victor and production by Norman Lloyd. The film was shot in Arizona, including locations in Sedona and Flagstaff, and concluded filming in January 1971. The fort used in the production, referred to as "Fort Delivery," was originally built for the 1963 film A Distant Trumpet and was located approximately 50 miles from Flagstaff.
The project was initially conceived as a potential television series. Producer David Victor described it as an intended "adult Western." However, the film was not picked up for a series.
Release
The Bravos aired on ABC on January 9, 1972, with a running time of 100 minutes. The music score was composed by Leonard Rosenman, and cinematography was by Enzo A. Martinelli.
