diff --git a/Demo/classes/bitvec.py b/Demo/classes/bitvec.py
index 2894a56..934d33a 100755
--- a/Demo/classes/bitvec.py
+++ b/Demo/classes/bitvec.py
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@
     def __cmp__(self, other, *rest):
         #rprt('%r.__cmp__%r\n' % (self, (other,) + rest))
         if type(other) != type(self):
-            other = apply(bitvec, (other, ) + rest)
+            other = bitvec(other, *rest)
         #expensive solution... recursive binary, with slicing
         length = self._len
         if length == 0 or other._len == 0:
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@
         #rprt('%s.__setslice__%r\n' % (self, (i, j, sequence) + rest))
         i, j = _check_slice(self._len, i, j)
         if type(sequence) != type(self):
-            sequence = apply(bitvec, (sequence, ) + rest)
+            sequence = bitvec(sequence, *rest)
         #sequence is now of our own type
         ls_part = self[:i]
         ms_part = self[j:]
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@
     def __and__(self, otherseq, *rest):
         #rprt('%r.__and__%r\n' % (self, (otherseq,) + rest))
         if type(otherseq) != type(self):
-            otherseq = apply(bitvec, (otherseq, ) + rest)
+            otherseq = bitvec(otherseq, *rest)
         #sequence is now of our own type
         return BitVec(self._data & otherseq._data, \
                   min(self._len, otherseq._len))
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@
     def __xor__(self, otherseq, *rest):
         #rprt('%r.__xor__%r\n' % (self, (otherseq,) + rest))
         if type(otherseq) != type(self):
-            otherseq = apply(bitvec, (otherseq, ) + rest)
+            otherseq = bitvec(otherseq, *rest)
         #sequence is now of our own type
         return BitVec(self._data ^ otherseq._data, \
                   max(self._len, otherseq._len))
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@
     def __or__(self, otherseq, *rest):
         #rprt('%r.__or__%r\n' % (self, (otherseq,) + rest))
         if type(otherseq) != type(self):
-            otherseq = apply(bitvec, (otherseq, ) + rest)
+            otherseq = bitvec(otherseq, *rest)
         #sequence is now of our own type
         return BitVec(self._data | otherseq._data, \
                   max(self._len, otherseq._len))
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@
         #needed for *some* of the arithmetic operations
         #rprt('%r.__coerce__%r\n' % (self, (otherseq,) + rest))
         if type(otherseq) != type(self):
-            otherseq = apply(bitvec, (otherseq, ) + rest)
+            otherseq = bitvec(otherseq, *rest)
         return self, otherseq
 
     def __int__(self):
diff --git a/Demo/metaclasses/Eiffel.py b/Demo/metaclasses/Eiffel.py
index 24fac14..8c39746 100644
--- a/Demo/metaclasses/Eiffel.py
+++ b/Demo/metaclasses/Eiffel.py
@@ -82,10 +82,10 @@
 
     def __call__(self, *args, **kw):
         if self.pre:
-            apply(self.pre, args, kw)
-        Result = apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+            self.pre(*args, **kw)
+        Result = self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
         if self.post:
-            apply(self.post, (Result,) + args, kw)
+            self.post(Result, *args, **kw)
         return Result
 
 class EiffelHelper(MetaHelper):
diff --git a/Demo/metaclasses/Meta.py b/Demo/metaclasses/Meta.py
index 580f582..9529e0f 100644
--- a/Demo/metaclasses/Meta.py
+++ b/Demo/metaclasses/Meta.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
         self.__name__ = self.func.__name__
 
     def __call__(self, *args, **kw):
-        return apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+        return self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
 
 class MetaHelper:
 
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@
             init = inst.__getattr__('__init__')
         except AttributeError:
             init = lambda: None
-        apply(init, args, kw)
+        init(*args, **kw)
         return inst
 
 
diff --git a/Demo/metaclasses/Simple.py b/Demo/metaclasses/Simple.py
index 03ed259..e3e54f7 100644
--- a/Demo/metaclasses/Simple.py
+++ b/Demo/metaclasses/Simple.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
         self.instance = instance
     def __call__(self, *args):
         print "calling", self.function, "for", self.instance, "with", args
-        return apply(self.function, (self.instance,) + args)
+        return self.function(self.instance, *args)
 
 Trace = Tracing('Trace', (), {})
 
diff --git a/Demo/metaclasses/Synch.py b/Demo/metaclasses/Synch.py
index 80e52d9..cd13e86 100644
--- a/Demo/metaclasses/Synch.py
+++ b/Demo/metaclasses/Synch.py
@@ -148,10 +148,10 @@
 class LockingMethodWrapper(MetaMethodWrapper):
     def __call__(self, *args, **kw):
         if self.__name__[:1] == '_' and self.__name__[1:] != '_':
-            return apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+            return self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
         self.inst.__lock__.acquire()
         try:
-            return apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+            return self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
         finally:
             self.inst.__lock__.release()
 
diff --git a/Demo/metaclasses/Trace.py b/Demo/metaclasses/Trace.py
index 69b9fab..97fda56 100644
--- a/Demo/metaclasses/Trace.py
+++ b/Demo/metaclasses/Trace.py
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
             init = inst.__getattr__('__init__')
         except AttributeError:
             init = lambda: None
-        apply(init, args, kw)
+        init(*args, **kw)
         return inst
 
     __trace_output__ = None
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@
         self.func = func
         self.inst = inst
     def __call__(self, *args, **kw):
-        return apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+        return self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
 
 class TracingWrapper(NotTracingWrapper):
     def __call__(self, *args, **kw):
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@
                                  "calling %s, inst=%s, args=%s, kw=%s",
                                  self.__name__, self.inst, args, kw)
         try:
-            rv = apply(self.func, (self.inst,) + args, kw)
+            rv = self.func(self.inst, *args, **kw)
         except:
             t, v, tb = sys.exc_info()
             self.inst.__trace_call__(self.inst.__trace_output__,
diff --git a/Demo/pdist/RCSProxy.py b/Demo/pdist/RCSProxy.py
index 87c65cc..ff3f0ce 100755
--- a/Demo/pdist/RCSProxy.py
+++ b/Demo/pdist/RCSProxy.py
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@
     if hasattr(proxy, what):
         attr = getattr(proxy, what)
         if callable(attr):
-            print apply(attr, tuple(sys.argv[2:]))
+            print attr(*sys.argv[2:])
         else:
             print repr(attr)
     else:
diff --git a/Demo/pdist/client.py b/Demo/pdist/client.py
index 3e97d84..664c41b 100755
--- a/Demo/pdist/client.py
+++ b/Demo/pdist/client.py
@@ -132,12 +132,11 @@
 class SecureClient(Client, Security):
 
     def __init__(self, *args):
-        import string
-        apply(self._pre_init, args)
+        self._pre_init(*args)
         Security.__init__(self)
         self._wf.flush()
         line = self._rf.readline()
-        challenge = string.atoi(string.strip(line))
+        challenge = int(line.strip())
         response = self._encode_challenge(challenge)
         line = repr(long(response))
         if line[-1] in 'Ll': line = line[:-1]
diff --git a/Demo/pdist/server.py b/Demo/pdist/server.py
index 01b3249..79afa8b 100755
--- a/Demo/pdist/server.py
+++ b/Demo/pdist/server.py
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@
                 raise NameError, "illegal method name %s" % repr(methodname)
             else:
                 method = getattr(self, methodname)
-                reply = (None, apply(method, args), id)
+                reply = (None, method(*args), id)
         except:
             reply = (sys.exc_info()[:2], id)
         if id < 0 and reply[:2] == (None, None):
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@
 class SecureServer(Server, Security):
 
     def __init__(self, *args):
-        apply(Server.__init__, (self,) + args)
+        Server.__init__(self, *args)
         Security.__init__(self)
 
     def _verify(self, conn, address):
diff --git a/Demo/threads/Coroutine.py b/Demo/threads/Coroutine.py
index 4cc65f7..10fa303 100644
--- a/Demo/threads/Coroutine.py
+++ b/Demo/threads/Coroutine.py
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@
         if not self.killed:
             try:
                 try:
-                    apply(me.f, args)
+                    me.f(*args)
                 except Killed:
                     pass
             finally:
diff --git a/Demo/threads/Generator.py b/Demo/threads/Generator.py
index a2713af..63bed9b 100644
--- a/Demo/threads/Generator.py
+++ b/Demo/threads/Generator.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
             self.putlock.acquire()
             if not self.killed:
                 try:
-                    apply(self.func, (self,) + self.args)
+                    self.func(self, *self.args)
                 except Killed:
                     pass
         finally:
diff --git a/Demo/threads/find.py b/Demo/threads/find.py
index 7d5edc1..14148b8 100644
--- a/Demo/threads/find.py
+++ b/Demo/threads/find.py
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@
 
 import sys
 import getopt
-import string
 import time
 import os
 from stat import *
@@ -85,7 +84,7 @@
             if not job:
                 break
             func, args = job
-            apply(func, args)
+            func(*args)
             self._donework()
 
     def run(self, nworkers):
@@ -104,7 +103,7 @@
     opts, args = getopt.getopt(sys.argv[1:], '-w:')
     for opt, arg in opts:
         if opt == '-w':
-            nworkers = string.atoi(arg)
+            nworkers = int(arg)
     if not args:
         args = [os.curdir]
 
diff --git a/Demo/tix/tixwidgets.py b/Demo/tix/tixwidgets.py
index de2e22e..bf7102a 100644
--- a/Demo/tix/tixwidgets.py
+++ b/Demo/tix/tixwidgets.py
@@ -71,8 +71,7 @@
         hm.add_checkbutton(label='BalloonHelp', underline=0, command=ToggleHelp,
                            variable=self.useBalloons)
         # The trace variable option doesn't seem to work, instead I use 'command'
-        #apply(w.tk.call, ('trace', 'variable', self.useBalloons, 'w',
-        #                     ToggleHelp))
+        #w.tk.call('trace', 'variable', self.useBalloons, 'w', ToggleHelp))
 
         return w
 
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/AttrDialog.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/AttrDialog.py
index 86333ad..9fa699e 100755
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/AttrDialog.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/AttrDialog.py
@@ -155,8 +155,7 @@
         def set(self, e=None):
             self.current = self.var.get()
             try:
-                apply(self.dialog.widget.pack, (),
-                      {self.option: self.current})
+                self.dialog.widget.pack(**{self.option: self.current})
             except TclError, msg:
                 print msg
                 self.refresh()
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/ManPage.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/ManPage.py
index 7d6fe00..911961e 100755
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/ManPage.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/ManPage.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
     # Initialize instance
     def __init__(self, master=None, **cnf):
         # Initialize base class
-        apply(ScrolledText.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        ScrolledText.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
 
         # Define tags for formatting styles
         self.tag_config('X', underline=1)
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@
     # Initialize instance
     def __init__(self, master=None, **cnf):
         cnf['state'] = DISABLED
-        apply(EditableManPage.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        EditableManPage.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
 
 # Alias
 ManPage = ReadonlyManPage
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/ShellWindow.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/ShellWindow.py
index 609101b..6cdce0b 100755
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/ShellWindow.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/ShellWindow.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
         args = string.split(shell)
         shell = args[0]
 
-        apply(ScrolledText.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        ScrolledText.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
         self.pos = '1.0'
         self.bind('<Return>', self.inputhandler)
         self.bind('<Control-c>', self.sigint)
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/kill.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/kill.py
index e7df261..dd0dbf4 100755
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/kill.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/kill.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 class BarButton(Menubutton):
     def __init__(self, master=None, **cnf):
-        apply(Menubutton.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        Menubutton.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
         self.pack(side=LEFT)
         self.menu = Menu(self, name='menu')
         self['menu'] = self.menu
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/optionmenu.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/optionmenu.py
index be9d3ac..7365fa6 100644
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/optionmenu.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/optionmenu.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 var2  = StringVar()
 var2.set(CHOICES[0])
 
-menu2 = apply(OptionMenu, (root, var2) + tuple(CHOICES))
+menu2 = OptionMenu(root, var2, *CHOICES)
 menu2.pack()
 
 root.mainloop()
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/sortvisu.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/sortvisu.py
index f18f2c1..3e4454f 100644
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/sortvisu.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/sortvisu.py
@@ -523,8 +523,7 @@
         if self.size not in sizes:
             sizes.append(self.size)
             sizes.sort()
-        self.m_size = apply(OptionMenu,
-                            (self.botleftframe, self.v_size) + tuple(sizes))
+        self.m_size = OptionMenu(self.botleftframe, self.v_size, *sizes)
         self.m_size.pack(fill=X)
 
         self.v_speed = StringVar(self.master)
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/guido/svkill.py b/Demo/tkinter/guido/svkill.py
index 69f7f3b..95f61b8 100755
--- a/Demo/tkinter/guido/svkill.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/guido/svkill.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 
 class BarButton(Menubutton):
     def __init__(self, master=None, **cnf):
-        apply(Menubutton.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        Menubutton.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
         self.pack(side=LEFT)
         self.menu = Menu(self, name='menu')
         self['menu'] = self.menu
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@
     def do_1(self, e):
         self.kill(e.widget.get(e.widget.nearest(e.y)))
     def __init__(self, master=None, **cnf):
-        apply(Frame.__init__, (self, master), cnf)
+        Frame.__init__(self, master, **cnf)
         self.pack(expand=1, fill=BOTH)
         self.bar = Frame(self, name='bar', relief=RAISED,
                          borderwidth=2)
diff --git a/Demo/tkinter/matt/window-creation-w-location.py b/Demo/tkinter/matt/window-creation-w-location.py
index 3f2b5b0..9f23bac 100644
--- a/Demo/tkinter/matt/window-creation-w-location.py
+++ b/Demo/tkinter/matt/window-creation-w-location.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
             kwargs["text"] = "QUIT"
         if not kwargs.has_key("command"):
             kwargs["command"] = master.quit
-        apply(Button.__init__, (self, master) + args, kwargs)
+        Button.__init__(self, master, *args, **kwargs)
 
 class Test(Frame):
     def makeWindow(self, *args):
diff --git a/Doc/api/abstract.tex b/Doc/api/abstract.tex
index f01512c..e1c3901 100644
--- a/Doc/api/abstract.tex
+++ b/Doc/api/abstract.tex
@@ -235,7 +235,6 @@
   or \NULL{} on failure.  This is the equivalent of the Python
   expression \samp{apply(\var{callable_object}, \var{args}, \var{kw})}
   or \samp{\var{callable_object}(*\var{args}, **\var{kw})}.
-  \bifuncindex{apply}
   \versionadded{2.2}
 \end{cfuncdesc}
 
@@ -248,7 +247,6 @@
   success, or \NULL{} on failure.  This is the equivalent of the
   Python expression \samp{apply(\var{callable_object}, \var{args})} or
   \samp{\var{callable_object}(*\var{args})}.
-  \bifuncindex{apply}
 \end{cfuncdesc}
 
 \begin{cfuncdesc}{PyObject*}{PyObject_CallFunction}{PyObject *callable,
@@ -260,7 +258,6 @@
   result of the call on success, or \NULL{} on failure.  This is the
   equivalent of the Python expression \samp{apply(\var{callable},
   \var{args})} or \samp{\var{callable}(*\var{args})}.
-  \bifuncindex{apply}
 \end{cfuncdesc}
 
 
diff --git a/Doc/lib/libfuncs.tex b/Doc/lib/libfuncs.tex
index c75c172..0be3aa9 100644
--- a/Doc/lib/libfuncs.tex
+++ b/Doc/lib/libfuncs.tex
@@ -1169,26 +1169,6 @@
 
 \setindexsubitem{(non-essential built-in functions)}
 
-\begin{funcdesc}{apply}{function, args\optional{, keywords}}
-  The \var{function} argument must be a callable object (a
-  user-defined or built-in function or method, or a class object) and
-  the \var{args} argument must be a sequence.  The \var{function} is
-  called with \var{args} as the argument list; the number of arguments
-  is the length of the tuple.
-  If the optional \var{keywords} argument is present, it must be a
-  dictionary whose keys are strings.  It specifies keyword arguments
-  to be added to the end of the argument list.
-  Calling \function{apply()} is different from just calling
-  \code{\var{function}(\var{args})}, since in that case there is always
-  exactly one argument.  The use of \function{apply()} is equivalent
-  to \code{\var{function}(*\var{args}, **\var{keywords})}.
-  Use of \function{apply()} is not necessary since the ``extended call
-  syntax,'' as used in the last example, is completely equivalent.
-
-  \deprecated{2.3}{Use the extended call syntax instead, as described
-                   above.}
-\end{funcdesc}
-
 \begin{funcdesc}{buffer}{object\optional{, offset\optional{, size}}}
   The \var{object} argument must be an object that supports the buffer
   call interface (such as strings, arrays, and buffers).  A new buffer
diff --git a/Lib/bsddb/dbobj.py b/Lib/bsddb/dbobj.py
index 5bcf84b..4a75dd2 100644
--- a/Lib/bsddb/dbobj.py
+++ b/Lib/bsddb/dbobj.py
@@ -31,82 +31,82 @@
 
 class DBEnv:
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        self._cobj = apply(db.DBEnv, args, kwargs)
+        self._cobj = db.DBEnv(*args, **kwargs)
 
     def close(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.close, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.close(*args, **kwargs)
     def open(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.open, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.open(*args, **kwargs)
     def remove(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.remove, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.remove(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_shm_key(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_shm_key, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_shm_key(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_cachesize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_cachesize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_cachesize(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_data_dir(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_data_dir, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_data_dir(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_flags(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_flags, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_flags(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lg_bsize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lg_bsize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lg_bsize(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lg_dir(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lg_dir, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lg_dir(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lg_max(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lg_max, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lg_max(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lk_detect(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lk_detect, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lk_detect(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lk_max(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lk_max, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lk_max(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lk_max_locks(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lk_max_locks, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lk_max_locks(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lk_max_lockers(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lk_max_lockers, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lk_max_lockers(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lk_max_objects(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lk_max_objects, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lk_max_objects(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_mp_mmapsize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_mp_mmapsize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_mp_mmapsize(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_timeout(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_timeout, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_timeout(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_tmp_dir(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_tmp_dir, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_tmp_dir(*args, **kwargs)
     def txn_begin(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.txn_begin, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.txn_begin(*args, **kwargs)
     def txn_checkpoint(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.txn_checkpoint, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.txn_checkpoint(*args, **kwargs)
     def txn_stat(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.txn_stat, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.txn_stat(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_tx_max(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_tx_max, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_tx_max(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_tx_timestamp(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_tx_timestamp, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_tx_timestamp(*args, **kwargs)
     def lock_detect(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.lock_detect, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.lock_detect(*args, **kwargs)
     def lock_get(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.lock_get, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.lock_get(*args, **kwargs)
     def lock_id(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.lock_id, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.lock_id(*args, **kwargs)
     def lock_put(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.lock_put, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.lock_put(*args, **kwargs)
     def lock_stat(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.lock_stat, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.lock_stat(*args, **kwargs)
     def log_archive(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.log_archive, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.log_archive(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_get_returns_none(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_get_returns_none, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_get_returns_none(*args, **kwargs)
 
     if db.version() >= (4,1):
         def dbremove(self, *args, **kwargs):
-            return apply(self._cobj.dbremove, args, kwargs)
+            return self._cobj.dbremove(*args, **kwargs)
         def dbrename(self, *args, **kwargs):
-            return apply(self._cobj.dbrename, args, kwargs)
+            return self._cobj.dbrename(*args, **kwargs)
         def set_encrypt(self, *args, **kwargs):
-            return apply(self._cobj.set_encrypt, args, kwargs)
+            return self._cobj.set_encrypt(*args, **kwargs)
 
 
 class DB(DictMixin):
     def __init__(self, dbenv, *args, **kwargs):
         # give it the proper DBEnv C object that its expecting
-        self._cobj = apply(db.DB, (dbenv._cobj,) + args, kwargs)
+        self._cobj = db.DB(dbenv._cobj, *args, **kwargs)
 
     # TODO are there other dict methods that need to be overridden?
     def __len__(self):
@@ -119,92 +119,92 @@
         del self._cobj[arg]
 
     def append(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.append, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.append(*args, **kwargs)
     def associate(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.associate, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.associate(*args, **kwargs)
     def close(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.close, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.close(*args, **kwargs)
     def consume(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.consume, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.consume(*args, **kwargs)
     def consume_wait(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.consume_wait, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.consume_wait(*args, **kwargs)
     def cursor(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.cursor, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.cursor(*args, **kwargs)
     def delete(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.delete, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.delete(*args, **kwargs)
     def fd(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.fd, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.fd(*args, **kwargs)
     def get(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.get, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.get(*args, **kwargs)
     def pget(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.pget, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.pget(*args, **kwargs)
     def get_both(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.get_both, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.get_both(*args, **kwargs)
     def get_byteswapped(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.get_byteswapped, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.get_byteswapped(*args, **kwargs)
     def get_size(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.get_size, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.get_size(*args, **kwargs)
     def get_type(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.get_type, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.get_type(*args, **kwargs)
     def join(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.join, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.join(*args, **kwargs)
     def key_range(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.key_range, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.key_range(*args, **kwargs)
     def has_key(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.has_key, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.has_key(*args, **kwargs)
     def items(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.items, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.items(*args, **kwargs)
     def keys(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.keys, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.keys(*args, **kwargs)
     def open(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.open, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.open(*args, **kwargs)
     def put(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.put, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.put(*args, **kwargs)
     def remove(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.remove, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.remove(*args, **kwargs)
     def rename(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.rename, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.rename(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_bt_minkey(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_bt_minkey, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_bt_minkey(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_bt_compare(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_bt_compare, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_bt_compare(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_cachesize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_cachesize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_cachesize(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_flags(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_flags, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_flags(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_h_ffactor(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_h_ffactor, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_h_ffactor(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_h_nelem(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_h_nelem, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_h_nelem(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_lorder(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_lorder, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_lorder(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_pagesize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_pagesize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_pagesize(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_re_delim(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_re_delim, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_re_delim(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_re_len(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_re_len, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_re_len(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_re_pad(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_re_pad, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_re_pad(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_re_source(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_re_source, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_re_source(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_q_extentsize(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_q_extentsize, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_q_extentsize(*args, **kwargs)
     def stat(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.stat, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.stat(*args, **kwargs)
     def sync(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.sync, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.sync(*args, **kwargs)
     def type(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.type, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.type(*args, **kwargs)
     def upgrade(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.upgrade, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.upgrade(*args, **kwargs)
     def values(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.values, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.values(*args, **kwargs)
     def verify(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.verify, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.verify(*args, **kwargs)
     def set_get_returns_none(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        return apply(self._cobj.set_get_returns_none, args, kwargs)
+        return self._cobj.set_get_returns_none(*args, **kwargs)
 
     if db.version() >= (4,1):
         def set_encrypt(self, *args, **kwargs):
-            return apply(self._cobj.set_encrypt, args, kwargs)
+            return self._cobj.set_encrypt(*args, **kwargs)
diff --git a/Lib/bsddb/dbshelve.py b/Lib/bsddb/dbshelve.py
index d341ab7..5cd4a53 100644
--- a/Lib/bsddb/dbshelve.py
+++ b/Lib/bsddb/dbshelve.py
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@
         # given nothing is passed to the extension module.  That way
         # an exception can be raised if set_get_returns_none is turned
         # off.
-        data = apply(self.db.get, args, kw)
+        data = self.db.get(*args, **kw)
         try:
             return cPickle.loads(data)
         except (TypeError, cPickle.UnpicklingError):
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@
     def get(self, *args):
         count = len(args)  # a method overloading hack
         method = getattr(self, 'get_%d' % count)
-        apply(method, args)
+        method(*args)
 
     def get_1(self, flags):
         rec = self.dbc.get(flags)
diff --git a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_basics.py b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_basics.py
index 24c4038..7e8f835 100644
--- a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_basics.py
+++ b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_basics.py
@@ -444,7 +444,7 @@
                     print "attempting to use a closed cursor's %s method" % \
                           method
                 # a bug may cause a NULL pointer dereference...
-                apply(getattr(c, method), args)
+                getattr(c, method)(*args)
             except db.DBError, val:
                 assert val[0] == 0
                 if verbose: print val
diff --git a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_dbobj.py b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_dbobj.py
index 6799fc9..1305883 100644
--- a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_dbobj.py
+++ b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_dbobj.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
             def put(self, key, *args, **kwargs):
                 key = string.upper(key)
                 # call our parent classes put method with an upper case key
-                return apply(dbobj.DB.put, (self, key) + args, kwargs)
+                return dbobj.DB.put(self, key, *args, **kwargs)
         self.env = TestDBEnv()
         self.env.open(self.homeDir, db.DB_CREATE | db.DB_INIT_MPOOL)
         self.db = TestDB(self.env)
diff --git a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_join.py b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_join.py
index 73edd11..69a1e9d 100644
--- a/Lib/bsddb/test/test_join.py
+++ b/Lib/bsddb/test/test_join.py
@@ -72,13 +72,13 @@
         # create and populate primary index
         priDB = db.DB(self.env)
         priDB.open(self.filename, "primary", db.DB_BTREE, db.DB_CREATE)
-        map(lambda t, priDB=priDB: apply(priDB.put, t), ProductIndex)
+        map(lambda t, priDB=priDB: priDB.put(*t), ProductIndex)
 
         # create and populate secondary index
         secDB = db.DB(self.env)
         secDB.set_flags(db.DB_DUP | db.DB_DUPSORT)
         secDB.open(self.filename, "secondary", db.DB_BTREE, db.DB_CREATE)
-        map(lambda t, secDB=secDB: apply(secDB.put, t), ColorIndex)
+        map(lambda t, secDB=secDB: secDB.put(*t), ColorIndex)
 
         sCursor = None
         jCursor = None
diff --git a/Lib/compiler/transformer.py b/Lib/compiler/transformer.py
index cc91b4f..504e283 100644
--- a/Lib/compiler/transformer.py
+++ b/Lib/compiler/transformer.py
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
             raise
     else:
         raise WalkerError, "Can't find appropriate Node type: %s" % str(args)
-        #return apply(ast.Node, args)
+        #return ast.Node(*args)
 
 class Transformer:
     """Utility object for transforming Python parse trees.
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/archive_util.py b/Lib/distutils/archive_util.py
index 6aa5e63..b725a14 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/archive_util.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/archive_util.py
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@
     func = format_info[0]
     for (arg,val) in format_info[1]:
         kwargs[arg] = val
-    filename = apply(func, (base_name, base_dir), kwargs)
+    filename = func(base_name, base_dir, **kwargs)
 
     if root_dir is not None:
         log.debug("changing back to '%s'", save_cwd)
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/command/build_ext.py b/Lib/distutils/command/build_ext.py
index 4191c76..6ea5d57 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/command/build_ext.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/command/build_ext.py
@@ -613,8 +613,8 @@
         # extensions in debug_mode are named 'module_d.pyd' under windows
         so_ext = get_config_var('SO')
         if os.name == 'nt' and self.debug:
-            return apply(os.path.join, ext_path) + '_d' + so_ext
-        return apply(os.path.join, ext_path) + so_ext
+            return os.path.join(*ext_path) + '_d' + so_ext
+        return os.path.join(*ext_path) + so_ext
 
     def get_export_symbols (self, ext):
         """Return the list of symbols that a shared extension has to
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/command/build_py.py b/Lib/distutils/command/build_py.py
index 621bcb4..3b7ec62 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/command/build_py.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/command/build_py.py
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@
 
         if not self.package_dir:
             if path:
-                return apply(os.path.join, path)
+                return os.path.join(*path)
             else:
                 return ''
         else:
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@
                     del path[-1]
                 else:
                     tail.insert(0, pdir)
-                    return apply(os.path.join, tail)
+                    return os.path.join(*tail)
             else:
                 # Oops, got all the way through 'path' without finding a
                 # match in package_dir.  If package_dir defines a directory
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@
                     tail.insert(0, pdir)
 
                 if tail:
-                    return apply(os.path.join, tail)
+                    return os.path.join(*tail)
                 else:
                     return ''
 
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@
 
     def get_module_outfile (self, build_dir, package, module):
         outfile_path = [build_dir] + list(package) + [module + ".py"]
-        return apply(os.path.join, outfile_path)
+        return os.path.join(*outfile_path)
 
 
     def get_outputs (self, include_bytecode=1):
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/dir_util.py b/Lib/distutils/dir_util.py
index 43994db..a4aff58 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/dir_util.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/dir_util.py
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@
     _build_cmdtuple(directory, cmdtuples)
     for cmd in cmdtuples:
         try:
-            apply(cmd[0], (cmd[1],))
+            cmd[0](cmd[1])
             # remove dir from cache if it's already there
             abspath = os.path.abspath(cmd[1])
             if _path_created.has_key(abspath):
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/filelist.py b/Lib/distutils/filelist.py
index 43f9aaa..4bbdd1f 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/filelist.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/filelist.py
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@
         sortable_files.sort()
         self.files = []
         for sort_tuple in sortable_files:
-            self.files.append(apply(os.path.join, sort_tuple))
+            self.files.append(os.path.join(*sort_tuple))
 
 
     # -- Other miscellaneous utility methods ---------------------------
diff --git a/Lib/distutils/util.py b/Lib/distutils/util.py
index 387e9bd..889bf13 100644
--- a/Lib/distutils/util.py
+++ b/Lib/distutils/util.py
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@
         paths.remove('.')
     if not paths:
         return os.curdir
-    return apply(os.path.join, paths)
+    return os.path.join(*paths)
 
 # convert_path ()
 
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@
 
     log.info(msg)
     if not dry_run:
-        apply(func, args)
+        func(*args)
 
 
 def strtobool (val):
diff --git a/Lib/idlelib/MultiCall.py b/Lib/idlelib/MultiCall.py
index ea8b140..4f53115 100644
--- a/Lib/idlelib/MultiCall.py
+++ b/Lib/idlelib/MultiCall.py
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@
         assert issubclass(widget, Tkinter.Misc)
 
         def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-            apply(widget.__init__, (self,)+args, kwargs)
+            widget.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
             # a dictionary which maps a virtual event to a tuple with:
             #  0. the function binded
             #  1. a list of triplets - the sequences it is binded to
diff --git a/Lib/logging/__init__.py b/Lib/logging/__init__.py
index d82d667..862f7ca 100644
--- a/Lib/logging/__init__.py
+++ b/Lib/logging/__init__.py
@@ -965,7 +965,7 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= DEBUG:
             return
         if DEBUG >= self.getEffectiveLevel():
-            apply(self._log, (DEBUG, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(DEBUG, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     def info(self, msg, *args, **kwargs):
         """
@@ -979,7 +979,7 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= INFO:
             return
         if INFO >= self.getEffectiveLevel():
-            apply(self._log, (INFO, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(INFO, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     def warning(self, msg, *args, **kwargs):
         """
@@ -993,7 +993,7 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= WARNING:
             return
         if self.isEnabledFor(WARNING):
-            apply(self._log, (WARNING, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(WARNING, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     warn = warning
 
@@ -1009,13 +1009,13 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= ERROR:
             return
         if self.isEnabledFor(ERROR):
-            apply(self._log, (ERROR, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(ERROR, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     def exception(self, msg, *args):
         """
         Convenience method for logging an ERROR with exception information.
         """
-        apply(self.error, (msg,) + args, {'exc_info': 1})
+        self.error(msg, *args, exc_info=1)
 
     def critical(self, msg, *args, **kwargs):
         """
@@ -1029,7 +1029,7 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= CRITICAL:
             return
         if CRITICAL >= self.getEffectiveLevel():
-            apply(self._log, (CRITICAL, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(CRITICAL, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     fatal = critical
 
@@ -1050,7 +1050,7 @@
         if self.manager.disable >= level:
             return
         if self.isEnabledFor(level):
-            apply(self._log, (level, msg, args), kwargs)
+            self._log(level, msg, args, **kwargs)
 
     def findCaller(self):
         """
@@ -1275,7 +1275,7 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.critical, (msg,)+args, kwargs)
+    root.critical(msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 fatal = critical
 
@@ -1285,14 +1285,14 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.error, (msg,)+args, kwargs)
+    root.error(msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 def exception(msg, *args):
     """
     Log a message with severity 'ERROR' on the root logger,
     with exception information.
     """
-    apply(error, (msg,)+args, {'exc_info': 1})
+    error(msg, *args, exc_info=1)
 
 def warning(msg, *args, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -1300,7 +1300,7 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.warning, (msg,)+args, kwargs)
+    root.warning(msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 warn = warning
 
@@ -1310,7 +1310,7 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.info, (msg,)+args, kwargs)
+    root.info(msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 def debug(msg, *args, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -1318,7 +1318,7 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.debug, (msg,)+args, kwargs)
+    root.debug(msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 def log(level, msg, *args, **kwargs):
     """
@@ -1326,7 +1326,7 @@
     """
     if len(root.handlers) == 0:
         basicConfig()
-    apply(root.log, (level, msg)+args, kwargs)
+    root.log(level, msg, *args, **kwargs)
 
 def disable(level):
     """
diff --git a/Lib/logging/config.py b/Lib/logging/config.py
index 5adfe4d..457ec5c 100644
--- a/Lib/logging/config.py
+++ b/Lib/logging/config.py
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@
         klass = eval(klass, vars(logging))
         args = cp.get(sectname, "args")
         args = eval(args, vars(logging))
-        h = apply(klass, args)
+        h = klass(*args)
         if "level" in opts:
             level = cp.get(sectname, "level")
             h.setLevel(logging._levelNames[level])
diff --git a/Lib/plat-mac/gensuitemodule.py b/Lib/plat-mac/gensuitemodule.py
index 87132c5..03d38f6 100644
--- a/Lib/plat-mac/gensuitemodule.py
+++ b/Lib/plat-mac/gensuitemodule.py
@@ -351,11 +351,11 @@
 
 def generic(what, f, *args):
     if type(what) == types.FunctionType:
-        return apply(what, (f,) + args)
+        return what(f, *args)
     if type(what) == types.ListType:
         record = []
         for thing in what:
-            item = apply(generic, thing[:1] + (f,) + thing[1:])
+            item = generic(thing[:1], f, *thing[1:])
             record.append((thing[1], item))
         return record
     return "BAD GENERIC ARGS: %r" % (what,)
diff --git a/Lib/subprocess.py b/Lib/subprocess.py
index 9cb03bc..6827244 100644
--- a/Lib/subprocess.py
+++ b/Lib/subprocess.py
@@ -995,7 +995,7 @@
                         os.chdir(cwd)
 
                     if preexec_fn:
-                        apply(preexec_fn)
+                        preexec_fn()
 
                     if env is None:
                         os.execvp(executable, args)
diff --git a/Lib/test/crashers/infinite_rec_4.py b/Lib/test/crashers/infinite_rec_4.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 14f1520..0000000
--- a/Lib/test/crashers/infinite_rec_4.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@
-
-# http://python.org/sf/1202533
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    lst = [apply]
-    lst.append(lst)
-    apply(*lst)      # segfault: infinite recursion in C
diff --git a/Lib/test/test_builtin.py b/Lib/test/test_builtin.py
index 4f10d92..6f11fdd 100644
--- a/Lib/test/test_builtin.py
+++ b/Lib/test/test_builtin.py
@@ -153,32 +153,6 @@
         S = [10, 20, 30]
         self.assertEqual(any(x > 42 for x in S), False)
 
-    def test_apply(self):
-        def f0(*args):
-            self.assertEqual(args, ())
-        def f1(a1):
-            self.assertEqual(a1, 1)
-        def f2(a1, a2):
-            self.assertEqual(a1, 1)
-            self.assertEqual(a2, 2)
-        def f3(a1, a2, a3):
-            self.assertEqual(a1, 1)
-            self.assertEqual(a2, 2)
-            self.assertEqual(a3, 3)
-        apply(f0, ())
-        apply(f1, (1,))
-        apply(f2, (1, 2))
-        apply(f3, (1, 2, 3))
-
-        # A PyCFunction that takes only positional parameters should allow an
-        # empty keyword dictionary to pass without a complaint, but raise a
-        # TypeError if the dictionary is non-empty.
-        apply(id, (1,), {})
-        self.assertRaises(TypeError, apply, id, (1,), {"foo": 1})
-        self.assertRaises(TypeError, apply)
-        self.assertRaises(TypeError, apply, id, 42)
-        self.assertRaises(TypeError, apply, id, (42,), 42)
-
     def test_callable(self):
         self.assert_(callable(len))
         def f(): pass
diff --git a/Mac/Demo/sound/morse.py b/Mac/Demo/sound/morse.py
index b26d554..79ec6f5 100644
--- a/Mac/Demo/sound/morse.py
+++ b/Mac/Demo/sound/morse.py
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@
 class BufferedAudioDev:
     def __init__(self, *args):
         import audiodev
-        self._base = apply(audiodev.AudioDev, args)
+        self._base = audiodev.AudioDev(*args)
         self._buffer = []
         self._filled = 0
         self._addmethods(self._base, self._base.__class__)
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/IDE/ProfileBrowser.py b/Mac/Tools/IDE/ProfileBrowser.py
index a2dafdd..1056010 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/IDE/ProfileBrowser.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/IDE/ProfileBrowser.py
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@
 
     def displaystats(self):
         W.SetCursor('watch')
-        apply(self.stats.sort_stats, self.sortkeys)
+        self.stats.sort_stats(*self.sortkeys)
         saveout = sys.stdout
         try:
             s = sys.stdout = StringIO.StringIO()
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyConsole.py b/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyConsole.py
index b8d6489..14312d5 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyConsole.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyConsole.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 class ConsoleTextWidget(W.EditText):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        apply(W.EditText.__init__, (self,) + args, kwargs)
+        W.EditText.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
         self._inputstart = 0
         self._buf = ''
         self.pyinteractive = PyInteractive.PyInteractive()
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyDebugger.py b/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyDebugger.py
index 7fbc0f0..55f0d74 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyDebugger.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/IDE/PyDebugger.py
@@ -652,7 +652,7 @@
 class SourceViewer(W.PyEditor):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        apply(W.PyEditor.__init__, (self,) + args, kwargs)
+        W.PyEditor.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
         self.bind('<click>', self.clickintercept)
 
     def clickintercept(self, point, modifiers):
@@ -815,7 +815,7 @@
 class TracingMonitor(W.Widget):
 
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        apply(W.Widget.__init__, (self,) + args, kwargs)
+        W.Widget.__init__(self, *args, **kwargs)
         self.state = 0
 
     def toggle(self):
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wapplication.py b/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wapplication.py
index 4cfc77b..0869269 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wapplication.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wapplication.py
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@
             window = self._windows[wid]
             if hasattr(window, attr):
                 handler = getattr(window, attr)
-                apply(handler, args)
+                handler(*args)
                 return 1
 
     def getfrontwindow(self):
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wbase.py b/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wbase.py
index 93e499f..606b237 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wbase.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/IDE/Wbase.py
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@
             if type(args[0]) == FunctionType or type(args[0]) == MethodType:
                 self._possize = args[0]
             else:
-                apply(self.resize, args[0])
+                self.resize(*args[0])
         elif len(args) == 2:
             self._possize = (0, 0) + args
         elif len(args) == 4:
@@ -175,37 +175,37 @@
 
     def forall(self, methodname, *args):
         for w in self._widgets:
-            rv = apply(w.forall, (methodname,) + args)
+            rv = w.forall(methodname, *args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
         if self._bindings.has_key("<" + methodname + ">"):
             callback = self._bindings["<" + methodname + ">"]
-            rv = apply(callback, args)
+            rv = callback(*args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
         if hasattr(self, methodname):
             method = getattr(self, methodname)
-            return apply(method, args)
+            return method(*args)
 
     def forall_butself(self, methodname, *args):
         for w in self._widgets:
-            rv = apply(w.forall, (methodname,) + args)
+            rv = w.forall(methodname, *args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
 
     def forall_frombottom(self, methodname, *args):
         if self._bindings.has_key("<" + methodname + ">"):
             callback = self._bindings["<" + methodname + ">"]
-            rv = apply(callback, args)
+            rv = callback(*args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
         if hasattr(self, methodname):
             method = getattr(self, methodname)
-            rv = apply(method, args)
+            rv = method(*args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
         for w in self._widgets:
-            rv = apply(w.forall_frombottom, (methodname,) + args)
+            rv = w.forall_frombottom(methodname, *args)
             if rv:
                 return rv
 
@@ -670,7 +670,7 @@
         maxargs = func.func_code.co_argcount - 1
     else:
         if callable(callback):
-            return apply(callback, args)
+            return callback(*args)
         else:
             raise TypeError, "uncallable callback object"
 
@@ -679,7 +679,7 @@
     else:
         minargs = maxargs
     if minargs <= len(args) <= maxargs:
-        return apply(callback, args)
+        return callback(*args)
     elif not mustfit and minargs == 0:
         return callback()
     else:
diff --git a/Mac/Tools/macfreeze/macgen_bin.py b/Mac/Tools/macfreeze/macgen_bin.py
index bfcdc8b..f52e37e 100644
--- a/Mac/Tools/macfreeze/macgen_bin.py
+++ b/Mac/Tools/macfreeze/macgen_bin.py
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@
         output = Res.FSpOpenResFile(output, 3)
         openedout = 1
     try:
-        apply(buildtools.copyres, (input, output) + args, kwargs)
+        buildtools.copyres(input, output, *args, **kwargs)
     finally:
         if openedin:
             Res.CloseResFile(input)
diff --git a/Mac/scripts/buildpkg.py b/Mac/scripts/buildpkg.py
index 7f635a0..e6dc474 100644
--- a/Mac/scripts/buildpkg.py
+++ b/Mac/scripts/buildpkg.py
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@
     o = options
     title, version, desc = o["Title"], o["Version"], o["Description"]
     pm = PackageMaker(title, version, desc)
-    apply(pm.build, list(args), options)
+    pm.build(*args, **options)
 
 
 ######################################################################
@@ -468,7 +468,7 @@
               "Description" in ok):
         print "Missing mandatory option!"
     else:
-        apply(buildPackage, args, optsDict)
+        buildPackage(*args, **optsDict)
         return
 
     printUsage()
diff --git a/PCbuild/readme.txt b/PCbuild/readme.txt
index 94ea702..76c314d 100644
--- a/PCbuild/readme.txt
+++ b/PCbuild/readme.txt
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@
     XXX File "C:\Code\python\lib\threading.py", line 411, in __bootstrap
     XXX    self.run()
     XXX File "C:\Code\python\lib\threading.py", line 399, in run
-    XXX    apply(self.__target, self.__args, self.__kwargs)
+    XXX    self.__target(*self.__args, **self.__kwargs)
     XXX File "C:\Code\python\lib\bsddb\test\test_thread.py", line 268, in
     XXX                  readerThread
     XXX    rec = c.next()
diff --git a/Python/bltinmodule.c b/Python/bltinmodule.c
index 4c168eb..342c2db 100644
--- a/Python/bltinmodule.c
+++ b/Python/bltinmodule.c
@@ -133,50 +133,6 @@
 \n\
 Return True if bool(x) is True for any x in the iterable.");
 
-static PyObject *
-builtin_apply(PyObject *self, PyObject *args)
-{
-	PyObject *func, *alist = NULL, *kwdict = NULL;
-	PyObject *t = NULL, *retval = NULL;
-
-	if (!PyArg_UnpackTuple(args, "apply", 1, 3, &func, &alist, &kwdict))
-		return NULL;
-	if (alist != NULL) {
-		if (!PyTuple_Check(alist)) {
-			if (!PySequence_Check(alist)) {
-				PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError,
-				     "apply() arg 2 expected sequence, found %s",
-					     alist->ob_type->tp_name);
-				return NULL;
-			}
-			t = PySequence_Tuple(alist);
-			if (t == NULL)
-				return NULL;
-			alist = t;
-		}
-	}
-	if (kwdict != NULL && !PyDict_Check(kwdict)) {
-		PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError,
-			     "apply() arg 3 expected dictionary, found %s",
-			     kwdict->ob_type->tp_name);
-		goto finally;
-	}
-	retval = PyEval_CallObjectWithKeywords(func, alist, kwdict);
-  finally:
-	Py_XDECREF(t);
-	return retval;
-}
-
-PyDoc_STRVAR(apply_doc,
-"apply(object[, args[, kwargs]]) -> value\n\
-\n\
-Call a callable object with positional arguments taken from the tuple args,\n\
-and keyword arguments taken from the optional dictionary kwargs.\n\
-Note that classes are callable, as are instances with a __call__() method.\n\
-\n\
-Deprecated since release 2.3. Instead, use the extended call syntax:\n\
-    function(*args, **keywords).");
-
 
 static PyObject *
 builtin_callable(PyObject *self, PyObject *v)
@@ -2090,7 +2046,6 @@
  	{"abs",		builtin_abs,        METH_O, abs_doc},
  	{"all",		builtin_all,        METH_O, all_doc},
  	{"any",		builtin_any,        METH_O, any_doc},
- 	{"apply",	builtin_apply,      METH_VARARGS, apply_doc},
  	{"callable",	builtin_callable,   METH_O, callable_doc},
  	{"chr",		builtin_chr,        METH_VARARGS, chr_doc},
  	{"cmp",		builtin_cmp,        METH_VARARGS, cmp_doc},
diff --git a/Tools/freeze/freeze.py b/Tools/freeze/freeze.py
index 836f532..3e6a580 100755
--- a/Tools/freeze/freeze.py
+++ b/Tools/freeze/freeze.py
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@
         if o == '-l':
             addn_link.append(a)
         if o == '-a':
-            apply(modulefinder.AddPackagePath, tuple(a.split("=", 2)))
+            modulefinder.AddPackagePath(*a.split("=", 2))
         if o == '-r':
             f,r = a.split("=", 2)
             replace_paths.append( (f,r) )
diff --git a/Tools/pynche/pyColorChooser.py b/Tools/pynche/pyColorChooser.py
index 56f6940..d2ad61a 100644
--- a/Tools/pynche/pyColorChooser.py
+++ b/Tools/pynche/pyColorChooser.py
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@
     """Ask for a color"""
     global _chooser
     if not _chooser:
-        _chooser = apply(Chooser, (), options)
+        _chooser = Chooser(**options)
     return _chooser.show(color, options)
 
 def save():
diff --git a/Tools/unicode/gencodec.py b/Tools/unicode/gencodec.py
index 9b4ae16..494164a 100644
--- a/Tools/unicode/gencodec.py
+++ b/Tools/unicode/gencodec.py
@@ -399,6 +399,6 @@
 
     import sys
     if 1:
-        apply(convertdir,tuple(sys.argv[1:]))
+        convertdir(*sys.argv[1:])
     else:
-        apply(rewritepythondir,tuple(sys.argv[1:]))
+        rewritepythondir(*sys.argv[1:])
diff --git a/Tools/webchecker/webchecker.py b/Tools/webchecker/webchecker.py
index d918a0c..990159c 100755
--- a/Tools/webchecker/webchecker.py
+++ b/Tools/webchecker/webchecker.py
@@ -684,7 +684,7 @@
 
     def note(self, level, msg, *args):
         if self.checker:
-            apply(self.checker.note, (level, msg) + args)
+            self.checker.note(level, msg, *args)
         else:
             if self.verbose >= level:
                 if args:
@@ -741,7 +741,7 @@
 
     def __init__(*args):
         self = args[0]
-        apply(urllib.FancyURLopener.__init__, args)
+        urllib.FancyURLopener.__init__(*args)
         self.addheaders = [
             ('User-agent', 'Python-webchecker/%s' % __version__),
             ]