Broken Arrow
The most powerful weapon is courage.
In 1870, when white men and Indians are fighting bitterly, Tom Jeffords (Stewart) strongly believes the Apaches are treated unfairly. After befriending their leader Cochise (Jeff Chandler) and arranging a truce, he is called upon by a U.S. Army general to negotiate a government peace treaty. Though he fulfills his mission, Jeffords soon experiences great tragedy when he, his Indian wife (Debra Paget) and good friend Cochise become targets of a renegade ambush.
Member Reviews
Solid Western with a Balanced Viewpoint - Gregg
This is a really solid western, with one of the first balanced or sympathetic portraits of Native Americans to be found in a Hollywood film. It also has a great Technicolor picture, wonderful locations, good performances, a nice romance and well done action scenes.
A former soldier Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) decides to become involved in the conflict with the Apache because he has seen enough bloodshed. After he helps an injured Apache boy he is surprised to find he has more in common with them than he thought. Later Jeffords at great personal risk sets up a meeting with the Apache leader Cochise (Jeff Chandler) to see whether steps can me made towards peace. In his time at Cochise’s camp, Jeffords meets a young woman Sonseeahray (Debra Paget) with whom he falls in love.
The film is solidly directed by Delmer Daves (Dark Passage, 3:10 to Yuma, Spencer’s Mountain) who had a fairly successful career in Hollywood with some fairly memorable pictures though he never quite reaching the top echelon of success.
While the film is based on a true story and includes actual historical figures (Jefford's, Cochise, Geronimo and general Oliver Howard)some liberties with the story’s details have been taken. JThe role of Jefford’s in the peace treaty and his personal bravery seem fairly accurate though his motivation may have been less simple than is portrayed here, and as is typical from Hollywood the love interest has also been created. The message about finding a peaceful soloution through our similarities is unfortunately tainted by the ultimate failure of the treaty and the treatment of Native Americans.
Unfortunately despite the sympathetic portrait of Native Americans both of the primary native characters are portrayed by Caucasian actors. Another Apache leader, Geronimo who has a fairly limited role in the film is played by Jay Silverheels (Tonto from the Lone ranger)
The film was nominated for 3 Oscars
Member Reviews
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Solid Western with a Balanced Viewpoint - Gregg
This is a really solid western, with one of the first balanced or sympathetic portraits of Native Americans to be found in a Hollywood film. It also has a great Technicolor picture, wonderful locations, good performances, a nice romance and well done action ...