Broken Arrow (1950)

66% of users liked it
(848 ratings)

Indian scout Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) is sent out to stem the war between the Whites and Apaches in the late 1870s. He learns (through an uncomfortably close encounter) that the Indians kill only to protect themselves, or out of retaliation for white atrocities. Befriending the sagacious Apache… More Indian scout Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) is sent out to stem the war between the Whites and Apaches in the late 1870s. He learns (through an uncomfortably close encounter) that the Indians kill only to protect themselves, or out of retaliation for white atrocities. Befriending the sagacious Apache leader Cochise (Jeff Chandler), Jeffords ensures safe passage for white mail-carriers through Indian territory. As he becomes closer to his Native American "brothers", Jeffords falls in love with and weds a pretty Apache girl (Debra Paget). This being a 1950 film (miscegenation was frowned upon by the Production Code), you can guess what happens to her. Jeffords wants to avenge his bride's death at the hands of white renegades, but it is the so-called "savage" Cochise who advises him not to. Having learned much from each other, Jeffords and Cochise symbolize the white/Indian detente with the traditional broken arrow. This superb, non-condescending film has been criticized in some circles because of the alleged depiction of Cochise as an Indian "Uncle Tom", and because actor Jeff Chandler was not a genuine Native American. Nonetheless, Broken Arrow stands the test of time far more successfully than the later, politically correct Dances with Wolves. In 1956, Broken Arrow was adapted into a TV series starring John Lupton as Jeffords and Michael Ansara as Cochise. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Delmer Daves
Written By: Elliott Arnold, Albert Maltz
Genres: Western, Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1950 Wide
On DVD: May 22, 2007
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of the first Hollywood movies to preach for accord between Native Americans and white civilization. While the liberal ideology is commendable, the portrayal of Cochise by white actor Jeff Chandler is not.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
My gosh! It's a Western with a liberal cry for peace, racial harmony and tolerance.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

James Stewart is cool in this movie trying to get the Europeans and Native Americans to get along. Both he and the audience learn a lot. Of course this isn't the best western, but I liked it.
Conner R

I actually really like this and think it has a very nice message and sense of direction. James Stewart fits well into the earnest cowboy role, essentially becoming the peacemaker of Arizona. While some of the Indians don't come across as authentic looking, it doesn't really… More
I actually really like this and think it has a very nice message and sense of direction. James Stewart fits well into the earnest cowboy role, essentially becoming the peacemaker of Arizona. While some of the Indians don't come across as authentic looking, it doesn't really matter. I'd rather watch Jeff Chandler as Cochise than a real Native American who can't act. This is a very different type of Western and one that has a very unique quality to it.
Donna D

I requested this one to be added. One of them old cowboy movies, set on our area, of the Apaches in AZ. Just one of them classic western tales Cochise and Geronimo. Fun movie to watch.

Cast

            James Stewart as Tom Jeffords

            Jeff Chandler as Cochise

            Debra Paget as Sonseeahray

            Basil Ruysdael as Gen. Howard

            Will Geer as Ben Slade

            Joyce Mackenzie as Terry

            Arthur Hunnicutt as Duffield

            Raymond Bramley as Col. Bernall

            Jay Silverheels as Goklia

            Argentina Brunetti as Nalikadeya

            Robert Adler as Lonergan

            Harry Carter as Miner

            Robert Griffin as Lowrie

            Billy Wilkerson as Juan

            Mickey Kuhn as Chip Slade

            J.W. Cody as Pionsenay

            John War Eagle as Nahilzay

            Charles Soldani as Skinyea

            Iron Eyes Cody as Teese

            Edwin Rand as Sergeant

            John Doucette as Mule Driver

            Trevor Bardette as Stage Passenger

            Nacho Galindo as Barber

            John Marston as Maury

            Jack Lee as Bocher

            Chris Willow Bird as Nochalo

            Chief John War Eagle
            
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