Broken Arrow (1950)

This mediocre film barely whispers Fellini or Ford, but the creepiness of Stewart's character bedding a 15 yr. old character destroys any notion of quality. The casting of a nubile Debra Paget is unforgivable. Supposedly Stewart was told she was 17 but when the truth surfaced Jimmy allegedly besotted with guilt. Legend or not, the smooching between Paget and Stewart is downright scuzzy. A noble tale about Cochise is ravaged into obscure perversion and the viewer is screened from levels of qualitly that the script suggests. The seduction by a 41 yr. old hack cowboy onto a 15 yr old tissue child is criminal. Why this film proceeded past hollow reads is a vaunted mystery. Spare yourself the ignominy and avoid this abortion.

'Broken Arrow' was one of the first Westerns I ever watched. When I saw it, I didn't know who James Stewart was - and now he stands as one of my favourite actors. Every now and then I post a response to an IMDb thread asking readers which Westerns are their favourites, and 'Broken Arrow' sometimes makes an appearance in my list - a list which mostly consists of much bigger, more expensive and aspirational titles like 'The Searchers' and 'For a Few Dollars More'. What I like about Delmer Daves' comparatively modest Western is its spirit. 'Broken Arrow' appears to be a product of good intentions and intelligent reflection on the Western genre, especially concerning its generally unfavourable portrayal of Native Americans. 'Broken Arrow' wasn't the only Western to do this - 'Apache' did it, as did 'Fort Apache' towards the end. Delmer Daves' film delivers the message most effectively, though, and I attribute this in part to both the strong writing and the effective performances of James Stewart and Jeff Chandler. The Western has come a long way in its extensive history, and films like 'Broken Arrow' are of understated importance in shaping and improving it.

Wholly Beautiful, Poetic, and Thoughtful, this Revisionist Western deserves its respectful Reputation as a "New" Portrayal and Personification of the Native American. Ironically the Movie frequently uses the Moniker "American" to describe the Whites. "Indian" is the Name given to the "Native Americans".Written by (no surprise) one of the "Hollywood Ten" the Blacklisted, Albert Marsh, the Screenplay does not Warmonger and Race Bait. A certainly unpopular and dangerous Ideology in the Segregated/McCarthy/Cold War Decade. The Film is Brave and Bold and telegraphed a Sign of Interracial Marriage and Christian Tolerance of those whose Skin was of a Different Pigmentation. In 1950 this was considered Subversive and almost Anti-American. It is a Wonderful Movie and does not deserve its Modern Criticism of having White Actors in the Role of the Noble Indian Tribe. Logistics, Time, and Practicality was the order of the Day and it Simply could not have been done in Any Other Way. This was not a Racist or Bigoted decision (the Film itself should clearly demonstrate where its Politics leaned). The only Criticism that is the least bit Valid is that the Sets, Costumes, and Environment in general are obviously Hollywood Clean. But that is a Minor Quibble. Other than its Story and Screenplay Shining a much needed Ray of Sun on the Indians in a different and more Objective Way, the Movie is in Gorgeous Technicolor with Oscar Nominated Cinematography. The Acting Headlined by James Stewart, Jeff Chandler (Oscar nominated), and Debra Paget is Fine all around with many a Supporters lending Gravitas to the Proceedings (look for Jay Silverheels in a Pre-Tonto role).Almost Perfect Picture with Minor Problems and Inconsistencies and is rightly Considered one of the Best Westerns of All Time.

The novel ' Blood Brother ' is the basic for the film " Broken Arrow." Losesly based on the real life efforts of Tom Jeffords who tried to negotiate peace between White Settlers and Cochise (Jeff Chandler) the Apache. It begins when our hero Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) saves a young apache boy wounded and dying of thirst. Later he encounters a multitude of other Apaches who do not spare other white men. There after, Jeffords is determined to bring the two sides together to sign a peace treaty. It's not easy as there are many hot-heads and hate mongering on both sides. In addition, While at the Apache camp, Jeffords falls in love with a native girl called Sonseeahray (Debra Paget) and must convince Gen. Oliver Howard (Basil Ruysdael) and Indian hater Ben Slade (Will Geer) to honor the peace. From it's beginning, Audiences await a bloody outcome of the Indian war, but keep in mind this movie is Hollywood's attempt to turn a new leaf in the cycle of violence on the big screen. I think they did a good job and thus this film becomes a Classic for Steward and Chandler. ****