Broken Arrow (1950)

Broken Arrow
Directed by Delmer Daves
Written by “Michael Blankfort” (front for Albert Maltz) based on the novel “Blood Brother” by Elliott Arnold
1950/USA
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
First viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Cochise: To talk of peace is not hard. To live it is very hard.[/box]

This film reminded me a lot of Dances with Wolves (1990).   But I liked it far more.

This is a fictionalized story featuring historical characters and is narrated in flashback by Tom Jeffords (James Stewart).  As the film begins, Jeffords is an ex-Indian Scout who is prospecting for gold in Apache Territory.  One day he happens upon a young brave who has been badly wounded in battle and is dying of thirst.  Despite the fact that the boy feebly tries to attack him with a knife, Jeffords nurses him back to health.  When he is barely strong enough, the boy says he must return home since his mother must be worried about him.  This makes a strong impression on Jeffords, who concludes that Apaches are people too.  When a war party arrives, the boy defends his friend and protector and the other braves leave Jeffords alone.  When some whites arrive they tie Jeffords up while they are slaughtering them.

General Howard calls Jeffords to the nearby fort and asks him help in making peace overtures to the Apaches.  He studies their language and ways.  When he is ready, he heads out alone.  He doesn’t get a great reception but finally is able to meet Apache leader Cochise (Jeff Chandler).  Something in both of the men makes them trust each other.  On the same visit Jeffords also meets Sonseeahray (Debra Paget), a maiden who is undergoing the coming of age ritual.  It is love at first sight.

Jeffords and Cochise agree that Jeffords will bring back General Howard, provided he trusts him to keep his word.  Jeffords is now pretty unpopular with the white settlers and is even accused of being a spy for the Indians.  Howard saves him from a lynching and, with his sincere Christian outlook of racial tolerance, pursuades Jeffords to broker a peace.

Jeffords and Howard are successful and Jeffords marries Sonseeahray.  The peace is severely tested by renegades on both sides.  With Will Geer as one of the most bigoted white men.

This is an entertaining movie.  I liked the fact that there were good and bad people of both races, unlike in Dances with Wolves, in which Kevin Kostner is the only white who is not absolutely despicable.  In fact, Stewart’s character is no saint either.  The film kept my attention throughout and moves at a good pace.  I always like to see the Southwest in color.

Broken Arrow was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of:  Best Supporting Actor (Chandler); Best Writing, Screenplay; and Best Cinematography, Color.

Trailer