Broken Arrow (B or 3/4 stars)
Ex-soldier/Native Indian scout Tom Jeffords (James Stewart) is determined to end the war btwn. the Whites & the Apaches in 'Broken Arrow' (directed by Delmer Daves). By 1870, there had already been some 10 yrs. of cruel war btwn. White settlers & Cochise's (Jeff Chandler) Apaches. To Whites, Indians kill only to protect themselves or out of retaliation against White foes. The film opens with Tom Jeffords saving the life of a 14 yr. old Apache boy & begins to wonder if Indians are not so bad and human after all. In time, he decides to use this chance to make himself an actual ambassador. Against steep odds, his sole (and solo) mission into Cochise's dangerous stronghold opens a literal & figurative dialogue btwn. the Whites & Indians.
As Tom Jeffords gets closer to his Native American "brothers", Tom meets, falls in love with, & eventually marries an Apache girl named Sonseeahray (beautiful Debra Paget). Interestingly enough, the President of the U.S. sends General Howard with strict orders to conclude peace. But even with Tom Jeffords's good string of recent luck with the Indians, the inherent hatred on both sides of this tricky newfound detente makes tragic failure wayyy too likely. After a certain tragedy ensues, Tom wants vengeance. And yet, in a role reversal ... it is the so-called "savage" Cochise who stunningly advises Tom not to kill.
'Broken Arrow' was one of the 1st Hollywood movies to reflect liberal politics by showing a harmony, tolerance, & co-existence btwn. Native Americans & Whites. It changed the negative way Hollywood viewed Native Americans going back to the 1920s; thanks to films like this, Indians 'could' be viewed as good guys & not just savages. The interracial romance btwn. Stewart's character & Paget's is very interesting (and frowned upon by Hollywood's censors in the 1950s; mixed marriages simply weren't socially acceptable at the time). But James Stewart's relationship with Jeff Chandler's Cochise is even more interesting. It's complex. Chandler struggles to overcome his hatred while Stewart tries to understand the culture/philosophies of the Native American Indians.
As entertainment, I don't think that 'Broken Arrow' is tops. Don't get me wrong, the film features well staged/choreographed action scenes. But there's something kind of distancing about the film; all while acknowledging that it has many strengths. The script is more intelligent than your typical Western. Ernest palmer's color cinematography is absolutely gorgeous; it's rich, it's textured, & it highlights the western landscapes beautifully. Hugo Friedhofer's musical score is grand & sweeping. James Stewart's performance is top-notch. I really 'felt' him towards the end of the film. And Jeff Chandler gives a sturdy portrayal of an Apache Indian (despite the fact that he, Debra Paget, & others are white actors portraying Apaches). Good film, but various flaws/mediocrity prevent greatness, for me.
As Tom Jeffords gets closer to his Native American "brothers", Tom meets, falls in love with, & eventually marries an Apache girl named Sonseeahray (beautiful Debra Paget). Interestingly enough, the President of the U.S. sends General Howard with strict orders to conclude peace. But even with Tom Jeffords's good string of recent luck with the Indians, the inherent hatred on both sides of this tricky newfound detente makes tragic failure wayyy too likely. After a certain tragedy ensues, Tom wants vengeance. And yet, in a role reversal ... it is the so-called "savage" Cochise who stunningly advises Tom not to kill.
'Broken Arrow' was one of the 1st Hollywood movies to reflect liberal politics by showing a harmony, tolerance, & co-existence btwn. Native Americans & Whites. It changed the negative way Hollywood viewed Native Americans going back to the 1920s; thanks to films like this, Indians 'could' be viewed as good guys & not just savages. The interracial romance btwn. Stewart's character & Paget's is very interesting (and frowned upon by Hollywood's censors in the 1950s; mixed marriages simply weren't socially acceptable at the time). But James Stewart's relationship with Jeff Chandler's Cochise is even more interesting. It's complex. Chandler struggles to overcome his hatred while Stewart tries to understand the culture/philosophies of the Native American Indians.
As entertainment, I don't think that 'Broken Arrow' is tops. Don't get me wrong, the film features well staged/choreographed action scenes. But there's something kind of distancing about the film; all while acknowledging that it has many strengths. The script is more intelligent than your typical Western. Ernest palmer's color cinematography is absolutely gorgeous; it's rich, it's textured, & it highlights the western landscapes beautifully. Hugo Friedhofer's musical score is grand & sweeping. James Stewart's performance is top-notch. I really 'felt' him towards the end of the film. And Jeff Chandler gives a sturdy portrayal of an Apache Indian (despite the fact that he, Debra Paget, & others are white actors portraying Apaches). Good film, but various flaws/mediocrity prevent greatness, for me.