Broken Arrow
Indian scout Tom Jeffords is sent out to stem the war between the American settlers and Apaches in the late 1870s Arizona. He learns that the Indians kill only to protect themselves, or out of retaliation for white atrocities.
Critics Sentiment
Slade ambushes and kills Sonseeahray, Cochise maintains peace
Townspeople try to lynch Jeffords as Apache sympathizer
The film rises from its lowest point during the lynch mob sequence to its emotional peak with Sonseeahray's death and Cochise's noble restraint.
Broken Arrow maintains steady positive sentiment throughout, with reviewers consistently praising its groundbreaking humanistic portrayal of Apaches and strong performances from Stewart and Chandler. The film builds to an emotional crescendo with the tragic ending that critics found deeply moving and thematically satisfying. While some noted dated elements and pacing issues, the overall reception celebrates it as a landmark progressive Western.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 42
James Stewart
Tom Jeffords
Jeff Chandler
Cochise
Debra Paget
Sonseeahray
Basil Ruysdael
Gen. Oliver Howard
Will Geer
Ben Slade
Joyce Mackenzie
Terry
Arthur Hunnicutt
Milt Duffield
Robert Adler
Lonergan - Stage Driver (uncredited)
Trevor Bardette
Stage Passenger (uncredited)
Chris Willow Bird
Nochalo (uncredited)
Raymond Bramley
Col. Bernall (uncredited)
Chet Brandenburg
Miner (uncredited)
Argentina Brunetti
Nalikadeya - Cochise's Wife (uncredited)
Harry Carter
Miner (uncredited)
Iron Eyes Cody
Teese (uncredited)
J.W. Cody
Pionsenay - Chosen Warrior (uncredited)
Heinie Conklin
Townsman (uncredited)
Dolores Christine Cypert
American Indian/Redbird (uncredited)
Aubrey Lee Dale
Indian (uncredited)
John Doucette
Mule Driver (uncredited)
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
