DVD Review: Broken Arrow (1950)

BROKEN ARROW

Directed by Delmer Daves. Screenplay by Albert Malz (under the name Michael Blankfort). Starring James Stewart, Debra Paget, Jeff Chandler, Will Geer, Joyce Mackenzie, Arthur Hunnicut, Iron Eyes Cody, Jay Silverheels, Mickey Kuhn, John War Eagle. Released in August, 1950. Running time: 93 minutes.

There is little historical accuracy to this story of Tom Jeffords and Cochise, most of the Native American characters are played by white actors, and 16 year old Debra Paget is the love interest for 42 year old James Stewart. That’s how they made ‘em back then. And the result, in this case, is one of the finest westerns ever made.

The pre-war cowboys-and-injuns sagas began altering their perspective after the war. “Broken Arrow” is noted for a more open-minded and balanced look at Native Americans, with as many positive images as negative ones, same with the white characters. Stewart, as Jeffords, attempts to make peace between the conflicting factions in a more Hollywoodize manner than what actually happened, but the actor’s typically strong portrayal is central to the film’s success. Tall, imposing, anchoring every scene, Stewart’s performance leads the other actors most effectively. As Cochise, Brooklyn-born Jeff Chandler offers an Oscar-nominated portrayal, and his commanding presence responds most effectively to Stewart, and resulted in some level of stardom during Chandler’s short career.

Delmer Daves, who had made his name as a screenwriter, started directing in 1943. By the time he helmed “Broken Arrow” he had settled into a niche that was evident in his work with film noir like “The Red House” and “Dark Passage” as well as in many western films. Not a stylist like John Ford and Anthony Mann, Daves would step back and let the narrative flow. In “Broken Arrow” Daves does a nice job of framing the action, using the vast landscape of location filming to enhance each scene. The brilliant Technicolor causes the negative space to sparkle behind the action in the foreground. Cinematographer Ernest Palmer received an Oscar nomination for his impressive use of the Technicolor images. Some especially nice shots of Stewart riding through Apache territory, surrounded by mountains and a blue sky, appear positively majestic, especially when backed by Hugo Friedhofer’s score. The screenplay, by blacklisted writer Albert Malz under a pseudonym, was also nominated.

Despite its historical accuracy being augmented for Hollywood filmmaking, “Broken Arrow” tries hard to, and succeeds at, offering imagery that is authentic to the era and to the people. The Indian camp scenes with native dances and songs, present the rituals in a straightforward manner that fits comfortably within the context of the drama.

Kino Lorber’s classics division is a brilliant 2K restoration that allows the bright, colorful cinematography and the director’s shot composition stand out as never before. As is typical of this company, “Broken Arrow” is given the best possible treatment for its blu ray and DVD release. It is most highly recommended for fans of western films, libraries, colleges, and research centers. It is available for purchase here.