Broken Arrow

“Broken Arrow” is based on a true story and stars
Jimmy Stewart.

Jimmy Stewart stars as Tom Jeffords, a former Union Army soldier who is now responsible for mail delivery in the Arizona Territory in 1862.  After some of his carriers are attacked by the local Apache Indians, Jeffords decides to take matters into his own hands.  He goes to see the tribe’s chief, Cochise (Jeff Chandler), to see if he can make peace. 

Impressed by Jeffords, Cochise welcomes him and a friendship is borne. 

But will it last?

This western is credited with changing the depiction of Native Americans in western films because of its sympathetic portrayal of them.

• “Broken Arrow” was the first major movie made after World War II that sided with Native Americans. Most of the westerns made prior to this time depicted Indians as cold and brutal savages.  In “Broken Arrow” the depiction is more balanced and sympathetic.

•  “Broken Arrow” is based on a novel by Elliott Arnold named “Blood Brother.” The book tells the true story of the blood brother relationship between Union Soldier Tom Jeffords and Apache Chief Cochise. The movie, “Broken Arrow” only covers a portion of the story that was written in the book.

•“Broken Arrow” was filmed in locations where the real story actually took place – The Apache White River Reservation and the Coconino National Forest in Arizona.  It was also filmed on location in Lone Pine, California.

• About 375 genuine Apache Native Americans appear in “Broken Arrow.”

• Jay Silverheels, who plays the minor part of Geronimo in this movie, was born to a Mohawk chief on a reservation in Canada.  He always played bit parts in movies but ultimately became famous for his role as “Tonto” in “The Lone Ranger” television series.

• “Broken Arrow” won a 1951 Golden Globe Award for Best Film in Promoting International Understanding.

• Nominated for a 1951 Golden Globe Award for Best Color Cinematography.

• Nominated for three 1951 Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jeff Chandler), Best Color Cinematography (Ernest Palmer) and Best Screenplay Writing (Albert Maltz)