Broken Arrow

Excellent adaptation of Elliott Arnold's book "Blood Brother" concerning the talk, the need, and the struggle for peace between the white man and the Apache Indians in 1870 Arizona. James Stewart is very effective as a brave former Scout for the Union who used to kill Indians but who now wants the slaughters to stop; he learns their tongue, sends up a smoke signal, and is soon in conference with Cochise himself to allow the U.S. mail-riders safely through Apache terrain...he also finds love with Indian princess Debra Paget, a romance his racist white brothers obviously resent (and at least one Apache soldier as well). Strong, moving story relies on the complicated interpersonal relationships between the characters for its impact, and the performances from Stewart, Paget, and Oscar-nominated Jeff Chandler do not disappoint. Beautifully filmed on rugged locations, Delmer Daves directs a winner, one of the best westerns of its era. *** from ****