What is a Western? Film Series: Broken Arrow (1950)

Date / Time:

Saturday, October 11, 2014, 1:30 p.m.

Location:

The Autry in Griffith Park: Wells Fargo Theater

Appropriate For:

13+

Admission:

Included With Museum Admission / Free for Autry Members

Screening of Broken Arrow (1950)

Directed by Delmer Daves
Starring James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, and Debra Paget

Native Americans continue to play an important role in the history of the American West, so it is natural that they have been featured prominently in the Western genre. However, Native depictions onscreen have changed dramatically over time, reflecting larger changes in societal attitudes. Initially shown as warring savages, American Indians are now more commonly portrayed as a proud and diverse people. Broken Arrow (1950) is the first of two landmarks films in the onscreen portrayal of Native Americans. The prescreening discussion will feature speakerAngela Aleiss, author of Making the White Man’s Indian: Native Americans and Hollywood Movies.

The contentious relationship between American settlers and the Apache is the subject of Broken Arrow. Ex-soldier Tom Jeffords (Stewart) slowly begins to realize that Native Americans are not savages. He personally attempts to make peace with Apache leader Cochise (Chandler), but distrust, hostility, and acts of violence by both sides threaten to derail his plans.

Artifacts related to many Native American cultures are on display in Floral Journey: Native North American Beadwork.

http://theautry.org/programs/broken-arrow-1950