I guess I've seen enough of Jimmy Stewart's 'normal citizen' movies ("It's A Wonderful Life", "The Phladelphia Story", "You Can't Take It With You") to make it seem unlikely that he could play a strong lead as a Western hero. But he made a number of them, and I have to say that his performance here is every bit as professional and workmanlike as some of his better known roles. The story of "Broken Arrow" is somewhat based in historical fact, but as with many, if not most Hollywood treatments, there's also a fair amount of poetic license taken with the characters and situations. A little bit of quick research reveals that Cochise was fifty five in 1870 when the story took place, making him somewhat older than the real Tom Jeffords, who would have been thirty eight, approximating Jimmy Stewart's age at the time of filming.
What's fairly accurate is the role Jeffords played in bringing about a negotiated peace between the U.S. Government and the Chiricahua Apaches in 1872, at least for three short years before the treaty was broken, leading to a decade long hostility that ended with Geronimo's surrender in 1886. While it appears that Geronimo and Cohise were both part of the same Apache tribe in the movie, Geronimo was actually born to the Bedonkohe Apaches. His association with Cochise occurred when his chief Mangas Coloradas sent Geronimo to get help from Cochise to fight the Mexicans; Mangas Coloradas (Red Sleeves) was the father-in-law of Cochise.
I was quite surprised to see how closely Jeff Chandler resembled the real Cochise in a photograph from the era. In the film, he had that regal kind of bearing that one associates with great chiefs, as attributed by Jeffords' Apache language teacher - "His eyes will see into your heart, he is greater than other men". I was also surprised to learn after the fact, that Jeffords became a blood brother to Cochise, and wondered why it wasn't mentioned in the film.
As for Geronimo, I'd have to say that this was the strongest acting role I've seen yet for Jay Silverheels, completely eclipsing the 'Me Tonto' treatment reserved for the Lone Ranger's sidekick. His speech to Cochise defying peace with the whites was exceptionally well done and convincing. Historically, Geronimo never considered himself a chief, though he was highly regarded as a military and spiritual leader of the Apaches.
Obviously, I can't finish without mentioning the exquisite appearance and performance of the White Painted Lady, Morningstar Sonseeahray, as portrayed by Debra Paget. I wonder how Stewart felt performing opposite a sixteen year old actress? Her poise reminded me of Audrey Hepbun's own somewhat miscast appearance as an Indian woman in 1960's "The Unforgiven".
"Broken Arrow" has earned it's reputation as one of the first, if not THE first Western to treat Native Americans with humanity. It does so credibly, and is particularly revealing in Jimmy Stewart's voice over narrative following the early encounter with the wounded Apache boy. Stewart's character is a stand up guy all the way, even in the face of fierce opposition from neighbors and friends. It was with careful consideration that Cochise was able to guage the measure of Jeffords' character with the words - "This white man is my friend".
What's fairly accurate is the role Jeffords played in bringing about a negotiated peace between the U.S. Government and the Chiricahua Apaches in 1872, at least for three short years before the treaty was broken, leading to a decade long hostility that ended with Geronimo's surrender in 1886. While it appears that Geronimo and Cohise were both part of the same Apache tribe in the movie, Geronimo was actually born to the Bedonkohe Apaches. His association with Cochise occurred when his chief Mangas Coloradas sent Geronimo to get help from Cochise to fight the Mexicans; Mangas Coloradas (Red Sleeves) was the father-in-law of Cochise.
I was quite surprised to see how closely Jeff Chandler resembled the real Cochise in a photograph from the era. In the film, he had that regal kind of bearing that one associates with great chiefs, as attributed by Jeffords' Apache language teacher - "His eyes will see into your heart, he is greater than other men". I was also surprised to learn after the fact, that Jeffords became a blood brother to Cochise, and wondered why it wasn't mentioned in the film.
As for Geronimo, I'd have to say that this was the strongest acting role I've seen yet for Jay Silverheels, completely eclipsing the 'Me Tonto' treatment reserved for the Lone Ranger's sidekick. His speech to Cochise defying peace with the whites was exceptionally well done and convincing. Historically, Geronimo never considered himself a chief, though he was highly regarded as a military and spiritual leader of the Apaches.
Obviously, I can't finish without mentioning the exquisite appearance and performance of the White Painted Lady, Morningstar Sonseeahray, as portrayed by Debra Paget. I wonder how Stewart felt performing opposite a sixteen year old actress? Her poise reminded me of Audrey Hepbun's own somewhat miscast appearance as an Indian woman in 1960's "The Unforgiven".
"Broken Arrow" has earned it's reputation as one of the first, if not THE first Western to treat Native Americans with humanity. It does so credibly, and is particularly revealing in Jimmy Stewart's voice over narrative following the early encounter with the wounded Apache boy. Stewart's character is a stand up guy all the way, even in the face of fierce opposition from neighbors and friends. It was with careful consideration that Cochise was able to guage the measure of Jeffords' character with the words - "This white man is my friend".