Experience Broken Arrow (1950), a groundbreaking Western that foregrounded Native American humanity at a time when Hollywood rarely did. Centered on efforts to negotiate peace with the Apache, the film presents Indigenous characters as complex leaders, family members, and diplomats rather than caricatures. Jeff Chandler’s Oscar-nominated performance as Cochise, though problematic in the casting of a white actor as an Apache, marked a significant shift toward empathy and respect, while the story emphasizes dialogue, sovereignty, and cultural understanding. This screening invites audiences to consider both the film’s progress and its limitations—and to reflect on evolving representations of Native American history and voices on screen.

Introduced by Angela Aleiss, author of Making the White Man’s Indian: Native Americans and Hollywood Movies and Hollywood’s Native Americans: Stories of Identity and Resistance. Following the screening, Dr. Aleiss will sign copies of her book Broken Arrow, which is available for purchase at the Autry Store. 

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

The What Is a Western? Film Series explores the wide range of movies that can be considered Westerns, and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the American West. Each screening features a guest lecturer who introduces the film and explains its significance within the genre.