Broken Arrow (1956)
A landmark ABC Western that brought dignity and nuance to Native American characters at a time when television rarely did.
Broken Arrow - Series Information
- First Air Year: 1956
- Last Air Year: 1958
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 72
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 1956 (United States - NR)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: TCF Television Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Broken Arrow - Plot
Broken Arrow is a Western series which ran on ABC-TV in prime time from 1956 through 1958 on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Repeat episodes were shown by ABC on Sunday afternoons during the 1959–60 season. Selected repeats were then shown once again in prime time during the summer of 1960.
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Broken Arrow - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tom Fadden
- Michael Ansara
- John Lupton
- Steven Ritch
- Harry Harvey
- Fred Graham
- Robert Blake
- John Harmon
- Terry Frost
- Steve Conte
Writers
- Sam Peckinpah
- David T. Chantler
- Mona Fisher
- Robert Leslie Bellem
- Warren Wilson
Broken Arrow - FAQs
Is Broken Arrow based on a true story?
Broken Arrow draws from real history. The series is rooted in the story of Tom Jeffords, a real frontiersman who forged a peace with Apache leader Cochise in the 1870s. The show dramatizes this cross-cultural alliance, though it takes creative liberties with historical events and characters for dramatic effect.
Who played Cochise in Broken Arrow?
Michael Ansara portrayed Cochise throughout the series, delivering a dignified and nuanced performance that stood out in an era when Native American characters were rarely given such depth on television. Ansara’s portrayal became one of the most memorable aspects of the show and helped define his career.
Where can you watch Broken Arrow online?
Streaming availability for Broken Arrow varies by region and platform. As a classic 1950s series, it may be found on services specializing in vintage television or through digital purchase options. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options available in your area.
How many episodes does Broken Arrow have?
Broken Arrow ran for 72 episodes across two seasons on ABC. Season 1 contained 33 episodes and Season 2 expanded to 39 episodes. The series aired in prime time on Tuesday evenings, with repeat episodes later broadcast on Sunday afternoons during the 1959–60 season.
Did Sam Peckinpah write for Broken Arrow?
Yes, the legendary filmmaker Sam Peckinpah contributed scripts to Broken Arrow early in his career, alongside writers like David T. Chantler and Robert Leslie Bellem. Peckinpah’s work on Western television series like this one helped shape his distinctive storytelling sensibility before his celebrated film career took off.
What network aired Broken Arrow and when?
Broken Arrow aired on ABC in prime time, debuting on September 25, 1956, and running through 1958 on Tuesday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern. Selected repeats were later broadcast on Sunday afternoons during 1959–60, and a final round of prime-time repeats aired in the summer of 1960.
Did Leonard Nimoy appear in Broken Arrow?
Long before becoming iconic as Spock in Star Trek, Leonard Nimoy made an early television appearance in Broken Arrow, playing an Apache character. The series served as a stepping stone for several actors who would go on to greater fame, including a young Robert Blake, who appeared as an uncredited Apache warrior.
What shows are similar to Broken Arrow?
Fans of Broken Arrow will likely enjoy other classic Westerns from the same era, including The Lone Ranger, Cheyenne, Have Gun Will Travel, Rawhide, and The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. For a more modern take on frontier drama, The High Chaparral and The Big Valley offer similarly rich storytelling.
More About Broken Arrow
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