Broken Trail (2006)
An epic Western miniseries on AMC following a cowboy and his nephew who become unlikely protectors on a perilous frontier journey.
Broken Trail - Series Information
- Original Title: Broken Trail
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Western
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (184 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 2
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 25, 2006 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: AMC
- Production Companies: AMC, Butcher's Run Films, Once Upon a Time Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Los Protectores (ES), Rastro Perdido (BR), Broken Trail (2006) (US), Megtört ösvény (HU)
Broken Trail - Plot
The story is about an aging cowboy and his nephew who transport 500 horses from Oregon to Wyoming to sell them to the British Army. Along the way, their simple horse drive is complicated when they rescue five Chinese girls from a slave trader, saving them from a life of prostitution and indentured servitude. Compelled to do the right thing, they take the girls with them as they continue their perilous trek across the frontier, followed by a vicious gang of killers sent by the whorehouse madam who originally paid for the girls.
Broken Trail weaves together two historical events: the British buying horses in the American West in the late 19th century and Chinese women being transported from the West Coast to the interior to serve as prostitutes.
Broken Trail - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the frontier come alive in this Emmy-winning Western epic.
THEY NEVER MEANT TO BE HEROES.
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Broken Trail - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Robert Duvall
- Thomas Haden Church
- Greta Scacchi
- Chris Mulkey
- Rusty Schwimmer
- Gwendoline Yeo
- Valerie Tian
- Olivia Cheng
- Jadyn Wong
- Donald Fong
Writers
- Alan Geoffrion
Executive Producers
- Rob Carliner
- Robert Duvall
- Stanley M. Brooks
Broken Trail - FAQs
Is Broken Trail based on a true story?
Broken Trail is not based on a single true story, but it weaves together two documented historical events: the British Army purchasing horses in the American West during the late 19th century, and Chinese women being transported from the West Coast to inland territories to work as prostitutes. The screenplay by Alan Geoffrion draws on this authentic historical backdrop.
Where can you stream Broken Trail online?
Broken Trail is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. You can check current availability across all major streaming services, including rental and purchase options, by visiting JustWatch. Streaming libraries change frequently, so JustWatch provides the most up-to-date regional information.
Who are the main actors in Broken Trail?
Broken Trail stars Robert Duvall as aging cowboy Prentice Ritter and Thomas Haden Church as his nephew Tom Harte. The supporting cast includes Greta Scacchi as Nola Johns, Chris Mulkey as Big Ears, Rusty Schwimmer as Big Rump Kate, and Gwendoline Yeo, Valerie Tian, Olivia Cheng, Jadyn Wong, and Donald Fong.
Did Broken Trail win any awards?
Yes, Broken Trail was a major awards success. It won five Emmy Awards in 2006, including Outstanding Miniseries and Outstanding Lead Actor for Robert Duvall. It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, cementing its status as one of AMC's most acclaimed early productions.
What is Broken Trail about?
Broken Trail follows an aging cowboy and his nephew driving 500 horses from Oregon to Wyoming for the British Army. Their journey is upended when they rescue five Chinese girls from a slave trader. Pursued by killers hired by a brothel madam, the unlikely group must survive the brutal American frontier together.
How many episodes does Broken Trail have?
Broken Trail consists of 2 feature-length episodes that together form a single miniseries season. Each episode runs approximately 184 minutes, making the total runtime comparable to a theatrical epic. The two-part format aired on AMC in June 2006 and was designed to be experienced as a complete, self-contained story.
What is the content rating for Broken Trail?
Broken Trail is rated TV-14, indicating it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The miniseries includes themes of violence, human trafficking, and prostitution, handled with dramatic gravity rather than gratuitous depiction. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
Who wrote the screenplay for Broken Trail?
Broken Trail was written by Alan Geoffrion, who also authored the novel on which the miniseries is based. Geoffrion crafted a story rooted in two real historical threads from the late 19th-century American West, blending frontier adventure with a humanitarian narrative about rescuing Chinese women from forced servitude.
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