BROKEN LANCE

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This excellent 1954 Western is a good example of what happens when you hand over a good story to a competent director (Edward Dmytryk) and a decent cast, headed up by Spencer Tracy as Matt Devereaux, the domineering owner of a ranching empire and father of four sons — Ben (Richard Widmark), Mike, Denny and Joe (Robert Wagner).

The first three were born to a white wife who died long ago, whilst Joe is the son of an Indian woman (Katy Jurado) who Matt married.  The locals disapprove but given Matt's wealth and importance he can afford to ignore it.

But, as we learn, all is not well in the Devereaux family.  All the sons, especially Ben, resent the fact that Matt treats them as little better than hired hands.  Ben also envies Joe because he is Matt's favourite.

The film has an interesting structure, starting with Joe being released from prison after serving a three year sentence.  Matt is dead, and Ben as head of the family tries to get Joe to start a new life elsewhere.

We then get a flashback which takes up most of the running time, in which we learn how Joe ends up in prison.

The story revolves around a dispute between Matt and a neighbouring copper mine, which ends up with Matt in court facing a prison sentence if he is found guilty.  It's at this point that Joe does the decent thing and by taking responsibility ends up as the one in jail.

Complicating all of this is a romance between Joe and Barbara, the daughter of the governor., who disapproves of her marrying a half-breed.  Barbara is a self-assured and spirited young woman (well played by Jean Peters) whose love for Joe is strong enough to endure his time in prison.  

When the flashback ends, it is Barbara who persuades Joe to forget any thought of vengeance, and to start a new life with her.  Inevitably Ben has other ideas, leading to a climactic fight between him and Joe.  No prizes for guessing who comes out on top and ends the film riding off with Barbara.

Peters and Wagner make for an attractive couple, and Spencer Tracy is in his element as the crusty patriarch.  Widmark as usual is the villain but he gets a good scene with Matt where we realise that he has good reason to feel aggrieved about the way he has been treated over the years.   Katy Jurado is excellent as always but sadly doesn't get the memorable scene that she deserves.

The story is meant to be based on Shakespeare's 'King Lear'.  Although I am not familiar with the play I suspect that this film is a lot lighter in tone, thankfully.


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