Broken Lance
Dir: Edward Dmytryk
1954
****
It's often been said that a good War film is an anti-war film. I would argue that a good Western generally highlights what was wrong with society in the old west. Broken Lance mainly deals with greed and entitlement but it also has a strong anti-racism message. In many respects the story mimics the history of the US; settlers come, work hard, alienate the natives and greed eventually takes over. Spencer Tracy plays successful Irish settler Matt Devereaux who started out in hardship and ended up owning a lucrative ranch that he built up from hard work and a strict work-ethic. After his Wife died only six months after arriving in the country, he put his three young sons to work that would create a resentment that would last his whole life. The resentment is only worsened when he controversially marries a native princess and has a 'half blood' son with her and favours him over his other offspring. The locals refrain from criticism as he is an important financial figure in town but as he ages and after his death, the vultures rear their ugly heads and his youngest son is left with his legacy and burden. Spencer Tracy steals the show with his powerful and convincing portrayal but he is ever so slightly let down but sub-par supporting performances. The film raises important issues but never tries to answer them, leaving the audience with plenty to think about long after the credits role. It has everything you could want from a great western but is also unique in its mood and style. I can help but think that a few key scenes should be regarded as iconic moments in cinema, I think maybe they would be if they had been treated by another director but apart from the largely unimpressive visuals there is plenty to enjoy.