The Broken Star (1956)

A deputy marshal is ordered to investigate the killing of a Mexican ranch hand by a fellow deputy, who claims self-defense. Using turn of the century forensic science and dogged ... See full summary »

Director:

Lesley Selander

Writer:

John C. Higgins

Stars:

Howard Duff, Lita Baron, Bill Williams

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Howard Duff	...	Deputy Marshal Frank Smeed
Lita Baron	...	Conchita Alvarado
Bill Williams	...	Deputy Marshal Bill Gentry
Douglas Fowley	...	Indian Agent Hiram Charleton
Henry Calvin	...	Thornton W. Wills
Addison Richards	...	Marshal Wayne Forrester
Joel Ashley	...	Messendyke
John Pickard	...	Van Horn
William 'Bill' Phillips	...	W.C. 'Doc' Mott, Coroner (as Wm. 'Bill' Phillips)
Joe Dominguez	...	Nachez

Storyline

A deputy marshal is ordered to investigate the killing of a Mexican ranch hand by a fellow deputy, who claims self-defense. Using turn of the century forensic science and dogged determination, the deputy breaks down his partner's alibi and discovers that the lawman had killed the rancher for eight thousand dollars in gold that had been hidden in the Mexican's home. Now he must arrest his friend before the Mexican's gunslinging friends can kill him before he's tried for the crime.

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Plot Keywords:

marshal | native american | crooked sheriff | indian reservation | mexican song | 

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Taglines:

BEHIND HIS BADGE WAS THE HEART OF AN OUTLAW KILLER! (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Romance | Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

April 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gegen das Gesetz

Filming Locations:

Old Tucson - 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bel-Air Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Marshal Wayne Forrester: Well, you look fit to be tied, Bill.
Deputy Marshal Bill Gentry: You know those two burglars are out on bail and you know who went to the judge and paid it? That Indian agent!
Marshal Wayne Forrester: Wellll, Mr. Charleton's feedin' off his range.
Deputy Marshal Bill Gentry: I'm a little mixed up, Mr. Forrester. What's brewing?
Marshal Wayne Forrester: Eh, it's too soon to tell. It could be coffee, tea... maybe arrow poisoning. We'll just have to sit back and let it boil until it boils over - and then we'll see what's in the pot.

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Soundtracks

"I Hate You"
Lyrics by John C. Higgins
Music by Paul Dunlap

User Reviews

Under Cover Of The Badge

Every now and then TCM runs these obscure films that turn out to be real finds. The Broken Star, a black and white B western, certainly is a find with Howard Duff as a deputy sheriff gone bad.

Right up front we see Howard Duff shoot down an unarmed man and steal something from his house. It's $8000.00 in gold, but unfortunately Duff has left a witness, an old Apache who works for the deceased.

Under cover of the badge, Duff tells his story that he shot a suspected rustler who drew on him first. Neither believing or disbelieving him, Sheriff Addison Richards investigates, in much the same manner a shooting team from a modern police force does. It's then up to another deputy, Bill Williams to bring in his colleague who also is someone who saved his life once.

The film is set in the beginning of the 20th century when the old wild west was becoming somewhat tame. Early forensic science is what sets people's suspicions on Duff in the first place.

The Broken Star is a good B western with an adult plot befitting the Fifties, the era of the adult western. Make sure you catch it when next broadcast.