The Broken Star 1956
"Behind his badge was the heart of an outlaw killer!"
In the sun-scorched frontier of 1956's *The Broken Star*, Howard Duff delivers a gritty, morally complex performance as a deputy sheriff who finds himself at odds with the powerful ranchers of his town.
Director: Lesley Selander
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Broken Star* (1956) about?
This 1956 Western follows a deputy sheriff who risks everything to solve the murder of a Mexican man, defying the town's powerful ranchers in the process. His investigation uncovers uncomfortable truths about the community—and himself—while testing the limits of his own integrity. The film blends romance and suspense in a dusty frontier setting.
Who directed *The Broken Star*?
The film was directed by Lesley Selander, a veteran filmmaker known for his work in Westerns and action-packed cinema.
Who stars in *The Broken Star*?
Howard Duff leads the cast as the conflicted deputy, joined by Lita Baron, Bill Williams, Douglas Fowley, and Henry Calvin in key roles.
Is *The Broken Star* (1956) worth watching?
While the film lacks an IMDb rating for reference, its tight 82-minute runtime and classic Western themes make it a solid choice for fans of the genre. The morally ambiguous lead and atmospheric tension add depth to what could have been a straightforward tale of frontier justice.
How long is *The Broken Star*?
The runtime for *The Broken Star* is 82 minutes.
About The Broken Star (1956) — A Gripping Western Where Justice Comes at a Cost
In the sun-scorched frontier of 1956's *The Broken Star*, Howard Duff delivers a gritty, morally complex performance as a deputy sheriff who finds himself at odds with the powerful ranchers of his town. When a Mexican man is murdered under suspicious circumstances, the lone lawman refuses to turn a blind eye, setting off a tense investigation that forces him to confront his own past. Directed by Lesley Selander with a keen eye for frontier realism, this Western blends romance and raw tension to explore themes of justice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The film crackles with the dusty atmosphere of a lawless era, where every shadow hides a secret and no badge guarantees safety. Duff's portrayal of a man torn between duty and desperation anchors the story, while the stark landscapes and simmering conflicts create a backdrop as unforgiving as the moral dilemmas at its heart.
A classic Western with a twist, *The Broken Star* stands out for its refusal to glorify the lawman archetype. Instead, it delves into the human cost of upholding the law in a world where justice is often a luxury. With its tight 82-minute runtime, the film keeps pace with relentless energy, weaving personal stakes into the larger fight against corruption. For fans of slow-burn mysteries and morally ambiguous heroes, this forgotten gem offers a compelling snapshot of a bygone America, where the badge doesn't always protect the wearer—and the truth is the first casualty of power.