The Broken Land Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Broken Land
| Movie | The Broken Land |
| Release Year | 1962 |
| Director | John A. Bushelman |
| Genre | Western |
| Runtime | 60 minutes (1h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Broken Land (1962) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Broken Land are led by Kent Taylor . The supporting cast, including Diana Darrin and Jody McCrea , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Broken Land does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Western films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Broken Land has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Broken Land
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1962, The Broken Land is a Western film directed by John A. Bushelman, written by Edward J. Lakso. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kent Taylor as Marshal Jim Cogan.
Ending Explained: The Broken Land
The Broken Land Ending Explained: A cowboy rides into a small town that is ruled with an iron fist by a corrupt sheriff. Directed by John A. Bushelman, this 1962 western film stars Kent Taylor (Marshal Jim Cogan), alongside Diana Darrin as Waitress, Jody McCrea as Deputy Ed Flynn, Robert Sampson as Dave Dunson. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Broken Land?
A cowboy rides into a small town that is ruled with an iron fist by a corrupt sheriff. He becomes involved with a pretty young town girl and some residents who are trying to oust the sheriff, resulting in a robbery, a murder and his being pursued by a vengeful posse.
John A. Bushelman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kent Taylor (Marshal Jim Cogan)'s journey. He becomes involved with a pretty young town girl and some residents who are trying to oust the sheriff, resulting in a robbery, a murder and his being pursued by a vengeful posse.
How Does Kent Taylor (Marshal Jim Cogan)'s Story End?
- Kent Taylor: Kent Taylor's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Diana Darrin (Waitress): Diana Darrin's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Jody McCrea (Deputy Ed Flynn): Jody McCrea's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Broken Land Mean?
The Broken Land's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Kent Taylor may feel rushed. John A. Bushelman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Broken Land Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Broken Land Based on a True Story?
No, The Broken Land is a work of fiction. While the western film directed by John A. Bushelman and starring Kent Taylor may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Broken Land?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Western films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kent Taylor or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
At just 60 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Broken Land Parents Guide & Age Rating
1962 AdvisoryWondering about The Broken Land age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Broken Land (1962) is 60 minutes (1h 0m). Directed by John A. Bushelman, the film runs for 60 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Broken Land is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1962 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Broken Land worth watching?
The Broken Land is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Broken Land parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Broken Land identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Broken Land (1962)?
The runtime of The Broken Land (1962) is 60 minutes (approximately 1h 0m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
