Run of the Arrow

Run of the Arrow

Year: 1957

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Samuel Fuller

WesternEpic heroesMilitary combat and heroic soldiersWild west outlaws and gunfightsEpic adventure and breathtaking battles

When the Confederacy falls, veteran O’Meara heads west, lives among the Sioux, marries a tribal woman, and renounces his American identity. Yet as the Sioux prepare to fight the U.S. Army, he is forced to decide whether to stay loyal to his adopted tribe or confront his past. The looming clash forces him to face his divided loyalties.

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Timeline & Setting – Run of the Arrow (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Run of the Arrow (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

End of the Civil War, 1865

The story is set immediately after the Civil War's conclusion, a period marked by rapid U.S. westward expansion and conflict with Native American tribes. This era was defined by military campaigns, treaties, and the struggle for Native sovereignty amid growing U.S. territorial ambitions.

Location

Virginia, Sioux Nation, Fort Lincoln

The movie begins in Virginia, a key state in the Civil War, then shifts to the Great Plains where the Sioux Nation resides. Fort Lincoln serves as a strategic military site during the western expansion. These locations highlight the tension between American expansion and Native American lands during the late 19th century.

🌾 Rural 🏞️ Native territories 🏛️ Military installations

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Main Characters – Run of the Arrow (1957)

Meet the key characters of Run of the Arrow (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Pvt. O'Meara (Rod Steiger)

Once a Confederate soldier, O'Meara becomes a man torn between his origins and his adopted culture. His transformation from a war-hardened individual to a tribe member highlights themes of redemption and cultural assimilation. He is driven by deep-seated hatred, yet open to love and understanding.

🌾 Soldier ✊⛺️ Rebel ❤️ Love

Blue Buffalo

A Sioux chief who embodies dignity and strength. He offers O'Meara refuge and respects his resilience. Blue Buffalo's leadership emphasizes the importance of tradition and negotiation in maintaining peace.

🪶 Chief 🛡️ Leader 🎯 Negotiator

Yellow Moccasin

A Sioux woman who shows compassion and love. She helps O'Meara integrate into the tribe and shares her spiritual beliefs. Her character symbolizes hope and the bridging of cultures.

👩‍🌾 Native Woman ❤️ Love 🌺 Spirituality

Silent Tongue

An orphaned boy adopted by O'Meara and Yellow Moccasin. His silence signifies the trauma of war and loss, yet he represents innocence and hope for new beginnings.

🧒 Orphan 🔇 Silence 🌱 Innocence

Lieut. Driscoll (Ralph Meeker)

A Union officer with a growing animosity towards Native Americans. His actions, including violating sacred rituals, highlight themes of prejudice and brutality during the frontier conflicts.

🎖️ Officer 🧟‍♂️ Antagonist 💥 Violence

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Major Themes – Run of the Arrow (1957)

Explore the central themes of Run of the Arrow (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ War and Peace

The film explores the aftermath of war, focusing on the personal and cultural clashes between Americans and Native tribes. It portrays the struggles for survival, honor, and the quest for peace amidst conflicts born from war and expansion.

🌿 Cultural Identity

O'Meara's journey reflects themes of cultural fusion and identity. His acceptance of Sioux customs and spiritual beliefs illustrates the importance of understanding and respect for different ways of life, contrasting with the violence and misunderstanding of war.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

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Run of the Arrow Summary

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Run of the Arrow Summary

Run of the Arrow Timeline

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Run of the Arrow Timeline

Run of the Arrow Spoiler-Free Summary

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Run of the Arrow Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Run of the Arrow

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Run of the Arrow (1957) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Run of the Arrow (1957) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Run of the Arrow (1957) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow