Broken Trail

Broken Trail, a gripping 2006 Western miniseries, is masterfully directed by Walter Hill and features stellar performances by Robert Duvall as the weathered cowboy Prentice Ritter and Thomas Haden Church as his spirited nephew Tom Harte. The narrative, beautifully crafted by Alan Geoffrion—who also penned the novel—is set in the backdrop of the late 19th century American frontier, where the duo embarks on a daunting journey. Their mission is to drive a substantial herd of 500 horses from Oregon to Wyoming with the intent to sell them to the British Army. However, what begins as a simple equestrian endeavor quickly spirals into a complex moral dilemma when they encounter five Chinese girls who are victims of a slave trader. In an act of compassion and bravery, Ritter and Harte rescue these young girls, thus intertwining their fates and igniting a perilous adventure that tests their resolve and humanity.

As they traverse the rugged landscapes of the American West, the duo's noble intentions are met with escalating danger. The threat looms large as they find themselves pursued by a ruthless gang of killers dispatched by the madam of the whorehouse—a woman who had originally purchased the girls for a life of exploitation. The tension escalates as Prentice and Tom struggle not only to protect their newfound charges but also to maintain their own safety amidst the chaos. This compelling story not only highlights the harsh realities of life on the frontier but also delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and moral responsibility, challenging the characters to confront their own values and beliefs in the face of adversity.

Broken Trail is a cinematic exploration of two pivotal historical events: the trade of horses by the British in the West and the harrowing plight of Chinese women exploited within America. Filmed in scenic Calgary, Alberta, this miniseries holds a significant place in television history, debuting as the first original film for American Movie Classics. Its powerful storytelling and strong performances earned it critical acclaim, securing four Emmy Awards including Outstanding Miniseries and honors for both lead and supporting performances. By blending action and heart, Broken Trail stands as a noteworthy contribution to the Western genre, leaving audiences both entertained and thoughtfully engaged.

Full Cast of Broken Trail

Robert Duvall delivered a captivating performance as Prentice "Print" Ritter in the 2006 televised western mini-series "Broken Trail." His portrayal of the weathered, old cowboy with a troubled past showcased his exceptional range and depth as an actor. Duvall's Ritter is a man of principles and quiet strength, who finds himself unexpectedly responsible for a group of Chinese girls sold into slavery while he is escorting them and his nephew, Tom Harte, played by Thomas Haden Church, to a town in Wyoming. Duvall's performance is nuanced and understated, yet powerful, as he conveys the character's internal struggles and moral fortitude with subtle gestures and piercing gazes. His chemistry with the young actresses and Haden Church adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making his character's transformation from a solitary man to a protective father figure both believable and emotionally resonant. Duvall's embodiment of Ritter earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, further cementing his reputation as one of the most respected actors in the industry. His work in "Broken Trail" is a testament to his ability to bring complex characters to life with grace and gravitas.

Thomas Haden Church delivered a compelling performance as Tom Harte in the 2006 television miniseries "Broken Trail," which showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. As the taciturn and principled cowboy, Church brought a rugged vulnerability to the role, expertly conveying Harte's internal struggle between his solitary lifestyle and his growing paternal feelings towards the orphaned girls he reluctantly takes under his wing. His performance was marked by a subtle intensity and a restrained emotional range that perfectly captured the essence of a man shaped by the harsh realities of the Old West, yet capable of tenderness and compassion. Church's nuanced portrayal earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, solidifying his place as a versatile actor capable of holding his own alongside industry veterans like Robert Duvall.

Greta Scacchi delivered a compelling performance as Nola Johns in the 2006 television miniseries "Broken Trail." As a veteran actress, Scacchi brought depth and complexity to the role of a fiercely independent and resilient prostitute who finds herself caught in the brutal world of the Old West. Her portrayal of Nola is both vulnerable and strong-willed, capturing the character's struggle for autonomy and dignity in a male-dominated society. Scacchi's nuanced performance is a testament to her ability to convey the emotional layers of a woman who endures hardship with grace and courage, while also showcasing the strength and determination that drives her character's personal journey. Her chemistry with co-star Robert Duvall is palpable, providing a poignant counterbalance to the harsh realities faced by their characters. Scacchi's portrayal of Nola Johns is a standout, earning her critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, further cementing her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

Chris Mulkey delivered a memorable performance as the menacing and unscrupulous brothel owner, Big Ears, in the 2006 Western miniseries "Broken Trail." His portrayal of the character was chilling and nuanced, bringing to life the grim reality of the Old West's dark underbelly. Mulkey's Big Ears was a study in quiet intimidation, using his steely gaze and measured tone to convey a palpable sense of danger that lurked beneath the surface. His interactions with the other characters, particularly the young girls he exploits, were fraught with an unsettling tension, showcasing Mulkey's ability to embody a character that is both detestable and oddly charismatic. His performance added a layers of complexity to the narrative, as his presence served as a stark contrast to the honorable protagonists, highlighting the moral dichotomy central to the Western genre. Mulkey's Big Ears is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his capacity to bring depth and authenticity to even the most unsavory of roles.

Rusty Schwimmer delivers a memorable performance as Big Rump Kate in the television mini-series 'Broken Trail,' imbuing her character with a robust presence and a nuanced depth that transcends the screen. As the madam of a makeshift brothel in a ramshackle frontier town, Schwimmer's portrayal of Kate is both commanding and vulnerable, showcasing her ability to navigate the complex layers of a woman trying to maintain control in a harsh, male-dominated world. Her interactions with the characters, particularly the young Chinese girls she takes under her wing, reveal a maternal instinct and a sense of morality that contrasts with her tough exterior. Schwimmer's performance is a standout, as she brings authenticity and heart to a role that could have easily fallen into caricature, instead creating a character that is pivotal to the narrative and resonates with the audience's empathy. Her embodiment of Big Rump Kate is a testament to her range as an actor and her ability to flesh out rich, compelling characters within the Western genre.

Gwendoline Yeo delivered a compelling performance as Sun Foy, also known as #3, in the television miniseries "Broken Trail." Her portrayal of the character, a Chinese immigrant girl who is both strong-willed and vulnerable, captures the essence of a young woman caught between her cultural heritage and the harsh realities of the American West. Yeo's performance is nuanced, as she conveys the resilience of Sun Foy in the face of exploitation and abuse, while also revealing her character's underlying fear and desperation. Her ability to express a wide range of emotions with subtlety brings depth to Sun Foy, making her one of the more memorable characters in the series. Yeo's portrayal is a testament to her talent for embodying complex roles, and her work in "Broken Trail" adds a layer of humanity to the narrative, resonating with audiences through her character's struggle for dignity and autonomy in a world that often denies her both.

Valerie Tian (born April 21, 1989) is a Canadian actress. She is known for her role as Su-Chin in Juno. Tian...

Olivia Cheng is a Canadian actress of Chinese descent. She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1985. She began...

Peter Skagen is a Canadian writer, stage and screen actor, best known for his book "How to Succeed in Hollywood...

Crew of Broken Trail