The Broken Land

A 1962 American Western film shot in CinemaScope and directed by John A. Bushelman. The screenplay was written by Edward J. Lakso, with production by Leonard A. Schwartz and Roger Corman. The film features music by Richard LaSalle and cinematography by Floyd Crosby. Filming took place in Apache Junction, Arizona, during the summer of 1961. It was produced by Associated Producers Inc. and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The story follows a cowboy named Dave Dunson (Robert Sampson) who rides into a small town ruled by the corrupt Marshal Jim Cogan (Kent Taylor). Dave becomes entangled in the townspeople's efforts to overthrow the tyrannical lawman. His involvement with waitress Mavera (Diana Darrin) and his actions against the marshal lead to robbery, murder, and a vengeful posse pursuing him. The film also features an early performance by Jack Nicholson as the character Will Brocious.