Directed by:
John FordScreenplay:
Frank S. NugentCinematography:
Winton C. HochComposer:
Max SteinerCast:
John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Henry Brandon, Ken Curtis, Harry Carey Jr., Antonio Moreno (more)VOD (3)
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Thought by many to be director John Ford's masterpiece, The Searchers tells the story of Ethan Edwards (John Wayne), an ex-confederate soldier who swears revenge after his brother's family is butchered by Comanches and his niece (Natalie Wood) is kidnapped. Accompanied by Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter), a young foundling raised by the family, Ethan sets out on a epic seven-year search for the missing girl. But as their quest draws to a close, Martin begins to realise the extent to which Ethan has been dehumanised by his own thirst for revenge. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)
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An excellent thoroughbred western that combines proven motifs from the golden era of the genre that preceded the rise of Sergio Leone with a timeless tale of unrelenting desire for revenge and the preservation of family honour. Ford directs his masterpiece with meticulous precision and across a vast narrative expanse, from the nostalgic Monument Valley to inhospitable snowy plains, from the humour and array of wacky characters to the cold-blooded doggedness of Wayne Edwards, he manages to serve up an unexpectedly complex, stylishly shot and emotionally varied western experience. There are some flaws, of course, the dialogue is very stilted and the climax completely lacks Leone's unmistakable atmospheric charge, but as a classic of a specific branch of cinema, where (white) justice triumphs and (red) evil falls under a shower of lightning bolts, The Searchers works very well even today. And for anyone who doubts the acting qualities of the legendary John Wayne, this is the film that will completely disabuse them. 80%
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John Ford and John Wayne show that it's possible to make a dramatic western, yet one that seamlessly incorporates humorous elements. What's even better is Wayne's character, which isn't his usual standard, as it delves much deeper into darkness. I almost regretted that the script didn't go a bit further, but it's true that Duke couldn't do that to his fans. Still, this is a great western.
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