Review of Rio Grande (1950) by Julia G — 02 Sep 2009
The final chapter of John Ford's so called cavalry trilogy with John Wayne.
Wayne returns as Kirby Yorke (Fort Apache) now promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The assignment Yorke has drawn is to protect settlers from renegade Apaches and train a bunch of raw recruits. Amongst the recruits is his own son who hasn't seen in 15 years. The fort also has two visits; one from Yorke's former commander and now commander of the Army who presents him with an almost impossible mission and the second perhaps more troubling from his estranged wife Kathleen (Maureen O'Hara) who wants to take her son home.
This would be Maureen O'Hara first of five pairings with the Duke, three of which would be directed by Ford, including the soon to be made The Quiet Man.
Supporting cast includes Claude Jarman Jr. (The Yearling) and Ford regulars; Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr., Chill Wills and Victor McLaglen.
As to be expected from Ford the film is atmospheric and very effective in capturing a sense of the place and time. The cinematography also as to be expected, is very powerful.
The film includes a number of folk songs performed by The Sons of the Pioneers a cowboy singing group.
This review of Rio Grande (1950) was written by Julia G on 02 Sep 2009.
Rio Grande has generally received positive reviews.
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