Review of The Horse Soldiers (1959) by Daniel K — 03 Jun 2011
A Union cavalry outfit is assigned the task of going into the south and blowing up a railway supply outfit. Leading the charge is Col John Marlowe (Wayne of course) but he also has a doctor Maj. Hank Kendall (Holden) to deal with - and Marlowe ain't too fond of doctors.
Also along for the ride is a southern belle (Constance Towers) who is a Reb sympathizer, but is forced to move with the Union forces. Through her, the audience is given an outlet to understand that war is not as black and white as it may seem - it is easy to take sides when one is not involved.
Wayne has his usual commanding presence as a determined, but stubborn leader and Holden matches him well as a dedicated doctor and antagonist to Wayne in his only performance in a Ford picture. The film is shot in color and Ford definitely took plenty of time setting up the shots because this is a truly beautiful looking film.
The music is a little excessive as it often tended to be, but still a very strong and entertaining film.
This review of The Horse Soldiers (1959) was written by Daniel K on 03 Jun 2011.
The Horse Soldiers has generally received positive reviews.
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