Review of The Searchers (1956) by Danny R — 11 Jan 2012

One of the greatest America films ever made and a landmark western saga of enormous scope and poetic beauty, brilliantly directed by John Ford. It concerns an ex-Confederate soldier named Ethan Edwards, played by John Wayne in a towering multi-layered performance which projects complete conviction and deep inner torment; his family have been massacred by Comanches Indians and his favorite little niece has been kidnapped by them.

He goes on a obsessive five-year search to find his captured niece, Edwards is man with dark motivations, and so full of racial hatred towards the Indians that he would prefer to kill his own niece rather than allow her to live as a Comanche squaw.

Everything works in this masterpiece, a moving and insightful script by Frank Nigent, and a magnificent score by Max Steiner, the color scenery, it was shot in VistaVision in director John Ford's favorite and most famous location, Monument Valley a vast, breathtaking expanse of towering canyons full of beauty and grandeur, amazing cinematography by Winton C.

Hoch and truly memorable performances from its impeccable ensemble cast which includes Jeffrey Hunter in solid turn as the callow and courageous Martin Pawley, Vera Miles as the beautiful and feisty Laurie Jorensen, Ward Bond superb as the fearless Texas Ranger Captain & preacher, Reverend Samuel Johnston Clayton, Natalie Wood in a wonderful early performance as the older Debbie Edwards, Ken Curtis in an excellent turn as Vera Miles' geeky guitar picking suitor, Charlie McCorry and Hank Worden who is priceless as the cerebrally challenged but endearing Mose Harper.

This film was a personal favorite of John Wayne, so much so that he even named a son Ethan after the character he played in the film. "The Searchers" is a milestone in the annals of the cinema and one for the ages.

Highly Recommended.