The Searchers (1956)
For such a famous western, The Searchers doesn’t really stand the test of time. John Ford, John Wayne, and Ward Bond, the three musketeers of the western genre, all bring their great energy to the production, but the story is pretty basic and Jeffrey Hunter’s character is irritating. He’s got a hair-trigger temper and constantly argues with John Wayne about important issues. John has much more experience and wisdom, so he should be respected – especially within his own family (Jeff is his nephew).
While John is visiting his brother’s family, there’s an Indian attack. Jeff’s mother is brutally killed and his baby sister is kidnapped. John and Jeff take the rest of the movie to go riding through Indian country and search for the missing girl. John’s performance was much better than I was expecting. He has a dramatic scene with tears in his voice when he finds a dead girl violated by the Indians. He’s smart and tenacious, but when he finds humor in the bleak surroundings, he laughs with his whole heart. And he’s pretty cute, too!
In the supporting cast, you’ll see the familiar face of John Qualen (and his familiar accent) as a good-natured neighbor, and Ward Bond as a reverend. I love Ward’s entrance scene, where he sweeps into the cabin with his powerful energy, barking out orders, greeting the women with kisses and the men with deputy swear-ins. While I do miss his energy when he’s not on the screen, John Wayne makes up for it. Natalie Wood can be seen for about ten minutes, and Vera Miles for twice as long. This isn’t a female movie, and only for the die-hard westerns in the audience. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out, but you might want to watch Hondo next. It’s one of my favorites!
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thank "Lod Mer" for posting!
More Ward Bond movies here!
While John is visiting his brother’s family, there’s an Indian attack. Jeff’s mother is brutally killed and his baby sister is kidnapped. John and Jeff take the rest of the movie to go riding through Indian country and search for the missing girl. John’s performance was much better than I was expecting. He has a dramatic scene with tears in his voice when he finds a dead girl violated by the Indians. He’s smart and tenacious, but when he finds humor in the bleak surroundings, he laughs with his whole heart. And he’s pretty cute, too!
In the supporting cast, you’ll see the familiar face of John Qualen (and his familiar accent) as a good-natured neighbor, and Ward Bond as a reverend. I love Ward’s entrance scene, where he sweeps into the cabin with his powerful energy, barking out orders, greeting the women with kisses and the men with deputy swear-ins. While I do miss his energy when he’s not on the screen, John Wayne makes up for it. Natalie Wood can be seen for about ten minutes, and Vera Miles for twice as long. This isn’t a female movie, and only for the die-hard westerns in the audience. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out, but you might want to watch Hondo next. It’s one of my favorites!
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thank "Lod Mer" for posting!
More Ward Bond movies here!