Wednesday, August 07, 2013

The Searchers

The Searchers is a 1956 John Wayne Western directed by John Ford. It also stars Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond and Natalie Wood. A renowned classic, this one shows up on all the must-see lists of Westerns. I've seen it several times, and it holds up well to watching again. And again. And...

trailer:



It's in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Images Journal names it one of 30 Great Westerns. Slate isn't convinced of its greatness, saying, "It is preposterous in its plotting, spasmodic in its pacing, unfunny in its hijinks, bipolar in its politics, alternately sodden and convulsive in its acting, not to mention boring." DVD Talk calls it " a masterfully composed, well-acted film that's as entertaining as it is thoughtful." Roger Ebert classes it with the "Great Movies" and opens by saying, "John Ford's “The Searchers” contains scenes of magnificence, and one of John Wayne's best performances." Rotten Tomatoes has a critics score of 100%.

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:56 PM

    "Slate" must refer to the contents of the noggin's of the folks over there. How do you not like "The Searchers?" I give it three thumbs-up!
    --A Pal

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    Replies
    1. yes, there's just no accounting for taste ;)

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