The Searchers (1956)

Searchers, The (1956, USA) C-120m. *** D: John Ford. Starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Harry Carey Jr. Classic American western, usually cited as the best one, about war veteran Wayne's embittered search for his niece, who has been abducted by Indians. Wayne spends years on their trail, aided by inexperienced Hunter. Western drama is unevenly structured and its intended emotional impact never fully realized. Negative, one-sided portrayal of Native Americans doesn't help either. Well-paced, with a nice sense of humor, but cannot hold a candle to Sergio Leone's operatic Dollar trilogy. Spawned many imitations. Shot in VistaVision.


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© Ron Altman