The Searchers is a 1956 American Technicolor VistaVision epic Western film directed by John Ford and written by Frank S. Nugent, based on the 1954 novel by Alan Le May. The movie stars John Wayne and Jeffrey Hunter and is set in Texas after the Civil War. It tells the story of a Civil War veteran who embarks on a years-long journey to rescue his niece from the Comanche tribe, who had abducted her. The film is known for its dark ambivalence and has been highly regarded by critics and filmmakers, considered one of the greatest movies ever. It has also been noted for its influence on other directors' work
Plot
The Searchers is a 1956 Western film directed by John Ford, based on the 1954 novel by Alan Le May. The plot revolves around an American Civil War veteran, Ethan Edwards, who embarks on a years-long journey to rescue his niece from the Comanche tribe after the rest of his brother's family is killed in a raid on their Texas farm. The film follows Ethan's relentless quest and the complexities of his character as he confronts the harsh realities of the American frontier. The movie has been highly regarded by critics and is considered one of the greatest films of all time.
Trailer
Cast
- John Wayne as Ethan Edwards
- Jeffrey Hunter as Martin Pawley
- Vera Miles as Laurie Jorgensen
- Ward Bond as Captain Clayton
- Natalie Wood as Debbie Edwards (young)
- John Qualen as Lars Jorgensen
- Olive Carey as Mrs. Jorgensen
- Henry Brandon as Chief Cicatriz (Scar)
Director: John Ford
Producer: C.V. Whitney
Writer: Alan Le May, Frank S. Nugent
Distributor: Warner Bros., Warner Home Vídeo
Genre: Western
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 13, 1956
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 24, 2008
Reception
The movie has been highly regarded by critics and is considered one of the greatest films of all time. It has also been noted for its influence on other directors' work.
Production Challenges
The majority of the location shooting was done in Utah, with some scenes shot on location in Canada and Colorado. Studio sequences were shot at RKO-Pathé, and Bronson Canyon in Los Angeles' Griffith Park was also used as a shooting site.
Settings
The film is set in Texas after the Civil War, portraying the rugged and unforgiving landscape of the American frontier.
Visual Styles & Techniques
Directed by John Ford, the film exhibits his signature visual style, characterized by stunning cinematography and a focus on the grandeur of the American West. The use of Technicolor enhances the visual impact of the film, capturing the beauty and harshness of the frontier.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The Searchers was the first film produced by C. V. Whitney Pictures.
- The Hollywood Reporter review gives the film's running time as 110 minutes.
- The movie was based on the novel "The Searchers" by Alan Le May, published in 1954.