This is basically "The Searchers" redux, with Jimmy Stewart standing in for John Wayne, and - like him - a flawed hero. But the film is nowhere near as good as its predecessor, except for the technical aspects of the color production values. Dramatically this flick is a comedown from most of of Ford's better earlier movies, even some of the b&w ones.
The interaction between Jimmy Stewart - in his only appearance in a John Ford production - and Richard Widmark's character is first rate and probably the highlight of the movie. Also worth mentioning is John McIntire's fine performance; he was one of the greatest character actors of his day.
The movie begins strongly, with a good premise - the rescue of some white settler children kidnapped long ago by the Cherokee. However the movie loses steam in the second half, as narrative threads begin to drift around. Ford throws in his obligatory social dance scene, which does nothing to advance the action. The ending is not really satisfactory.
It is good to see so many of the John Ford veteran acting team here, although sad to remember that both Ward Bond and Victor McLaglen (who was Scottish, not Irish, by the way) were dead by the time of the movie's release. Andy Devine's role was clearly meant for McLaglen.
Not Ford's greatest work, but worth seeing by fans of the great director.
The interaction between Jimmy Stewart - in his only appearance in a John Ford production - and Richard Widmark's character is first rate and probably the highlight of the movie. Also worth mentioning is John McIntire's fine performance; he was one of the greatest character actors of his day.
The movie begins strongly, with a good premise - the rescue of some white settler children kidnapped long ago by the Cherokee. However the movie loses steam in the second half, as narrative threads begin to drift around. Ford throws in his obligatory social dance scene, which does nothing to advance the action. The ending is not really satisfactory.
It is good to see so many of the John Ford veteran acting team here, although sad to remember that both Ward Bond and Victor McLaglen (who was Scottish, not Irish, by the way) were dead by the time of the movie's release. Andy Devine's role was clearly meant for McLaglen.
Not Ford's greatest work, but worth seeing by fans of the great director.