Shop The Horse Soldiers [DVD]. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. When this film starts, you think you are going to see one of Ford's best. The scenes showing the cavalry are on the same level as Fort Apache and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. The story which is based on a true fact, could not be better. There is a scene showing young southern boys attacking, which is one of the best moments I have ever seen on the screen. Where the film goes wrong is in the unconvincing performance of Constance Towers, and the fact that they tried to give too much importance to the part played by William Holden. Which really should be secondary. I also missed the presence of Victor McLaglen, Ford could never find someone to replace him. It is a pleasure to see Hoot Gibson, he is even better than when he was young. Product Description A hardened Union colonel embarks on a dangerous mission to sabotage a railroad line. Saddled with a quarrelsome doctor and a Southern belle, the colonel drives his troops deep into rebel territory. THE HORSE SOLDIERS, John Ford's only attempt at tackling the subject of the Civil War, is based on Grierson's Raid, part of the Union's assault on Vicksburg in April 1863. After a number of failed efforts at taking the Southern stronghold, Union leaders assign Col. John Marlowe (John Wayne), a railroad designer in civilian life, to lead a cavalry detachment to destroy a vital railroad hub at Newton Station, far behind Confederate lines. Marlowe's unit includes Major Kendall (William Holden), a cynical physician disgusted by the notion that there's glory in the carnage, and the politically ambitious Colonel Secord (Willis Bouchey). Marlowe temporarily appropriates the plantation of Southerner Hannah Hunter (Constance Towers) while in transit and is forced to take her along, in lieu of killing her, after she overhears his plans for Newton Station. As their journey continues, Marlowe realizes that he is much more interested in Hannah than in her political sympathies. Wayne and Holden give gritty, soulful performances, and William Clothier's photography is outstanding in a film that delves beneath simplistic notions of heroism to reveal something more complicated, grisly, and real. John Wayne, William Holden, Constance Towers, Judson Pratt, Hoot Gibson, Ken Curtis - Dir:John Ford. Average Rating: (1) (0) A Civil War movie classic Based ona real-life incursion by US Cavalry elements into Reb territory. Very well acted and with a few funny moments. Constance Towers is beautiful, and John Wayne is John Wayne as always. By (New Britain, CT, USA) (0) (0) Great Make on mistake about it. This is a good movie. It tells a story of the civil war that few hear about. By (Milton, FL USA) (0) (0) The fourth Ford cavalry film In The Horse Soldiers, John Ford revisits territory he covered brilliantly in the acclaimed cavalry trilogy between 1948 & 1950. Here, Wayne is once again on board as a Union Colonel who is charged with a leading a troop of soldiers down into Southern comfort to take out a particularly troublesome enemy stronghold and in turn reverse fortunes in the Civil War. This setup makes for a pretty interesting film most any way you cut it and Ford does manage to keep you interested thoroughout. Yet I can`t help but feel that this could`ve been more than it is. The conflict between Wayne`s colonel and Holden`s doctor feels a little forced and Holden, even though he does his best, has been better in some of his other films. Towers is fine as the southern belle who quickly becomes a pain up Wayne`s behind. Overall, trying to be fair, I would say that this a little bit of a missed opportunity. More intensity in the pacing and a more powerful script and this would`ve been a classic. As it is, what you get is a decent Wayne film, but nothing more. 3 stars of 5. By a reviewer (Kokkedal, Denmark) (0) (0) Not one of Wayne's best I'm a huge John Wayne,but I found it hard to get into this movie.The movie lacks the excitement of the Duke's other movies. By Blake (Brandon,MS) Have you seen this movie?
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