The Searchers (1956) – Film Review

Director: John Ford
Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles
Certificate: PG

By Sarah Morgan

John Ford, John Wayne and the great American Western – three things that came together so naturally many times over the course of around 30 years that they’re now synonymous with each other.

Many would claim that their most impressive collaboration is The Seachers, and it’s hard to disagree. Based on a 1954 novel by Alan Le May, Ford’s adaptation, one of 11 screenplays written for him by Frank S Nugent, was hugely acclaimed on its release and its stature continued to grow in the 70 years since.

Wayne, an actor I’ve never particularly warmed to, despite his undoubted iconic status, is, I’ve got to admit, at the very top of his game here as Ethan Edwards, a middle-aged Civil War veteran who, after many years away, finally returns home to his brother Aaron’s ranch in West Texas.

“Epic trek”

Ethan is immediately welcomed by Aaron, his wife Martha and their two daughters, Lucy and Debbie, and son Ben. However, the joyful mood abruptly changes after a neighbour’s livestock is plundered, prompting the local menfolk, minus Aaron and Ben, to go off in hot pursuit.

Tragically, the theft was merely a ruse to pull the males away from their land so that hostile members of the local Comanche tribe, led by the terrifying Chief Scar, can move in and attack with little or no resistance.

Aaron, Martha and Ben are murdered, while Lucy and Debbie are abducted. Ethan then embarks on an epic trek to find his remaining relatives – and that’s when things get really interesting.

Much has been written, said and discussed about Ethan’s motivations, the racism he displays towards Native Americans (including his own part-Cherokee adopted nephew), his true feelings for Martha – they have certainly been more than just good friends in the past – and Debbie’s possible parentage.

“Incredible cinematography”

No doubt fans already familiar with The Searchers will have their own theories, while first-time viewers are in the enviable position of being able to form fresh opinions while watching a new 4k Ultra HD release that looks so amazing, even Ford himself would be impressed.

Although the director rightly receives the most plaudits, Winton C Hoch deserves a lot of credit for his incredible cinematography – if only he were around to see how incredible it appears today.

Wayne is definitely the star of the show, but he’s very ably supported by Jeffrey Hunter, Ward Bond, Vera Miles and a young Natalie Wood, among others – many of whom Ford fans will recognise as being part of his regular stock company.

The release has an impressive array of special features too, including several documentaries, a commentary by Ford fan and fellow director Peter Bogdanovich and an introduction by Wayne’s son Patrick, who has a small role in the film.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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