“The Searchers” starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford is a classic western and was one of the feature films to play at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival. The large screen restoration was one of the most popular attractions at the festival. The action and cinematography are well done. The film is often named as one of the best Westerns of all time by critics and the American Film Institute (AFI) listed it as one of their Top 100 Films.
In the film, Wayne plays Ethan, a Civil War veteran who along with his adopted nephew, Martin, searches for his niece who has been kidnapped by the Comanches who slaughtered her family. Jeffrey Hunter plays Martin, the nephew and Natalie Wood plays Debbie, the kidnapped niece. Wayne’s son Patrick has a small part as Lt. Greenhill, a young Union soldier out in the West.
Ethan’s racist hatred of Indians is a bone of contention in his relationship with Martin as he questions his nephew’s heritage, calling him “Half-breed.” Martin is one-eighth Comanche. The two clash because of it. Ethan’s ultimate motives are not clear on why he’s searching for Debbie. If he finds her, Ethan vows to kill her as she’s now adapted to the lifestyle and culture of the Comanche people and not “White” anymore. Martin will not let Ethan kill the girl who he loves like a sister. During the final confrontation, he ultimately brings her home
The storyline of Laurie and Martin’s romance has comic elements as well as Martin accidentally gaining a Comanche Squaw as a wife.
Men’s Wardrobe Frank Beetson
Women’s Wardrobe Ann Peck
Cinematography Winton C. Hoch
Director John Ford, 119m, 70mm
