This film marks the centrepiece of director John Ford's 'Cavalry Trilogy' (following "Fort Apache" (1948) and followed by "Rio Grande" (1950)).
The film is set in 1876, immediately following Custer's legendary defeat at the Little Big Horn. John Wayne stars as Captain Nathan Brittles, who is only days away from retirement after having spent his entire life in the Army. His last mission is to escort two women on a long journey to a town where they can catch a stagecoach, while the Indian tribes prepare for war.
The film is beautifully shot, and makes great use of Ford's beloved Monument Valley locations, frequently shot so that the actors are dwarfed by the magnificent locations. John Wayne turns in a good performance as Brittles a man who is facing up to leaving the only life he has ever known. It also depicts the everyday life and tensions inside the Cavalry, such as the two soldiers fighting over the same woman. The film is overly sentimental at times, and some of the comic relief in particular from Victor McLaglen as the often drunk Irish sergeant is quite heavy-handed (although he does have one of the funniest bar fights I've seen in a movie).
There is more than enough to recommend this film, however.
The film is set in 1876, immediately following Custer's legendary defeat at the Little Big Horn. John Wayne stars as Captain Nathan Brittles, who is only days away from retirement after having spent his entire life in the Army. His last mission is to escort two women on a long journey to a town where they can catch a stagecoach, while the Indian tribes prepare for war.
The film is beautifully shot, and makes great use of Ford's beloved Monument Valley locations, frequently shot so that the actors are dwarfed by the magnificent locations. John Wayne turns in a good performance as Brittles a man who is facing up to leaving the only life he has ever known. It also depicts the everyday life and tensions inside the Cavalry, such as the two soldiers fighting over the same woman. The film is overly sentimental at times, and some of the comic relief in particular from Victor McLaglen as the often drunk Irish sergeant is quite heavy-handed (although he does have one of the funniest bar fights I've seen in a movie).
There is more than enough to recommend this film, however.