John Wayne teams with William Holden and eminent western director John Ford for this frontier actioner “packed with laughter, romance and thrills” (The Hollywood Reporter)! Written by John LeeMahin and Martin Rackin, this faithful representation of one of the most daring cavalry exploits inhistory is both a moving tribute to the men who fought and died in that bloody war and a powerful, action-packed drama.Based on an actual Civil War incident, The Horse Soldiers tells the rousing tale of a troop of Union soldiers who force their way deep into Southern territory to destroy a rebel stronghold at Newton Station. In command is hardbitten Colonel Marlowe (Wayne), a man who is strikingly contrasted by the company’s gentle surgeon (Holden) and the beautiful but crafty Southern belle (Constance Towers) who’s forced to accompany the Union raiders on perhaps the most harrowing mission in the war.This latter-day sort-of Western from John Ford–falling midway between The Searchers and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance–is a crisp retelling of a true-life episode from the Civil War. In 1863 a Union colonel named Grierson (Marlowe in the film, and John Wayne by any name) led his cavalry several hundred miles behind Confederate lines to cut the railroad between Newton Station and soon-to-be-embattled Vicksburg. Grierson’s Raid was as successful as it was daring, and remarkably bloodless. Never fear that the screenplay makes up for that un-Hollywood lapse–as well as supplying amatory distraction for the colonel in the form of a feisty Southern belle (Constance Towers) who has to be dragged along to protect secrecy.
There’s a certain amount of bombast in the running arguments about wartime ethics between Marlowe and the new regimental surgeon (William Holden), who don’t take to each other at all. But Ford more than makes up for it with such tasty scenes as an encounter with a couple of redneck Rebel deserters (Denver Pyle and Strother Martin), an ethereal swamp crossing led by a cornpone deacon (Hank Worden), and above all the famous skirmish with a hillside full of grade-school cadets from a venerable military academy. The film ends rather abruptly because Ford abandoned a climactic battle scene–the veteran stunt man and bit player Fred Kennedy having been killed in a horse fall. Golden-age cowboy star Hoot Gibson, who acted in Ford’s directorial debut, Straight Shooting, appears as Sergeant Brown. –Richard T. Jameson
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March 5, 2010
#1
Ok, so in was back in (?)….40 years have passed since I first saw this little opus, back then I WAS IN the Union Army, of course the next week I was Confederate, always camped near the “company hearth”…(tv set to you newbes). I even had a navy colt side arm and blanket bed roll, with the standard issue peanut butter n’ crackers…hardcore huh? Anyway I first saw “Horse Soldiers” broadcast on “Saturday Night at the Movies”, or was it at the drive-in? Duh…at that time I thought it was fantastic, outstanding, and keen! I especially liked the “southern trash” portrayal by Denver Pile and Strother Martin as comic relief. Now what do I think? Well I still think this is an interesting movie and I still like the little comic bit with Pyle and Martin. But this was not one of the “Dukes” best films by far. Bill Holden, as a “progressive” doctor who fights n competes “Duke” for the had of a “forgotten starlet” beauty as-love-interest is wasted. Lots o’ rough n’ ready action. But for the most part the whole effort is predictable and a little boring. The true story was amazing and worthy to be told…ah but then there would be no bloodly battle scenes! So it’s an ok movie to fall asleep to…heah compared to “The Ring” or “Kill Bill”…I’d have to give it 20 stars! Ah youth, lost the plastic colt n’ ma bed roll but still got a store o’ peanut butter and hard tack!
March 5, 2010
#2
i donot enjoy this movie as much as the other john wayne western
March 5, 2010
#3
Undoubtedly John Ford is one of the greatest film directors of all times. He had a special knack to imprint a galloping rhythm to his movies, most adequate virtue for making “The Horse Soldiers” (1959).
The film based on Harold Sinclair’s historical novel of the same title recounts the foray of a Union’s Brigade into Confederate territory.
In command of this column is Col. Marlowe and attached to his staff is regimental surgeon Maj. Kendall. Both men are strong headed and will clash since the very begging of the raid.
To add some more stress into the picture the detachment has to carry an unwilling and hostile Southern Lady.
The film contains some wonderful and emotive actions scenes. To be noted the charge of the Rebs into the town controlled by Marlowe’s troop and the Military Academy’s child-soldiers marching in line with unflinching decision.
The numerous cavalcades underlined by joyous marching songs are a pleasure to see.
John Wayne and William Holden put into action all their charisma and acting experience to flesh the two main characters. Constance Towers as Miss Hannah Hunter of Greenbriar display a very good acting piece; starting as a Country Lady trying to deceive her enemies and ending as a compromised acting nurse to the soldiers around her.
The rest of the cast is great in their supporting roles. Special mention is deserved by Hoot Gibson in his picturesque Sgt. Brown.
A great film to be enjoyed by general public and a special treat for Ford fans as myself.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
March 5, 2010
#4
The first time I saw this movie, I thought that it was a pretty good film. I was at my Grandma’s house. Her husband who is a John Wayne nut, has the John Wayne scrapbook. I then found the movie in the book and read about it. I thought that it was pretty cool to see John Wayne and William Holden team up. What I find sort of ironic is that, the roll of Constance Towers’ maid is played by athlete Althea Gibson, who must have really kicked … at tennis at that time. Then again though, in 1959, if a black was in a film, they usually were butlers or maids. I am not black, but I get a kick out of that. Now I want to watch this film again to see wether or not the weapons used by the Troopers fit the period or don’t, which what I usually end noticing in some of Duke’s films.
March 5, 2010
#5
John Wayne on horseback. The Civil War. A daring raid. William Holden as a whiskey-swilling surgeon. What else do you need?
This story, based very loosely on a historical incident, follows The Duke as he leads his cavalry unit on a long raid through Confederate territory, causing as much mayhem as possible. And with John Wayne in the saddle, that’s a lot.
I first saw this movie in the theater, when I was a kid. I loved its action and grand sweep. Many (too many) years later, watching it again on DVD I still enjoyed its action and sweep.
Some things you just never outgrow.