On The Searchers

Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) has just returned from an extended absence that began with the Civil War, but continued for some time under mysterious circumstances. His brother, sister-in-law, and the couple's children welcome him back with open arms, but Ethan seems to have a little trouble settling in. When Indians attack while Ethan and his adopted nephew Martin (Jeffrey Hunter) are elsewhere, the whole family is murdered except for Ethan's two young nieces. Ethan and Martin leave to search for their two family members, but it isn't long before Martin fears Ethan's hatred of Indians may cause him to do something drastic.

Generally speaking, I don't like John Wayne movies. I think he was a dreadful actor, and, to be honest, he played exactly the same character in all his later movies that I've seen. In this one, he's a particularly bad actor. He has this one line that he keeps repeating at different points in the movie that is just laughable. However, I enjoyed watching The Searchers because it isn't so much about him as it is about his nephew Martin.

Martin is an enjoyable character. He's only a decent actor, but his character is surprisingly well formed for a Hollywood movie. He has his own little quirks without seeming like an overly exaggerated character, and some of the situations he gets himself into are pretty funny. Best of all, he's young, inexperienced, and rather foolish, but he's still a brave hero. He puts the safety of his adopted sister above his own comfort, even though his girlfriend is furious with him for being gone for so long.

Although I really enjoyed Martin, I must say that the portrayal of Indians made me cringe a little. It's a typical Hollywood stereotype (for crying out loud, the bad guy's name is Scar, a sinister name if I've ever heard one), and Ethan's overblown hatred and disgust for Indians (though partly justifiable because of the Indians' raid on his family's home) is a bit over the top. Although, in defense of the movie, there are a few peaceful Indians as well, and the U.S. soldiers are sometimes portrayed as cruel toward Indians.

Note: John Wayne's son Patrick plays a young soldier in this movie. A little fun is poked at their relationship; Patrick plays the son of an officer, and the men keep giving him a hard time because of his father.

My Rating: OK (frightening situations, mild sexual content)