Marvellous story of cavalry outpost commanded by about-to-retire John Wayne, having to deal with troops and the rivalry of two for the same woman (John Agar, Harry Carey Jr. and Joanne Dru, respectively), mounting and coordinated Indian attacks, and a perilous journey across Monument Valley, absolutely beautifully shot by Winton Hoch. (In Directed by John Ford we learn that 'Winnie' photographed the scene in the thunder storm under some protest!) A film about loyalty, it also features some of Ford's trademark humour - such as Victor McLaglen resisting arrest.. well, actually, any scene he's in - and fine characterisation. With Ben Johnson, Mildred Natwick, George O'Brien, Arthur Shields. Good doses of affection and tension.
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The second of Ford's Cavalry trilogy, preceded by Fort Apache (Wayne, Fonda, Shirley Temple, 1948) and followed by Rio Grande (Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Ben Johnson). Ford cast Wayne even older than Hawks had just done in Red River. It's one of Wayne's own favourites.
Kept thinking about it, details (e.g. having to put on glasses to read the inscription, then the exchange of handkerchiefs) afterwards, which is the best sign: it's going to be watched many more times.
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