The third of John Ford's cavalry trilogy is as sensational as the first two. And, believe it or not, it's a musical. The film begins with two great bits of conflict: Lt Col Yorke (John Wayne) finds out the son he hasn't seen for 15 years (Claude Jarman Jr) has enlisted and is a new recruit to his regiment; and his estranged wife Maureen O'Sullivan, who has some dark trouble in their history, also comes to visit. Plus we have troublesome Apaches.
But the Ford magic is ever-present. When being serenaded, there's a very simple sequence of Wayne and O'Hara in two shot, and it's their looks at the singers and to each other which are so moving.
There are also some amazing horse sequences. And Ford sets his action in a majestic background - he really uses the terrain well. And there's a great sub-story involving Ben Johnson, who's wanted on a manslaughter charge but escapes, stealing Wayne's horse, then becomes extremely useful in saving the son's life from pursuing Apache, then in helping in the rescue of children from the Indians.
And humour of course throughout. In that latter sequence there are four great jokes. 1. The girl hits Jarman over the head when he enters the church. 2. She is then very loud when they're trying to shh her. 3. Jarman accidentally fires a rifle close to Johnson's buttocks. 4. When Victor McLaglen enters the church to retrieve his beloved child (who may be a relative - we're not sure), he briefly kneels at the altar before they speed out. And that moment where McLaglen is cursing his right hand and the doctor strikes it with his stick (which breaks) is so funny and unexpected.
It's beautifully shot by Bert Glennon (and Archie Stout second unit), and scored by Victor Young.
A fight which ends honorably. New recruits who prove how good horsemen they are. Disappointing coffee. He's so good.
With Harry Carey Jr. ('Yo'), Chill Wills (surgeon), J Carroll Naish, Grant Withers.
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