When I hear the song " What makes a man to wonder " I think if my Dad and I watching this when i was young , I'm 70 now and my Dad died a long time ago , but i still tear up . I usually watch this every year.
@@mayankgautam186 the actress who played the Mrs. Jorgenson, Olive Carey, was wife to an actor who'd worked with Wayne on other films, Harry Carey (father of Harry Carey, Jr., who played Brad Jorgenson in The Searches). Harry Carey Sr. would grab his arm, so, in this last scene, while Olive Carey was behind the camera, Wayne did her late husband's characteristic mannerism, as a tribute to the actor.
...never fails to move me, a brilliant work that never ages. A fan of John Ford and his partnership with John Wayne. This move broke the mould for Western movies.
That pretty much sums up the John Ford "Anti-Hero," he has won the battle, but lost the war. We love him and we need him, but his purpose exceeds normal civil society. A knight that runs into the scene, a fireman to put out the fire, a nurse to cure the pain, and gone like a wisp of smoke once his or her job is over. 13:42 Great analysis. I was a film student ages ago at the University of Maryland, College Park. There are few "iconic films" in this world. This is one that others have tried to copy and respectfully emulate, but will never match.
@@brunoactis1104 That is a cheap shot since you don't even bother to explain why you said this. Did you stub your toe, or your wife gave you a hard time that day? Come on man! Show some intellect and explain what you mean!
Steven Spielberg steals the opening "door" scene from The Searchers in his movie Saving Private Ryan. The Scene where the mother sees the military and the preacher walking up the driveway to tell her her sons are dead.
Excellent analysis. Shot III has an interesting personal side to it as well. John Wayne takes a moment to place his hand on his elbow as he looks through the door. The gesture was characteristic of actor Harry Carey, whose son, Harry Carey Jr., and whose wife, Olive Carey, were both in The Searchers (as Brad and Mrs. Jorgensen). Harry Carey Sr acted in hundreds of Westerns and many other films, and had passed away by the time The Searchers was shot. So Wayne's gesture was his tribute to him. He hadn't told anyone he was going to do it. Olive Carey had just exited the shot herself and was just off camera, watching, when he did it. She reportedly burst into tears.
In the first scene you missed the most important part in my opinion. When he throws the scabbard off his rifle. It’s such a violent act. He is unsheathing his sword and throwing away the scabbard. Bearing naked steel in a vain attempt to save his loved ones. Like he is begging for an enemy to be there so he can channel his grief into killing that enemy.
I totally agree. Take that gesture away and you're left only with two passive bystanders who are unsure what to do. It's like the armswing in tennis, except that the weapon is reaching so far back that there is no swing left to lend it forward momentum. It's only by the strength of his muscles, driven by pure force of will, that he will bring this weapon forward now to where it must strike. It's the only image in this scene that abides. Brilliant.
Very well done review. The book "The Searchers" goes into much greater detail about Ford and Wayne. Ford's Navahos, which played Commanche, Apache, whatever he needed in a film, prospered greatly from his repeated movies made there in Monument Valley.
Buddy Holly seen this flick in 1956 After the movie, he started writing "That'll be the Day". John Wayne's catchphrase of That'll be the day was his inspiration.
Even those who denigrate Wayne as an actor must surely admit that he was terrific in ' The Searchers '. He deserved an Oscar. Not many Westerns bring tears to my eyes, ( Alan Ladd riding off at the end of ' Shane ' also achieves it ), but when Wayne decides not to kill Debbie, I blub. 'The Searchers ' is a very powerful, beautifully made film, wonderfully acted by a stellar cast. In fact, it is a cinematographic masterpiece. I really enjoyed your essay Toby. You opened my eyes to things that I saw, but didn't really see, if get my drift. I must now purchase a DVD and add it to my collection. Have you produced any more essays ? Good luck.
Yeah well I get a bit of 'dust allergies' at the ending when Ride Away plays & the door closes on Ethan. It's sort of made me sad to know he could never quite 'fit in'.
I agree Wayne was more talented that he let on: Witness Quiet Man: Sean Thornton ( a man who accidentally killed his friend while sparring) & She Wore A Yellow Ribbon: Captain Brittles the old warhorse, tries to stop a war using his friendship with Pony who walks--the young bucks on both sides want to fight but both old men know what that will lead to so, they do their best to head off the violence.
@@nickmitsialis I love Yellow Ribbon because it may be the only time he truly played against type. Brittles is so much more sensitive and sentimental than his usual characters tend to be.
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this movie when I was a kid (still do) but when I was a kid I liked that when they shot their guns it sounded like real guns! 😁 Over the years and still watching this movie, I've come to appreciate other aspects, but one of these has always held my interest. In the opening part of the movie who has noticed that Ethan (John Wayne) has ALOT of body language and looks between Martha (his brothers wife) and himself!!?? ...I think in the story before what is shown in the movie that there may have been a relationship! ...Next time anybody watches this movie watch for these scenes and see what you think?
I think you are absolutely right. It is clear to me that Martha and Ethan have loved each other for years. Remember the scene where she lovingly folds and strokes Ethan's coat? What I have wondered about for some time is why did they not marry? I think the answer is that Ethan did not want a family of his own. He was the essential loner. He seemed awkward and unsure around others, always separate and apart. It was only when he was in action, tracking and fighting Native Americans, or shooting nefarious white men like Futterman, or teaching Martin about Comanche ways, that he was in his element. And yet, I find it sad that at the end, there is no place for Ethan. Yes, he finds Debbie and overcomes his blind hatred, seeing her as the niece he always loved and then brings her back. But now he is alone again. Where would he go? In the opening scene, we hear the lyrics : "What makes a man to wander"? Yes, what does?
@@davedalton1273 ... I always thought their love was a secret love. My guess is Martha and Ethan's brother were already hooked up, they were already married or about two. Ethan's brother in this movie always came off as a mundane man, and we all know girls like the bad boys which was Ethan. And Ethan probably like the relationship but felt some obligation to his brother. Hence the hidden relationship and unfulfilled love! ...😁 And I got that all from a few looks between Ethan and Martha, pretty dramatic!!! **L**
Very interesting presentation. John Wayne's best film by far. This is the one movie where he really showed that he did indeed know how to act! And that last scene, with Ethan standing in the door frame, then turning and walking away with the Wayne stagger always blows my mind. Even get teary-eyed because its such a beautifully composed scene. I still think its the best cinematographic scene ever (though of course, that is a very subjective statement!)
Excellent job Toby. I have watched this movie numerous times and read the book (The Searchers by Alan Le May) twice, yet had not notices a few details that you point to so well. For example, the "To wonder forever between the winds" was completely lost on me! Well done and thank you :-)
Don't you find it odd, that in your three analyses, you never spoke about Ford's use of the horizon? Ford was not just kidding when he lectured Spielberg on the meaning of horizon lines within a frame.
I have a different take on Scene 3. I think Ethan's coming to the door, starting to go in and then walking away symbolized the struggle he still had within himself. He now knows that not all Indians are bad and that it is not wrong to fall in love with one as Laurie and Martin had fallen in love with each other. But he still had the wrong feelings, so he walks away rather than mess up the happiness everyone around him feels since he can't totally feel as they do.
Holy shit Steven spilburg actually mentioned something I’m learning in theatre 🎭 class . With the horizon it’s a huge part of not just film making but acting great video on the western .
Until you read about the history of the wars between the Comanche and the Apache, the Comanche as shown do not make complete sense. But it makes for a documentary rather than a blockbuster.
Also in scene 1: At the end, he flings the buckskin cover off his rifle, like a warrior drawing his sword and casting away the scabbard, signifying a fight to the finish.
One of my absolute most favorite movies. I have the laserdisc of the Serachers and it includes quite a backstory of the Searchers. A town was built for the cast and crew on location. There were also rumors that many of the cast and crew died in later years due to radiation exposure from A-Bomb testing.
I believe the film you refer to is "The Conqueror" directed by Dick Powell, starring Wayne an Susan Hayword. All three had Lung Cancer...and were heavy smokers.
John Hindsill, Charles Collier: Maybe getting conflated with uranium mining mills in areas of southern Utah and near Monument Valley--workers there have been granted compensation for radiation effects. archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=53364026&itype=CMSID (look at the bottom of the page)
@@johnhindsill1933 Another was Agnes Morehead, but I think I have read that there were many more who probably contracted their cancer from the fallout. The movie was considered Wayne's most ridiculous, miscast role: Genghis Khan.
Keep in mind the intense hatred between the Comanches and the Texans; more of a personal blood feud kind of thing than the usual kind of hostility between invaders and invaded. Both Texans and Comanches were predatory and gleefully violent and their clash had a special bitterness as seen in this picture. That the Comanches had driven the Apaches, a most formidable people, from Comancheria is a testament to the ferocity of the Comanche. And that the Texans were willing to take the Comanches on is a testament to their ferocity. Though in the end it was the United States Regular Army, not the Texans, that defeated the Comanche.
+Tom Brennan Most historians would say it was the near-extermination of the buffalo by the mid 1870's that defeated the Comanche by destroying their way of life, a life dependant on the buffalo herds. Also, European diseases like smallpox and measles, by the mid 1800's, severely reduced Comanche population.
Very curious that in the movie they talk about TEXICANS and not TEXANS... Is there a subtlety I miss here...? Could anyone enlighten me on this, please?
Ethan has a US Sabre. A Confederate. He has a Congressional Medal of Honour. A US Award. He gives the medal to the child. It doesn't amount to much.. he remarks. No explanation is given. Ford introduces little touches. The Texas Ranger Captain Reverend secures his top hat with a handkerchief before fleeing the hostiles. Unnessary but cinematic genius.
Thanks. The Searchers has many layers. Ford hero's are flawed. Or anti hero's. Long before it was fashionable. Remember Henry Ford stiff commander in Yellow Ribbon. Ward Bond represents the law and God but is realistic to know Ethan is not a Saint.
As a long time Searchers fan, I can say that your video is well done and appreciated. I agree with Scene 3, Wayne is a societal outcast. He can't go into the cabin. His life during and after the Civil War has been based on hate and the attempt to resolve the root causes of that hate. Also, what about the scenes suggesting a romantic relationship between Ethan and his brother's wife. Observe their glances and stares, when she interrupted the Rev. Samuel Clayton from further suggesting that Ethan might be a wanted man, andher caressing his coat, and the fact that when he reaches the burning ranch he calls out for Martha. It is likely that he loved her before the War yet because of Ethan's faults, Martha married the brother but still was carrying the torch for Ethan. The hate for Native Americans is clear right from the beginning with that look Ethan gave Martin at the dinner table, and calling his rescue of Martin "nothing."
r g Totally agree and also the look he throws back to the women who were rescued from the Comanches - Wayne should have received an Oscar for his role in The Searchers.
Dear Mr Kearton, I came across your video essay doing some research on the net about John Ford's techniques in The Searchers. I wanted to tell you how admiring I am of your work, which I will mention (as well as your name) to my students in class tomorrow. Thank you very much for this highly instructive document.
Great analysis of the visuals. The visual storytelling is so important to John Ford's films, and the key to what made him such a great filmmaker. You can understand the themes of his films in their complexity even with the audio muted. Good work with this video!
Very insightful review focusing on the story theme and the characters. Good voice over by Toby Kearton. I can always distinguish between Scottish and Irish accent. Irish has a musical, higher-toned, sing-songy cadence. Scottish accents have a more serious and stern quality as though they're quietly trying to convince you of something.
The final john wayne shot of "the man who killed liberty valance" Can have the same analysis I think, except the fact that it's a shot from outside the house
An interesting and enjoyable essay and thank you Toby. If I may ask for a clarification, given the specific time period and culture (with emphasis), do you use the word "hatred" as synonymous with righteous indignation? Wondering if Ethan's emotion is being a bit reduced and simplified by now more progressive and modern racial mores. It was indeed the era of "manifest destiny", judge that as we wish.
Even the people around Ethan in the movie get a bit queasy at times at Ethan's intense dislike of Indians. I mean his adoptive nephew nearly loses out on the love of his life just to stop Ethan from murdering somebody through his blinding hatred
One of the most remarkable early days'wild west movie! Kudos to Director, John Ford n John Wayen!Thanks for the outstanding post.Why didn't include,"Butch Cassedy n The Sun Dance Kid",in the select band of classic Western movies?Or Included,only John Ford made Western Movies?
Nice. Sharing with peeps. If I may be so bold, Ethan’s madness is predicated by the civil war. Having seen horrors unimaginable as a soldier, he returns to the family fold only to have the horrors pursue him there. That is the meaning of scene 1. That is what drives him mad. Also, the Indians are not taking the road less traveled for cinematic effect but to stay out of rifle shot. Finally, “won the battle but not the war” is not applicable to the man.All he does is fight battles. He is a Paladin.
The more I find out about this film, the greater it seems. I've read the book by Alan Le May and would highly recommend it. John Fords adaptation is, well words are not good enough. My only regret is that I've never seen it on a cinema screen. Would look great.
It is worth noting that in the original screenplay (by Frank S. Nugent) Ethan, in the climatic scene, levels his gun at Debbie and says, "I'm sorry girl. Shut your eyes," pauses, lowers his gun and says, "You sure do favor your mother."
Mose was the "idiot" but he was right about the folly of leaving the family unprotected, and then put Ethan onto the Mexican who could bring him to Scar, and then finally alerted Martin to the whereabouts of Scar's campsite. At the end, Ethan was alone and adrift, and still had a murder charge over his head.
I wonder why no one ever figured that horses can not survive very well in the Arizona/Utah desert? I guess mules would not be as romantic for the Duke to ride on.
Good presentation...but if John Ford himself was to critique it, he wouldn't be amused. In fact, Ford hated film scholars and interviewers, he never liked talking about his career or impact on cinema itself. To him it was simply a job and he thought of himself as a shy craftsman. If he had his life to do over again, he would rather have exchanged the fame and glory for a career in the Navy! Having spent some 40 years in HOLLYWOOD myself as both a writer and studio historian, I was fortunate enough to meet and learn from the old-timers and appreciate their work having spent a childhood growing up watching their movies and TV shows. THE SEARCHERS was Ford's masterpiece and Monument Valley was surely John Ford country, and because of that very few westerns were ever shot there by anyone else. The scene II in the above video with that prominent and so majestic rock where the Indians are flanking the Duke and his party, that one rock is the most iconic piece of scenery I have ever seen in any movie. Ford had shot two other of his westerns in front of it - FORT APACHE and CHEYENNE AUTUMN, but none as better as the Vista-Vision splendor of this one. For anyone interested in searching for what I call "THE SEARCHERS ROCK" -you'll have a hard time finding it, and I only found out by hiring a Navajo guide who works as a part-time location scout. I had a rough idea by using Google Earth, even the folks at the famous Goulding's Lodge didn't know precisely where it was... and the irony is my favorite rock was located on the other side of the canyon behind Goulding's. It still looks majestic, but if you're lucky like I was you'll see it best in all it's glory with a sunny blue sky filled with clouds the way it was shot. There's a lot more sand banked up to it, and it's actually smaller than I thought, but again everything on film looks bigger doesn't it... THE SEARCHERS is the most iconic movie ever made in Monument Valley, but the cave at the end of the film -well that's located right where I live in Los Angeles, in Griffith Park, some may remember it from the original INVASION OF THE BODYCATCHERS and TV shows like BATMAN.
Maybe Akira Kurosawa gets at least a mention somewhere, lol. Ford did openly credit Kurosawa, no real reason for you to ignore him. (Otherwise a really fine video, thanks!)
Also I've mentioned this in a couple of other videos that I've watched on this but haven't here the book that this movie is based off of it's a Lewis Lamar book and it goes into so much more detail on the characters it's a really good read if you haven't read it my dad used to read it to me as a bedtime story
At a little bit before and after 11:00 we are inadvertently getting a visual lesson on the differences of riding styles of the Comanche (and all plains tribes) and the Texans (or non Indians). The Comanche are riding in a single file, so that it is harder for their enemies to ascertain how many are in the party or group. The Texans are riding side by side (a style also favored by cavalry) making it easier for trackers to figure out how many in the party or group. -mikenotpaula.
I was born in 1956 and never watch westerns. Jeffrey hunter I only remember him in Star Trek , Vera Miles only when she scream in psycho. Ward Bond -never knew he exist, but John was the duke. Green Beret and some WW2 movies. Now as I watch I can appreciaate these movies, Amazing to see Peter Graves- the professor gilligan island, and other
When I hear the song " What makes a man to wonder " I think if my Dad and I watching this when i was young , I'm 70 now and my Dad died a long time ago , but i still tear up . I usually watch this every year.
One of the finest movies ever made!
Yes nothing like it!
The last shot of John Wayne holding his right elbow with his left hand, was a nice tribute to his friend, Harry Carey.
H.C., Sr. whu was J. Ford’s previous, silent era, leading man. H.C., Jr. co-starred in this.
I have always loved that ending shot, with the door framing Wayne, and the story of why John Wayne grasped his right arm.
why did he grasped his right hand?
@@mayankgautam186 the actress who played the Mrs. Jorgenson, Olive Carey, was wife to an actor who'd worked with Wayne on other films, Harry Carey (father of Harry Carey, Jr., who played Brad Jorgenson in The Searches). Harry Carey Sr. would grab his arm, so, in this last scene, while Olive Carey was behind the camera, Wayne did her late husband's characteristic mannerism, as a tribute to the actor.
Best western. Ever made in my opinion
They don't make like this anymore, I never get tired watching this great western, would make you cry in some scenes.
Gotta say, when Captain Nathan Brittles sent off his company for the last time, not on did Victor Mcgaughlin shed a tear, so did I.
...never fails to move me, a brilliant work that never ages. A fan of John Ford and his partnership with John Wayne. This move broke the mould for Western movies.
Seen it atleast 25 times, maybe that's too less to respect such an unbeatable Western masterpiece..
Definitely the greatest western film,ever made.
Definitely the greatest western film,ever made PERIOD.
Not even close...
That pretty much sums up the John Ford "Anti-Hero," he has won the battle, but lost the war. We love him and we need him, but his purpose exceeds normal civil society. A knight that runs into the scene, a fireman to put out the fire, a nurse to cure the pain, and gone like a wisp of smoke once his or her job is over. 13:42 Great analysis. I was a film student ages ago at the University of Maryland, College Park. There are few "iconic films" in this world. This is one that others have tried to copy and respectfully emulate, but will never match.
We're all here for some reason assuming he did something good. As far as i see it, he did not.
@@brunoactis1104 Could you explain who did not do something good?
@@brunoactis1104 That is a cheap shot since you don't even bother to explain why you said this. Did you stub your toe, or your wife gave you a hard time that day? Come on man! Show some intellect and explain what you mean!
Just the best western ever made.
Adore this film! Every time I watch it I see something new. And I've watched hundreds of times.
my dad and I just finished this last night for the first time and its fucking incredible
Steven Spielberg steals the opening "door" scene from The Searchers in his movie Saving Private Ryan. The Scene where the mother sees the military and the preacher walking up the driveway to tell her her sons are dead.
Hardest scene to watch in the whole film. Especially if you have had the duty.
*Shaving Private Ryan. Forget it! Here’s a real war movie from Suomi-Finland* ua-cam.com/video/OGbr-aAnKTo/v-deo.htmlsi=6qLbJuNEXEbNtpfY
The Best Western Ever
Excellent analysis. Shot III has an interesting personal side to it as well. John Wayne takes a moment to place his hand on his elbow as he looks through the door. The gesture was characteristic of actor Harry Carey, whose son, Harry Carey Jr., and whose wife, Olive Carey, were both in The Searchers (as Brad and Mrs. Jorgensen). Harry Carey Sr acted in hundreds of Westerns and many other films, and had passed away by the time The Searchers was shot. So Wayne's gesture was his tribute to him. He hadn't told anyone he was going to do it. Olive Carey had just exited the shot herself and was just off camera, watching, when he did it. She reportedly burst into tears.
Love this movie so much. Saw it at least 50 times. Since I was a Little Girl of 8.
I, too!
yap every time its on TV gotta watch it.
Brilliant! Watching this video after the Fablemans was released is hilarious. Spielberg brought the John Ford scene to life!
One of my favorite films for sure my favorite Western.Saw it as a kid and it`s stuck with me.
Ward Bond deserved an Oscar totally believeable
This essay can only be described as superb.
My favorite movie of all time.
perhaps the first scene you show, Ethan's response is horror because his true love (Martha) and her children died in the flames?
It is also made obvious the both the woman and the eldest daughter were raped and defiled.
@@danielheartfire614 Almost certainly tortured as well.
Brilliantly performed. Outstanding performances. Watched it for the first time with my dad. Had the film on video for years 👍🙋♂️
In the first scene you missed the most important part in my opinion. When he throws the scabbard off his rifle. It’s such a violent act. He is unsheathing his sword and throwing away the scabbard. Bearing naked steel in a vain attempt to save his loved ones. Like he is begging for an enemy to be there so he can channel his grief into killing that enemy.
I totally agree. Take that gesture away and you're left only with two passive bystanders who are unsure what to do. It's like the armswing in tennis, except that the weapon is reaching so far back that there is no swing left to lend it forward momentum. It's only by the strength of his muscles, driven by pure force of will, that he will bring this weapon forward now to where it must strike. It's the only image in this scene that abides. Brilliant.
One of the greatest western movie ever! I loved this movie and every time I watched, it’s getting better and better every time!
Best western movie ever got to audience.
Very well done review. The book "The Searchers" goes into much greater detail about Ford and Wayne. Ford's Navahos, which played Commanche, Apache, whatever he needed in a film, prospered greatly from his repeated movies made there in Monument Valley.
This is a great essay. Thank you very much :-)
Nn du hi
Very well put together, this brings me back to my film school days... Wish they'd given video lectures instead of just lectures.
John Wayne's best role
Rory Gibbons or the cowboys
Buddy Holly seen this flick in 1956 After the movie, he started writing "That'll be the Day".
John Wayne's catchphrase of That'll be the day was his inspiration.
In Harms Way... The Shootist... there are a few where he really shown.
absolutely
Should have got an Oscar for this role.
9:23 and 9:27 and 9:42 incredible compositions that most film directors would miss out on....
Even those who denigrate Wayne as an actor must surely admit that he was terrific in ' The Searchers '. He deserved an Oscar.
Not many Westerns bring tears to my eyes, ( Alan Ladd riding off at the end of ' Shane ' also achieves it ), but when Wayne decides not to kill Debbie, I blub. 'The Searchers ' is a very powerful, beautifully made film, wonderfully acted by a stellar cast. In fact, it is a cinematographic masterpiece.
I really enjoyed your essay Toby. You opened my eyes to things that I saw, but didn't really see, if get my drift. I must now purchase a DVD and add it to my collection.
Have you produced any more essays ?
Good luck.
It is his redemption as a character.
Yeah well I get a bit of 'dust allergies' at the ending when Ride Away plays & the door closes on Ethan. It's sort of made me sad to know he could never quite 'fit in'.
I agree Wayne was more talented that he let on: Witness Quiet Man: Sean Thornton ( a man who accidentally killed his friend while sparring) & She Wore A Yellow Ribbon: Captain Brittles the old warhorse, tries to stop a war using his friendship with Pony who walks--the young bucks on both sides want to fight but both old men know what that will lead to so, they do their best to head off the violence.
Shane Searchers and High Noon are my top favourite westerns.
@@nickmitsialis I love Yellow Ribbon because it may be the only time he truly played against type. Brittles is so much more sensitive and sentimental than his usual characters tend to be.
Interesting analogy. I liked Ur perspective. This is ONE of my FAVORITE films of ALL time!!!
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this movie when I was a kid (still do) but when I was a kid I liked that when they shot their guns it sounded like real guns! 😁
Over the years and still watching this movie, I've come to appreciate other aspects, but one of these has always held my interest. In the opening part of the movie who has noticed that Ethan (John Wayne) has ALOT of body language and looks between Martha (his brothers wife) and himself!!?? ...I think in the story before what is shown in the movie that there may have been a relationship! ...Next time anybody watches this movie watch for these scenes and see what you think?
I think you are absolutely right. It is clear to me that Martha and Ethan have loved each other for years. Remember the scene where she lovingly folds and strokes Ethan's coat? What I have wondered about for some time is why did they not marry? I think the answer is that Ethan did not want a family of his own. He was the essential loner. He seemed awkward and unsure around others, always separate and apart. It was only when he was in action, tracking and fighting Native Americans, or shooting nefarious white men like Futterman, or teaching Martin about Comanche ways, that he was in his element. And yet, I find it sad that at the end, there is no place for Ethan. Yes, he finds Debbie and overcomes his blind hatred, seeing her as the niece he always loved and then brings her back. But now he is alone again. Where would he go? In the opening scene, we hear the lyrics : "What makes a man to wander"? Yes, what does?
@@davedalton1273 ... I always thought their love was a secret love. My guess is Martha and Ethan's brother were already hooked up, they were already married or about two. Ethan's brother in this movie always came off as a mundane man, and we all know girls like the bad boys which was Ethan. And Ethan probably like the relationship but felt some obligation to his brother. Hence the hidden relationship and unfulfilled love! ...😁 And I got that all from a few looks between Ethan and Martha, pretty dramatic!!! **L**
Beautifully analysed, Thank you! John Ford was a cinema genius and blocking master!
i thought the movie as a whole was rather uneven but the final shot is the greatest and most poignant piece of visual art ever created
I have watched it ten times hope to see it ten more.
Very interesting presentation. John Wayne's best film by far. This is the one movie where he really showed that he did indeed know how to act! And that last scene, with Ethan standing in the door frame, then turning and walking away with the Wayne stagger always blows my mind. Even get teary-eyed because its such a beautifully composed scene. I still think its the best cinematographic scene ever (though of course, that is a very subjective statement!)
Thank you Toby - your video essay motivated me to get the movie.
You're very welcome man!
@@TobyKearton Well done !
Excellent job Toby. I have watched this movie numerous times and read the book (The Searchers by Alan Le May) twice, yet had not notices a few details that you point to so well. For example, the "To wonder forever between the winds" was completely lost on me! Well done and thank you :-)
Very good. Well done. Thank you.
Don't you find it odd, that in your three analyses, you never spoke about Ford's use of the horizon? Ford was not just kidding when he lectured Spielberg on the meaning of horizon lines within a frame.
I have a different take on Scene 3. I think Ethan's coming to the door, starting to go in and then walking away symbolized the struggle he still had within himself. He now knows that not all Indians are bad and that it is not wrong to fall in love with one as Laurie and Martin had fallen in love with each other. But he still had the wrong feelings, so he walks away rather than mess up the happiness everyone around him feels since he can't totally feel as they do.
Decided to watch all of his films once I heard him say "WITH THE CAMERA" 😅👍👏👏👏
I just finished watching The Searchers for the very first time.
I figured that if new films are rubbish, I'll watch the greatest old films instead.
A very nice job, amigo, regards from Argentina!
Holy shit Steven spilburg actually mentioned something I’m learning in theatre 🎭 class . With the horizon it’s a huge part of not just film making but acting great video on the western .
Well he learned that from JOHN FORD
Everybody seems to bring up Ethan's "racism" but nobody mentions the Comanches racism...
Well, Ethan and Scar are meant to reflect each other.
@@jordanjoestar-turniptruckAbsolutely, and also Ethan is the main character.
Until you read about the history of the wars between the Comanche and the Apache, the Comanche as shown do not make complete sense. But it makes for a documentary rather than a blockbuster.
You are correct sir..what hypocrites
Also in scene 1: At the end, he flings the buckskin cover off his rifle, like a warrior drawing his sword and casting away the scabbard, signifying a fight to the finish.
One of my absolute most favorite movies. I have the laserdisc of the Serachers and it includes quite a backstory of the Searchers. A town was built for the cast and crew on location. There were also rumors that many of the cast and crew died in later years due to radiation exposure from A-Bomb testing.
I believe the film you refer to is "The Conqueror" directed by Dick Powell, starring Wayne an Susan Hayword. All three had Lung Cancer...and were heavy smokers.
There was never any atomic bomb testing anywhere near Monument Valley.
John Hindsill, Charles Collier: Maybe getting conflated with uranium mining mills in areas of southern Utah and near Monument Valley--workers there have been granted compensation for radiation effects. archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=53364026&itype=CMSID (look at the bottom of the page)
@@johnhindsill1933 Another was Agnes Morehead, but I think I have read that there were many more who probably contracted their cancer from the fallout. The movie was considered Wayne's most ridiculous, miscast role: Genghis Khan.
@@lindajohnson4204 He certainly was. I'm proud to say that I passed on it after seeing the trailer.
Keep in mind the intense hatred between the Comanches and the Texans; more of a personal blood feud kind of thing than the usual kind of hostility between invaders and invaded. Both Texans and Comanches were predatory and gleefully violent and their clash had a special bitterness as seen in this picture. That the Comanches had driven the Apaches, a most formidable people, from Comancheria is a testament to the ferocity of the Comanche. And that the Texans were willing to take the Comanches on is a testament to their ferocity. Though in the end it was the United States Regular Army, not the Texans, that defeated the Comanche.
+Tom Brennan Most historians would say it was the near-extermination of the buffalo by the mid 1870's that defeated the Comanche by destroying their way of life, a life dependant on the buffalo herds. Also, European diseases like smallpox and measles, by the mid 1800's, severely reduced Comanche population.
Yes, all are good points. In the end it was Mackenzie who put paid to the Comanche but that was the end of an involved process.
Very curious that in the movie they talk about TEXICANS and not TEXANS... Is there a subtlety I miss here...? Could anyone enlighten me on this, please?
Ethan has a US Sabre. A Confederate. He has a Congressional Medal of Honour. A US Award. He gives the medal to the child. It doesn't amount to much.. he remarks. No explanation is given. Ford introduces little touches. The Texas Ranger Captain Reverend secures his top hat with a handkerchief before fleeing the hostiles. Unnessary but cinematic genius.
Thanks. The Searchers has many layers. Ford hero's are flawed. Or anti hero's. Long before it was fashionable. Remember Henry Ford stiff commander in Yellow Ribbon. Ward Bond represents the law and God but is realistic to know Ethan is not a Saint.
As a long time Searchers fan, I can say that your video is well done and appreciated. I agree with Scene 3, Wayne is a societal outcast. He can't go into the cabin. His life during and after the Civil War has been based on hate and the attempt to resolve the root causes of that hate. Also, what about the scenes suggesting a romantic relationship between Ethan and his brother's wife. Observe their glances and stares, when she interrupted the Rev. Samuel Clayton from further suggesting that Ethan might be a wanted man, andher caressing his coat, and the fact that when he reaches the burning ranch he calls out for Martha. It is likely that he loved her before the War yet because of Ethan's faults, Martha married the brother but still was carrying the torch for Ethan. The hate for Native Americans is clear right from the beginning with that look Ethan gave Martin at the dinner table, and calling his rescue of Martin "nothing."
r g Totally agree and also the look he throws back to the women who were rescued from the Comanches - Wayne should have received an Oscar for his role in The Searchers.
John Wayne is my HERO 😍🥰
Don’t make them like him anymore 👍
Funny how he made his career as a war hero, yet unlike Stewart or Gable, he never served.
Marion was only a "hero" in West Hollywood 😂
Excellent summary/review.
Dear Mr Kearton, I came across your video essay doing some research on the net about John Ford's techniques in The Searchers. I wanted to tell you how admiring I am of your work, which I will mention (as well as your name) to my students in class tomorrow. Thank you very much for this highly instructive document.
THE best western ever mad period
Thanks you saw today. You made much clearer to me.
Great analysis of the visuals. The visual storytelling is so important to John Ford's films, and the key to what made him such a great filmmaker. You can understand the themes of his films in their complexity even with the audio muted. Good work with this video!
The best ever movie and western
Toby, where did you get that clip of Spielberg talking about meeting Ford?
"With the camera" Legendary!
JOHN FORD; the Great.
We cant give all the credit to the Duke, John Ford helped a little 😊
There may be a day again when we need a "John Wayne". Men of these times stood out. They were memorable and inspiring.
My favorite movie of all time…had to go see Monument Valley because of this movie!
Very insightful review focusing on the story theme and the characters. Good voice over by Toby Kearton. I can always distinguish between Scottish and Irish accent. Irish has a musical, higher-toned, sing-songy cadence. Scottish accents have a more serious and stern quality as though they're quietly trying to convince you of something.
The final john wayne shot of "the man who killed liberty valance" Can have the same analysis I think, except the fact that it's a shot from outside the house
Beautiful essay.
this is a great essay...very well done
You should do an essay about Godless (Netflix) and how it borrow from John Ford and others classics.
An interesting and enjoyable essay and thank you Toby. If I may ask for a clarification, given the specific time period and culture (with emphasis), do you use the word "hatred" as synonymous with righteous indignation? Wondering if Ethan's emotion is being a bit reduced and simplified by now more progressive and modern racial mores. It was indeed the era of "manifest destiny", judge that as we wish.
Even the people around Ethan in the movie get a bit queasy at times at Ethan's intense dislike of Indians.
I mean his adoptive nephew nearly loses out on the love of his life just to stop Ethan from murdering somebody through his blinding hatred
The people that say John Wayne couldn't act needs to watch this movie
Of Course John Wayne Could Act ..... Like John Wayne! ..... And That Was Enough!
One of the most remarkable early days'wild west movie! Kudos to Director, John Ford n John Wayen!Thanks for the outstanding post.Why didn't include,"Butch Cassedy n The Sun Dance Kid",in the select band of classic Western movies?Or Included,only John Ford made Western Movies?
Nice. Sharing with peeps. If I may be so bold, Ethan’s madness is predicated by the civil war. Having seen horrors unimaginable as a soldier, he returns to the family fold only to have the horrors pursue him there. That is the meaning of scene 1. That is what drives him mad. Also, the Indians are not taking the road less traveled for cinematic effect but to stay out of rifle shot. Finally, “won the battle but not the war” is not applicable to the man.All he does is fight battles. He is a Paladin.
thank you kindly
I think said by Hank Worden who in the Searchers plays the kindly fool.
The more I find out about this film, the greater it seems. I've read the book by Alan Le May and would highly recommend it. John Fords adaptation is, well words are not good enough. My only regret is that I've never seen it on a cinema screen. Would look great.
Meni najbolji western film
It is worth noting that in the original screenplay (by Frank S. Nugent) Ethan, in the climatic scene, levels his gun at Debbie and says, "I'm sorry girl. Shut your eyes," pauses, lowers his gun and says, "You sure do favor your mother."
Mose was the "idiot" but he was right about the folly of leaving the family unprotected, and then put Ethan onto the Mexican who could bring him to Scar, and then finally alerted Martin to the whereabouts of Scar's campsite. At the end, Ethan was alone and adrift, and still had a murder charge over his head.
I wonder why no one ever figured that horses can not survive very well in the Arizona/Utah desert? I guess mules would not be as romantic for the Duke to ride on.
Excellent analysis,my friend........
very good job!
Was there ever a more beautiful man than Jeffrey Hunter in the Searchers?
You could say he was a God ..... Oh,Yeah He Was!
Good presentation...but if John Ford himself was to critique it, he wouldn't be amused. In fact, Ford hated film scholars and interviewers, he never liked talking about his career or impact on cinema itself. To him it was simply a job and he thought of himself as a shy craftsman.
If he had his life to do over again, he would rather have exchanged the fame and glory for a career in the Navy!
Having spent some 40 years in HOLLYWOOD myself as both a writer and studio historian, I was fortunate enough to meet and learn from the old-timers and appreciate their work having spent a childhood growing up watching their movies and TV shows.
THE SEARCHERS was Ford's masterpiece and Monument Valley was surely John Ford country, and because of that very few westerns were ever shot there by anyone else. The scene II in the above video with that prominent and so majestic rock where the Indians are flanking the Duke and his party, that one rock is the most iconic piece of scenery I have ever seen in any movie.
Ford had shot two other of his westerns in front of it - FORT APACHE and CHEYENNE AUTUMN, but none as better as the Vista-Vision splendor of this one.
For anyone interested in searching for what I call "THE SEARCHERS ROCK" -you'll have a hard time finding it, and I only found out by hiring a Navajo guide who works as a part-time location scout. I had a rough idea by using Google Earth, even the folks at the famous Goulding's Lodge didn't know precisely where it was... and the irony is my favorite rock was located on the other side of the canyon behind Goulding's.
It still looks majestic, but if you're lucky like I was you'll see it best in all it's glory with a sunny blue sky filled with clouds the way it was shot. There's a lot more sand banked up to it, and it's actually smaller than I thought, but again everything on film looks bigger doesn't it...
THE SEARCHERS is the most iconic movie ever made in Monument Valley, but the cave at the end of the film -well that's located right where I live in Los Angeles, in Griffith Park, some may remember it from the original INVASION OF THE BODYCATCHERS and TV shows like BATMAN.
This is a very good review.
Maybe Akira Kurosawa gets at least a mention somewhere, lol. Ford did openly credit Kurosawa, no real reason for you to ignore him. (Otherwise a really fine video, thanks!)
the ending when he walks away into the desert reminds me of Rambo 2 when the hero walks away in the same manner...mabey a John Ford copy eh?
Coppola final scene in Godfather had door shutting. Copied The Searchers final scene.
Wouawwww avec les chevaux ils vont trop vite c geniallllll
great job on this man
Good stuff
Also I've mentioned this in a couple of other videos that I've watched on this but haven't here the book that this movie is based off of it's a Lewis Lamar book and it goes into so much more detail on the characters it's a really good read if you haven't read it my dad used to read it to me as a bedtime story
My second favorite western behind Unforgiven
At a little bit before and after 11:00 we are inadvertently getting a visual lesson on the differences of riding styles of the Comanche (and all plains tribes) and the Texans (or non Indians). The Comanche are riding in a single file, so that it is harder for their enemies to ascertain how many are in the party or group. The Texans are riding side by side (a style also favored by cavalry) making it easier for trackers to figure out how many in the party or group. -mikenotpaula.
Hence the expression: Indian file ...
I was born in 1956 and never watch westerns. Jeffrey hunter I only remember him in Star Trek , Vera Miles only when she scream in psycho. Ward Bond -never knew he exist, but John was the duke. Green Beret and some WW2 movies. Now as I watch I can appreciaate these movies, Amazing to see Peter Graves- the professor gilligan island, and other
There is an excellent book by Glenn Frankel on the making of The Searchers.
how often the homeless is ETHAN
Ulubiony actor
Dodgers cap on John Ford's head...fucking-A that's an awesome sight.
Ethan, as with Comanche he shot the eyes out of his head, doomed to ride the winds which will keep him forever outside of civilization and Heaven.