The Searchers

The Searchers (1956) starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Directed by John Ford. In 1868 in Texas, a family is wiped out by Comanche Indians; Ethan Edwards (Wayne) and his "nephew" Marty (Hunter) go in search of his two nieces, who were kidnapped by the Comanches. But after years of searching, when they finally do find his youngest niece, Debbie (Wood), she's "no longer white" because she has been made the wife of a Comanche chief, Scar. Edwards is prevented from killing her by Marty, and they lose track of her again. This is a fine Western, beautifully photographed and shot amid gorgeous scenery. Wayne said this was his favorite of all the many Westerns he made with Ford directing. English subtitles are available, as well as closed captions. Grade: B+