The Horse Soldiers
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.20 You Save: $10.78 (72%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.96 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Horse Soldiers
Movie Review: Not that kind of engineer.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Horse Soldiers DVD
John Wayne stars as the Union Colonel Grierson in John Ford's dramatization the Union's Grierson's Raid in 1863 ( Grierson led Grierson's Raid in 1863, a major diversionary thrust deep into the Confederacy, ordered by General Grant as part of his Vicksburg Campaign. He departed from La Grange, Tennessee, on April 17, in command of 1,700 men of the 6th and 7th Illinois and the 2nd Iowa Cavalry regiments. Over 17 days, his command marched 800 miles, repeatedly engaged the Confederates, disabled two railroads, captured many prisoners and horses, and destroyed vast amounts of property, finally ending in Baton Rouge on May 2. More importantly, he diverted the attention of the Confederate defenders of Vicksburg away from General Grant's main thrust. He was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in June. In 1864 he was assigned to the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Mississippi and in 1865 he took part in the campaign against Mobile. On March 2, 1867, Grierson received a brevet promotion to the rank of major general in the United States Army for his famous raid.) William Holden plays a Union doctor at odds with Grierson.
Highly recommended for fans of John Wayne, Cilvil War era movies and William Holden.
Gunner, April, 2008
Movie Review: Lost Opportunity
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a Civil War nut, and have seen this film several times, actually. For a Hollywood movie, this is about as authentic as it gets. Yes, the character representing Benjamin Grierson has both a name and civilian occupation difference, and there was neither a commander/doctor conflict nor a romance on the Grierson raid (at least that we know about), but John Ford went a long way to try to make this movie look somewhat accurate, at least. First of all, it was filmed in the approximate areas where the actual events took place. Secondly, it shows the Union commander (Col. Marlowe) splitting his forces and making some of them turn back north to try to deceive rebel forces - which also actually happened. Thirdly, the film uses many black extras who were "local citizens." My only real problems with this movie were its presenting the Grierson raid as having a bit more battle action than it actually did, and that the movie left the "romance" nuts (of which I am also one) wondering whether Col. Marlowe and Hannah Hunter ever did get back together after the war was over. In this sense, I have always wished that John Ford had seen fit to make a sequel, but then I also realize that when it came out, it barely broke even at the box office - so I understand why any director would be reluctant to do a sequel.Movie Review: The Civil War according to the Duke
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember the advertisement to The Horse Soldiers today as if the movie was just being released. Way back in 1960, the newspaper ads and trailer all bragged of the big showdown between the Duke, and costar, William Holden.Unfortunately, even at 10 years old, the big showdown was more of a letdown, but that is the only negative aspect of this fine, actioner picture, which was directed by the great, John Ford. This was the only Ford picture set during the Civil War, and he did a masterful job. The story line was simple,Union Colonel Wayne leads soldiers deep into Rebel territory, and Holden as the liberal Army Doctor, whose beliefs often conflict with the Duke's. As in many Wayne-Ford pictures, there are many magic little moments in this picture which all combine to a thrilling and heart-stopping conclusion. I firmly recommend the Horse Soldiers,especially on DVD. If you have never seen it in wide-screen format, you are in for a real treat. If you are a John Wayne fan from way back, but have already seen The Horse Soldiers, mount up and join the cavalry ride one more time. And who knows, you may even sing along with them this time.Movie Review: True story, well-produced
Summary: 5 Stars
About one year before John Wayne got his chance to produce a film based upon a true story, he made this interesting and colorful Civil War epic, which now begs for an oversized flatscreen and surround sound.
I have an old 19 incher or so, but the headphones jack came in handy, especially in the scene when the horse soldiers rode at full speed over that bridge. Fifty years John Ford got a better sound than what I hear on present day CDs by the big names.
It's been written that Ford ordered a "dry set", but that didn't stop Wayne in one of his greatest scenes: in an earlier great scene, he speaks to a dying Union man; he then reapirs to the bar and throws down, and throws away, shot after shot, mad at himself and at Doctors, in general. Holden could not help the boy, but the Duke relives his wife's suffering, as he watches him pass. Anyone who says JW was strictly a character actor, should reference this scene.
Found the Military School scene a bit vague...and Marlowe's confession of love a bit unconvincing. Thought that the final scenes were tired and that the fadeout should have been on John Wayne.
The movie remains a Classic to me, even with these minor issues.
Movie Review: A late John Ford classic
Summary: 5 Stars
The Horse Soldiers is a later John Ford cavalry movie in which he joined with John Wayne. Based on a true story, the movie is about a behind the lines mission for Union colonel Marlowe and his cavalry brigade. They are sent deep into enemy territory to destroy an important depot so that the siege of Vicksburg can end sooner. There are well-done action scenes throughout as well as some humor in a few scenes.John Wayne stars as Colonel Marlowe and is his usual great self. William Holden stars as Major Kendall, a doctor sent along on the mission who cannot get along with the Duke. It is revealed in the movie why Marlowe hates doctors so much. Constance Towers stars as Miss Hannah Hunter, a Southern belle forced to accompany Wayne and his men. Ken Curtis and Hank Worden are excellent as two of Duke's scouts with Denver Pyle and Strother Martin hilarious in a scene as two Confederate hillbillies. The DVD offers a cleaned up version with trailers added on. An excellent and exciting Duke classic well worth the price!