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The Horse Soldiers Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 13 Reviews)

A Boisterous, Rollicking Civil War Movie!
I first saw "The Horse Soldiers" when I was 12 years old, and I've loved it ever since. In the spring of 1863, during the Civil War, Colonel Benjamin Grierson was sent on a cavalry raid through the Confederacy. Its purpose was to distract the Confederates from the attack General Ulysses S Grant was planning on Vicksburg. This 1959 John Ford movie is loosely based on that incident, with John Wayne playing the Grierson role. William Holden plays the Army surgeon to whom Wayne takes an instant dislike. Also present here is the usual cast of characters from the John Ford stock company: Ken Curtis, Hank Worden, Jack Pennick and many more. It's probably fair to categorize this as a "guy's movie," since in some ways it has the feel of a boys' camping trip. While the Civil War looms large throughout Ford's films, this is the only full-length Civil War movie he ever made. (Trivia: the original ending of this movie was to have John Wayne ride triumphantly into New Orleans. But during the filming one of the stuntmen died and Ford lost interest in the movie, so the scene was dropped, giving it a slightly incomplete feeling.) A darn good movie, worth seeing more than once!

One of the Greats!
This John Wayne movie is truly one of his best! John Wayne is truly fantastic! He should have won an Academy Award for this performance! This movie is a must see for any Wayne fan!

Civil War Riders.
Undoubtedly John Houston is one of the greatest film directors of all times. He had a special knack to imprint a galloping rhythm to his movies, most adequate virtue for making "The Horse Soldiers" (1959).

The film based on Harold Sinclair's historical novel of the same title recounts the foray of a Union's Brigade into Confederate territory.
In command of this column is Col. Marlowe and attached to his staff is regimental surgeon Maj. Kendall. Both men are strong headed and will clash since the very begging of the raid.
To add some more stress into the picture the detachment has to carry an unwilling and hostile Southern Lady.

The film contains some wonderful and emotive actions scenes. To be noted the charge of the Rebs into the town controlled by Marlowe's troop and the Military Academy's child-soldiers marching in line with unflinching decision.
The numerous cavalcades underlined by joyous marching songs are a pleasure to see.

John Wayne and William Holden put into action all their charisma and acting experience to flesh the two main characters. Constance Towers as Miss Hannah Hunter of Greenbriar display a very good acting piece; starting as a Country Lady trying to deceive her enemies and ending as a compromised acting nurse to the soldiers around her.
The rest of the cast is great in their supporting roles. Special mention is deserved by Hoot Gibson in his picturesque Sgt. Brown.

A great film to be enjoyed by general public and a special treat for Houston fans as me.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

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