The Horse Soldiers

100% of critics liked it

70% of users liked it

John Wayne, William Holden
In theaters Jan 01, 1959
Unrated, 1 hr. 54 min.

Movie Info

Cast: John Wayne, William Holden, Constance Towers, Althea Gibson, Hoot Gibson, Anna Lee, Russell Simpson, Stan Jones, Carleton Young, Basil Ruysdael
Director: John Ford
Rated: Unrated
Running Time: 1 hr. 54 min.
Genre: Western, Drama, Classics
Theater Release: Jan 01, 1959
DVD Release: May 08, 2001
Synopsis: Based on an actual Civil War mission, Colonel Marlowe (John Wayne) and Major Kendall (William Holden) are ordered by General Grant to take three regiments 300 miles into enemy territory. They must destroy the railroad line between Newton Station and Vicksburg in hopes of choking off supplies to the South. Marlowe encounters a Southern belle loyal to the enemy, and keeps her in sight throughout the journey so she can't warn the Confederates. Kendall, a Northern surgeon, and the crusty Marlowe

Critic Reviews

  • Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
    Lively Western full of events and imagery. More...
  • Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
    Though flawed, John Ford's The Horse Soldiers has a fair amount going for it: the well-oiled partnership of Ford and star John Wayne (and an assist from William Holden); Ford's vivid visual style; and large-scale action. [Blu-ray] More...
  • Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
    Though not one of John Ford-John Wayne's best collaborations, this Civil War Western has some merits, primarily visual, but also thematic in positing the military (Wayne) verus the medical profession (William Holden) in terms of civic and personal duty More...
  • Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
    Fine Wayne and Ford western with equally strong Holden. More...
  • Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
    This is a quintessential John Ford Western. More...
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  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
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  • Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)
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