THE SEARCHERS
In this cornerstone of American cinema, John Wayne stars as Ethan Edwards, a war veteran seeking revenge and redemption on the American frontier. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Texas, The Searchers follows Ethan’s relentless quest to rescue his kidnapped niece Debbie (Natalie Wood) from a Comanche tribe. Driven by a burning hatred for the Comanches after witnessing their brutal attack on his family’s homestead, Ethan embarks on a perilous and morally complex journey spanning years. Accompanied by his adoptive nephew (Jeffrey Hunter), he confronts not only the harsh wilderness but also his own prejudice and demons. THE SEARCHERS powerfully explores themes of racism, obsession, and the clash of cultures in a changing American landscape. John Ford’s masterful direction, Wayne’s iconic performance, and the film’s breathtaking Technicolor cinematography continue to captivate, making The Searchers a troubling yet vital exemplar of the Western genre and a haunting exploration of the human spirit. THE SEARCHERS will be presented at the 32nd Philadelphia Film Festival on 35MM in celebration of our Sight and Sound 100 series.
CAST: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond
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