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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 8429
Released: May 8, 2001 |
| Our Price: $2.99 |
| Used Price: $2.98 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
John Wayne teams with William Holden and eminent western director John Ford for this frontier actioner "packed with laughter, romance and thrills" (The Hollywood Reporter)! Written by John LeeMahin and Martin Rackin, this faithful representation of one of the most daring cavalry exploits inhistory is both a moving tribute to the men who fought and died in that bloody war and a powerful, action-packed drama.Based on an actual Civil War incident, The Horse Soldiers tells the rousing tale of a troop of Union soldiers who force their way deep into Southern territory to destroy a rebel stronghold at Newton Station. In command is hardbitten Colonel Marlowe (Wayne), a man who is strikingly contrasted by the company's gentle surgeon (Holden) and the beautiful but crafty Southern belle (Constance Towers) who's forced to accompany the Union raiders on perhaps the most harrowing mission in the war.
Description of The Horse Soldiers:
This latter-day sort-of Western from John Ford--falling midway between The Searchers and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance--is a crisp retelling of a true-life episode from the Civil War. In 1863 a Union colonel named Grierson (Marlowe in the film, and John Wayne by any name) led his cavalry several hundred miles behind Confederate lines to cut the railroad between Newton Station and soon-to-be-embattled Vicksburg. Grierson's Raid was as successful as it was daring, and remarkably bloodless. Never fear that the screenplay makes up for that un-Hollywood lapse--as well as supplying amatory distraction for the colonel in the form of a feisty Southern belle (Constance Towers) who has to be dragged along to protect secrecy.
There's a certain amount of bombast in the running arguments about wartime ethics between Marlowe and the new regimental surgeon (William Holden), who don't take to each other at all. But Ford more than makes up for it with such tasty scenes as an encounter with a couple of redneck Rebel deserters (Denver Pyle and Strother Martin), an ethereal swamp crossing led by a cornpone deacon (Hank Worden), and above all the famous skirmish with a hillside full of grade-school cadets from a venerable military academy. The film ends rather abruptly because Ford abandoned a climactic battle scene--the veteran stunt man and bit player Fred Kennedy having been killed in a horse fall. Golden-age cowboy star Hoot Gibson, who acted in Ford's directorial debut, Straight Shooting, appears as Sergeant Brown. --Richard T. Jameson
The Horse Soldiers Reviews:
Possibly my favorite John Wayne flick 
2009-09-23 - John Wayne's a bit before my time so I was late getting on The Duke wagon. At first, I admit, that I didn't really like him (I lean more to the likes of Eastwood, Heston, Rambo and Thomas Jane) but I slowly came to appreciate his unique presence & vibe.
Of the approximately 25 Wayne films I've seen some of my favorites include: "The Cowboys" ('72), "El Dorado" ('66), "North to Alaska" ('60), "The Shootist" ('76), "The Conqueror" ('56) and "The Horse Soldiers" ('59). Okay, I'm just jokin' about "The Conqueror" (LOL) but John Ford's "The Horse Soldiers" is definitely one of my favorites.
THE STORY: Loosely based on Col. Grierson's 1863 Cavalry raid behind Confederate lines, The Duke leads a cavalry force deep into rebel territory to cut off supply lines to Vicksburg, Mississippi, which was being attacked by Gen. Grant. Along for the ride is a medical officer (William Holden) who is at odds with Wayne. As their journey progresses they are forced to acquire a troublesome Southern belle (Constance Towers).
Although the film has some expected dated aspects, like the dreadful opening song (almost on a par with "North to Alaska"), "The Horse Soldiers" holds up well, highlighted by authentic Southern locations -- filmed in Mississippi, Louisianna and Texas.
What works best is the story and characters. The conflict between Wayne and Holden adds tension and is entertaining, but you just know they'll likely come out of this venture highly respecting one another. Needless to say, Wayne and Holden have great chemistry. Some complain about the Southern belle but she's a good touch and, really, there are no romantic dallyings to speak of (until the very end, that is).
"The Horse Soldiers" is one of those film you enjoy seeing no matter how many times you've seen it. It plainly shows the horrors of war but, somehow, it ultimately manages to be enjoyable and even uplifting.
This ranks with the best Civil War pictures, along with "Gods & Generals" (2003), "Glory" (1989), "Ride with the Devil" (1999) and "Pharaoh's Army" (1995).
True story, well-produced
2009-08-16 - 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.
Entertaining Civil War Story - Raid led by the Duke 
2009-02-19 - Based mostly on historical events, the Horse Soldiers tells the story about a Union Cavalry raid deep into Rebel country. The plot is pretty good with John Wayne leading the action. William Holden plays the doctor who opposes the Duke on more than one occasion. Their interaction is solid, and adds a nice edge to the movie.
A few of the plot twists are a bit odd, to include the love interest, but the action scenes more than make up for this diversions. The final battle scene is especially well done. My kids loved it.
If you like John Wayne movies, the Horse Soldiers is a solid choice. It will keep you entertained throughout.
The Horse Soldiers
2008-06-16 - This is a Hollywood version of real events that took place during the Vicksburg Campaign in 1863. While there is a lot of Hollywood flair, the events of the raid and the impact on the fall of Vicksburg are well documented. All in all it is quite enjoyable and great for a rainy afternoon.
I Left My Home,I Left My Love,For The U.S. Cavalry
2008-06-16 - Based on a true incident during the Civil War,Horse Soldiers,a spectacular cavalry film from the great John Ford,starring John Wayne and William Holden who make up pretty good rivals locking horns throughout the movie,the Duke also locking horns with sexy actress Constance Towers,as a slow gradual love is brewing.Plenty of action and battle scenes,true to realistic,Horse Soldiers is a helluva cavalry picture.Look for Ken Curtis(Festus on Gunsmoke)Curtis also played parts in a few other John Wayne movies.This MGM dvd is 16x9 widescreen and remastered with good sound and picture,a must for your John Wayne,John Ford cavalry collection.
