THE SEARCHERS

US, 1956, 119 minutes, Colour.
John Wayne, Vera Miles, Jeffrey Hunter, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood.
Directed by John Ford.

The Searchers is now considered one of John Ford's finest films. Many books have been written about him, so detailed material on the film is fairly readily available. John Wayne is at his best (his Ford films include Stagecoach, Wagonmaster, The Quiet Man, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, amongst many others). The film has strong family issues as well as those of the West.

1. This film is considered a classic Western. Why? Do you think it is a classic? Why?

2. What picture of the West does this film give, of the country, the landscapes, settlers, the aftermath of the war, families, happiness, fears, the Indians, the Indian fighters, etc.? Is this what Texas in the 1870's was really like?

3. Did Ethan Edwards fit into this kind of West - opening and closing the door on him at the beginning and the end; a loner from the war; not able to settle; his ideas about the Commanches; his harsh streaks? How did he contrast with his brother, the Reverend Captain and the others?

4. What values did Ethan stand for? What American values?

5. How did Ethan change during the years of the search - for the better? His changing relationship with Marty? His attitude towards Debbie?

6. Why were the searchers so obsessed with finding Debbie, even if she had become a Commanche? How much vengeance was there?

7. What did the search itself show of life and attitude in the West - the seasons, distances, dangers, long journeys, the passing of years, loneliness, greedy people, helpful people?

8. How were the Indians presented in the film - wandering and marauding Commanches, peaceful Commanches. massacres? Ethan's and Marty's treatment of Debbie. her place as a Commanche, Scar? Indian dignity, rights, relationship with whites?

9. The Captain - his friendship. command. religious duties, ranger work? The Jorgensons as a family? Charlie, Mose, etc.?

10. Marty - part Indian. his growing up during the search. the effect on him of Ethan, Laurie, Debbie?

11. Laurie - a strong-headed heroine, a woman's loneliness. the letter. the wedding, the fight?

12. The technique of the letter-illustrated, the psychological effect of the passing of time?

13. Debbie and the effect of the kidnap on her? Her life with the Commanche? Why did she want to leave at the end?