Movie Review: The Horse Soldiers (1959)

Genre: Western  

Director: John Ford  

Starring: John Wayne, William Holden, Constance Towers  

Running Time: 120 minutes  

Synopsis: During the Civil War, Union Colonel John Marlowe (John Wayne) is tasked with leading a brigade deep into Confederate enemy territory to destroy a key rail supply hub. Regimental surgeon Major Henry Kendall (William Holden) is attached to Marlowe's unit, and the two men immediately clash. Once in Confederate territory, Marlowe tangles with plantation owner Miss Hannah Hunter (Constance Towers), who exaggerates her hospitality in order to aid the enemy. She becomes Marlowe's prisoner, further complicating the mission.

What Works Well: This expansive western tackles multiple thorny wartime themes, often with unexpected sensitivity. The conflict between hurting and healing is exemplified by Wayne's gruff soldier and Holden's dedicated medicine man, but Wayne also gets to reveal plenty of pain when his troops are excelling at mayhem. Constance Towers matches the two men in a complex role transitioning from overbearing hostess to spy and then love interest. Elsewhere examples of heart, chivalry, and in-the-moment decision-making animate the accommodating plot (based on real events) of a dangerous mission deep in enemy territory.

What Does Not Work As Well: The narrative suffers from episodic choppiness, exposing the lack of a unifying theme beyond the obvious chaotic brutality of war. The conflict between Marlowe and Kendall is too obvious, and the soldiers' collective inability to control Hannah at critical moments is just a tired plot device.

Key Quote:

Hannah (offering a plate of chicken while revealing ample cleavage): Do you prefer the leg... or the breast?

Marlowe: I've had quite enough of both, thank you.

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