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The Horse Soldiers John Wayne teams with William Holden and eminent western director John Ford for this frontier actioner "packed with laughter, romance and thrills". This is a faithful representation of one of the most daring cavalry exploits in the history is both a moving tribute to the men who fought and died in the 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 thier way deep into Southern territory to destroy a rebel stronghold at Newton Station. In command is hardbitten Colonel Marlowe, a man who is strikingly contrasted by the company's gentle surgeon 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. As a war buff, I loved these old, simple movies. As a collector, I had to have this classicRead full review
When I was a ten year kid I saw The HORSE SOLDIERS at the State Theater in Spartanburg, S.C. Needless to say, the movie had a profound impact on this young Rebel. It was a great historical cavalry movie then and it still is to this day. Colonel Grierson's 'Yankee' cavalry were to undertake a daring mission deep inside Confederate territory in Alabama and Mississippi by destroying the rail junction at Newton Station. In 1863, this was the major rail line supplying Vicksburg. John Wayne, who will forever be one of my all-time heroes, plays Colonel Marlowe (representing Col. Grierson)and through his dogged determination that he plans to see this mission through to the end. Just perhaps, this mission could help shorten the war and bring this bloody civil war to an end. Then he would be able to go back to his line of work which was building railroads instead of destroying them. But this is war and the locomotive and rail cars, as well as the cotton bales, and telegraph lines, along with the ties and rails were considered part of that war contraband fit for destruction. All of this was accurately depicted in the movie, especially the manner in which the 'Yankees' destroyed the rails after heating them over a bonfire. Sets the stage for 1864 and Sherman's march on Atlanta and through Georgia. While teaching a History Warfare class at Spartanburg High School, I would use clips from certain movies so as to cover certain aspects of warfare. So, when the 'War of Northern Aggression' was covered in class and besides my notes this movie was shown (VHS version). In this way one could cover the attack at Newton Station, the military academy marching in formation and attacking the 'Yankee' camp, and the final segment with the bridge fight. Oh yes, the students always got a kick out of the spanking-scene for the young rebel academy student. Now that I have retired, I have a wonderful widescreen version (DVD) for my very own viewing and showing it to my grandson. Of course, I can use those same segments when I cover 'The War Between the States' in my U.S. History class at Spartanburg Community College. As one should be able to read between the lines, this is a war story of the first degree. Most enjoyable, great actors playing the various roles, for the North and the South. The photography, the scope of the movie, and the battle scenes fall right into place. I enjoyed it when I was a kid, I enjoyed showing clips to my history students at Spartanburg High School, and I still enjoy it today. I highly recommend this war movie to one and all, and especially to those interested in historical movies, even if Hollywood does move certain things around to help keep the movie flowing. To me, it is just a great movie about a bygone era and about the way Hollywood use to make war movies. Ben LineberryRead full review
For the John Wayne people, this a classic Duke picture. He plays a rough and tumble no nonsense Yankee Commander in the Civil War, taking on the impossible mission behind Confederate lines. William Holden plays the Calvary Surgen who is at constant odds with Wayne, and looks down on him and his command. They end up under the roof of the Souther Bell played by Constance Towers, who is true blue to the South and everything it stands for. With a great dislike for Yankees, she accidently overhears secret plans and must be taken prisoner by Wayne. She does all she can to disrute the Yankees plans, but in the end falls in love with the compassionate nature the John Wayne portrays. Great movie to watch with the entire family.
It's an old movie that I saw long ago and recently on a TV channel called, " GRIT" that has old John Wayne westerns. I usually don't like war movies, but this one has a good story. It's during the civil war. At the end there's a bit of a love story. An unlikely match between a Union Officer and a southern lady. I enjoyed it very much.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It was okay. It doesn't pack the same punch that most horse movies do. They could have chopped about 30 minutes out of this film, and I don't think it would have hurt the story one bit. It reminded me of the French film "A Very Long Engagement" replacing the lovers with a boy and his horse. A few teary moments for me, over all entertaining, but not stellar. Also it didn't have a film quality to it... like it was shot on digital. Does anyone know? Dialect cross over. Everyone in the film whether they were British, French or German, all have the same British accent. It was confusing. Anyway. Sure it's not perfect film making, but it's entertainment none the less. Blessings, Max Rainet. **If you found this information at all helpful, please take a moment to select the "yes" button below. The more people that select the "yes" button, the better the chance this REVIEW is seen by more eBay members.Read full review
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