A Mormon wagon train hires ragged horse traders Travis Blue (Ben Johnson) and Sandy Owens (Harry Carey, Jr.) as their wagon master. They would encounter a stranded wagon of drunken entertainers, Navajo Indians, and the criminal Clegg family on the run from a posse.
This is director John Ford. I expected a lot more. It does have his expansive setting and poetic touches. I don't find it exciting or thrilling. Ben Johnson is probably the biggest name. The only compelling section is when the train is confronted by the Navajo. There is some real tension in that scene which heightens the rest of that section. The Cleggs could be more threatening. Other than some callousness, I don't find them scary. The final shootout is not that shocking or quite frankly not shoot very well. It's all rather matter of fact without the flash. Some people are calling this a masterpiece but I don't see it. It is still pretty good.
This is director John Ford. I expected a lot more. It does have his expansive setting and poetic touches. I don't find it exciting or thrilling. Ben Johnson is probably the biggest name. The only compelling section is when the train is confronted by the Navajo. There is some real tension in that scene which heightens the rest of that section. The Cleggs could be more threatening. Other than some callousness, I don't find them scary. The final shootout is not that shocking or quite frankly not shoot very well. It's all rather matter of fact without the flash. Some people are calling this a masterpiece but I don't see it. It is still pretty good.