It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

USA 1949 English (Colour); Western (RKO); 103 minutes (PG certificate)Crew includes: John Ford (Director); Frank Nugent, Laurence Stallings (Screenwriters); John Ford, Merian C. Cooper (Producers)Cast includes: John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar, Ben Johnson, Harry Carey, Jr., Victor McLaglen, Mildred Natwick, George O'Brien, Arthur ShieldsAcademy Award: Cinematography - ColourThe final mission of a retiring cavalry captain (Wayne) is complicated by his being tasked to deliver to safety his commanding officer's wife and her niece (Dru), the latter a distraction for two rival army lieutenants.Playing 20 years older (he was 41), one of Wayne's more affecting performances; McLaglen memorable as a drunken sergeant.

News of General Custer's historic defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn has swept across the west and there is a feeling that another such victory for the Native Americans could set back US settlement of the West. One place to hear the news is Fort Starke where Captain Nathan Brittles is only six days from retirement. He is given an order to go out on patrol to deal with a combined Indian force that has left the reservation. He is also to escort the wife and niece, Olivia, of the commanding officer to the stage coach so they can return east. Things are further complicated by two young lieutenants both having feelings for Olivia.This classic western is a good example of the genre even if it does seem dated in some ways. John Wayne does a fine job as the Captain approaching the end of his career and Joanne Dru is likable as the spirited Olivia; it is not difficult to see what lieutenants Cohill and Pennell see in her. Some humour is provided by Victor McLaglen who plays Sergeant, Quincannon… although sometimes the character becomes more of a caricature of a drunken Irishman and the bar room brawl where several soldiers try to arrest him is just embarrassing. Monument Valley provides a great backdrop for the story. The finale was a pleasant surprise; I was expecting the 'savage' Indians would be gunned down by the 'heroic' US Cavalry but the Cavalry prevents an attack on their fort without any further deaths. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of the genre; it may show its age but it is still a classic.

A few days before his retirement, Captain Nathan Brittles (John Wayne) leads his cavalry patrol as they escort the wife and niece of his commanding officer to safety. In addition to the dangers posed by Indians, there is the romantic drama stirred up by two young officers (John Agar, Harry Carey, Jr.) both vying for the attention of pretty Joanne Dru.John Ford's second film in his classic cavalry trilogy is my favorite of the three. It's a beautiful-looking film with stunning technicolor. Just absolutely jaw-dropping. One of the best-looking westerns I've ever seen. Also one of John Wayne's finest performances. He really should have been nominated for the Oscar for this instead of Sands of Iwo Jima. He's backed up by an extraordinary cast. Ford regulars like Victor McLaglen, Arthur Shields, and Harry Carey, Jr. are all great. John Agar and Joanne Dru are both fun and likable in the obligatory romantic subplot. Ben Johnson has possibly his best role as Sgt. Tyree.At times moving and eloquent but never slow or unexciting. It's an engrossing western made by a master director and a cast that never misses a beat. It is my second favorite Ford western, behind only his (and Wayne's) masterpiece The Searchers.

This may be a better movie than "Fort Apache".Here's what I liked:Undoubtedly one of Wayne's best career performances. At least as good as in "Red River". Ironic to see him playing a character 20 years older than himself, since he spent the next 15 years playing characters who were 10 to 20 years younger than himself. Thematically sound -- duty, aging, changing of the guard.Colorful Civil War references. Sergeant Tyree (Ben Johnson) is a former high ranking officer in the Confederate army.Ben Johnson is very good as the savvy scout.Monument Valley is stunning. Won an Oscar for cinematography.Fantastic stunt work as usual with the horses and wagons.Great example of John Ford's colorful, sentimental world of military fetish. Ford has a tendency to overdo the comic relief. He gets just about the right balance here. Victor McLaglen doing the heavy comic lifting again.Here's what kept it from being better:The plot is skimpy. They ride to the station to relieve a patrol and drop off two women at the stagecoach station. They come back. They run the Indians horses off. The end. The romantic subplot doesn't work. Joanne Dru looks good, but her character is annoying and gratuitous.There's virtually no heavy. The Indians are not well characterized.That's it. Really enjoyed this movie!! Tough to get eight stars from me!