Blu ray review: The Horse Soldiers (1959)

This exciting historical action drama from John Ford features John Wayne with William Holden in the lead roles. Kino Lorber has released a 4K remaster with an optional commentary track.

At the time of its release, The Horse Soldiers opened at number one, but ended up a box office disappointment because it was such of an expensive production (including the two actors’ lofty salaries). Holden is said to have clashed with Ford regularly. Wayne distracted by making preparations for The Alamo in which he would star and also make his directorial debut after completing this project. And, a stunt man was killed in a fall from a horse during filming, upsetting Ford considerably.

However, now, over 60 years later, the film stands as John Ford’s only Civil War drama (not counting a segment of How The West Was Won) that includes a cameo by veteran cowboy actor Hoot Gibson in his last film, and a supporting cast that features African American tennis star Althea Gibson in her only movie (save for a brief cameo in Robert Altman’s The Player). Reportedly, Althea Gibson did not like that her dialog was written in stereotypical vernacular and insisted it be rewritten. The usually stubborn Ford respected her wishes. He also arranged that her scenes be shot in Hollywood, realizing that if she accompanied them on location in segregated Atlanta, she would have to stay in a different hotel than the other actors.

Historians will likely find a lot of problems with this story based on Grierson’s Raid in 1863, but for a layperson it works well. There is a lot of color and action and John Ford’s vast establishing shots use the widescreen process quite effectively. The connections between John Wayne and William Holden’s character offset the connection between Wayne and female lead Constance Towers. The action is good, and is enhanced by a rousing music score.

Kino Lorber’s 4K remaster is quite beautiful, and the commentary by John Ford expert Joseph McBride is informative, enlightening, and entertaining.

The Horse Soldiers should probably rank much higher among John Wayne’s collaborations with John Ford, but both were reportedly disappointed with the finished film and its lack of box office success. The film is absorbing, exciting, and entertaining at a level that makes it a highly recommended blu ray purchase.

The blu ray can be ordered at this link: HORSE SOLDIERS