Most western-lovers would rank this film among the top five westerns of all time. Perhaps even the very best. And THE SEARCHERS: THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN LEGEND by Glenn Frankel does much to help you understand why.
Frankel begins his story with the real life story of Cynthia Ann Parker. In 1836 Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped by Comanches in East Texas. Other family members were killed, but Cynthia was taken and spent years among the Comanches, never really adjusting to the life of a white woman after her return.
Frankel goes on to explore Comanche culture, the fate of the Texas families who came into contact with the Comanches and the story of the people who took Cynthia Ann, in particular.
He then turns his focus to Alan Le May, the author of the novel that told the story, providing a nice biography of his career and how he came to write this book.
And finally we come to John Ford and the movie. He paints an interesting picture of Ford, of Hollywood at the time, and of course, of the movie's star, John Wayne. He explains to us why the film is such a great one. And how Wayne created such an indelible impression in it.
This is a terrific book. The author has a knack for telling you exactly as much as you want to know and presenting it in a interesting way. I have read books like this one before--how they made CASABLANCA for instance. This is by far the most erudite and comprehensive study of a movie I have read. Highly recommended.
7 comments:
I read this and enjoyed it. Similar books have been written on Casablanca, Sunset Boulevard, The Wild Bunch, Chinatown, Goodfellas and The Godfather and I have liked them all. Searchers is as great movie with one or two drawbacks such as Jeffrey Hunter who was a lousy actor.
What an interesting-sounding behind-the-scenes look at the film, Patti! I can see how this appealed to you.
I have read ones on the Making of All About Eve, Seinfled, Mary Tyler Moore and several others. I always enjoy them. Especially when an original story leads to a novel leads to a movie. The layers are interesting.
I'll order this book today! Sounds good!
It does sound good. I remember when THE SEARCHERS went from just a western to being considered one of the greats. I've always liked it. I too have read some of those books. There is one on BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S too.
Would love to read that one.
Cool. Haven't ever read the novel and haven't seen the film since late childhood.
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