Rating: 
Summary: The Duke makes a film for the ladies....
Review: I first saw THE HORSE SOLDIERS when it was released in theaters in the early 1960s. It's one of those rare films Wayne made where he actually got more emotional about the female lead than his horse. If you like John Wayne in a romantic role this is the film to see (or IN HARM'S WAY with Patricia Neal, or THE QUIET MAN or MCLINTOCK with Maureen O'Hara). Wayne is often labeled as an "action hero" and I suppose he was but he was also funny and a great romantic lead when Hollywood let him be one. Sadly, this film may be overlooked because some fans will think it does not have enough action. I believe the female lead is Constance Horner, and the chemistry between Horner and Wayne is fabulous. The addition of Holden made the triangle complete. Wayne an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. He has been assigned to take a calvery unit behind enemy lines to a strategic rail site he is to destroy. The destruction of the rail site will cut off supplies for the enemy and hopefully shorten the war. Wayne is the typical loyal soldier--his is not to question why, his is but to do or die. Holden is a civilian doctor who has been drafted and he hates the war and everything it stands for. He thinks the carnage is unnecessary and that civilized men should be able to settle things in a more humane way. He is of the school "Rich man's war, poor man's fight." Holden dislikes Wayne and vice versa. On the way South, the unit stops at a plantation house. Since they are behind enemy lines and traveling fast they are not accompanied by a supply wagon and they must live off the land. The plantation where they stop is occupied by a young woman and her slave Lukie. The plantation mistress (Horner) overhears a discussion amoung the men about their objective, and being discovered, she is forced to accompany the men South. She becomes Holden's helper in the medical sense, but tries at every opportunity to escape so that she can forewarn her breatheren. The tension between the three main actors is fabulous. Over the course of the film it becomes obvious that although they are diametrically opposed in their thinking, Horner and Wayne are falling in love. Of course the good doctor Holden can see what's happening when they can't. I suppose one thing that makes your heart palpitate a bit, even if you're disabused of the notion that war has it's glorious moments is the beautiful sight of the Union Horse Soldiers. Mounted calvery are one of the most wonderful sights in the world, and when they sing "Round Her Hair She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" well, what can I say. I'm just a romantic at heart.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful transfer to DVD!!
Review: I have been watching this film on video & laserdisc for the last dozen, or so, years. Never have I seen such a fine print! The beautiful technicolors come shining through. The reds, blues, & yellows are all brilliant & vibrant. As for the story, it is a wonderful telling of a union army raid deep into the south, that's based on a true Civil War incident. There is real chemistry between Wayne & Holden. And John Ford's masterful directing skills are evident throughout. Great job MGM on this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: Another winner from Wayne and Ford
Review: I have to dispute Leonard Maltin's claim that this movie would only be rated a "medium" by Ford buffs. As a fan of Wayne/Ford's Western trilogy ("Fort Apache," "Yellow Ribbon," and "Rio Grande"), my opinion is that "The Horse Soldiers" rates up there with them. The movie may not be truthful to the actual events which inspired it, but is thoroughly entertaining. What separates this movie from some of Wayne's others is that Wayne's character is complemented by a strong adversary/ally, played by Holden. Not many actors can match the screen presence of Wayne, but Holden certainly does so.
Rating:
Summary: Great John Wayne Movie
Review: I love this movie. John Wayne's swagger, William Holden's class, and Constance Towers' charm. They all combine to make an excellent Civil War Movie based on an actually raid that pushed deep into the South. The movie of course isn't accurate but that doesn't matter. The drama and action are great and there isn't any silly romance to ruin things. Constance Towers' presence helps in the development of John Wayne's character but doesn't slip into any thing that distracts from the main part of the movie. There are also some great battle scenes. My favorite is the VMI cadet charge. This was also based on a real event that apparently wasn't as big of a deal as in the movie but is still interesting to read about if you get a chance. I recommend this movie to all John Wayne and Civil War movie buffs.
Rating:
Summary: Great John Wayne Movie
Review: I love this movie. John Wayne's swagger, William Holden's class, and Constance Towers' charm. They all combine to make an excellent Civil War Movie based on an actually raid that pushed deep into the South. The movie of course isn't accurate but that doesn't matter. The drama and action are great and there isn't any silly romance to ruin things. Constance Towers' presence helps in the development of John Wayne's character but doesn't slip into any thing that distracts from the main part of the movie. There are also some great battle scenes. My favorite is the VMI cadet charge. This was also based on a real event that apparently wasn't as big of a deal as in the movie but is still interesting to read about if you get a chance. I recommend this movie to all John Wayne and Civil War movie buffs.
Rating:
Summary: The Civil War according to the Duke
Review: I remember the advertisement to The Horse Soldiers today as if the movie was just being released. Way back in 1960, the newspaper ads and trailer all bragged of the big showdown between the Duke, and costar, William Holden.Unfortunately, even at 10 years old, the big showdown was more of a letdown, but that is the only negative aspect of this fine, actioner picture, which was directed by the great, John Ford. This was the only Ford picture set during the Civil War, and he did a masterful job. The story line was simple,Union Colonel Wayne leads soldiers deep into Rebel territory, and Holden as the liberal Army Doctor, whose beliefs often conflict with the Duke's. As in many Wayne-Ford pictures, there are many magic little moments in this picture which all combine to a thrilling and heart-stopping conclusion. I firmly recommend the Horse Soldiers,especially on DVD. If you have never seen it in wide-screen format, you are in for a real treat. If you are a John Wayne fan from way back, but have already seen The Horse Soldiers, mount up and join the cavalry ride one more time. And who knows, you may even sing along with them this time.
Rating: 
Summary: Ford's Interpretation of Grierson's Raid
Review: John Ford was granted license long ago to interpret historical events. After all, he granted it to himself and made no secret of it. Other reviewers are correct that this is Ford's, and John Wayne's, only full length Civil War film, the team's "Shiloh" contribution to _How the West Was Won_ notwithstanding. I have one "if only," but it is a bigee: if only they had left out the insipid, incredible romantic subplot (which adds nothing to plot or picture), this would have been one of the great Civil War movies. I suppose that Ford thought if he didn't add this the ladies would stay away, to which I say, "So what?" With that out of my system, there is still a lot to enjoy in this pic. The usual, Fordian conflicts among strong male characters (notably between Wayne and Holden) are there as are the comic moments ("Now lookee, here. The sun comes up in the east, don't it?" "Well it does in Missouri!" "Well if that's the east, we're ridin' south! Straight into Reb country!"). The plot is standard "dangerous mission" genre. There is lots of action, lots of shooting, and that last obstacle to get by. Wayne's character is interesting. Far from a professional military man, he is a railroad engineer sent, reluctantly, to destroy railroads-- and he has his own reason to hate doctors. Holden is a military doctor with no fear of higher command (Wayne). These two strong personalities play well off one another. Ford has also been unjustly criticized for setting up weak opponents. _The Horse Soldiers_ undercuts that. Nathan Bedford Forrest, an ever lurking presence, dogs the cavalry column which is attacked at least three times. One of these attacks draws from the Battle of New Market (yes, I know that is in Virginia, not Mississippi, where the film is set), and the charge of the VMI cadets in that battle. Visually, the film is magnificent. Even his detractors concede that Ford knew how to do camera work, and he is at his best, here. Great opening song and rousing score. I do come back to my original gripe, though. The Duke did not need a female lead in every film, and it was a mistake to include one, here. Try to ignore that, and enjoy the rest of the film.
Rating:
Summary: Good John Wayne Film
Review: The first time I saw this movie, I thought that it was a pretty good film. I was at my Grandma's house. Her husband who is a John Wayne nut, has the John Wayne scrapbook. I then found the movie in the book and read about it. I thought that it was pretty cool to see John Wayne and William Holden team up. What I find sort of ironic is that, the roll of Constance Towers' maid is played by athlete Althea Gibson, who must have really kicked ... at tennis at that time. Then again though, in 1959, if a black was in a film, they usually were butlers or maids. I am not black, but I get a kick out of that. Now I want to watch this film again to see wether or not the weapons used by the Troopers fit the period or don't, which what I usually end noticing in some of Duke's films.
Rating:
Summary: A late John Ford classic
Review: The Horse Soldiers is a later John Ford cavalry movie in which he joined with John Wayne. Based on a true story, the movie is about a behind the lines mission for Union colonel Marlowe and his cavalry brigade. They are sent deep into enemy territory to destroy an important depot so that the siege of Vicksburg can end sooner. There are well-done action scenes throughout as well as some humor in a few scenes.
John Wayne stars as Colonel Marlowe and is his usual great self. William Holden stars as Major Kendall, a doctor sent along on the mission who cannot get along with the Duke. It is revealed in the movie why Marlowe hates doctors so much. Constance Towers stars as Miss Hannah Hunter, a Southern belle forced to accompany Wayne and his men. Ken Curtis and Hank Worden are excellent as two of Duke's scouts with Denver Pyle and Strother Martin hilarious in a scene as two Confederate hillbillies. The DVD offers a cleaned up version with trailers added on. An excellent and exciting Duke classic well worth the price!
Rating:
Summary: A late John Ford classic
Review: The Horse Soldiers is a later John Ford cavalry movie in which he joined with John Wayne. Based on a true story, the movie is about a behind the lines mission for Union colonel Marlowe and his cavalry brigade. They are sent deep into enemy territory to destroy an important depot so that the siege of Vicksburg can end sooner. There are well-done action scenes throughout as well as some humor in a few scenes.
John Wayne stars as Colonel Marlowe and is his usual great self. William Holden stars as Major Kendall, a doctor sent along on the mission who cannot get along with the Duke. It is revealed in the movie why Marlowe hates doctors so much. Constance Towers stars as Miss Hannah Hunter, a Southern belle forced to accompany Wayne and his men. Ken Curtis and Hank Worden are excellent as two of Duke's scouts with Denver Pyle and Strother Martin hilarious in a scene as two Confederate hillbillies. The DVD offers a cleaned up version with trailers added on. An excellent and exciting Duke classic well worth the price!
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