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ACF#34: The Searchers
Today, I am joined by Prof. John Marini for the first in a series of podcasts on Great Westerns. We start with The Searchers, John Ford’s thematic treatment of the sacred law of the family. American freedom out West and the nature-civilization conflict are treated in parallel in a story that blends comedy and tragedy with an eye to Homer. This is John Wayne’s greatest role and it is an education about human things wrapped into one. Listen and share, friends!
You can find Prof. Marini’s essays for the Claremont Review of Books here. If you’re interested in an erudite conservative book review — this is the best in America, so consider subscribing!
I should add, I am a Publius Fellow at the Claremont Institute — where I met the professor — and if you know any young conservatives with an interest in journalism or public service — this is the best institute they could attend for serious scholarship.
You can find us on iTunes. As always, please give us a review/rating and share our podcasts! Pocketcasts. & soon stitcher.
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Without a doubt his role in The Searchers was his greatest role, and his riskiest role. He was not the lovable, but gruff hero in this film. John Ford and John Wayne had a rich history in film together, and Maureen O’ Hara as well. If someone was to ask me what was the best Western film, my recommendation would be The Searchers. Hands down it is a much more complex movie than High Noon.
& it has such tragic dignity! There are many impressive Westerns, but this one stands out by its tragic tone. Which then makes the comic moments seem quite daring! A rarity.
Are these podcasts available on iTunes?
Yes! Here’s the link! Please take the time to give us a review/rating!
Titus–a humble suggestion. How far ahead do you plan the subjects of these podcasts? If you have a “schedule,” and would like to share, it would give us (me) the opportunity to watch the film ahead of time, while the podcast is still “fresh,” if that’s possible. For example, I’ve seen The Searchers probably five times, but none in recent memory, and could probably stream it for a couple of bucks. The schedule might also be a good promo opportunity. Just a thought.
Will you be doing Once Upon a Time in the West? I fear not.
I don’t have any coconspirators who really go in for Sergio Leone. Might run into one at some point, though…
As for the suggestion–it’s a good idea.
So go watch Liberty Valance for next week!
That works. Perhaps maybe just a “Next time” blurb for the next podcast.
OUATITW isn’t just Leone, it’s uber Leone :)
Really enjoying this discussion.
Your discussion on morality (as I comment in your Liberty thread) reminds me of The Virginian.
Owen Wister writes engagingly about a man who hangs a rustler who is his best friend, and nearly loses his fiancee who cannot see the difference between hanging a law-breaker in a land with no law, and lynching a black man in post-Civil War South.
I’m waiting for my daughter to finish her Latin SAT Subject Test and appreciate this very much.
velle fortuna