The Horse Soldiers
Seen it?1959 | 115 min | Western, War
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Gettysburg or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
A Union Cavalry outfit is sent behind confederate lines in strength to destroy a rail supply center. Along with them is sent a doctor who causes instant antipathy between him and the commander. The secret plan for the mission is overheard by a southern belle who must be taken along to assure her silence.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 61K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Ford
- John WayneCol John Marlowe
- William HoldenMajor 'Hank' Kendall
- Constance TowersMiss Hannah Hunter
- Judson PrattSgt Major Kirby
- Hoot GibsonSgt. Brown
- Ken CurtisCpl. Wilkie
- Willis BoucheyCol. Phil Secord
- Bing RussellDunker, Yankee Soldier Amputee
- O.Z. WhiteheadOtis 'Hoppy' Hopkins
- Hank WordenDeacon Clump