Rio Grande, the last of John Ford's 'Calvary Trilogy' is a triumphant paen to the US Calvary and a great romance between John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara and a wonderful showcase of the great character actors who are at the heart of all Ford's films. This movie has drama, romance, beautiful photography and great music by the Son's of the Pioneers. Their version of the "Down by the Glenside" still sends chills up my spine as well as tears to Victor McLaglen, the redoubtable Sergent Major timothy Quincannon and Wayne's ever present comrade in arms from, the bloody Shenendoah campaign of the Civil War, when they burned down the estranged Mrs. Yorke's beloved Bridesdale. The country that had lately been torn apart, was being brought together as former Johnny Rebs like Travis Tyree (Ben Johnson)and Yankees like Lt.Col. Kirby Yorke fought together along America's western frontier. A wonderful screen chemistry between Wayne and O'hara, and some understated, economic emoting, rather than sappiness or corn make this a distinguished film, a highlight of Ford's great career.
Review of Rio Grande
