About

Celebrated for its epic storytelling and stunning VistaVision cinematography, The Searchers is one of the greatest of the great pictures of the American West.

This revered 1956 Western, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, follows Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards as he embarks on a relentless quest to rescue his kidnapped niece from a Comanche tribe. As Ethan ventures through the rugged landscape, his obsessive determination raises complex questions about morality, racism and redemption.

Breathtaking in Technicolor and VistaVision, The Searchers offers an unparalleled visual experience. The format captures the majestic Monument Valley in its entirety, bringing the stark beauty of the frontier to life. Ford's meticulous use of light and shadow adds depth to the film’s powerful imagery, which complements the introduction of a darker ambivalence to the Western genre that remains fashionable today.

Praised by critics and beloved by audiences, The Searchers is often hailed as one of the greatest Westerns ever made. Its influence extends beyond the genre, shaping the course of American cinema and was cited as a major influence on George Lucas for the more Western elements of his space opera. John Wayne's performance is also widely regarded as one of his finest, bringing a complex, nuanced portrayal to the iconic character of Ethan Edwards.

DIRECTOR: John Ford

CAST: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen

YEAR: 1956

COUNTRY: USA

PROJECTION FORMAT: 4K digital

DURATION: 119 mins