The Searchers is a 1956 American epic Western film directed by John Ford and written by Frank S. Nugent, based on the 1954 novel by Alan Le May. It is set during the Texas–Indian wars, and stars John Wayne as a middle-aged Civil War veteran who spends years looking for his abducted niece, accompanied by his adopted nephew. It was shot in VistaVision on Eastmancolor negative with processing and prints by Technicolor.
Theatrical release poster by Bill Gold
"I figure on gettin' myself un-surrounded," insists Captain Clayton to Ethan as they realize they are caught in a trap and must run for their lives.
Martin shields Ethan's niece to prevent Ethan from murdering her.
C.V. Whitney Pictures, Inc. trade magazine ad promoting the Native American casting of The Searchers
John Martin Feeney, known professionally as John Ford, was an American film director and producer. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and was one of the first American directors to be recognized as an auteur. In a career of more than 50 years, he directed over 140 films between 1917 and 1965, and received six Academy Awards including a record four wins for Best Director for The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), How Green Was My Valley (1941), and The Quiet Man (1952).
Ford in 1946
The Searchers (1956)
Ford in 1973
John Wayne and James Stewart