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Wagon Master [1950]
![Wagon Master [1950]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZVv-m-CGL._SL160_.jpg)
A transcendent allegory of the opening of the frontier, Wagon Master follows no conventional, linear itinerary. The Lord moves in mysterious ways and so does the movie, which begins before it begins (that is, before the opening credits) and ends a few luminous seconds after THE END has come and gone. Storytelling takes a backseat to poetry, with long passages consecrated to savoring faces, landscapes, and raw sunlight. Some of these passages are supported by songs, and sometimes music rises faintly like an auditory mirage borne in from a great distance. The musicality extends to communal dancing, and to the demonic jingling of spurs that signals the appearances of "Uncle" Shiloh Cleggs (Charles Kemper), patriarch of an inbred outlaw clan whose dog-legged journey eventually intersects the wagon train's. In keeping with Ford's vision of civilization and its discontents, Wagon Master is populated mostly by pariahs. Besides the deservedly outcast Cleggses, there are the Mormons, the vagabond horse traders played by Johnson and Harry Carey Jr., a medicine-show troupe, and the first people on the land, the Navajo. As individuals and groups drift and coalesce, then separate and coalesce again in fresh configurations, a new nation gets its footing while marching west--"out across the backlands, where the dust has lain so long...." This is the heart's-core of American cinema. --Richard T. Jameson
RRP: £9.99
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
How is it that John Ford's greatest film remains largely unknown? All right, let's not kick sand on The Searchers, or The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, or Ford's many other masterworks. But the director himself numbered Wagon Master among his personal favorites, and it's an utterly unique and original film no one else could have made. This crusty, eccentric production, slipped in between installments of Ford's Cavalry trilogy, doesn't really star anybody. Ward Bond plays a Mormon elder, a reformed sinner still given to "the words of wrath" who asks a slightly larcenous young horse trader to lead a wagon train through the desert to a valley "the Lord has reserved" for them. The newly anointed wagon master is played by Ben Johnson, an amazing horseman Ford had been bringing along in character roles; at this point Johnson was still getting used to delivering lines, though that's part of his charm and serves his character beautifully.
John Ford couldn't shoot an uninteresting scene if he tried
Review date: 2008-10-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
I was knocked out the first time I saw this movie about 7 years ago and with repeat viewings it becomes richer. I am so glad that it is out on DVD as I have drop-out on my VHS version now.
Wagonmaster is a low key western with immense charm and it creates a sense of community as it takes you along. At times it moves as slowly as Ben Johnson talks, but this gives you time to concentrate on the collectively excellent performances and sublime cinematography. The Sons of the Pioneers music is appropriately used, unlike in Rio Grande where at times it is intrusive. During the scenes when the wagon train is searching for the next waterhole, the music and the cinematography come together in perfect unison and the film becomes art.
I wish John Ford had used Ben Johnson in prominent roles more often.
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Reviews
Wonderful 'forgotton' western.
Review date: 2008-07-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
Wagon Master is an outstanding John Ford Western. Not that much of a story but it does not need it. Great acting. This film gets better the more time it is watched. Showing how a Wagon Train would have looked. Full of interesting and people, there are no real stars and perhaps that is right as the film it's self is the real star!
great western
Review date: 2008-04-24 Rating: 8 out of 10
one of john fords many great westerns, this time without john wayne but with ben johnson and the always entertaining ward bond.
shouldnt be missed if you are a john ford fan.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Charles Kemper
Harry Carey
Alan Mowbray
Ward Bond
Ben Johnson
Creators:
Ben Johnson (Primary Contributor)
Ward Bond (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582545999
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2008-05-05
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 86 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1950