Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
John Wayne | ... | Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke | |
Maureen O'Hara | ... | Mrs. Kathleen Yorke | |
Ben Johnson | ... | Trooper Travis Tyree | |
Claude Jarman Jr. | ... | Trooper Jefferson 'Jeff' Yorke | |
Harry Carey Jr. | ... | Trooper Daniel 'Sandy' Boone | |
Chill Wills | ... | Dr. Wilkins (regimental surgeon) | |
J. Carrol Naish | ... | Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan | |
Victor McLaglen | ... | Sgt. Maj. Timothy Quincannon | |
Grant Withers | ... | U.S. Deputy Marshal | |
Sons of the Pioneers | ... | Regimental Musicians (as Sons Of The Pioneers) | |
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Peter Ortiz | ... | Capt. St. Jacques |
Steve Pendleton | ... | Capt. Prescott | |
Karolyn Grimes | ... | Margaret Mary | |
Alberto Morin | ... | Lieutenant | |
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Stan Jones | ... | Sergeant |
Rio Grande takes place after the Civil War when the Union turned their attention towards the Apaches. Union officer Kirby Yorke is in charge of an outpost on the Rio Grande in which he is in charge of training of new recruits one of which is his son whom he hasn't seen in 15 years. He whips him into shape to take on the Apaches but not before his mother shows up to take him out of there.The decision to leave is left up to Trooper Yorke who decides to stay and fight. Through it all Kirby and Kathleen though separated for years fall back into love and decide that it's time to give it another try. But Yorke faces his toughest battle when his unorthodox plan to outwit the elusive Apaches leads to possible court- martial. Locked in a bloody Indian war, he must fight to redeem his honor and save the love and lives of his broken family Written by Christopher D. Ryan <cryan@direct.ca>
This is an excellent film. Not usually a western fan, I am now a true-believer -- fan of the genre, of Wayne and O'Hara, and even, reluctantly, John Ford. Rio Grande captures the spirit of heroism that colors most of John Ford's best work. Strong personalities pursuing their values with a philosophical issue dividing them: it has an excellent, concise plot, well-developed characters, and boasts fantastic acting. Ford even shies away from allowing the scenery to star in the picture, which is a welcomed departure. With monuments like Wayne and O'Hara one does not need Monument Valley (this writer humbly submits.)
There is a profoundly moving scene in which Kirby and Kathleen York's entire relationship is summed up in the mere singing of a song (by the unforgettable voice of Ken Curtis) and O'Hara and Wayne's excellent acting -- hardly any dialogue, no flashbacks. It has to be cinematic moment for the history books... it is at least in mine.
By the way, avoid the colorized version if possible. Among other distractions, it makes John Wayne's hair look like instant brownie mix.