One of our favorite films of the 1950s is John Ford's
The Horse Soldiers, released in 1959. Starring John Wayne, who is sent with his command to lead a secret- and potentially suicidal mission - to destroy the infrastructure behind Southern lines. William Holden is the company doctor who Wayne detests more than the enemy. The film has a great script, wonderful music and cinematography and a superb cast, including many old favorites from Ford's stock company. Sadly, the film was a tragic experience for all - a stuntman died during production after Ford reluctantly let him carry out a horse fall. It clouded the rest of the film and Ford never forgave himself.
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