Complete credited cast: | |||
John Wayne | ... | Capt. Nathan Cutting Brittles | |
Joanne Dru | ... | Olivia Dandridge | |
John Agar | ... | Lt. Flint Cohill | |
Ben Johnson | ... | Sgt. Tyree | |
Harry Carey Jr. | ... | Second Lt. Ross Pennell | |
Victor McLaglen | ... | Top Sgt. Quincannon | |
Mildred Natwick | ... | Abby Allshard | |
George O'Brien | ... | Maj. Mac Allshard | |
Arthur Shields | ... | Dr. O'Laughlin | |
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Michael Dugan | ... | Sgt. Hochbauer |
Chief John Big Tree | ... | Chief Pony That Walks | |
Fred Graham | ... | Sgt. Hench | |
George Sky Eagle | ... | Chief Sky Eagle | |
Tom Tyler | ... | Cpl. Mike Quayne | |
Noble Johnson | ... | Chief Red Shirt |
After Custer and the 7th Cavalry are wiped out by Indians, everyone expects the worst. Capt. Nathan Brittles is ordered out on patrol but he's also required to take along Abby Allshard, wife of the Fort's commanding officer, and her niece, the pretty Olivia Dandridge, who are being evacuated for their own safety. Brittles is only a few days away from retirement and Olivia has caught the eye of two of the young officers in the Company, Lt. Flint Cohill and 2nd Lt. Ross Pennell. She's taken to wearing a yellow ribbon in her hair, a sign that she has a beau in the Cavalry, but refuses to say for whom she is wearing it. Written by garykmcd
Like "My Darling Clementine", Ford used the name of a song and even more than in Clementine, he deviated from the pattern of a standard western. Although the basic structure is a story of war with Indians, there is more focus on the people, which are the essence of this great film. Joanne Dru is the beautiful niece of the commanding officer and she thrives on her power of seduction. When she wears the yellow ribbon, both John Agar and Harry Carey Jr hope it is for them. John Wayne is a captain who is going to retire, he is the one who knows it all, and his relationship with Ben Johnson, an ex confederate, is a model of human respect. Victor McLaglen is the strong,loyal Irishman who loves to fight and drink. There are some incredibly beautiful shots of Monument Valley in great color.When Joanne Dru at a certain moment feels guilty about all the trouble she caused and says to Wayne she is sorry, he tells her not to apologize for it is a sign of weakness, and considering all the excitement and joy she brought to the cavalry, he is certainly right.