This first-class cavalry western from director John Ford contains some of John Wayne's finest screen moments. Wayne is marvellously in character as retiring commander Nathan Brittles, a performance that even those vehemently anti-Wayne, and all he stood for, feel forced to admire. This is one of the great Technicolor movies, justly winning an Oscar for cinematography that expertly captures Ford's favourite Monument Valley locations. There's also a stirring, majestic soundtrack and a mighty fine supporting cast that includes Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr and the lovely Joanne Dru - ignore the slightly ludicrous Irish whimsy involving Victor McLaglen. This is a deeply satisfying work by one of cinema's greatest film-makers.

On the eve of retirement, Captain Nathan Brittles takes out a last patrol to stop an impending massive Indian attack. Encumbered by women who must be evacuated, Brittles finds his mission imperiled.