[Ozz]

One of my very favorite movies, I must admit I fought away tears, some from laughter, some from the touching scenes in the great John Ford movie about the Wild West and the United States Cavalry.
Marion Robert Morrison, the Duke. Born in Winterset Iowa.
‘The Duke’ was only 42 years old when he played the aging Cavalry Captain Nathan Brittles, in the second of three movies about the Cavalry. This one was the only movie of the three shot in Technicolor.
My wife and I have always loved pictures of the beautiful country around Monument Valley Utah where this movie was shot. We have yet to visit the area, but it is on our short list. I understand the exterior of the movie set, as well as the interior of the fort commanders residence is still there, and one can tour the museum.
Sgt. Tyree, (Ben Johnson) was one of my favorite supporting actors. His southern drawl, excellent horsemanship and complex relationship with Captain Brittles was interesting, Sgt. Tyree was actually a Captain in the Confederate Army. He joined the U.S. Cavalry after the war and made Sergeant. In real life Ben Johnson was a stunt double, wrangler, rancher and rodeo performer from Oklahoma, and is said to have saved the lives of some cast members on another movie set, in a wagon accident. He became one of John Ford’s stock actors. I loved these lines of his; “That ain’t my department, sir”
And when asked his opinion on where the warring Arapahos were headed;
“My mother didn't raise any sons to be makin' guesses in front of Yankee captains.”
Top Sergeant Qunincannon; (Victor Mclaglen,) the burly alcoholic aid to the Major was great in the movie as well, he was extremely lucky he was kept in check by his long time friend and superior, Captain Brittles.
I could identify with the plot of Captain Brittles’ upcoming compulsory retirement and his uncertainty of what would become of him. His line pertaining to that; "Old soldiers..., Miss Dandridge... hah! Someday you'll learn how they hate to give up. Captain of the troop one day: every man's face turned towards you; lieutenants jump when I growl! Now, tomorrow, I'll be glad if a blacksmith asks me to shoe a horse.”
This is a common thought with every man upon retirement, in one form or another, if one were to be honest about it.
The music, scenery, great acting and, of course the presence of the great John Wayne made for an enjoyable evening for us.