The Searchers is a 1956 American epic Western film directed by John Ford and written by Frank S. Nugent, based on the 1954 novel by Alan Le May.

The Searchers: Directed by John Ford. With John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond. An American Civil War veteran embarks on a years-long journey to rescue his niece from the …

Nov 25, 2001 · Today we see it through enlightened eyes, but in 1956 many audiences accepted its harsh view of Indians. The film is about an obsessive quest. The niece of Ethan Edwards (Wayne) is …

As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable. Find out how and where to watch "The Searchers" on Netflix …

As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable.

In this revered Western, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) returns home to Texas after the Civil War. When members of his brother's family are killed or abducted by Comanches, he vows to track down his...

Read the complete plot summary of The Searchers (1956) with spoiler-filled details, twists, and thematic breakdowns. Discover the story’s meaning, characters’ roles, and what makes the film unforgettable.

Nov 28, 2025 · The Searchers, American western film, released in 1956, that is widely considered director John Ford’s masterpiece. It features John Wayne in one of his most-notable performances, …

The Searchers tells the emotionally complex story of a perilous, hate-ridden quest and Homeric-style odyssey of self-discovery after a Comanche massacre, while also exploring the themes of racial …

A cynical Civil War veteran spends years searching for his only surviving niece, who's been kidnapped by Comanches, in this epic Western classic. Watch trailers & learn more.