John Ford Reexamines Western Politics and Sociology in ‘Two Western Together’
Image via Columbia Pictures
John Ford’s films are often in conversation with each other, sometimes films released decades apart. With Two Rode Together, Ford made a fascinating B-side to The Searchers, a film that follows a heroic odyssey to rescue a kidnapped girl by a Comanche tribe undermined by the bigotry and hate-fueled vengeance of Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards (John Wayne). Where this film takes audiences through the gorgeous vistas of Monument Valley from the eyes of a racist, Two Rode Together, penned by Searchers’ writer Frank Nugent, tracks two stalwart law officers fulfilling their duties in a bigoted community. Ford’s 1961 late-period Western follows a cynical Marshal Guthrie McCabe (Jimmy Stewart) and Army Lieutenant Jim Gary (Richard Widmark) negotiating with a Comanche tribe to release white captives, notably the beloved Marty Purcell (Shirley Jones). When two of the captives are released, their reintegration into their native community has its consequences.
Jimmy Stewart Is a Law Officer Without a Purpose in ‘Two Rode Together’
When its protagonists, McCabe and Gary, ride through the open country and reflect on their journey and life, Two Rode Together shines and demonstrates Ford’s chops as a humanist, character-driven filmmaker. Jimmy Stewart and Richard Widmark, known for playing earnest Boy Scouts and sinister heavies, respectively, give understated, wistful performances. The two quietly retreat from their typecasting, as Stewart’s McCabe is a corrupt Marshal who gets a taste of local businesses’ incomes, and Widmark’s Gary is a surprisingly sympathetic figure who believes diplomacy can heal the tension between the rival lands. McCabe presents himself as a dutiful law officer, but his inscrutable nature and indifference towards any conflict besides his personal woes with women and business affairs shows his hand as a man without a purpose.
John Ford’s Visual Language
Before the phrase “One Perfect Shot” entered film parlance, every shot crafted by John Ford was a work of perfection, from his use of door frames to horizons that never sat in the center of the screen. With Two Rode Together, Ford opted for a minimalist but soulful visual language. The signature image of the film captures McCabe and Gary in a two-shot sitting by a river bank. In this four-minute unbroken scene, the two discuss their relationship struggles, the capitalist demands of America, and the never-ending conflict with local Comanche tribes.
Conclusion
Two Rode Together is a film that John Ford himself considered one of his worst, but it is a testament to his ability to craft a thought-provoking and visually stunning Western that explores the complexities of American culture and history. The film’s themes of racism, xenophobia, and the struggles of reintegration are as relevant today as they were when the film was released in 1961. With its understated performances, elegant simplicity, and poignant commentary, Two Rode Together is a hidden gem in Ford’s oeuvre that is worth rediscovering.
FAQs
What is the main theme of Two Rode Together?
The main theme of Two Rode Together is the exploration of American culture and history, particularly the complexities of racism, xenophobia, and the struggles of reintegration.
Who stars in Two Rode Together?
The film stars Jimmy Stewart and Richard Widmark as two law officers negotiating with a Comanche tribe to release white captives.
Is Two Rode Together available to stream?
Yes, Two Rode Together is currently available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.
What is the runtime of Two Rode Together?
The runtime of Two Rode Together is 109 minutes.
When was Two Rode Together released?
Two Rode Together was released on July 26, 1961.