Entertaining melodrama about a Virginan family led by widower Charlie Anderson (James Stewart) trying to avoid becoming entangled in the American Civil War in which they do not believe. As the war drags on though it becomes apparent that no matter what they choose they will be scarred by the conflict.
The anti-war message here about not becoming involved in a war in which you do not believe would have been significant upon its release as the U.S. was escalating its involvement in Vietnam.
One small complaint would be an unnecessary brawl between the family and some federal representatives who are interested in the families horses. The scene seems to have been added for levity but comes across as inappropriate to the overall tone of the film.
Directed by Andrew V McLaglen best known for some of John Wayne's later films and television westerns, he was the son of Victor McLaglen a frequent co-star of John Wayne.
The younger co-stars while not delivering any standout performances are a collection of well known faces from the era including; Doug McClure, Katherine Ross, Phillip Alford (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Patrick Wayne (the Duke's son).
Strother Martin and George Kennedy are both quite good in very small roles.
The anti-war message here about not becoming involved in a war in which you do not believe would have been significant upon its release as the U.S. was escalating its involvement in Vietnam.
One small complaint would be an unnecessary brawl between the family and some federal representatives who are interested in the families horses. The scene seems to have been added for levity but comes across as inappropriate to the overall tone of the film.
Directed by Andrew V McLaglen best known for some of John Wayne's later films and television westerns, he was the son of Victor McLaglen a frequent co-star of John Wayne.
The younger co-stars while not delivering any standout performances are a collection of well known faces from the era including; Doug McClure, Katherine Ross, Phillip Alford (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Patrick Wayne (the Duke's son).
Strother Martin and George Kennedy are both quite good in very small roles.