I guess with all the morbidity confronting me via my father's passing, I would think back to this. Now, I would not blames those of you out there for thinking this is a still from a horror movie, though it is not. However, much of the film, especially the opening, does have the tension and infusion of anxiety, characteristic of a horror film.
This is Pippa Scott, as Lucy Edwards, early on, in John Ford's 1956 western, "The Searchers." This is the moment where Lucy realizes what is actually going to happen to she and her family--they will be raided and killed by Comanches, and there is nothing to be done about it.
Let me tell you, the first time I tried to see "The Searchers," in a film class in college, I did not see it, because I could not get past this moment. I literally ran out of the room. Fortunately, the professor had another screening, and understood I was overwhelmed, and that I understood what Ford was trying to do. This, a house ablaze, but no bloodshed or violence. Horror, in terms of what frightens us most.
I have seen "The Searchers" all the way through, and while it has all the trappings I have mentioned, plus some stunning visual shots, there is one flawed thing in it. That is Natalie Wood, as the grown Deborah Edwards, who is responsible for the title. Aaron Edwards and his family were Ethan's (Wayne) descendants, and he is out to find Debbie, and wreak vengeance. Yes, he finds Debbie, but Natalie, who had just matured the year before in an Oscar nominated performance in "Rebel Without A Cause," comes off as a stock player, someone who wandered, by mistake, onto the set of this film, when she should be playing Tiger Lily in the musical "Peter Pan." Yes, she is a bit campy.
Lana Wood, her sister, plays Deborah as a child, and does better by the role. This was a good ten or so years, before she would go on to play the iconic role of Plenty O'Toole, in "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971). She is integral to the horrific opening, and is present during Pippa's iconic moment.
But back to Pippa. This was her film debut, and while she had a reasonable career, I am telling you, nothing tops her moment here. It is the greatest depiction of human fear I have ever seen. Look at how the veins stand out, on her forehead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Pippa had done nothing else, she would be remembered for a moment, that is good enough to have earned her an Oscar, if they were given for individual moments. Ford must have done magic to get her to this point, because that she did not become a major star on the basis of this moment is hard to fathom. Although, look at Dorothy Comingore in "Citizen Kane." Or Ronee Blakley in "Nashville."
So, those who have seen "The Searchers" know what I am talking about. Those who have yet to see it, should, but prepare yourselves for Pippa's moment. You will feel Lucy's fear as palpably as she does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had planned to show you the iconic moment, but could not get it on here.
So, go on YouTube, and see for yourselves. Then, go and see the entire film.
You will see that human horror is often the scariest of all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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