Watch She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is a western movie released in 1949, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, Joanne Dru, and John Agar. The movie takes place in 1876, just after the Battle of Little Big Horn. John Wayne plays Captain Nathan Brittles, a veteran cavalry officer who is about to retire from the army after serving for thirty years. However, before he can do so, he is given one last mission: to escort a wagon train of women who are being sent west to safety, and to prevent a possible Native American attack.

Captain Brittles knows that this last mission is going to be tough, as he is up against the Arapaho tribe that has been attacking white settlements in revenge for the killing of their Chief's son. Moreover, he is also facing a tough young officer, Lt. Flint Cohill (John Agar), who is determined to prove himself by taking on the Indians.

On his way to the safety of the wagon train, Captain Brittles meets Joanne Dru who plays Olivia Dandridge, a beautiful and spirited woman who takes an unexplained liking to him. With her comes a new challenge, as she is being courted by both young Lt. Cohill and Captain Brittles' longtime friend, the suave and dashing Lt. Ross Penell (played by Harry Carey Jr.).

As they journey further, they come across various perils, including confrontations with the Arapaho tribe and other obstacles. The movie portrays the common struggles faced during the Westward Expansion of the United States during that era, between the Native American tribes and the settlers. Moreover, the human frailties of Captain Brittles' character, such as his conflicts with his superiors concerning the relations with Native Americans and his relationship with Olivia, make for an interesting storyline that sets the stage for the film.

One of the most striking features of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is its beautiful cinematography, which is not surprising considering that the movie was shot in Technicolor, a relatively new technology at the time. The stunning landscapes of Monument Valley provide a beautiful backdrop for the story, and the stunning panoramic views of the wilderness and mountains make the viewer feel as if they are a part of the story themselves.

Additionally, the soundtrack sets the tone perfectly, with the orchestra's themes varying from celebratory to mournful, providing apt accompaniment to the film's many moods. The score is mainly composed of traditional martial chants and folk songs that contribute to the movie's historical and cultural context.

Furthermore, the acting is remarkable, with John Wayne delivering a powerful performance as an experienced soldier facing prejudice and self-doubt while Joanne Dru plays her role as the strong-willed femme fatale with conviction. John Agar holds his place as the rebellious young officer, and the talented supporting cast provides some memorable moments.

Overall, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is a western movie classic that has stood the test of time. It's a story about a man with a sense of duty despite his own doubts, and his efforts to keep those under his responsibility safe in times of peril. With a combination of stunning visuals, wonderful music, and strong performances, this movie is certainly still worth watching almost seventy years later.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is a 1949 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 87.