Weapons of "The Searchers"

Since I saw the Internet Movie Firearms Database page on the weapons used in True Grit (1969) showing that several rifles were anachronistic to the era depicted in the movie, I decided to take a look at The Searchers (1956) and the weapons used in the movie after getting the movie in Blu-ray. 

Again, the weapons were anachronistic to the movie's era (c. 1868). 

The IMFDB summary:

The Searchers is the classic 1956 Western directed by John Ford and stars John Wayne as Ethan Edwards, an aged Confederate Civil War veteran who is determined to find his niece (Natalie Wood) who was kidnapped by Comanche Indians. The film takes place only three years following the Civil War, yet features several anachronistic firearms.

Here's one of them:

Above, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) pulls his SAA.

Colt Single Action Army

Several characters use Colt Single Action Army revolvers as their sidearms in the film including Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) and Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter) which is anachronistic as the movie is set three years after the American Civil War (1861-1865) and the Colt SAA did not appear until 1873.

Still, this doesn't detract my enjoyment of the movie.

To read more, go here.

Warner Bros. Restoring "The Searchers"... Plus

Last evening, I was reading a post from the official John Wayne Facebook page about The Seachers (1956).

A little item at the end of the post caught my attention:

Did you know? Warner Bros is restoring The Searchers and premiering at the 2024 TCM Film Festival, Apr 18-21 in Los Angeles, CA.

If I were still living in Los Angeles, I would definitely be going to this. The Searchers is one of my all-time favorite movies. Seeing Monument Valley on the big screen in glorious color would be fantastic to see.

Peter Mamakos, The Duke and Superman

Above, Peter Mamakos (left) with John Wayne and Jeffrey Hunter in The Searchers (1956).

While watching The Searchers last night, a character actor in the movie caught my eye as he was quite familiar.

Character actor Peter Mamakos (1918 - 2008) returned to the Adventures of Superman set in September 1956 to film the fifth season's first episode, "Peril In Paris". The episode first aired on March 8, 1957.

Mamakos previously appeared in "Defeat of Superman" (1953) and "King for a Day" (1955).

It is interesting that during the same year he filmed "Peril In Paris" as Gregor, he also appeared in the John Wayne western classic, The Searchers as Jerem Futterman. He was quite busy in 1956. Among his other appearances that year, he was in The Ten Commandments.

Above, Peter Mamakos with Lilyan Chauvin and George Reeves in "Peril In Paris".

So, in 1956, Mamakos appeared as a villain against Superman (George Reeves) and Ethan Edwards (John Wayne). It shows that the Adventures of Superman managed to get good supporting players during its television run.

Mamakos passed away in Paso Robles, California in 2008.

Watched "The Searchers"

Above, the Three Sisters in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I decided to watch the 1956 John Wayne classic, The Searchers, since I recently visited the locations of that movie in Monument Valley with the Goulding's tour company.

Above, John Ford directs John Wayne with the Three Sisters in the background.

While watching it, it dawned on me that I had met two actors of The Searchers: Henry Brandon (Comanche Chief Scar) and Hank Worden (Mose Harper).

Above, Henry Brandon as Chief Scar.

I met both at various functions of the Los Angeles tent (Way Out West Tent) of the Laurel & Hardy fan group, The Sons of the Desert back in the 1980s.

Above, Hank Worden as Mose Harper.

Henry Brandon was a regular attendee of the Way Out West Tent as he starred in Babes In Toyland (1934) as the evil Barnaby. Worden attended one of the tent's annual banquets at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.

Above, John Ford's director's chair at the Monument Valley Visitors Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another Monument Valley location in The Searchers was Chief Scar's camp with the Totem Pole rock formation in the background.

Above, The Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, from left, Ward Bond, Jeffrey Hunter and John Wayne with the Right Mitten and Merrick Butte in the background.

Visiting Monument Valley was an enjoyable excursion. I recommend it!