BOOK REVIEW: The Searchers – The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel

A SPOILER-FREE BOOK REVIEW: 

THE SEARCHERS – The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel

Before I jump into a review of Frankel’s book, I need to acknowledge that Frankel is a superior writer and the thought of me reviewing his work is laughable. He reported and edited for the Washington Post for some 27 years, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1989. His other books have won prestigious awards and he’s a noted film scholar and journalism professor. Yes, you can glean this info from the dust cover of his book on The Searchers (1956) or on his website at www.glennfrankel.com – but know this: he’s the real deal. His writing is informed, clear, concise and entertaining as all get out to read. Frankel knows how to collectively share massive amounts of research in a cohesive, entertaining story that is also history – both real, cinematic, and then some.

Photo by Chris Mich

Frankel’s book is broken up into three significant sections – the “true story” that inspired the western novel, the creation and reception of Alan LeMay’s novel, and the behind-the-scenes story of John Ford’s epic production of the classic film. 

A large chunk of the book deals with the horrid-and-fascinating "true story" kidnapping of white settler Cynthia Ann Parker, her conversion to the culture/lifestyle of her Comanche captors, and the disorienting return of Parker to white civilization. While Frankel pulls no punches on the violence and punishment of the Comanches, he also spares no details of the horrors committed by the settlers. Frankel paints an extensive picture of the known details, passed-down legends, and tabloid-esque reporting of the 1830s. He’s not afraid to call “BS” on reporting and other “facts” – as they often contradict themselves or seem unlikely and/or impossible. Yet, he clearly draws out potential historical facts and follows through with the offspring of Cynthia Ann and how they changed the world for both Native Americans and the settlers. 

LeMay’s struggle is told briefly yet lovingly – as one would expect of any writer sympathetic to the challenges of another writer. 

Yet, the real prize of the book is how Frankel takes on the man, myth, and legend of John Ford. Again, no punches pulled. This is a warts-and-all tale about a troubled creative leader with several serious personal issues and the hell he inflicted upon family, friends, cast, crew, you name it. And, at the same time, Frankel unwinds the mad methodology that made him an artist and one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Frankel also does a good job defending the cinematic contributions of John Wayne...as well as pointing out his shortcomings.

It’s a great read that provides fans (and haters) of this classic western PLENTY to think about. 

Extra points if you read it outside. Bonus points if you read and horses pass you by – as was the case for me reading this in Amish country. 

To see our blog’s current guest writer Phil Congleton’s thoughts on the film The Searchers, click here. 

Special thanks to Out of the Past blogger Raquel Stecher for hosting the 2022 Classic Film Reading Challenge. This post is an official entry. To join us in this fun summer endeavor, visit her blog for more details. 

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