Shenandoah

You just CAIN'T beat an old western classic, love it.

Can't go wrong with all the heavy hitters in this one back in the day.

Shenandoah was released in movie theaters on June 3, 1965; it was a western that contained Drama and war. Shenandoah was a 1965 American Civil War film starring James Stewart, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, and Patrick Wayne. Andrew V. Mclaglen directed this film. Though set during the American Civil War, the film's strong antiwar and humanitarian themes resonated with audiences in later years as attitudes began to change toward the Vietnam War. Upon its release, the film was praised for its message, as well as its technical production. In 1966, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. For her part in Shenandoah, Rosemary Forsyth was nominated for a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer - Female.Summary: Set in the state of Virginia during the American Civil War, James Stewart plays the role of family patriarch, Charlie Anderson. He and his six sons run the family farm, while his daughter, Jenny (Rosemary Forsyth), and daughter-in-law, Ann (Katherine Ross) take care of the housework. Charlie's oldest son, Jacob (Glenn Corbett) wants to join the war, but Charlie repeatedly tells his family that they won't join the war until it concerns them. Although a few of the boys want to join, they respect their father's wishes, and remain on the farm. Charlie's daughter, Jenny, is courting a young soldier, Sam (Doug McClure). He wants to marry Jenny, and when Charlie gives his permission, the wedding occurs a few days later. As soon as the vows are said, a young lieutenant rides up and announces that Sam is wanted beck immediately. Sam leaves, much to the sorrow of his new bride. While out hunting raccoon, Charlie's youngest son and his friend stumble onto a confederate ambush. They run away, and stop for a drink at a pond. The boy is wearing an old rebel soldier cap that he found at the river. When a union patrol comes on them, the boy is takes as a prisoner of war. His young friend, Gabriel (Eugene Jackson), runs to tell the Andersons what happened. When Charlie hears the news, he and his sons, and his daughter Jenny leave to look for the boy, leaving James (Patrick Wayne) and his wife, Ann at the farm with their young baby. Meanwhile, the boy is taken to a prisoner of war camp. He finds a man (James Best) who is going to escape, and decides to let the boy come along. They and a few other men successfully make it out of the camp, and start heading south. Not long after, they come onto a confederate camp, and are soon involved in a skirmish. The boy's friend is killed, and the boy himself is shot in the leg. When a union soldier comes along about to kill him, the boy looks up into the face of his friend, Gabriel. Gabriel helps him off into a bush to hide until after the battle.Questions: Who is looking for a boy? Who is this boy? Why did the boy leave on his horse? Who overjoyed when she sees what? Whom does Sam leave with? What does Sam tell the boys to do? What happens on the farm? Who takes shots at Jacob? What happen to James and Ann? Who starts there day with a prayer? Who hears church bells ringing in the distance? Who is the Pastor?My Thoughts: I don't like war pictures but this one was different. Usually in war pictures, the audience goes to war right from the beginning. However, in this picture the war comes to the Andersons. The Andersons did everything to stay away from the war but the war came to them. I thought Jimmy Stewart was excellent in his role as Mr. Anderson. I love the filming of the farm and how the Andersons work the farm. I thought Rosemary Forsyth was also excellent in her role as Jennie Mr. Anderson daughter. I also thought that Katherine Ross was great playing the role of Mr. Anderson daughter in law. I usually don't like war pictures but I make an exception in this case. Because of the great acting and the beautiful scenery of the Anderson farm, I give this movie 8 weasel stars. You can also get this movie at Amazon.com

According to reviewer Richard T. Jameson, "the supporting cast is a collection of bland studio contract players." All I can say, that man is a fool and an idiot. This movie has a solid cast from top to bottom. An all time favorite of mine.

Great product and service.

Good James Stewart western. Great quality

One of Jimmy Stewarts best!

Shenandoah is another boyhood Civil War movie I have always enjoyed. I hadn’t watched it in years until the other day. It still has staying power and is as captivating as first I saw it back in the 1960’s. A true classic.As the patriarch and widower of a large family, Charlie Anderson as played by Jimmy Stewart does his utmost to keep his family out of the Civil War that arrives literally on his doorsteps. Though an anti-war film, it does not have any polarizing features that should offend anyone with strong political beliefs.Jimmy Stewart was the Tom Hanks of his day during his career playing analogous roles. His character in Shenandoah offers up many wry observations about life along with a few humorous comments. What impresses mostly, however, is the grief and pain etched on Stewart’s face as he endures repeated tragedy and loss. Jimmy Stewart was a World War II bomber pilot who experienced the loss of crew members and fellow airmen in his squadron. One has to think those experiences informed his acting roles in war movies such as Shenandoah.With this movie having over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, there is little more else to say (except I wish reviewers would not give away so many parts of the plot and spoil the experience for first-timers) about this classic Civil War movie. I will no doubt continue to revisit this movie from time to time.

James Stewart - what's not to like ! Transfer to Blu Ray is adequate but grainy in places. The disc menu does not let you disable the English subtitles which can be a pain especially when the film is American. I have other European import Blu Rays which allow you to switch them off.

This one of the best movies made about the War Between the States.It's about a prosperous Virginian farmer and his family and his attempt not to get drawn into a war he doesn't agree with.From a historical perspective, everything is correct about the film, from the horses saddles right through to the weapons used.A great piece of entertainment. The movie ranks alongside "Friendly Persuasion" as the best made about that war.Buy and enjoy.

This movie had it's share of cold blooded violence and in contrast, in some scenes there won't be a dry eye in the house! As head of the household Stewart plays the part of a firm but fair no-nonsense rancher during the civil war. One wonders how he and his whole family managed to escape participating in the conflicts. However with the numerous losses of family members throughout the film, he is not unaffected! It conveys the stupidity of war and how innocent people get caught-up in the violence. However I consider this movie to be James Stewart's finest western, it carries a message and I would recommend it for your collection.

A good entertaining western movie featuring a host of big name actors. They portray a situation that must have been shared by many during the American Civil War, ie no particular allegience with either side, the Unionists or the Confederates. Ordinary people did not start the war, as ever it was more the ambitions of politicians who dragged the people into war. Recommended!

The DVD was in a very good condition and the movie was very good