๐ŸŽž MTDbBest ofBy yearBy genreBy runtimeBrowse (app)

MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1956 โ€บ The Searchers

The Searchers poster

The Searchers (1956)

โ€œHe had to find her... he had to find her...โ€

7.7/10 ยท 1,633 votes 1h 59m nr Western

#4 of 11 films from 1956 #17 of 124 in western

Directed by John Ford ยท Written by Alan Le May, Frank S. Nugent

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

As a Civil War veteran spends years searching for a young niece captured by Indians, his motivation becomes increasingly questionable.

Cast

John Wayneas Ethan Edwards
Jeffrey Hunteras Martin Pawley
Vera Milesas Laurie Jorgensen
Ward Bondas Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnston Clayton
Natalie Woodas Debbie Edwards
John Qualenas Lars Jorgensen
Olive Careyas Mrs. Jorgensen
Henry Brandonas Chief Cicatriz (Scar)
Ken Curtisas Charlie McCorry
Harry Carey Jr.as Brad Jorgensen
Antonio Morenoas Emilio Gabriel Fernandez y Figueroa
Hank Wordenas Mose Harper
Beulah Archulettaas Look
Walter Coyas Aaron Edwards

Facts

Release dateMay 16, 1956
Runtime119 min (1h 59m) โ€” about the same as the 1956 average of 122 min
GenresWestern
LanguageEN
Budget$3,750,000
IMDbtt0049730

More from John Ford

The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath1940 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 9m The Man Who Shot Liberty ValanceThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance1962 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 3m StagecoachStagecoach1939 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 36m My Darling ClementineMy Darling Clementine1946 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 37m The Quiet ManThe Quiet Man1952 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 2h 9m How the West Was WonHow the West Was Won1962 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 2h 44m

If you liked The Searchers

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Treasure of the Sierra MadreThe Treasure of the Sierra Madre1948 ยท โ˜… 8.0 ยท 2h 6m A Fistful of DollarsA Fistful of Dollars1964 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 1h 39m Rio BravoRio Bravo1959 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 21m The Man Who Shot Liberty ValanceThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance1962 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 3m High NoonHigh Noon1952 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 1h 25m GiantGiant1956 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 3h 21m The Magnificent SevenThe Magnificent Seven1960 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 2h 8m Red RiverRed River1948 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 2h 13m

Questions

How long is The Searchers?
The Searchers runs 119 minutes (1h 59m).
Is The Searchers worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.7/10 across 1,633 votes, which places it #4 of 11 films released in 1956 in this index (top 73%) and #17 among 124 western titles.
Who directed The Searchers?
The Searchers was directed by John Ford. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Grapes of Wrath (1940), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Stagecoach (1939).
Who stars in The Searchers?
John Wayne as Ethan Edwards; Jeffrey Hunter as Martin Pawley; Vera Miles as Laurie Jorgensen; Ward Bond as Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnston Clayton; Natalie Wood as Debbie Edwards; John Qualen as Lars Jorgensen.
What is The Searchers rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Searchers?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/68914.

Browse

Best of 1956Best westernWestern of the 1950sAll lists
MTDbยทBest films by year, genre and runtimeยทA century in numbersยทBrowse and watch trailers

Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.