I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I never thought I'd be using a word like "charming" in connection with a Western. But the first half of Wagon Master strikes me as just that, charming. The colorful characters and set-ups blend together in shrewdly affable fashion. Of course, the opening hook features brief gunplay, but that's just to let the audience know that the movie will include traditional bad guys. Actually, there's much less gunplay than expected, though the second half is more tension filled than the first. Still, the eventual showdown is de-dramatized in atypical fashion. To me, Ben Johnson makes an excellent westerner. His regional accent is perfect. He may not be a John Wayne icon, but neither does he compete with the story. After all, the wagon train's success amounts to a collective effort and not that of a single heroic figure. Also, Carey Jr. makes a good headstrong sidekick, good for a chuckle or two. And, yes, that is a young,, naturally blond, James Arness as one of the Cleggs, even if without any dialog. Two things I really like about this Ford Western. The characters are colorful without becoming caricatures, plus the fact that it's filmed in b&w. Now, Technicolor would bring out the awesome beauty of the Moab locations, but also distract from the storyline. The b&w photography here is excellent, but has the important effect of bringing out the majesty of the surroundings without competing. It's a perfect setting for the movie's theme of a new land for a peaceable Mormon people. Note too, how the Navajo are treated with respect, and even acknowledged as victims of white men's thievery, but without piling it on. Note too that except for the opening scene the entire movie was shot on location. A real outdoor Western.All in all, Ford blends the many elements together beautifully. In my little book, the result should be more celebrated among his canon than it is. I know it's my favorite among the many Ford Westerns I've seen.

I am not particularly a fan of this genre. And, unlike the other reviewers, I know nothing about John Ford and his movies. If you're like me, you might enjoy this corny old movie as much as I did. If you're wondering whether to rent it or whether to watch it on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the answer is obvious: of course. The movie is not just great Hollywood film-making, but an entertaining and occasionally moving ode to wagon trains and the pioneer spirit. The film is very loosely based on the 1879 San Juan Expedition (also known as the Hole-in-the-Rock Expedition). This involved a group of Mormon settlers establishing a colony in southeastern Utah. In this story, the trekkers are led by two stalwart young "horse traders" who know the country. They come across Navajos, hillbillies and a snake-oil salesman (with his lovely entourage).So there you have it: Utah scenery, wagon trains, Mormons, hillbillies, Indians and lightning elixir. I don't know if the old west was really like this, but Ford compels you to share his vision. The story, character development, writing, casting, acting, dialogue and wagon riding were all superb. It doesn't get better than this.I can't explain it, but this movie felt authentic and not cliché. The corny old wagon train music was wonderful and evocative. At times it brought tears to my eyes. There are not a few moments in this film that can only be described as magical: Sister Ledyard, Navajo dancing, damsels and top-hatted hucksters traipsing through the desert, horsemanship of the finest order, and so on.This movie is like a time machine. Ford made this movie about 65 years ago. The expedition had occurred only 71 years before. He and his contemporaries were able to re-imagine and show these events and characters in a way that would be less plausible today. We don't make movies like this anymore.A jarring aspect to modern eyes is that some of the Navajos were played by white people. That's the only thing that really dates this movie. It didn't ruin the film for me.

This is a great Western drama, John Ford's lusty successor to 'Fort Apache' and 'She wore yellow ribbon'. Two drifters named Travis Blue (Ben Johnson ) and Sandy Owens (Harry Carey Jr ) are hired by leaders of a Mormons congregation (Ward Bond, Russell Simpson) as wagon masters of an expedition toward Utah frontier. They must guide a religious caravan throughout a dangerous rout formerly initiated by Brigham Young from Illinois-Utah. Along the way they meet a trio of drunks (Alan Mowbray, Joanne Dru) and some bandits(Charles Kemper, James Arness, Hank Worden) who are compared to snakes . Meanwhile Travis falls in love with Denver and the wagon train heading for the promised land.This classic picture ranks as one of the best of John Ford's work. It contains Ford's usual themes as a community decided to build the civilization on a virgin territory, friendship and comradeship among people and ample shots while wagons run over prairies and mountains filmed at Monument Valley and Professor Valley. Interesting screenplay by Frank S Nugent and Patrick Ford, booth of whom are John Ford's habitual. Excellent starring cast as Ben Johnson - formerly remembered as the sergeant in 'she wore a yellow ribbon' , here his first main role and years later achieved the best supporting actor Academy Award for 'The last Picture Show' -, he is awesome as roaming cowhand who join a congregation migrating West. Good cinematography by Bert Glennon and Archie Stout reflecting splendidly marvelous outdoors. Emotive score by Richard Hageman with wonderful songs by Stan Jones played by Sons of Pioneers. The movie is stunningly produced by Merian C Cooper - Argosy Pictures Production- and magnificently filmed by Ford with direction assistant by Cliff Lyons. Inspired the later successful TV series titled 'Wagon train' starred by Ward Bond and some episode directed by Ford. Avoid a horrible version shown in computer-colored. Rating : Very good, better than average.

although i liked this Western,i do have to say,it's not one of my favourite John Ford Westerns.for me,it just lacks a certain something that most of his other films(the ones i have seen anyway)possess)i'm nit sure what that something is.it's not something tangible.anyway,the gist of the story is about a Mormon wagon train which is being used by a band of outlaws as a hideout from a pursuing posse.Ford employs a lot of his regulars here.there are some interesting characters,some nice scenery,a bit of action,and excitement.it all adds up to a watchable experience.it's certainly not boring.just not quite up to the usual John Ford standard.for me,Wagon Master is a 7/10