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Shenandoah on DVD (1965)

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Average rating: 73%
123201518413
3.5
from 174 members
 
Starring: James Stewart, Rosemary Forsyth, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, Katharine Ross, Philip Alford, Patrick Wayne, James Best, Paul Fix
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Studio: UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK
Run time: 101 mins
Certificate: PG
User collections: Jane's Favourites Movie Collection, An eclectic list of goodies in alphabetical order
Genres: Action/Adventure
Languages: English
Hearing-impaired: English
Released: 23/08/2004

Brief synopsis of Shenandoah

A principled Virginia farmer tries to keep his family safe from the tumult of the Civil War by withdrawing into pacifism and isolation. Though strongly opposed to slavery, his reluctance to fight keeps him from joining forces with Union soldiers. But when his youngest son is kidnapped by the Union soldiers, the landsman is finally pulled into the bloody conflict.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 2 stars out of 4 Halliwell's Film Guide

Surprisingly hard-centred and moving semi-Western for the family; excellent performances and well-controlled mood.

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsOutstanding film

A customer from Derry, N.Ireland , 15/10/2004

This is a bittersweet, moving -- sometimes even beautiful --film. Jimmy Stewart is superb as Charlie Anderson, an arrogant, self-reliant man who thinks that he and his family can ignore the civil war which rages around his farm in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He is disabused of this idealistic but naive notion when Union troops mistake his beloved youngest son, 'Boy,' for a rebel soldier and take him prisoner. Impetuously, the furious Anderson rides off with his older sons on a mission to get the boy back. But this dangerous adventure costs him the lives of two sons and one of their wives. Only after the chastened Anderson reluctantly abandons his search does his beloved 'Boy' -- who has escaped -- return home to him. Fine acting, good drama and characterization, beautiful scenery and film score, and a poignant ending make this an oustanding movie. One of the best fims ever made in my opinion -- and, quite possibly, Jimmy Stewart's greatest role.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsWonderful film

A customer from Cheltenham , 15/02/2005

This is such an enjoyable film, James Stuart is such a wonderful character and actor. It is very well acted. I have seen it many times and never tire of watching it. They don't make em like this any more.

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Rated - 3 starsShootemup

A customer from Essex England , 03/11/2005

This film really annoyed me because you know whats going to happen to the people he leaves in his farmhouse. How stupid can you be when theres a war going on around you. That said its well acted, shot and instead of going around blowing each others heads off this Western deals with the good and the bad side of human nature. But i wanted to see the scavengers hunted down and hung drawn and quarted. You will know what i mean when you rent it.

  1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 3 starsShootemup

A customer from Essex England , 03/11/2005

This film really annoyed me because you know whats going to happen to the people he leaves in his farmhouse. How stupid can you be when theres a war going on around you. That said its well acted, shot and instead of going around blowing each others heads off this Western deals with the good and the bad side of human nature. But i wanted to see the scavengers hunted down and hung drawn and quarted. You will know what i mean when you rent it.

  1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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