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The Iron Horse

Play trailer Poster for The Iron Horse Released Aug 28, 1924 2h 10m Western Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 12 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
As crews labor to finish the first transcontinental railroad, Pony Express rider Davy Brandon (George O'Brien) returns to his hometown. There a childhood friend, Miriam (Madge Bellamy) -- fiancée of the chief engineer (Cyril Chadwick) and daughter of the principal contractor -- convinces him to aid in the project's completion. Although his father, a murdered railroad surveyor, passed on the knowledge needed for the job, a slew of saboteurs attempt to thwart Brandon in his efforts.

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The Iron Horse

Critics Reviews

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Mabel McElliott New York Daily News Of blood and tears, then, is The Iron Horse woven, an epic sort of picture somewhat after the manner of The Covered Wagon, but quite distinctive of itself. May 17, 2021 Full Review Richard Brody The New Yorker The picture is absurd-and enjoyable. Sep 14, 2015 Full Review Fernando F. Croce Slant Magazine It's a large canvas, and one that the filmmaker, then 29, often has trouble filling. Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 21, 2007 Full Review Yasser Medina Cinefilia It shows Ford's commitment to capturing the Old West with some of his stylistic prowess that would later become a trademark, but, unfortunately, it often falls into routine territory. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 5/10 Jun 30, 2024 Full Review María Luz Morales (Felipe Centeno) La Vanguardia (Spain) Without extravagant camera work, the tricks and the effects have been brilliantly selected and gauged. [Full review in Spanish] Feb 28, 2020 Full Review Michael E. Grost Classic Film and Television Mid-level Ford, full of both interest and faults. Apr 1, 2013 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Georgan G One of the first "epic" westerns, which set the stage for the entire genre. Story development of young characters who grow up to be the human focus of the film. Shows Americans subcultures coming together as well. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/12/24 Full Review Audience Member The best Western movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member As far as silent movies go, this epic Western is something special. The action is clean and understandable while still having an element of realism; the characters are mostly charming and there is humor that translates to modern viewers. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Arguably Fords best western...or at least my new favorite. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member A really grand and epic silent era film. One of John Ford's first and in my opinion greatest. It set the standard for all western cliches to come. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member good western from director john ford Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Iron Horse

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The Iron Horse

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Movie Info

Synopsis As crews labor to finish the first transcontinental railroad, Pony Express rider Davy Brandon (George O'Brien) returns to his hometown. There a childhood friend, Miriam (Madge Bellamy) -- fiancée of the chief engineer (Cyril Chadwick) and daughter of the principal contractor -- convinces him to aid in the project's completion. Although his father, a murdered railroad surveyor, passed on the knowledge needed for the job, a slew of saboteurs attempt to thwart Brandon in his efforts.
Director
John Ford
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Genre
Western
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 28, 1924, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 21, 2020
Runtime
2h 10m
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