The Iron Horse

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The Iron Horse

Released Aug 28, 1924

2h 10m

Western

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

good western from director john ford

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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John Ford

Director

George O'Brien

Dave Brandon

Madge Bellamy

Miriam Marsh

Charles Edward Bull

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Cyril Chadwick

Jesson

Fred Kohler Sr.

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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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