The Searchers: From Novel to Screenplay

Home | The Story | Western Genre | Ideology | The Differences | References

---

The Story

Plot Summary

Ethan Edwards, returned from the Civil War to the Texas ranch of his brother, hopes to find a home with his family and to be near the woman who he obviously but secretly loves. But a Comanche raid headed by Indian leader Scar, destroys these plans, and Ethan sets out, along with his nephew Martin, on a years-long journey to find his niece kidnapped by Comanche Indians. But as the quest goes on, Martin begins to realize that his uncle's hatred for the Indians is beginning to spill over onto his now-assimilated niece. Martin becomes uncertain whether Ethan plans to rescue Debbie...or kill her.

- In LeMay's novel, the Ethan figure dies. In the final chapter of the book, the Ethan character refuses to shoot a Comanche women in the back for fear that she might be Debbie. As it turns out, the woman is a Comanche and Ethan is shot and killed.

- In John Ford's version of the story, the Ethan character rescues Debbie from the Comanche Indians and all order is restored to the community.

Additional Links

Comanche Indians Biography

Justin De Clercq