The Searchers: From Novel to Screenplay

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The Differences

4) In the novel, the optimistic speech about the coming of civilization to the frontier is given by Amos rather than by Mrs. Jorgensen in the film. It is interesting to note that the speech is almost identical in the novel and in the film.

- If Ford allowed Ethan to give the speech his character would have been put in jeopardy. Ford portrays Ethan as a pessimistic, negative and cynical hero figure that dislikes the Indians. Mrs. Jorgensen fits this role better because she wants to live on the frontier with all races being equal.

5) In LeMay's novel, the Ethan figure dies. In the final chapter of the book, Amos refuses to shoot a Comanche women in the back who might or might not be Debbie. As a result the Comanche women turns around and shoots Amos. In the film, Ethan's character does not hesitate to shoot either Indians or white people in the back. As a result of this, Ethan is still alive by the end of the film.

- The actions of the Ethan character in the novel are much different from that of the film. In the LeMay's novel Amos dies because he has dignity and respect for all people. The reader feels sorry for Amos because an Indian kills him. In the film, on the other hand, the Ethan character kills the Indians with no remorse. This is a common trait of the 1950 western genre.

6) In LeMay's novel, Amos is an idealist and an optimist and he never has any desire to kill Debbie, but rather just wants to rescue her. In the film, on the other hand, Ethan intends to kill Debbie because it is believed that Debbie has become an Indian.

7) In the film, Ethan has a dangerous and suppressed love affair with Martha. Therefore Ethan must stay as far away from the family as possible.

8) In the novel, when Debbie is kidnapped by Scar (the leader of the Comanche Indians) she becomes Scar's adopted daughter. In the film however, Debbie becomes the wife to Scar.

9) In terms of race, in the novel Martin is 100 percent white. In the film however, Ford describes Martin as being 'one eighth Cherokee' and he is visually dark skinned.

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Justin De Clercq