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Director Andrew McLaglen and Universal starred James Stewart in this fine family film. Co starring are two young Universal contract actresses Katharine Ross and Rosemary Forsyth. Ms. Ross would go on to do John Wayne's Hellfighters and then go onto great acclaim in The Graduate and also Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with Paul Newman. Also in the cast is handsome Patrick Wayne son of the great John Wayne, along with other reliable stars such as George Kennedy and rugged Glenn Corbett and Doug McClure who provide fine support.

Can anyone recall if James Stewart ever gave a bad performance? I surely cannot! Mr. Stewart excels in this film which I thought would have garnered him another Oscar nomination.

In Shenandoah, Virginia, the widower farmer Charlie Anderson (James Stewart) lives a peaceful life with his six sons - Jacob (Glenn Corbett), James (Patrick Wayne), Nathan (Charles Robinson), John (James McMullan), Henry (Tim McIntire) and Boy (Phillip Alford), his daughter Jennie (Rosemary Forsyth), and his daughter-in-law and James' wife Ann Anderson (Katharine Ross) in his farm.

Charlie does not let his sons to join the army to fight in the American Civil War that he considers that it is not their war. Meanwhile Jennie marries to her beloved Lieutenant Sam (Doug McClure), but they do not have honeymoon since Sam has to go to the front. When Charlie's youngest son Boy is mistakenly taken prisoner by soldiers from the North. Charlie rides with his sons to rescue Boy, while James and Ann stays in the farm. But it is time of violence and war, and tragedy reaches the Anderson family.

The heartbreaking and unforgettable "Shenandoah" is one of my favorite westerns, with the story of a family caught by the American Civil War. The plot has elements of "Friendly Persuasion", with the strong code of honor of the patriarch of a family and James Stewart has another top- notch performance. My favorite scene is when Charlie prepares the room of an abandoned farm to give the opportunity of a honeymoon to Jeannie and Sam. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Shenandoah"

Note: On 09 Dec 2018 I saw this film again.

Compelling drama about a man's efforts to keep his family safe and out of the Civil War. It's an anti-war story that was obviously meant to be about the then-current war, Vietnam, as much if not more than the one in the story. The film looks and feels like a western, although it's set in Virginia. Like most westerns from back then, it's a mix of serious drama with action scenes and even some moments of comedy. James Stewart plays the lead and gives an exceptional performance. Fine support from George Kennedy, Paul Fix, Patrick Wayne, Doug McClure, Katharine Ross (in her film debut), Glenn Corbett, and Rosemary Forsyth, who does a great job as Stewart's ballsy daughter. Some riveting emotional scenes and some nice action. Definitely worth a look for Stewart fans or anyone who enjoys films with subtext.

Shenandoah (1965) is a movie I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline follows a Virginia family during the Civil War that refuses to participate in the war despite the father having five sons and several daughter. They never believed in slavery and wont fight for it now. The South keeps trying to recruit the sons and the family resources but a stubborn father wont have it; however, when the youngest son gets caught up in the war activities the family may have to get involved after all.

This movie is directed by Andrew V. McLaglen (The Wild Geese) and stars James Stewart (Vertigo), George Kennedy (Cool Hand Luke), Patrick Wayne (Big Jake), Rosemary Forsyth (Disclosure), Doug McClure (The Land that Time Forgot), Tim McIntire (Brubaker) and Katharine Ross (The Graduate).

The storyline, characters, setting and circumstances of the time period are very well established. The family dynamics is outstanding and James Stewart couldn't have been better cast. His script, demeanor and intensity was perfect. The chemistry within the entire cast was excellent.

The circumstances and perspectives of the Civil War were also well delivered; and the ending was a bit sad, but realistic and very well done.

Overall this isn't a perfect film but is very well executed and is definitely worth a viewing. I would score this movie a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

A patriarch widower (a magnificent James Stewart) from Virginia is determined to keep his family out of the Civil War (1861-1865). He attempts to remain neutral against the ravages of war but the happenings get worse and his six sons (Patrick Wayne, Glen Corbett, Rosemary Forsyth , Tim McIntire , among others) are involved . His daughter (Rosemary Forsyth) marries a confederate officer (Doug McClure) and his adolescent son is prisoned by Yankees .

Good Western with powerful story that captures action , emotion and sentimental drama . The opening battle scenes are taken from ¨The Raintree country¨ and are printed as a mirror image of the original footage . Superb acting by the veteran James Stewart as the heartbreaking father who is forced into action to find his unfortunate sons. Largely secondary cast as Paul Fix as a doctor , Denver Pyle as the Pastor , George Kennedy as Yankee General , Strother Martin as train machinist , Harry Carey Jr , Bob Steele , among them . Film debut for Katherine Ross , previously her successful 'Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid' . The tale was the basis for posterior Broadway musical stage played by John Cullum . Colorful and glimmer cinematography by William H. Clothier , John Ford's usual . Rousing musical score with sensitive leitmotif by Frank Skinner . The motion picture was well directed by Andrew V. McLagen . He is a John Ford's disciple and son of the giant actor Victor McLagen . He's an expert on Western as ¨Last hard men¨ , ¨Rare breed¨, and ¨Bandolero¨ again with James Stewart and of course 'Shenandoah', his best Western . And directed several John Wayne vehicles as ¨McLintock¨ , ¨Chisum¨, and ¨Cahill¨ . Furthermore , specialist on Warlike genre as ¨Devil's brigand¨, ¨Wild Geese¨, ¨Sea wolves¨ , among them. Rating : Above average, well worth seeing . The flick will appeal to James Stewart fans.