Standing Ready Trooper, John Ford's Cavalry--single figure holding carbine
$47.00
Item Number: TRW196
Standing Ready Trooper, John Ford's Cavalry
In all of Ford's 'Trilogy' movies, the main weapon of his cavalrymen is the Springfield Model 1873 Carbine! In addition, all ranks would carry the 'Colt Single Action Army' pistol with the 7.5" long barrel.
Also of note: All of these new figures, with the exception of the officer, have a black leather Carbine Sling worn over their left shoulders. This allowed mounted soldiers to be able to ride their horses and use both hands while their carbines were attached securely to the leather sling on their right side, but still be within easy reach. Previously, this 'Carbine Sling' was not seen on earlier JFC figures, but was much requested by K&C collectors of the range.
JOHN FORD’S CAVALRY TRILOGY
Three particular ‘Westerns’ Ford directed in just three years, 1948, 1949 and 1950 symbolized his fondness for one particular part of the ‘Old West’: the officers and men of the U.S. Cavalry. ‘FORT APACHE’ (1948), ‘SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON’ (1949), and ‘RIO GRANDE’ (1950) all told tales of the hard and often dangerous life of the men guarding and patrolling the rugged and majestic country of the Southwest U.S.A., particularly Texas, Utah, and Arizona. The area’s magnificent ‘Monument Valley’ made the perfect backdrop for many of the most exciting and memorable scenes in all three films.
Another important feature of Ford’s ‘Trilogy’ was the ‘look’ and dress of these U.S. Cavalry soldiers shown up on the big screen. From the battered and weathered white stetsons to the faded yellow neckerchiefs and, of course, those white ‘braces’ (suspenders) set against navy blue shirts and pale blue riding pants. John Ford’s Cavalry were always colourful, even in black and white movies. Only ‘Rio’ Grande was actually filmed in colour.
Whether guarding the gates and manning the ramparts of their wooden frontier fort or taking a mounted patrol across Monument Valley, John Ford’s Cavalry always looked great. They also provided the inspiration for this particular range of U.S. Cavalrymen… both on foot and mounted.
On a side note… A few years after the ‘Trilogy’ appeared John Ford was attending some kind of official function in Washington D.C. when a then famous female film critic pulled him to one side saying, “You know, Mr. Ford, the U.S. Cavalry you like to portray in your movies never did wear white hats, yellow scarves, and white suspenders!” Ford thought about her remark for a moment before replying, “Historically, ma’am, you might be right, but in my movies, they look a damn sight better!”
King & Country’s ‘John Ford Cavalry’ officers and troopers are very clearly based on many of the characters seen in the ‘Trilogy’ and these new additions are a welcome group of fighting reinforcements to a little piece of movie history.
released in DECEMBER 2024.
