Entertaining melodrama about a Virginan family led by widower Charlie Anderson (James Stewart) trying to avoid becoming entangled in the American Civil War in which they do not believe. As the war drags on though it becomes apparent that no matter what they choose they will be scarred by the conflict.

The anti-war message here about not becoming involved in a war in which you do not believe would have been significant upon its release as the U.S. was escalating its involvement in Vietnam.

One small complaint would be an unnecessary brawl between the family and some federal representatives who are interested in the families horses. The scene seems to have been added for levity but comes across as inappropriate to the overall tone of the film.

Directed by Andrew V McLaglen best known for some of John Wayne's later films and television westerns, he was the son of Victor McLaglen a frequent co-star of John Wayne.

The younger co-stars while not delivering any standout performances are a collection of well known faces from the era including; Doug McClure, Katherine Ross, Phillip Alford (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Patrick Wayne (the Duke's son).

Strother Martin and George Kennedy are both quite good in very small roles.

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.

James Stewart is at one of his best performances, in I think is the only sad movie that he's been in. I mean, there's so much death in this movie, I surprise myself by giving it an eight.

****Major Spoilers ahead****

Right from the very beginning, we can see that this is a Civil War movie. Stewart plays Charlie Anderson, a widower with many sons and daughters. He will not join the Confederates, because he opposes slavery. He won't join the Union, because he is against war. But his sons are invited to join the Confederates. None of them do, and later, the same Confederates that made the offer were all killed.

One of his sons is kidnapped by some Yanmkeess, and Charlie sets out to rescue him. Charlie sees first hand the horrors of war, and he is forced to make a stand on the war.

If you watch this movie, be sure to have plenty of tissues, because you will definitely need them.

My Score: 8/10.