I never thought I'd be using a word like "charming" in connection with a Western. But the first half of Wagon Master strikes me as just that, charming. The colorful characters and set-ups blend together in shrewdly affable fashion. Of course, the opening hook features brief gunplay, but that's just to let the audience know that the movie will include traditional bad guys. Actually, there's much less gunplay than expected, though the second half is more tension filled than the first. Still, the eventual showdown is de-dramatized in atypical fashion.
To me, Ben Johnson makes an excellent westerner. His regional accent is perfect. He may not be a John Wayne icon, but neither does he compete with the story. After all, the wagon train's success amounts to a collective effort and not that of a single heroic figure. Also, Carey Jr. makes a good headstrong sidekick, good for a chuckle or two. And, yes, that is a young,, naturally blond, James Arness as one of the Cleggs, even if without any dialog.
Two things I really like about this Ford Western. The characters are colorful without becoming caricatures, plus the fact that it's filmed in b&w. Now, Technicolor would bring out the awesome beauty of the Moab locations, but also distract from the storyline. The b&w photography here is excellent, but has the important effect of bringing out the majesty of the surroundings without competing. It's a perfect setting for the movie's theme of a new land for a peaceable Mormon people. Note too, how the Navajo are treated with respect, and even acknowledged as victims of white men's thievery, but without piling it on. Note too that except for the opening scene the entire movie was shot on location. A real outdoor Western.
All in all, Ford blends the many elements together beautifully. In my little book, the result should be more celebrated among his canon than it is. I know it's my favorite among the many Ford Westerns I've seen.
