this film be about two horse trader who agree to escort a small group of mormon across the desert . along the way and they encounter a murderous family of thug who menace the peaceful folk and put their pilgrimage in jeopardy . wagon master be what i would term a little john ford film and a it obviously do not have the budget or scope of some of his other western . in particular and this film lack the big name star like john wayne but allow some of the usual supporting character to take center stage . long time ford stock character actor ben johnson and harry carey and jr. and ward bond have be elevate to star role and perhaps the one who come of a the lead be probably johnson though the other two get nearly as much screen time and focus . this be not a bad thing and a the film work just fine without the big star and be well worth see . now this isn not to say i love the movie . it be very good but certainly not perfect . in particular and as far a the music go and you will probably either love it or hate it . i find the son of the pioneer music a bit schmaltzy at time . it do evoke a nice mood and but seem to occasionally dominate the scene . i think a little would have work much well . plus and with their incessant singing in the background and i keep expect roy rogers to pop out at any moment . another minor problem be that the plot be amazingly simple and the end be pretty much a foregone conclusion . however and and i be glad to say there be a however and despite this be rather formulaic and sentimental and the film still work well . this be primarily due to john ford nice and a usual and direction as well a ben johnson exceptional performance . he be able to provide an excellent anchor for the film . another plus for me be that i saw this in the same week a brigham young and another film about the mormon migration . while brigham young be a bit silly and overly saintly in it portrayal and here the mormon be less perfect and more like real people with foible and personality . oh and and speaking of brigham young and it seem a if jane darwell be the go to girl for mormon theme film during this era and a she be a major support character in both film . consider that she die in brigham young and it be set about 20 year before wagon master and this be some stunt . also and if you would like to catch a glimpse of the famous jim thorpe and he in a tiny role where he play the impassive indian dance next to jane darwell around the camp fire .