DVD Corner

7 Women Blu-ray Review

John Ford’s cinematic farewell.  

Based on the short story “Chinese Finale” by Norah Lofts, “7 Women” is a 1965 film penned by Janet Green and John McCormick. Set in 1935 in China, the story focuses on a Christian mission led by women with only one male teacher (Charles). The Mission is run by the stuffy and sanctimonious Agatha Andrews with other staff including Ms. Argent (assistant), the young Emma Clark, and Charles’ hysterical wife Florrie. The Mission is in need of a Doctor and they got one with Dr. Cartwright. Cartwright is no ordinary Doctor, however, as she smokes, drinks, curses, and is generally one tough woman. This, of course, offends Agatha and she wants her out of the Mission. Cartwright becomes the least of Agatha’s problems though after a nearby British Mission is burned down by a Mongolian warlord Tunga Kahn (which brings survivors to their mission), a cholera outbreak occurs, Tunga Kahn and his bandits invade the Mission, and Florrie is about to give birth. Will the women be able to break free from Tunga Kahn?

John Ford was best known for westerns and his collaborations with John Wayne, but the legendary director went for a real departure for his final film “7 Women.” Scored to perfection by the always wonderful Elmer Bernstein, this is a dark tale about women, faith, good and evil, sex, courage, and sacrifice. The story doesn’t go where you think it will and it ends on a surprisingly grim note (albeit one with great power). It’s a bit surprising that this Ford entry doesn’t get mentioned all that much as it feels very ahead of its time in many ways. 

Visually, this isn’t one of Ford’s most memorable works as it’s all filmed on a big sound stage. There’s no dazzling location shooting to be found here. Still, what the film lacks in visual splendor it more than makes up for in stirring storytelling.

The real star of “7 Women” is Anne Bancroft who gives a truly incredible performance (and one of her finest to boot). Bancroft gives a fiery and spirited performance and her character is endlessly fascinating right down to the final frame of the film. Margaret Leighton shines as the bossy Agatha. Her scenes with Bancroft are noteworthy to be sure. The only performance that doesn’t land here is Betty Field as Florrie. She just overacts way too much for my liking. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? Filmed in Panavision and Metrocolor, “7 Women” has never looked better thanks to another stunning restoration by Warner Archive. The colors are particularly vibrant with this hi-def transfer. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A crisp and clear 2.0 track. 

Extras include a theatrical trailer, an animated short titled “The Dot And The Line,” and a behind-the-scenes featurette called “John Ford’s Magic Stage.”

September 11, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 7 Women Blu-ray Review, Anne Bancroft, John Ford, Warner Archive