7 Women (1966)

Set in 1935 rural China, the strict head (Margaret Leighton) of a mission rules it with an iron fist. When a much needed doctor (Anne Bancroft) arrives at the mission, they immediately clash over different ideas and lifestyle. Based on the short story CHINESE FINALE by Norah Lofts and directed by John Ford (THE SEARCHERS), his final film in a 53 year career. The movie was poorly treated by MGM which released the film in a limited theatrical run and on double bills rather than as a major film by a four time Oscar winning director. With the exception of Andrew Sarris who championed the film, critics dismissed the film although Cahier Du Cinema named it one of the 10 best films of 1966. In the ensuing years, its reputation has grown and it's gotten more respect. In 2013, Richard Brody gave a glowing re-evaluation in the New Yorker. I think most critics were thrown by its female centric narrative coming from Ford whose movies were mostly testosterone driven. The testosterone is still there, only it's outside the walls, its violence ready to invade and destroy and the heroism in the film comes not from any man but Bancroft's woman doctor. I think it's a perfectly wonderful swan song to Ford's career. With Sue Lyon, Eddie Albert, Betty Field, Mildred Dunnock, Flora Robson, Anna Lee, Mike Mazurki, Woody Strode, Jane Chang and Irene Tsu.