MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES (1957)

Studio: Universal Pictures

Producer: Robert Arthur

Director: Joseph Pevney

Music: Frank Skinner

Release Date: August 13, 1957

Awards: Nominated for the Best Writing Academy Award.

Origination: Based on the life of silent film actor Lon Chaney Sr.

Interesting Fact: Chaney starred in the 1919 film version of The Miracle Worker, which was adapted to the stage and starred George M. Cohan in the cast. Cohan was another individual to be reprised by James Cagney.

Lon Chaney: The kind of fellows I play, pretty girls don't write to.

 

Very few biographies on actors of the silent era had been done when this movie was released. Films had been done on figures like Al Jolson who had been the forefront leader into talkies, but it was Lon Chaney who was far more unique than any other performer. His talent as an actor was more than a portrayal of a character, it was a work of art. Complex makeup combined with painful posture were limits that Chaney went beyond. Through his talent of shape shifting and study of the character he could make you feel sorry for the ugliest of characters. He was a true genius!

 

This film, though at times slightly inaccurate, brings to light some of his work through the talents of James Cagney. I feel that Cagney does a fantastic job, which compliments the already fascinating story of Lon Chaney's life. Cagney would go through some of the same shape shifting routines, but may have not gone as far as Chaney. All-in-all, this story is heart wrenching and eye opening.

This is the first of a two part film dedicated the talent of Lon Chaney Sr.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?

THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942)

Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Productions

Producer: Samuel Goldwyn

Director: Sam Wood

Music: Leigh Harline

Release Date: July 14, 1942

Awards: It was nominated for eleven Oscars, winning only one of them for Best Film Editing. The nominations were for: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Special Effects, Best Music, Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Original Story & Best Screenplay.

Origination: Based on the legendary Major League Baseball player, given the name "Iron Horse." Lou Gehrig was one of the first notable figures to be diagnosed with a disease that later bear his name and took his life only seventeen months before this film was released.

Interesting Fact: Gary Cooper was right-handed in comparison to Lou Gehrig's left handed swings. To pull off such a stunt, they reversed the numbers on the uniforms and had Cooper run to third base instead of first. The film was then reversed before the final cut.

Lou Gehrig: Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
 

This film was an instant success at it's release and has withstood the test of time. To this day, it is the example of what an athletic biography should be like. It is as emotional as is it is fascinating all while portraying baseball history in the making. This film has become a treasure for any fan of the sport, with cameo appearances of some of Gehrig's teammates, most notably Babe Ruth.

With Gary Cooper at the lead, he would give one of his best performances and sealed a fitting tribute to the man who played 2,130 consecutive games. He effectively depicted the spirit and strength of Gehrig's persona and, in turn, the American dream. This is not just one of the best biographies of the past, but also one of the greatest films of the past.
 

The climatic Lou Gehrig speech.

 

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?

THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE (1939)

Studio: RKO Radio Pictures

Producer: George Haight

Director: H. C. Potter

Music: Robert Russell Bennett (lyrics) & Irving Berlin (music)

Release Date: March 29th, 1939

Awards: In 2006 it was nominated for the Best Classic DVD.

Origination: Based on the book, My Husband and My Memories of Vernon Castle, written by Irene Castle.

Interesting Fact: This was the last Astaire & Rogers film with RKO, where they had made nine films together. Ten years later they starred again as a couple in their final film together in The Barkleys of Broadway (1949).

Irene: "You could be a perfectly wonderful dancer if you wanted to."

I just watched this last night to refresh myself with the film. This movie is a fitting tribute to both Mr. & Mrs. Castle as well as the Astaire & Rogers partnership. The Hollywood couple had been in eight other films, by this time, and were now at their partnership prime. The routines they dance are gorgeous and you can't help but smile as you watch them glide across the floor.

Now on the story of Vernon & Irene Castle. It is a story of determination & love. I don't think I have seen such a romantic film, as this, in a long time. Europe and America fell in love with them as this couple changed the world of dance and ballroom. If you love anything about dance you need to see this film.

Here is a tribute video I found on Youtube.com.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?

THE STRATTON STORY (1949)

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Producer: Jack Cummings

Director: Sam Wood

Music: Adolph Deutsch

Release Date: May 12th, 1949

Awards: It won the Best Writing Oscar at the Academy Awards and received two Photoplay Awards.

Origination: This story is based on the life of Major League Baseball pitcher, Monty Stratton.

Interesting Fact: This was the first of three films to cast Jimmy Stewart & June Allyson as husband & wife. The other two were The Glenn Miller Story (1954) & Strategic Air Command (1955).

Ethel Stratton: You told me once, "A man has to know where he's goin'!" Where are you goin', Monty?

 

 

This is one of those unkown films that has an amazing cast, a great story and a powerful message. Jimmy Stewart plays Monty Stratton, whose love of baseball got him out of poverty and into the Major Leagues. His fame and talent continued to grow until a fateful accident, which resulted in the removal of his right leg at the knee. With his career at an end, he sinks into a quite depression, of which, only his wife can pull him out. So she begins to offer herself for pitching practice. While she begins to learn a littlle bit more about baseball, he begins to light the fire within him to return to the sport. This is an amazing film.

Stewarts tall and lanky shape made him a perfect candidate for Monty Stratton. Most notable though, is Stewarts performance with only one leg. His chemistry with June Allyson was evident, as they were paired two more times as husband and wife. Frank Morgan is much different in this film then you may be use to seeing him. Tough on his luck, he looks at eveything under his eyebrows. Agnes portrays the sinical yet loving mother who can't figure how someone could make money throwing a ball.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE?

SEPTEMBER'S THEME: BIO-PICS

When I began theme centered months, I chose to publish posts themed around my all-time favorite inspirational films. I quickly saw that a line had to be drawn between fictional and non-fictional. As many of my favorite films were not true stories, I chose to put off non-fictional until a later time. Finally that time has come.

The term that best describes this kind of genre is Bio-pics. Bio-pics are a portrayal of a historical individual whose life left a notable legacy. First I must acknowledge that the complete story depicted on film, may not have necessarily been an accurate representation on the individuals life. In fact, many of them have filler romances or side events to keep the audiences entertained. These films do, however, create an awareness of the persons work, though however small that work may have been.

Their have been films on men of knowledge, entertainers, song-writers, athletes, world leaders and even biblical figures. Their stories have been told through gripping dramas, epic box-office busters and even musical routines. What may have been the most important part of the production is the casting of the leading man or lady. If they match up the right actor with the right story, then you have movie magic that stands the test of time.

Here are my top ten:


#10: Hans Christian Andersen (1952)

I have found it hard to think on Hans Christian Andersen without Danny Kaye coming to mind. He was the perfect pick for this film and his dancing and singing was just right for the musical story telling. Some of my favorite songs came from this soundtrack, but that's not the only thing I love about it. This movie taught me that an adult can have an imagination too.

#9: Spartacus (1960)

This story of a fighting slave rising against the greatest army of it's time, is beyond epic. Kirk Douglas became a whole new person to me in his portrayal of the slave known as Spartacus. Though the battles may be inaccurate and his final ending Hollywoodized, this film makes for a great story about a real man that existed during the reign of Rome.

#8: El Cid (1961)

For an actor who played the prophet Moses only five years earlier in Cecil B DeMille's epic production, The Ten Commandments (1956), he certainly proved that he could adapt to any role. This movie began my interest in the legends of old as I became moved and motivated by the loyalty and honesty of "The Cid". Heston's performance brought a lot of power to this role, as did all the other stars in this film.

#7: Gentlemen Jim (1942)

This was the film that began my interest in Errol Flynn. All the other films I had seen of him would depict an invincible character who could overcome any odds stacked against him. This movie knocks him around a little bit... Literally! He was an unlikely victor against men twice his size, but his upbringing of Irish spirit pushed him to the top.

#6: The Stratton Story (1949)

This film was unknown to me when I bought a Jimmy Stewart package of films. I watched it with skepticism, as I had never heard of it, and finished it with an unbelievable shock. This story is fantastic! Stewart's performance on one leg is something I had never seen done by any other leading actor like him. Frank Morgan's performance is also notable as a polar opposite from most of his cast types.

#5: Edison, the Man (1940)

This is not only an epic film on the most influential man of America, but one of the greatest stories on overcoming failure. I had always thought of Edison as a successful business man with great ideas, but I had no idea the struggles he faced to achieve the dreams he had that would change the way we live today. No other actor would have been fitting for the job then, the legendary himself, Spencer Tracy. I can't imagine a Cooper, Grant or Stewart in the same role. Tracy was perfectly capable of bringing the struggle and inventive spark to his performance.

#4: The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939)

I have placed this film in my top-ten, not just for Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers performance, but also to bring to light this amazing story that has been stored away from the publics view since its production. If you love anything about dancing, this film is for you. Not only does it tell you the true story of one of dances most influential couple in history, but it tells you their story through the only couple right for the job... The greatest dancing couple of Hollywood.

#3: Pride of the Yankees (1942)

I'm aware that this film is known by almost everyone, but I had to place it near the top. Partly for Gary Coopers humble performance of the even humbler "Iron Horse" who played 2,130 consecutive games. But, largely for the story it tells of a man who fought harder than most, until he literally didn't have any more strength. This film is an inspiration to all ages! One other item that makes this film lovable is the casting of Babe Ruth as himself throughout the picture.

#2: Man of a Thousand Faces (1957)

This one isn't very well known and I scratch my head at the thought. Lon Chaney Sr., the man whom this film is about, was one the most influential actors in early Hollywood. His ability to transform his appearance and figure was the result of determined conditioning and raw talent that we rarely see in performers today. He didn't just pretend to be another person, he did everything in his power to know and feel what that person was. In this film, you see a large glimpse of his career and life through the amazing talent of James Cagney.

#1: The Eddy Duchin Story (1956)

You may be wondering why a piano player is at the top of the list. This isn't a film about a man who conquered or reshaped the world. It's not about a man who made life easier for generations to come or had a large fan base like an athlete. No, this story is about one mans talent that changed MY outlook on life. This was the film, first of all, that sold me on Tyrone Power's ability as an actor. Here you see the rise of one man from the slums to greatness, all with the use of his speedy little hands. My jaw still drops as I contemplate the complexity of the music that is effortlessly being poured out of the piano.

What inspired me most about this movie, is that I never thought something so impossible could look so easy to do. In other words, all the other topics listed above where things that I may never have a chance at. Playing the piano, however, was something I was familiar with, which makes this story more personal for me. What also puts this movie at the top, is that Eddy Duchin's sudden death at a young age, greatly effected Tyrone Power. Power, himself, would pass away only two years after this film was released and at the similarly young age of forty-four.

Well, there they are. As I do with every post, I wish to apologize if I have left out a key one for you. Comment below if you have one that I have not listed that is among your favorites.

ROY ROGERS (1911-1988)

LEONARD FRANKLIN SLYE

Born: November 5th, 1911 (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Died: July 6th, 1988 (heart failure)

Marriage: Lucile Ascolese (1933-1936), Grace Arline Wilkins (1936-1946 Her death), Dale Evans (1947-His death).

Children: With Arline he had two daughters and a son, Linda Lou, Cheryl Rogers (adopted) & Roy Jr. (Dusty). She died as a result of her sons birth. When he married Evans she already had a son named Thomas Frederick Fox Jr from a previous marriage. Evans & Rogers then had a daughter named Robin Elizabeth, who had down syndrome and died of the mumps when she was two. The couple adopted three more children: Harry John David Hardy Rogers (Sandy), Mary Little Doe Rogers (Dodie) & Deborah Lee Rogers from Korea. They also had a foster child named Marion Fleming (Mimi).

Awards: In 1953, he received a Golden Apple as the most cooperative actor. He also received two Golden Boot Awards; One in 1983 and the other in 1996. He has three stars on the Walk of Fame: Radio, Motion Picture & Television. In 1976, he was inducted, along with his wife Evans, into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. With the Sons of the Pioneers he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1995.

Interesting Fact: Rogers famous white horse "Trigger" was used in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) by Olivia De Havilland.

My Favorite Movie: Pecos Bill (1948) short. This clip can be found in Disney's Melody Time. This was the first time that I was introduced to the cowboys of the past. In the clip we see him singing with his group called "Sons of the Pioneers" and sitting with Disney stars: Bobby Driscoll & Luana Patten.

THE KING OF THE WEST

Roger's life had as much success in it as there was personal tragedy. With the crushing blow of his wife passing shortly after his son's birth, Roy would find love again in Dale Evans. This couple would also not go without heartache as three of their children would die at a young age.

His work in acting began slowly as he formed a singing group called "Sons of the Pioneers." In the late thirties, Rogers would go off on his own and changed his name, for the third time, to Roy Rogers. He had now become popular in westerns, working around legends like Gene Autry. In 1943, he achieved the number one cowboy spot at the box-office. Near the end of the forties he met and married Dale Evans. Her talent as a song writer and singer with his talented voice became a sensational combination and they were always seen together from then on.

From his work at Paramount with Bob Hope and Jane Russell in Son of Paleface (1952), to his successful new show, the stars in the western sky made way for both of them. Their title was the King and Queen of the west and their legend is the most popular of any other Hollywood couple.

"Don't Fence Me In"

Roy Rogers on The Muppet Show.

Roy Rogers and his horse "Trigger."

 

GENE AUTRY (1907-1998)

ORVON GROVER AUTRY

Born: September 29th, 1907 (Texas)

Died: October 2nd, 1998 (lymphoma)

Marriages: Ina Mae Spivey (1932-1980 Her death), Jackie Autry (1981-His death).

Children: No children.

Awards: Nominated for the Best Music Oscar in Ridin' on a Rainbow (1941). He received two Golden Boots; One in 1983 and the other in 1995. In 1980, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and in 1972 he was Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He is also the only performer with five stars on the Walk of Fame: Motion Pictures, Radio, Television, Recording & Live Performance.

Interesting Fact: He served in the military during WWII and was the only officer allowed to wear cowboy boots.

My Favorite Movie: Though I have never seen one of his pictures from start to finish, I remember him for his musical cameos in some of the films of are day. The most notable one, for me, is Sleepless in Seattle (1993).

THE SINGING COWBOY

 

Gene Autry's voice has lived on more than other singers of his time. This came about from his combination of Cowboy & Christmas music. Autry was discovered by acting legend Will Rogers, while he was singing on the job at a telegraph office. Rogers encouraged him to get into show business, and Autry took his advice in the late twenties through radio. He quickly climbed the charts, and then starred in a couple of serial westerns. It wasn't long until he had his own name on the billing and from 1937-1942, he became the most popular western star at the box office. With WWII, he went into the military and was replaced by his friend and once co-star, Roy Rogers. After the war, his popularity returned and he began to record his Christmas music, including "Here Comes Santa Claus" which was written by him and Oakley Haldeman in 1946.

 

It was about this time that he created a code for the cowboy that his fans could live by:

 

The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
He must always tell the truth.
He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
He must help people in distress.
He must be a good worker.
He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
He must respect women, parents, and his nation's laws.
The Cowboy is a patriot.

 

In 1964, Autry retired from show business to return to his fruitful work as a businessman. His legend never died though, and he never changed from the soft kind man with a golden voice.

 

 

Trailer of Riders in the Sky (1949).

 

Gene Autry on Whats My Line?

 

Gene Autry and his horse "Champion"

 

WILLIAM BOYD (1895-1972)

WILLIAM BOYD

Born: June 5th, 1895 (Hendrysburg, Ohio)

Died: September 12th, 1972 (Parkinson's)

Marriage: Laura Maynard (1917-1921), Ruth Miller (1921-1924), Elinor Fair (1926-1929), Dorothy Sebastian (1930-1936) & Grace Bradley (1937-His death).

Children: He had a son with his third wife that died at nine months.

Awards: He has a star on the Walk of Fame and received a Golden Boot in 1993. In 1995, he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Interesting Fact: He was supposedly offered the role as Moses in Cecil B. DeMille's production of The Ten Commandments (1956). He would turn down the role on the grounds that his followers would be unable to see him as anything else than Hopalong Cassidy.

My Favorite Movie: I must admit that I have never seen a full film of his performances, though I have seen a large portion of his work that I enjoyed. He was like an early MacGyver.

THE CLEAN COWBOY

He was my mothers favorite cowboy star. His career began with Cecil B. DeMille, but was greatly jeopardized when an actor with a similar name, William Stage Boyd, was on the news from a scandal. His career was rebooted when he appeared on the screen as Hopalong Cassidy in 1935. His character didn't drink, smoke or cuss and became an inspiring hero for many young boys. His fame continued to flourish as he made over sixty films and had a hit TV show. In 1953, he retired to his ranch in Palm Desert, California. He passed away less than ten years later from Parkinson's disease.  

 

William Boyd's horse "Topper"

Additional sites:
Hollywood.com
Matineeclassics.com
 

ANDY DEVINE (1905-1977) 200TH POST

ANDREW VABRE DEVINE

Born: October 7th, 1905 (Kingman, Arizona)

Died: February 18th, 1977 (leukemia)

Marriage: Dorthy Devine (1933-His death)

Children: Tad Devine & Denny Devine

Awards: Though he was never nominated for an Oscar, he had two stars on the Walk of Fame for Radio & Television and was nominated posthumously in 1988 for a Golden Boot and in 2011 for a British Soap Award.

Interesting Fact: Andy could ride a team of six horses, making him a perfect pick for his role in Stagecoach (1939).

My Favorite Movie: Stagecoach (1939). Whenever you watch someone riding a team of horses on the screen they rarely make a sound. Devine's performance surprised me as he yelled out at the horses with mixed in dialogue.

 

 

THE SIDEKICK

Andy's talents, as an actor, were first viewed on the silent screen. With the invention of sound, he became greatly concerned about his raspy, high pitched voice. Little did anyone know that it would become his fans favorite characteristic. His popularity grew when he was placed as the sidekick to cowboy heroes like: Roy Rogers & Guy Madison. His upbringing in Arizona had given him the cowboy experience that came natural on the screen. His talent went beyond westerns as he had a great knack for any type of comedy and also vocal performances in animation. He was a well-rounded actor, and I don't mean just physically.

An old Kellog's comercial.

Additional Sites:
Matineeclassics.com
Hollywood.com

HARRY CAREY SR. (1878-1947)

HENRY DEWITT CAREY II

Born: January 16th, 1878 (Bronx, New York)

Died: September 21st, 1947 (lung cancer)

Marriage: He was first married to a Fern Foster, but no one seems to be sure on the date they married or divorced. He later married Olive Carey (1920-His death).

Children: Ellen Carey & Harry Carey Jr.

Awards: Nominated for the Oscar of Best Supporting Actor in, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). After his death he was awarded a star on the Walk of Fame and in 1976, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame. He also was awarded a Golden Boot in 1991.

Interesting Fact: The film, 3 Godfathers (1948), was made in his honor by John Ford. The two had worked together on a similar picture during the silent years and had a strong partnership and friendship.

My Favorite Movie: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). One thing to note about his performance is that he received a nomination for an Oscar in a year when the Academy had it's hands full with so many other great pictures. My father just loves the scene when Stewart looks up in almost defeat and Cary smiles back at him.

THE WESTERN LEGEND

Harry Carey was a stout-hearted yet gentle man whose talent as an actor is viewable in over two-hundred films. John Ford called him the "bright star of the early western sky." His work in Hollywood started in the silent days and his transition into sound was also successful. He was the leading man of many early westerns and struck up a great friendship with John Ford who was his director in over twenty films. His son, Harry Carey Jr., became a successful actor as well and also starred in Ford's westerns. What made his work as a cowboy so interesting is that he was born on the east coast. Later in life he became the wise yet silent sage who had seen tougher days. His voice was strong and his face was striking. What a great actor!

REAL COWBOYS

For this last week of westerns, I'm going to put the spotlight on some of the real cowboys of Hollywood. Their involvement in the entertainment industry created a following that continues to exist today. Many of these actors grew their popularity through television, radio and even created music.

If I miss one of your favorites, I apologize ahead of time. I am severely limited by my own experience and have yet to see one of your favorites. You may also notice Andy Devine in the collage below. He may not be a real cowboy but his acting career was dominated by westerns. Besides, I think he's amazing. I hope you enjoy!

REFLECTIONS ON JOHN FORD

In recollection of this last week I have gleaned a few things about westerns, directing & characters. Most of all, it has taught me about one of the greatest men of Hollywood, John Ford. As I prepared for this week and also throughout it, I have been using two video sources for my references: Directed by John Ford (1971) & American Westerns: John Ford / John Wayne: The Filmmaker & The Legend. The second video can be found on the second disc of special features to Stagecoach (1939).

Some of the quotes I presented, came from these two films and there is a good reason for it. First of all, I found the Internet frighteningly inaccurate and unreliable when it came to researching purposes. Sites like: Wikipedia & IMDB were close to the actual truth, but would often differ from each other. When I discovered a site dedicated to Ford I was even more disturbed by its incorrect facts.

The other reason, is in the form of a question: Whose to say that what is written is what happened or even said? Both of the films, I listed above, included original footage and interviews of the men and women of Ford's stock company. I saw and heard the words come from their own mouths and tried, with my suffering grammar, to write it out.

I would emphatically recommend the viewing of these documentaries. Not only did I learn of Ford's world, I learned about the characters within it. Explanations of certain scenes and dialogue were revealed and I gained a greater appreciation of his work and talent.

In closing, I wish to say one more thing about this gifted man called Ford. I have come to find how simple his stories are, yet how life-changing they can be. Ford, through his genius, was capable of taking a complex story with an epic background and teach you a little something about who you are and what you are supposed to be. He did this by demanding the talents of actors and actresses, cameramen and screen writers who would come to honor him. Everyone was kept on their toes though they didn't even know they were actually dancing. Ford took all of this, all of it, and jammed into over an hour of film to teach the world his lessons on life. And what are those lessons?.. You'll just have to find out.

JOHN FORD (1960-1970)

Summary: Ford's last big hurrah would be in the sixties. Studios began to decline in offering him projects as they viewed him only cappable of making westerns. His health began to decline and work became limited for him. The world around him was changing and his characters were not as desired as they were in the past. Throughout these challenges he pulled off a couple of hits before passing away in 1973.

Popular Western Films: Sergeant Rutledge (1960), Two Rode Together (1961), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Cheyenne Autumn (1964)

Interesting Fact: He was the first to be given the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. John Wayne was the one to present it to him. Ford passed away six months later.

Western Awards: He won three Bronze Wranglers, one for The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), another for How the West Was Won (1962) and the last was for Cheyenne Autumn (1964). During the sixties he also was nominated four different times for a Laurel Award and won third place twice.

 

 

 

John Wayne: "Jack Ford gives us, in his work, that part of legend and history that might have been lost forever to the American people."

With the beginning of the sixties, Ford directed Sergeant Rutledge (1960), a picture about an African American soldier who is accused of rape and murder. The theme is somewhat comparable to a film made a couple years later by Robert Mulligan, To Kill a Mocking Bird (1962). The picture was not as successful as the studio had hoped and Ford was without work for a little while.

Without any projects, Ford went to go see his friend Wayne on the set of his first film as director, The Alamo (1960). When Ford arrived, he sat down in the directors chair. This action caused a little frustration in Wayne and his crew. In desperation they decided to set him off in another part of the set to direct some chase scenes that were never to be used in the final cut.

While at the set, Ford met Richard Widmark who would later star in three of Ford's final westerns. One picture, in particular, would also have Jimmy Stewart's introduction in a Ford film, Two Rode Together (1961). But as he gained more stars, sadness surrounded him at the sudden passing of his life-long friend, Ward Bond.

In 1962, Ford would make what is considered to be the last great western of the Golden Age of movies, The Man who Shot Liberty Valance. In the film, you see the end of the West that we related too. This became a direct reflection to the end of an age in America that we were accustomed too. Within one year after its production, Marilyn Monroe was mysteriously found dead and Kennedy was mysteriously assassinated. This also has a slight connection on who really killed Liberty Valance.

This film would also solidify something that Ford had silently expressed in all of his pictures. "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." In reality, he was'nt saying that myths are more important than truth, but that the masses approve of the fictional story rather than the actual facts. Another notable feature of the film is the character played by Wayne could be compared to Ford. Both were alcoholics and both were concerned that they had outlived their use in society.

One other theme that was underlying in his other pictures is presented more honestly in this picture. Throughout Ford's films he gives you an example of what a MAN should be. Think of all his past pictures whether western or modern, and pick out the figure of a man that he caresses within the story. Through this particular film, he gives you two sides of a man, Stewart's & Wayne's. One as the rough and tough figure, which is the only thing standing between civilization and anarchy. The other is a man who chooses to stand up to lawlessness, though he doesn't know if he has it in him.

Ford would go on to direct a small part in How the West Was Won (1962) and film his last western with also the use of Monument Valley one final time in Cheyenne Autumn (1964). His health was decreasing rapidly as he reached his seventies. The America he had grown up in had changed and so had movies. But don't let that depress you any.

Ford had become a legend, but not the kind you see on a Wheaties box or a ballot form. He had become the kind of legend that sits you down, one on one, and tells you a story that changes you, but you don't know how. For some reason his story leaves you with more than courage and moral honesty, but a sense of responsibility that you usually learn from your own father.

With just over one hundred films under his name and six Oscars on his mantel, Ford would leave this earth on the 31st of August in 1973. His pictures of America would, in turn, reshape America and inspire generations of another age. His work could be compared to that of the pioneers, who not only trudged through the wilderness but sought to make it civilized. He is one of the greatest legends of Hollywood and when the legend becomes truth, print the legend.

JOHN FORD (1950-1960)

Summary: Ford was challenged by the politics of this decade and chose to remain neutral. He would never be able to repeat the success of his early films in the forties, but came out with a number of huge hits. The story he had hoped to direct for years, "The Quiet Man" (1952), became a box-office success and made more money than any other of his pictures. In the fifties, he also brought us the most popular and defining western of all-time, "The Searchers" (1956).

Popular Western Films: "Wagon Master" (1950), "Rio Grande" (1950), "The Searchers" (1956) & "The Horse Soldiers" (1959).

Interesting Fact: By this time in his career, he had won more Oscars than any other director, to date, with a total of six. Two of them were awarded for his filming on WWII.

Western Awards: "The Searchers" (1956) & "The Horse Soldiers" (1959) both won him an award from the Directors Guild of America.

 

 

 

 

"My Name is John Ford and I make westerns."

The beginning of the fifties would be a little rough for Ford. The Red scare was on the war path and the people of Hollywood were picking sides. For a man who had served his country only a few years before, he remained silently neutral for the most part. Once, in a very tense moment, he had successfully fought off the request of a loyalty oath among directors.

At this same time, Ford would finish off his Calvary trilogy with his final installment, "Rio Grande" (1950). This film would bring some new life to Ford's stock company. Patrick Wayne, son of John Wayne, was to debut in this film and would also star in some of Ford's other pictures. It would also introduce Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne as a pair to the screen. Their chemistry was so fresh and original that they became an instant success. Hollywood had never seen a couple of such nature and they would later star in four other pictures.

Suddenly, Wayne has risen to greater heights than Ford, and the two friends would switch places in a small way. In the late 1930's, Ford pulled Wayne out of poverty row and into the leading men spotlight. Wayne would now return the favor by aiding Ford during a time of need. One of the first things that Wayne did was talk Republic Pictures into allowing Ford to finally direct a film he had been waiting on for a long time, "The Quiet Man" (1952).

Though not a western, "The Quiet Man" would once again reunite the Ford's famous crew under "Pappy's" direction. Wayne brought along his family and the picture became a who's who of Ford's friends. Another addition to the cast would be Ford's older brother, Frank, who was responsible for bringing John to Hollywood and also showed him the ropes until he could move on. Though this was not his last film, Frank would pass away one year later at the age of seventy-two. In all, "The Quiet Man" was a fulfilment of John Ford's dream and gave him a chance to finally return to his Irish heritage. The film was also an astounding success and won him his last Oscar.

Following this triumph, Ford returned to Monument Valley and made his darkest western ever, "The Searchers" (1956). The story is about a man returning to civilization after a Civil War, only to be thrust into a violent search for his missing niece. It has been said that this picture was a reflection of the lost innocence America was experiencing during this time. The character of Ethan Edwards resembled everything hopeless, yet everything great about America. His last film, of the fifties, would be "The Horse Soldiers" (1959). The picture would star Wayne and William Holden and would be another success for Ford.

Ford's drinking began to catch up with him in his mid-sixties, and his health began to decline. He had also become slightly forgotten, though the effects of his films would carry on and inspire new talent in generations to come. He had finally been allowed to direct his favorite picture, and had a new kind of character in Ethan Edwards. Even with his failing health and drooping popularity, he would go on to make even more monumental films in the decade to come.