FrankGrimes over at TCM City asked that I post my 10 fave Ford films here for him to see. I figured I should post them here to, so here goes:
1)
The Searchers- Ethan Edwards is one of the darkest characters in cinema and the fact that he is portrayed by John Wayne makes it even more chilling. A film I don't think Ford could have made had he not served in WWII. Filled with nuance and subtlety When I was first discovering this film, reviewers were all abuzz about the hinted at relationship between Martha and Ethan It had always been there but it took them about 15+ years to catch on. Look for the blue eyes.
2)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance- The story of legend vs truth and how it destroys three people. I have written a small tome around here about my love for this film.
3)
How Green Was My Valley- With Ford it is about ritual- military, societal and/or family. In this wonderful tale of a Welsh coal mining family you get Ford at his most familial.
4)
The Iron Horse - In this silent epic Ford starts to find his voice and in doing so creates the template for westerns. In the years ahead, he will evolve that template into his masterpieces.
5)
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon- One of my favorites. Wayne as Nathan Brittles, playing older than he was, is wonderful. The interplay between him and Quincannon along with the hinted at back story that is almost a throw away is great. Add Ben Johnson and the Technicolor cinematography and you have a Remington painting come to life.
6)
Fort Apache - Here Ford first approaches the idea of truth vs legend that he will revisit 15+ years later. A wonderful look at the ritual of a military fort on the edge of the frontier. Anna Lee and George O'Brien are heartbreaking. Fonda is great as the egomanical Thursday.
7)
Stagecoach- Could be the grand-daddy of disaster flicks. A disparate group of people traveling by stage to Lordsburg meet with peril at every turn. Wonderful introduction shot of Wayne. What would Ford and Wayne have done had they not made this film together?
The Grapes of Wrath- Wonderful, heartfelt performances that speak through the ages for the little guy. Wonderful cinematography by Gregg Toland and a performance by Fonda that almost breaks your heart. Jane Darwell will.
9)
Rio Grande- The haunting looks that Wayne and O'Hara give one another coupled with the army ritual. I will take you home, Kathleen is a keeper. Again, the cinematography is exquisite
10)
Cheyenne Autumn- Ford turns the coin over and gives us a look at the Native American experience. Not as brash and uncompromising as it could be but still a worthy effort.
I need to see
Four Sons and
Pilgrimage.