"The Duke was so good at what he did, people tended to take it for granted..." Yes, I sometimes have heard it said that he didn't really act, but merely played the same role - himself - in each of his films. As you explain, that is difficult to conclude upon viewing his Ethan Edwards character. I would also point out the dark edges of his Tom Dunson in Howard Hawk's "Red River."
As for Ford's best movies, I would include "The Grapes of Wrath" on the short list.
“Ford was no optimist or sentimentalist when it came to human nature. He was, if you’ll forgive me an attempt to describe a sort of person hard to imagine, a devout Catholic but not reliably pious, a deeply religious sinner who disliked displays of religiosity, but not public worship…” This is an interesting description, because I can imagine a man like this at a traditional Mass (pre-VII) standing in back with hat off, perhaps head bowed, but present—and knowing he is attending something sacred and important, honoring his God, doing his duty. The modern mass is not attractive to that man.
Thank you for a great post.
"The Duke was so good at what he did, people tended to take it for granted..." Yes, I sometimes have heard it said that he didn't really act, but merely played the same role - himself - in each of his films. As you explain, that is difficult to conclude upon viewing his Ethan Edwards character. I would also point out the dark edges of his Tom Dunson in Howard Hawk's "Red River."
As for Ford's best movies, I would include "The Grapes of Wrath" on the short list.
One of my grandfather’s favorites. I remember watching it on Turner Classic Movies with him.
Wonderful memory! Internet archive link for full, free movie: https://archive.org/details/01-john-ford/The+Searchers+(1956).avi#
“Ford was no optimist or sentimentalist when it came to human nature. He was, if you’ll forgive me an attempt to describe a sort of person hard to imagine, a devout Catholic but not reliably pious, a deeply religious sinner who disliked displays of religiosity, but not public worship…” This is an interesting description, because I can imagine a man like this at a traditional Mass (pre-VII) standing in back with hat off, perhaps head bowed, but present—and knowing he is attending something sacred and important, honoring his God, doing his duty. The modern mass is not attractive to that man.
Reminds me of someone I know, though God knows him the best.
For westerns, Searchers and Valance are 1 and 1A. I can’t decide which is which. Also, Searchers is on TCM on 5/27. Recording is set.
Internet Archive link for full, free movie: https://archive.org/details/01-john-ford/The+Searchers+(1956).avi#
John, I searched it on Internet Archive and couldn't find it there. I will try again. Thanks!
Finally figured out how to find the link; have to click on the title, not on the movie screen. https://archive.org/details/01-john-ford/The+Searchers+(1956).avi#