As a film fan for over 60 years, I was an admirer of John Ford's films long before I knew who he was. Stagecoach, Mary of Scotland, and above all, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, seen only in black and white on a small TV, set my imagination alight way, way, long ago. Today, I watch and rewatch John Ford's films much as I enjoy Monet and his Impressions of a Sunset painting. But its not only the visuals its the way the stories are told in moving pictures with film stars made whole to this day I find it hard to accept that Nathan Brittles, Ethan Edwards or Top Sgt. Quincannon are not real people. Decades on just like the other night when I watched the often overlooked The Wagon Master for the first time in a long time I found again and again a scene or a sentiment that had me in a flood of tears I do not know how or why Ford's best films are always just so emotional, it is the power of real cinema is all I can suggest. So thank you for this fitting tribute even though I would make The Searchers number one with The Quiet Man number two and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon as number three. On more comment, I note from my DVD collection that I view The Horse Soldiers more than most perhaps due to the soundtrack of reworked civil war era songs. So thanks Classic Film Lovers Guide on a truly great job!
You had me at "The Quiet Man" :) Wonderful list. It's such a great reminder of the power of B&W in the hands of a master (I actually still prefer it to color). Ford had such a gift. You, my friend, are also very gifted in your insight and analysis of all the great films/crew you review on your channel. Keep up the great work!
You’re back!!!! My favorites are The Long Gray Line, How Green was My Valley, Fort Apache, Wagon Master, The Lost Patrol, The Grapes of Wrath, and Liberty Valance.
I also loved • Four Men and a Prayer ❤ • Gideon’s Day ❤ • Seven Women ❤ his last film and last line : « So long, you, bastard ! » Greetings from France 🇫🇷
I have only seen bits of HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, but shocked that anyone would say it is better than Citizen Kane and deserved it best Director. Ironically it was the only film of Ford's that did win best picture, even though he had 3 other best director awards. My favoite is MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALLANCE. I also like how Ford uses his camera here to show racial minorities. He does that with Strode's Pompey character being prominent on the outside of the Saloon when they are nominating people to represent the town. Also the Mexican men riding past the Saloon, where later, it ios mentioned that Pompey can't drink there. And that the Mexicans have there own smaller Saloon. Ford does not throw it in your face, but look out for this when you next watch the film. Made in the early 60's, so Ford does comment on it. And those who say John Wayne wasn't for Civil Rights, He has to say the line in that bar, give Pompey a drink.
As a film fan for over 60 years, I was an admirer of John Ford's films long before I knew who he was. Stagecoach, Mary of Scotland, and above all, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, seen only in black and white on a small TV, set my imagination alight way, way, long ago. Today, I watch and rewatch John Ford's films much as I enjoy Monet and his Impressions of a Sunset painting.
But its not only the visuals its the way the stories are told in moving pictures with film stars made whole to this day I find it hard to accept that Nathan Brittles, Ethan Edwards or Top Sgt. Quincannon are not real people. Decades on just like the other night when I watched the often overlooked The Wagon Master for the first time in a long time I found again and again a scene or a sentiment that had me in a flood of tears I do not know how or why Ford's best films are always just so emotional, it is the power of real cinema is all I can suggest. So thank you for this fitting tribute even though I would make The Searchers number one with The Quiet Man number two and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon as number three. On more comment, I note from my DVD collection that I view The Horse Soldiers more than most perhaps due to the soundtrack of reworked civil war era songs. So thanks Classic Film Lovers Guide on a truly great job!
You had me at "The Quiet Man" :)
Wonderful list. It's such a great reminder of the power of B&W in the hands of a master (I actually still prefer it to color).
Ford had such a gift. You, my friend, are also very gifted in your insight and analysis of all the great films/crew you review on your channel. Keep up the great work!
You’re back!!!!
My favorites are The Long Gray Line, How Green was My Valley, Fort Apache, Wagon Master, The Lost Patrol, The Grapes of Wrath, and Liberty Valance.
Great Job!
I also loved
• Four Men and a Prayer ❤
• Gideon’s Day ❤
• Seven Women ❤ his last film and last line : « So long, you, bastard ! »
Greetings from France 🇫🇷
The first image of Wallace Ford...was actually Joe Sawyer.
I love the list, but to my mind, The Searchers is #1 by a substantial margin.
I have only seen bits of HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, but shocked that anyone would say it is better than Citizen Kane and deserved it best Director. Ironically it was the only film of Ford's that did win best picture, even though he had 3 other best director awards. My favoite is MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALLANCE. I also like how Ford uses his camera here to show racial minorities. He does that with Strode's Pompey character being prominent on the outside of the Saloon when they are nominating people to represent the town. Also the Mexican men riding past the Saloon, where later, it ios mentioned that Pompey can't drink there. And that the Mexicans have there own smaller Saloon. Ford does not throw it in your face, but look out for this when you next watch the film. Made in the early 60's, so Ford does comment on it. And those who say John Wayne wasn't for Civil Rights, He has to say the line in that bar, give Pompey a drink.
Top 3: #1 THE SEARCHERS #2 THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE #3 THE QUIET MAN
The Informer is free on Internet Archive
John AY-gar.
En-SIN Pulver.
'Promosm'