I Am A Director Of Westerns… August 29, 2006
Posted by John Hodson in : DVD News & Info, About John Ford, Ford DVD Filmography , 2 comments“For a director there are commercial rules that it is necessary to obey. In our profession, an artistic failure is nothing; a commercial failure is a sentence.
The secret is to make films that please the public and also allow the director to reveal his personality…”
“I didn’t show up at the ceremony to collect any of my first three Oscars. Once I went fishing, another time there was a war on, and on another occasion, I remember, I was suddenly taken drunk…”
“I love making pictures but I don’t like talking about them.”
“When in doubt; make a western…” - John Ford
I was listening to an interview with a director on the radio and he was talking about his latest project; just started production, he said. Months away from shooting of course, and in all it would probably consume nearly a year of his life. A year for a run-of-the-mill Hollywood film, from casting to in the can.
At the 1940 Oscar nominations Ford had no less than three films up for awards, the following year, the year he won ‘Best Director’ another two. His output was phenomenal, and while he he didn’t strike gold all the time (his biographer Joe McBride describes Tobacco Road, made during the same amazing spell, as being directed by Ford’s ‘evil twin’), there are pictures (as Ford himself preferred to call them) that are among the greatest ever filmed.
This post takes a good hard look at one of the 20th century’s greatest and most influential directors; John Ford, and what is currently available on DVD.
Best known as ‘a director of westerns’ (a description he used himself) Ford entered the film business as a silent movie pioneer. By the time he died, in 1973, he had produced a body of work that any artist would have been proud of. And art it sometimes was. Though Ford himself shied away from the term, he secretly delighted that, especially in later life, he was lauded as a film genius. He influenced fellow professionals and subsequent generations of film-makers including Welles, Truffaut and Scorsese, Bogdanovich and Spielberg. And he keeps on influencing film makers.
The filmography below is mostly culled from IMDB; the notes I’ve made on the various titles are from my personal experience or a trusted second hand source. I hope this will be a decent resource for Ford fans that will be constantly updated; all contributions, reviews, views, news, corrections, additions welcome - please!
Chesty: A Tribute to a Legend (1976)… aka Chesty (USA: informal English title)
Vietnam! Vietnam! (1971)
7 Women (1966)
Young Cassidy (1965) (uncredited)
Cheyenne Autumn (1964)… aka John Ford’s Cheyenne Autumn (USA: complete title) - R1 (Warner), said to be coming in R2 in Germany 2008, and part of a Warners Ford collection in R1, review here.
McLintock(1963) (uncredited) - R1 (Paramount), Ford alledgedly directed for a week while Andrew V. McLaglan was sick - numerous terrible PD versions in all regions, but the only really worthwhile disc is the Paramount/Batjac collaberation in R1, also coming in R2 Germany, review here.
Donovan’s Reef (1963) - R1 (Paramount), R2 (UK, Germany; Paramount), no extras, nice transfer, R2 review here
How the West Was Won (1962) (segment ‘The Civil War’) - R1 (Warners), gorgeous new editions from Warner in SD, in a pretty ‘Ultimate Collectors Edition’ and, with an exclusive ‘Smile-box’ presentation that’s worth the price of the set alone, in region free BD - review here.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) - R1 (Paramount), R2 (Paramount), barebones, but excellent transfer, R1 review here, and another R1 review here. Now also available in a new SE from Paramount in R1 as part of their Centennial Collection, review here.
‘Alcoa Premiere’ (1961) TV Series (episode Flashing Spikes)
Two Rode Together (1961), R2 (Germany; Sony, UK; Sony); barebones, but quite a decent transfer.
The Alamo (1960) (uncredited) - R1 (MGM), R2 (MGM), there is material used in the film shot by the great man; decent transfer but we want the full Roadshow version, which may now be coming, thanks to a campaign by Robert Harris, R1 review here
Sergeant Rutledge (1960) - R1 (Warner), part of a Warners Ford collection in R1, review here.
The Horse Soldiers (1959) - R1 (MGM), R2 (MGM), poor transfer, no extras, R1 review here
Korea (1959)
The Last Hurrah (1958) - R1 (Columbia), excellent transfer, no extras
Gideon’s Day (1958)… aka Gideon of Scotland Yard (USA) - rumoured to be coming in both R1 and R2 from Sony.
‘Wagon Train’ (1957) TV Series… aka Major Adams, Trail Master
The Rising of the Moon (1957)
The Wings of Eagles (1957), - R1 (Warner), part of a Warners Ford collection in R1, review here.
The Searchers (1956) - R1 (Warner), R2 (UK, Germany; Warner), part of a Warners John Wayne / John Ford collection in R1, also available in R2, review here, and as a superb region free BD release, review here.
‘The Bamboo Cross’ (1955) (TV)
‘Screen Directors Playhouse’ (1955) TV Series (episode Rookie of the Year) - R2 (Germany; Kinowelt), an extra on the German ‘The Quiet Man’ disc.
Mister Roberts (1955) - R1 (Warners), co-directed by Ford (after his spat with Fonda) fair transfer and extras, R1 review here
The Long Gray Line (1955) - R1 (Columbia), barebones but decent transfer, R1 review here
Mogambo (1953) - R2 (Warners), R4 (Warners), R1 (Warners), barebones but decent transfer, R4 review here, R1 review here
Hondo (1953) (uncredited) - R1 (Paramount), Ford was invited to direct the climatic battle after John Farrow was called away. One of the ‘Batjac’ CE discs, superb in every way, review here
The Sun Shines Bright (1953)
What Price Glory (1952) - R1 (Fox), R2 (BFI) - barebones but good transfers, R1 review here, R2 review here.
The Quiet Man (1952) - R1 (Lions Gate), R2 (UK; Universal, Germany; Kinowelt), the only good thing to be said is that the extras are decent on the R1, in all cases the transfers are terrible. The German Kinowelt version does contain ‘Rookie of The Year’ as an extra. , R1 CE review here.
This Is Korea! (1951) (as Rear Admiral John Ford USNVR Ret.)
Rio Grande (1950)… aka John Ford and Merian C. Cooper’s Rio Grande (USA: complete title) - R1 CE (Lions Gate), R2 (UK; Universal, Germany; Kinowelt), the R1 is pretty good, nice transfer, good extras. The UK R2 isn’t., R1 CE review here.
Wagon Master (1950) - R1 (Warner), R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK: Universal), acceptable transfer on the UK disc, could be better. And, as expected, Warners excellent R1 disc is; R1 review here.
When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950) - R1 (Fox)
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) - R1 (Warners), R2 (UK; Universal, Germany; Kinowelt), superb transfer from both Warners and Kinowelt, awful from Universal. The German DVD features an hour long BBC interview with Ford, the R1 some interesting 16mm home movies. UK R2 review here, German R2 review here, R1 review here. Also part of that John Ford/John Wayne Collection from Warners in R1.
Pinky (1949) (uncredited) - R1 (Fox), another where Ford was replaced, by Kazan in this case, but some of his footage remains; R1 review here.
‘Fireside Theatre’ (1949) TV Series
3 Godfathers (1948) - R2 (UK, Germany; Warners), R1 (Warners), R4 (Warners), barebones but decent transfer, also part of a John Ford/John Wayne Collection from Warners in R1, 2006 R4 review here, R1 review here
Fort Apache (1948)… aka War Party - R1 (Warner), R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK; Universal, Germany; Kinowelt), part of a Warners John Wayne / John Ford collection in R1, forget the rest, review here.
The Fugitive (1947)… aka Fugitivo, El (Mexico) - R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK; Universal). R2 review here; the French release sounds much like the UK R2, not bad, but could be better.
My Darling Clementine (1946)… aka John Ford’s My Darling Clementine (USA: complete title) - R1 (Fox), R2 (UK, Germany; Fox), excellent presentation again in R1 on the ‘Studio Classics’ label, features the pre-release cut, commentary etc. Review here
They Were Expendable (1945) - R1 (Warner), R2 (Germany, UK), older title, but decent enough. R1 review here and here. Also part of that John Ford/John Wayne Collection from Warners in R1
December 7th (1943)… aka December 7th: The Movie (video title - restored version) - R1 (Fox, VCI). R1 VCI review here
We Sail at Midnight (1943)
The Battle of Midway (1942) - R1 (Fox, Delta)
Sex Hygiene (1942)
Torpedo Squadron (1942) - R1 (Fox)
How Green Was My Valley (1941) - R1 (Fox), R2 (Fox), superb presentation in R1 in the ‘Studio Classics’ range. R1 review here
Tobacco Road (1941) - R2 (Germany, UK; Fox), R1 (Fox)
The Long Voyage Home (1940) - R1 (Warner), R2 (Universal), part of a Warners John Wayne / John Ford collection in R1, review here. Could be a Criterion release now that Warner has lost US rights; consequently the Ford/Wayne box has been re-released minus this, and Stagecoach, but plus Directed by John Ford.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940) - R1 (Fox), R2 (Fox), superb presentation in R1 in the ‘Studio Classics’ range. R1 review here
Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) - R1 (Fox), R2 (UK; Optimum, France; GCTHV, Germany MC One) - The first R1 and R2 (UK) discs boast very nice if not stellar transfers. The new R1 transfer is superb; comparison here.
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) - R2 (France; GCTHV, UK; Optimum, Germany; MC One), R1 (Criterion) - Comparison of the UK R2 and R1 here and R1 review here.
Stagecoach (1939) - R1 (Warner), R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK; Universal), part of the initial Warners John Wayne / John Ford collection in R1, review here. Also - both SD and BD - from Criterion - review here -now that Warner have lost their US rights to the film; consequently the Ford/Wayne box has been re-released minus this, and The Long Voyage Home, but plus Directed by John Ford.
Submarine Patrol (1938)
Four Men and a Prayer (1938) - R1 (Fox)
The Adventures of Marco Polo (1938) (uncredited)
The Hurricane (1937) - R1 (HBO) R2 (Japan), the R1 is now OOP, no information on the quality of the Japanese disc.
Wee Willie Winkie (1937) - R1 (Fox)
The Plough and the Stars (1936)
Mary of Scotland (1936) - R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK; Universal), R1 (Warners), part of the Warners Ford collection in R1, review here.
The Prisoner of Shark Island (1936) - R1 (Fox), R2 (France, GCTHV, Germany MC One, UK, Eureka), excellent release from Eureka; superb extras. Transfer of R1 superior; comparison here.
Steamboat Round the Bend (1935)… aka Steamboat Bill - R2 (UK; Optimum), R1 (Fox), part of a Will Rogers box set in R1 and the Ford at Fox set review here.
The Informer (1935) - R1 (Warner), R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse, UK; Universal), part of a Warners John Ford collection in R1, review here.
The Whole Town’s Talking (1935)… aka Passport to Fame (UK)
Judge Priest (1934) - R1 (Fox), R2 - avoid the various appalling public domain releases.
The World Moves On (1934) - R1 (Fox)
The Lost Patrol (1934) - R1 (Warner), R2 (France; Èditions Montparnasse), part of the Warners John Ford collection in R1, review here.
Doctor Bull (1933) - R1 (Fox)
Pilgrimage (1933) - R1 (Fox)
Flesh (1932)
Airmail (1932)
Arrowsmith (1931) - R1 (MGM) excellent transfer, barebones, R1 review here
The Brat (1931)
Seas Beneath (1931) - R1 (Fox)
Up the River (1930) - R1 (Fox)
Born Reckless (1930) - R1 (Fox)
Men Without Women (1930)
Salute (1929) (uncredited)
The Black Watch (1929)… aka King of the Khyber Rifles (UK)
You should be aware that all but a handful of Ford’s silent pictures are considered lost forever; but as these things continue to pop up from time to time, there’s always a slim chance…
Strong Boy (1929)
Riley the Cop (1928) (uncredited)
Napoleon’s Barber (1928)
Hangman’s House (1928) (uncredited) - R1 (Fox)
Four Sons (1928) - R1 (Fox)
Mother Machree (1928) (uncredited)
Upstream (1927)… aka Footlight Glamour (UK) - newly discovered in New Zealand in a huge cache of silents.
The Blue Eagle (1926) (uncredited)
3 Bad Men (1926) - R1 (Fox), R2 (Japan)
The Shamrock Handicap (1926)… aka 1732
Thank You (1925)
The Fighting Heart (1925)… aka Once to Every Man (UK)
Kentucky Pride (1925)
Lightnin’ (1925)
Hearts of Oak (1924)
The Iron Horse (1924) (uncredited) - R1 (Fox), R2 (UK, Japan) decent presentation, but barebones by BFI of the UK cut of the picture, but now out of print, no info on the Japanese disc. R1 disc contains two cuts - excellent; R2/R1 comparison here.
Hoodman Blind (1923)
North of Hudson Bay (1923) (as Jack Ford)… aka North of the Yukon (UK)
Cameo Kirby (1923)
Three Jumps Ahead (1923) (as Jack Ford)
The Face on the Bar-Room Floor (1923) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Love Image (UK)
The Village Blacksmith (1922) (as Jack Ford)
Silver Wings (1922) (as Jack Ford) (prologue only)
Little Miss Smiles (1922) (as Jack Ford)
Jackie (1921) (as Jack Ford)
Sure Fire (1921) (as Jack Ford)
Action (1921) (as Jack Ford)… aka Let’s Go
Desperate Trails (1921) (as Jack Ford)
The Wallop (1921) (as Jack Ford)
The Freeze-Out (1921) (as Jack Ford)
The Big Punch (1921) (as Jack Ford)
Just Pals (1920) (as Jack Ford) - R1 (Fox)
Hitchin’ Posts (1920) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Land of Promise (UK)
The Girl in Number 29 (1920) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Girl in the Mirror
The Prince of Avenue A (1920) (as Jack Ford)
Marked Men (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka Trail of Shadows
A Gun Fightin’ Gentleman (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Gun-Fighting
Gentleman (USA: review title)
Rider of the Law (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka Jim of the Rangers
Ace of the Saddle (1919) (as Jack Ford)
The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1919) (as Jack Ford)
Riders of Vengeance (1919) (as Jack Ford)
By Indian Post (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Love Letter - R2 (France; Lobster Films) appears to be an excellent transfer - part of collection of short films.
The Gun Packer (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka Out Wyoming Way
Gun Law (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Posse’s Prey
Bare Fists (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Man Who Wouldn’t Shoot
A Fight for Love (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka Hell’s Neck
The Fighting Brothers (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka His Buddy Roped (1919) (as Jack Ford)
The Last Outlaw (1919)
Rustlers (1919) (as Jack Ford)… aka Even Money
Three Mounted Men (1918) (as Jack Ford)… aka Three Wounded Men (USA)
The Craving (1918)
A Woman’s Fool (1918) (as Jack Ford)
Hell Bent (1918) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Three Bad Men (USA: bowdlerized title)
The Scarlet Drop (1918) (as Jack Ford)
Thieves’ Gold (1918) (as Jack Ford)
Wild Women (1918) (as Jack Ford)
The Phantom Riders (1918) (as Jack Ford)
Bucking Broadway (1917) (as Jack Ford)… aka Slumbering Fires (UK) - R2 (France) available as a supplement to the French magazine Cinema, review here, and also in the Criterion set of Stagecoach.
A Marked Man (1917) (as Jack Ford)
The Secret Man (1917) (as Jack Ford)… aka The Round Up / Up Against It
Straight Shooting (1917) (as Jack Ford)… aka Joan of the Cattle Country / Straight Shootin’ (USA: cut version) / The Cattle War
Cheyenne’s Pal (1917) (as Jack Ford) … aka A Dumb Friend / Cactus My Pal
The Soul Herder (1917) (as Jack Ford) … aka The Sky Pilot
The Scrapper (1917) (as Jack Ford)
Trail of Hate (1917)
The Tornado (1917) (as Jack Ford)
Red Saunders Plays Cupid (1917)
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Ford at Fox:
In December 2007, in R1 Fox produced a huge and hugely impressive Ford at Fox boxed set, stuffed with wonderful transfers and extra features and containing: Just Pals (1920), The Iron Horse (1924 - two versions), 3 Bad Men (1926), Four Sons (1928), Hangman’s House (1928), Born Reckless (1930), Seas Beneath (1931), Up The River (1931), Doctor Bull (1933), Pilgrimage (1934), The World Moves On (1934), Judge Priest (1934), Steamboat Round The Bend (1935), The Prisoner of Shark Island (1936), Wee Willie Winkie (1937), Four Men and a Prayer (1938), Young Mr. Lincoln (1939), Drums Along The Mohawk (1940), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Tobacco Road (1941), How Green Was My Valley (1941), My Darling Clementine (1946 - two version), When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950), What Price Glory (1952), plus the documentary Becoming John Ford. More details here.
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Publications:
John Ford; The Complete Films - excellent book, containing some wonderful photographs, nice quotes and titbits of information, plus a complete filmography and more. Dirt cheap and super value for money.
Searching for John Ford - Joe McBride’s amazing examination of the life and work of Ford. Not just the best book on this film maker, but one of the best biography’s around IMHO.
About John Ford - Lindsay Anderson’s wonderful examination of Ford’s work. A classic.
John Ford: The Man & His Films - Tag Gallagher has just made the latest edition of his wonderful book available as a free download. A hefty PDF, but worth it if only as a preview prior to buying a hard copy.
John Ford and the American West, a beautiful book at a very nice price. Chock full of stills, on-set photos, and reproductions of Remington’s and Russell’s wonderful western paintings.
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Bits and pieces:
The American West of John Ford; a public domain DVD of a 1971 documentary, aired in the US, featuring many of Ford’s colleagues, clips etc. Fascinating, terrible, terrible quality DVD.
Becoming John Ford - fine R1 documentary concentrating on the Fox years, reviewed here.
Directed By John Ford - Peter Bogdanovich’s documentary, recently updated with new interviews and presented on DVD for the first time. Excellent.
John Ford Goes to War - superb R1 documentary, review here
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Useful Web Pages
John Ford: A Bibliography of Materials in the UC Berkeley Library
John Ford at Silent Era
We Shot D-Day on Omaha Beach (An Interview With John Ford)
Argosy Pictures: The Independent Film Company of Director John Ford and Producer Merian C. Cooper
The John Ford Papers
Ten Underappreciated John Ford Films
Films of the Century; Young Mr Lincoln
John Ford at IMDB
Last updated: June 7, 2010.