The Great American Film Director
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Director John Ford on the set of
one of his films, looking over script notes and adjustments. Ford is
known for his
technical virtuosity and quick decision-making.
Rememberd as a
distinctly American director, John Ford had a long and fruitful career
in Hollywood. He directed 145 films in 49 years, beginning with The Tornado (1917) and ending with
7 Women (1966). Ford has won
the Best Director Oscar more than any other director (The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), How Green Was My Valley (1941),
and The Quiet Man (1952)).
While Ford often referenced his Irish heritage in his work, he will always be remembered as an American director; most of Ford's movies examine American themes and American history in some way. During World War II, John Ford joined the Navy and shot documentary films for the military. The Battle of Midway (1942), one of the many documentaries that Ford shot during his service, is one of the most notable and acclaimed war documentaries of all time.
During the 1960's, Ford's impressive work schedule began to slow down. Though his output significantly decreased, he continued to make films that explored Americana. John Ford died in 1973 (at age 79) from stomach cancer in Culver City, California.
On the set of The Seartchers (1956), Ford's most acclaimed film. A crew of technicians shoot a
tracking shot of John Wayne and others.
technical virtuosity and quick decision-making.
Rememberd as a
distinctly American director, John Ford had a long and fruitful career
in Hollywood. He directed 145 films in 49 years, beginning with The Tornado (1917) and ending with
7 Women (1966). Ford has won
the Best Director Oscar more than any other director (The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), How Green Was My Valley (1941),
and The Quiet Man (1952)).While Ford often referenced his Irish heritage in his work, he will always be remembered as an American director; most of Ford's movies examine American themes and American history in some way. During World War II, John Ford joined the Navy and shot documentary films for the military. The Battle of Midway (1942), one of the many documentaries that Ford shot during his service, is one of the most notable and acclaimed war documentaries of all time.
During the 1960's, Ford's impressive work schedule began to slow down. Though his output significantly decreased, he continued to make films that explored Americana. John Ford died in 1973 (at age 79) from stomach cancer in Culver City, California.
On the set of The Seartchers (1956), Ford's most acclaimed film. A crew of technicians shoot a
tracking shot of John Wayne and others.
Fun
Facts about John Ford
° Ford was the first director to receive the American Film
Institute's Lifetime Achievement award.
° During the filming of Citizen Kane (1941), Orson Welles
repeatedly watched Ford's Stagecoach (1939) for inspiration.
° Ford appeared as an extra in The Birth of a Nation (Griffith,
1915), widely considered one of the most important motion
pictures of all time.
A breathtaking image of John Ford Point in Monument Valley, Arizona. Ford shot many of his beloved Western films at
this location. Click the image to learn more about John Ford Point.
| External Links °John Ford Director Page - They Shoot Pictures, Don't They? °John Ford Biography - IMDb °Essay on John Ford - Senses of Cinema |
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