John Ford Goes to War
When World War II broke out, John Ford, in his forties, commissioned in the Naval Reserve, was put in charge of the Field Photographic Unit by Bill Donavan, director of the soon-to-be-OSS. During the war, Field Photo made at least 87 documentaries, many with Ford's signature attention to heroism and loss, and many from the point of view of the fighting soldier and sailor. Talking heads discuss Ford's life and personality, the ways that the war gave him fulfillment, and the ways that his war films embodied the same values and conflicts that his Hollywood films did. Among the films profiled are "Battle of Midway," "Torpedo Squadron," "Sexual Hygiene," and "December 7."
Directed by Tom Thurman · Written by Tom Marksbury
Where to Watch
Streaming
Cast
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Kris Kristofferson Narrator (voice) -
Peter Bogdanovich Self - Interviewee -
Oliver Stone Self - Interviewee - Andrew Sarris Self - Interviewee
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Leonard Maltin Self - Interviewee -
F. X. Feeney Self - Interviewee
Make it a double feature
2h 19m together
John Ford Goes to War
Sam Peckinpah's West: Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade
Both from Tom Thurman.
