Posts Tagged ‘Frank S. Nugent’
Monday, August 30th, 2010
Review:
After his family has been murdered by Comanche, John Wayne sets out to take his little niece back from them. For years he tracks the tribe, with the help of an adopted son, more intent on revenge than anything else. This John Ford film features what may be Wayne’s best performance and has a magnificent story. Ford, of course, is a very able director and the film is very close to being perfect, even if it has become rather dated and the story and themes could be explored much better.
Random Observations:
The Searchers at the IMDb
This film is a favourite of many contemporary film-makers. Steven Spielberg claims to watch it before starting each of his films to remind himself what a perfect film looks like.
The film reminded me of a quote from The Dark Knight: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
The only film to star both Natalie Wood and her little sister Lana. But while Natalie is by far the superior actress, she is upstaged here by her ten year old sister.
It’s a bit strange to see this film after having seen so many films that have been obviously inspired by it.
We continue our Themed Weeks Theme with John Wayne Week. Two more Wayne westerns on Wednesday and Friday!
Tags: 1956, Alan Le May, American Film, Antonio Moreno, Beulah Archuletta, book adaptation, Dorothy Jordan, Drama, english, Frank S. Nugent, Hank Worden, Harry Carey Jr., Henry Brandon, Jeffrey Hunter, John Ford, John Qualen, John Wayne, John Wayne Week, Ken Curtis, Lana Wood, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Natalie Wood, Olive Carey, Patrick Wayne, Pippa Scott, The Dark Knight, The Searchers, Vera Miles, Walter Coy, Ward Bond, Western
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Review:
In the 1920s, a man returns from America to his native Ireland. He wants to live where he was born and he makes friends in the small village and courts a beautiful woman. But when her brother reneges on her dowry, shadows from his past begin to stir. The film is not nearly as dramatic as that sentence makes it sound, in facts it’s often closer to comedic than dramatic. Basically, it’s a love letter to an Ireland that probably never really existed, stereotypes and all. Director John Ford, himself a son of Irish immigrants, wanted to make this deeply personal film and his love for the subject matter shows in every frame. Ireland probably never has been greener. And while the film is certainly entertaining in it’s innocence, the story is ultimately just not interesting enough to really capture the viewer.
Random Observations:
The Quiet Man at the IMDb
Lead John Wayne also had Irish ancestors, but a few generations earlier.
There is green in every single frame in this film. Sadly, the master all available DVDs are made from is not very good and the picture (which won an Oscar for cinematography) is not very clear.
The old man who gets out of bed at the end is played by John Ford’s older brother Francis.
Tags: 1952, American Film, Arthur Shields, Barry Fitzgerald, based on previously published material, book adaptation, Charles B. Fitzsimons, Comedy, Drama, Eileen Crowe, english, Eric Gorman, Francis Ford, Frank S. Nugent, Jack MacGowran, James Lilburn, James O'Hara, John Ford, John Wayne, Joseph O'Dea, Kevin Lawless, Maureen O'Hara, May Craig, Mildred Natwick, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Paddy O'Donnell, Sean McClory, The Quiet Man, Victor McLaglen, Ward Bond
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Review:
John Wayne (at 41) played a 60-year old Cavalry Captain about to retire immediately after General Custer’s now infamous defeat. The American West seems threatened by the Natives and the Cavalry desperately tries to keep it safe for the civilians in this story which is incredibly boring and mainly consists of people riding around. Add to that a completely inappropriate comedic bar fight, a highly unrealistic climatic scene and annoyingly patriotic overtones delivered in the voice-over narration and you might end up with a bad film. But actually, the film is quite good, saved by the beautiful scenery shot in colour, that serves as perfect background for the musings about a man who has none nothing but the military retiring. Add some aspects of the integration of the Confederacy back into the Union and you actually get a pretty good film - if you can look past the hours spent just riding around.
Random Observations:
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon at the IMDb
Second part of John Ford’s Cavalry trilogy, following Fort Apache.
The film also has a romantic subplot, which doesn’t really add anything to the story, but gives Wayne another chance to shine as the wise and good old guy who the other soldiers look up to.
Tags: 1949, American Film, Arthur Shields, Ben Johnson, Chief John Big Tree, Chief Sky Eagle, english, Fort Apache, Frank S. Nugent, Fred Graham, George O'Brien, Harry Carey Jr., James Warner Bellah, Joanne Dru, John Agar, John Ford, John Wayne, Laurence Stallings, Michael Dugan, Mildred Natwick, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Noble Johnson, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Tom Tyler, Victor McLaglen, Western
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Review:
A new commanding officer is sent to Fort Apache, which he sees as a demotion, and subsequently exasperates the other people there by his text-book approach that is not really helpful in dealing with the Apaches. This classic John Ford film spends most of its running time examining life on such a remote outpost of the US military, which is unusual, but after a while becomes quite boring. Apart from that, the story is a thinly disguised take on General Custer’s life with some great scenes and a great lead in Henry Fonda. If only the film wouldn’t drag throughout, it would be really great.
Random Observations:
Fort Apache at the IMDb
First instalment in John Ford unofficial Calvary Trilogy. The other two films will be reviewed by this publication in the near future.
The film is part of a (British) “John Wayne directed by John Ford” boxset, but it’s really a Henry Fonda film.
Considering the film was made in 1948, it is surprisingly realistic in its depiction of who was to blame for the trouble between the Native Americans and conquering Whites.
Feature film debut of John Agar! You have never heard of John Agar? Well, neither have I. But he was married to co-star Shirley Temple at the time, so clearly his star was on the rise.
Tags: 1948, American Film, Anna Lee, based on previously published material, Dick Foran, english, Fort Apache, Frank S. Nugent, George O'Brien, Grant Withers, Guy Kibbee, Hank Worden, Henry Fonda, Irene Rich, Jack Pennick, James Warner Bellah, John Agar, John Ford, John Wayne, Mae Marsh, Mary Gordon, Massacre, Miguel Inclán, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Movita, Pedro Armendáriz, Philip Kieffer, Ray Hyke, Shirley Temple, Victor McLaglen, Ward Bond, Western
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
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