John Ford

John Ford (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973) was one of the most accomplished American film directors of the 1930s to 1960s, known particularly as a director of the Westerns, although his tributes to the veterans of World War II and Americana are also equally effective. In recent years, it has been claimed that his westerns, particularly The Searchers, portray Native Americans in an unflattering light.

Navy career and subsequent work

During World War II Commander John Ford, USNR, served in the United States Navy and made documentaries for the Defense Department. He would win two more Academy Awards during this time, one for The Battle of Midway (1942), and a second for acclaimed documentary June 7th (1943). For more information on his military contributions check the Naval Historical Center link below.

Related Topics:
World War II - United States Navy - Naval Historical Center

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In 1955, Ford was tapped to direct the classic Navy comedy Mister Roberts, starring Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, William Powell, and James Cagney. But, Ford was replaced by Mervyn LeRoy during filming when he suffered a ruptured gallbladder.

Related Topics:
Mister Roberts - Henry Fonda - Jack Lemmon - William Powell - James Cagney - Mervyn LeRoy

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Ford cast Ward Bond as himself, under the character of John Dodge, in the 1957 movie The Wings of Eagles again starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

Related Topics:
Ward Bond - The Wings of Eagles - John Wayne - Maureen O'Hara

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