Customer Reviews

Great American West [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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The John Ford Western....do they come any better? If you are a big fan of Ford and especially his Westerns, you'll find this documentary to be like some long lost treasure. Flanked by the likes of Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda, and with "The Duke" himself, riding in on his horse to share some time with the great one, "Pappy", in his own inimitable style steals the show as they share moments and memories from the making of his classic Western films.

Made in 1973, these legendary stars get up close, personal, and a bit sentimental with their mentor as they swap stories from the sets and gorgeous locations, of films like "Stagecoach", "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance", "The Searchers", "Young Mr. Lincoln", and "My Darling Clemintine" among many others.

The admiration and respect these greats of Hollywood have for this wonderful director, exudes onto the screen, and I smiled through the entire hour. This is a must have for fans. The moments are priceless.Even Andy Devine makes a "quick" appearance.

This wonderful documentary can be had for a song("Oh, My Darlin..." might be the appropiate one!). Platinum Disc has put out a series of Westerns on DVD(for very reasonable prices) and this one is included in "The Great American Western..Vol 20". You can buy these DVDs singley(each Vol. has 4 Westerns), or in sets. Although Vol 20 does not have any other John Ford Westerns on it, the other three included are "White Comanche"(1967),"Kentucky Rifle"(1955), and "Bells of San Angelo"(1947 with Roy and Dale).

Five stars doesn't even begin to describe what a good time you'll have with these legends.It must be seen to be appreciated. So pull up a chair, listen to them shoot the breeze, have a little nostalgic trip to "Monument Valley" and...enjoy....Happy Trails...Laurie

Westerns, of course, show John Wayne playing somebody else. In this documentary, we hear John Wayne speaking as himself, and commenting on many of the films that he has starred in as well as on westerns in general. His tone of conversation is a reflective one, and he doesn't come across nearly as blustery in everyday conversation as he does when on the screen.

There are scenes from many old John Wayne westerns shown, and there are fine shots of the background scenery. Perhaps the most interesting part of this documentary, however, is its scenes of western clips in the process of being filmed. For instance, in one of them, John Wayne is filmed while sitting on the ground and throwing a rock while saying something in disgust. The director tells Wayne that he had not been expressive enough, and orders a retake of this scene.

Often called the master of the Hollywood western, the films of John Ford embodied many deeply held American values - honor, justice and perseverance. A prolific director, Ford directed well over 100 features over the course of his fifty-year career, winning four Best Director academy awards along the way.
In this tribute, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda take turns providing insights into Ford through themes in his work. Included are clips from STAGECOACH, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, THE SEARCHER and THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALENCE. Each actor also trades anecdotes with Ford about the making of his films, which not only provide humor, but shed some light into Ford's process. A true treat not only for western fans, but for film fans of all stripes.
~taken from back of box
Running Time: 55min - Color