John Fords Westerns: A Thematic Analysis, with a Filmography [Library Binding]

William Darby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1996 | ISBN-10: 0786400803 | ISBN-13: 978-0786400805

John Ford's early Westerns reflect an optimistic view of society and individual capacity; as his thematic vision evolved, he became more resigned to the limitations of humanity. His thematic evolution was evident in other films, but was best shown in his Westerns, with their stark depictions of the human condition. Ford's sound Westerns and his major silent films are compared in this work, revealing how his creative genius changed over time. A complete filmography of Ford's Westerns is also provided.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"directs our attention to many things we may have forgotten or overlooked...worthy" -- Cult Movies

"readable and accessible... a rewarding book" -- Past Times

"the author explores [Ford's great] achievement and provides detailed lists of Ford's themes" -- Choice

About the Author

William Darby professes English in Detroit.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 317 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786400803
• ISBN-13: 978-0786400805
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,781,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tommy Garrett of Canyon News, A Big Fan of John Ford's Says...., December 5, 2008

By 

Jason Crawford "Jason Crawford" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Fords Westerns: A Thematic Analysis, with a Filmography (Paperback)

The William Darby book "John Ford's Westerns: A Thematic Analysis, with a Filmography" is a full story of the fascinating director's greatest works. You can see why actors like John Wayne and Anna Lee did so many films with the great American director. But when reading the book, though I was always a fan of Ford's, I had no idea about some of the facts the author dug up with his thorough investigation of the life and career of Hollywood's greatest iconic director.

Westerns were indeed Ford's specialty. But Ford was born and grew up in Maine, not out west. His childhood love of reading and stories about the west may have benefited him with his vision of the old west.

Ford's early Westerns reflected an optimistic view of society and individual capacity; as his thematic vision evolved, he became more resigned to the limitations of humanity. His thematic evolution was evident in other films, but was best shown in his Westerns, with their stark depictions of the human condition. Ford's sound Westerns and his major silent films are compared in this work, revealing how his creative genius changed over time. A complete filmography of Ford's Westerns is also provided in this book.

I found the chapters just long enough, not too wordy and the author seems to have a healthy but not overly affectionate feel for what Ford's work and life meant to him. But it's obvious Darby, like many others, is a great fan of the director's work.

Chapter seven of this book is incredible. It is about "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and "Sergeant Rutledge." Woody Strode, who played the title character, is also discussed and some insight goes into how the two worked together and when done, had greater admiration for each other than they had previously.

The author explores Ford's great achievement and provides detailed lists of Ford's themes as well. Darby's analysis and understanding of this director's projects really reshaped my opinion of John Ford -- for the better.

Tommy Garrett, Editor in Chief, Canyon News, San Francisco News