The Legend: Unraveling the Complex Legacy of John Ford
Podcast: The Plot Thickens
Host: Ben Mankiewicz
Episode: The Legend
Release Date: July 18, 2024
1. Introduction: The Dynamic Duo – John Ford and Katharine Hepburn
The episode opens with a glimpse into the intricate relationship between legendary director John Ford and iconic actress Katharine Hepburn. Their collaboration on the 1936 film Mary of Scotland underscores a partnership marked by both artistic synergy and political disagreements.
Ben Mankiewicz [00:42]: "Katharine Hepburn and John Ford were close, but they argued about all kinds of things, including politics."
Despite their differences, both Ford and Hepburn shared a steadfast approach to their crafts. Hepburn, boasting four Academy Awards for Best Actress—the most by any actor—and Ford, holding four Best Director Oscars, each never accepted their awards in person, highlighting their mutual understanding and independence.
John Ford [02:28]: "But he has the artistic point of view of a real old sort of Renaissance craftsman. You know, he just could do it."
2. The Making of Mr. Roberts: Friendship Turns Sour
Transitioning to the 1948 film Mr. Roberts, the podcast delves into the deep-seated friendship between John Ford and Henry Fonda, which ultimately unraveled amidst creative tensions.
Ben Mankiewicz [05:26]: "Mr. Roberts is a comedy about a lieutenant in the U.S. navy during World War II."
Originally a successful Broadway play, Mr. Roberts was adapted into a film with Ford at the helm and Fonda reprising his role. Their camaraderie, rooted in shared naval experiences, was strong until on-set disagreements escalated.
John Ford [07:00]: "Ford was far more similar to Fonda than really anybody else."
The friction reached a boiling point when Ford, frustrated with Fonda's deviations from the script, physically assaulted him during a heated confrontation.
John Ford [09:59]: "He'd sucker punched him."
This incident not only strained their personal relationship but also cast a shadow over the production, leading to Ford's eventual replacement by other directors and Fonda's departure from the project.
3. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: Challenging American Myths
In The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Ford juxtaposed the mythologizing of the American West with a more cynical view of heroism and legend-making. The film features Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne in a narrative that questions the nature of truth and reputation.
John Ford [17:29]: "He's the hero. He's the secret hero of the entire movie. He was the one that actually shot Liberty Valance."
The climax reveals that it was Wayne’s character, not Stewart’s, who actually killed the antagonist Liberty Valance, emphasizing the fabrication of legends to construct societal narratives.
Ben Mankiewicz [18:41]: "This is the west, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
The film serves as Ford's critique of the glorification of violence and the construction of heroic myths, reflecting his evolving perspective on American history and identity.
4. Cheyenne Autumn: A Bold Departure and Personal Struggles
Cheyenne Autumn marked Ford's final Western, aiming to present a more authentic portrayal of Native American struggles. The film depicted the 1878 exodus of the Cheyenne people from Oklahoma to reclaim their ancestral lands.
Ben Mankiewicz [20:55]: "Cheyenne Autumn was the first time Ford tried to include an authentic Native perspective."
Despite its ambition, the production was marred by personal challenges. Ford's own health was declining, and the assassination of President Kennedy during filming cast a pall over the set, affecting both the cast and crew emotionally.
John Ford [22:32]: "My son delivering papers for his younger brother. He was sick. He didn't want to lose his route, you know."
The film attempted to humanize Native Americans, a significant shift from Ford's earlier, more stereotypical representations. However, Cheyenne Autumn failed to achieve commercial success, reflecting both the changing cinematic landscape and Ford's personal turmoil.
5. Decline and Demise: Ford's Struggles with Alcoholism and Health
As the 1960s progressed, John Ford's ability to keep pace with the demands of filmmaking waned. His growing dependence on alcohol became increasingly problematic, detracting from his professional reputation and personal relationships.
John Ford [26:13]: "Cheyenne Autumn was, you know, sort of his apology piece to Native Americans."
Attempts to revive his career, such as the ill-fated project Seven Women, only exacerbated his issues. The film, intended to showcase strong female characters, was both a commercial and critical failure, further diminishing Ford's standing in Hollywood.
Ben Mankiewicz [36:57]: "They didn't speak so much as bicker."
Ford's alcoholism led to missed opportunities and the inability to complete projects, culminating in his final attempt to direct Young Cassidy. However, his condition prevented him from continuing, marking the end of a prolific 54-year career.
6. Legacy and Reflections: Understanding the Enigma of John Ford
In the twilight of his life, John Ford received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award, an event marred by personal solitude despite the presence of Hollywood's elite.
Ben Mankiewicz [48:09]: "John Ford and Richard Nixon made their grand entrance together."
Despite his notorious temper and complex personality, Ford left an indelible mark on cinema. His funeral was attended by numerous film legends, signaling the profound impact he had on colleagues and the industry alike.
Dan Ford [30:28]: "Why did he want it to stop thinking? Why would he want that?"
Reflecting on Ford’s legacy, the podcast acknowledges his monumental contributions to filmmaking while also recognizing his personal battles and the intricate layers that defined him.
Ben Mankiewicz [57:11]: "His sensitivity to life and to people is so enormous that he just gets that message very, very fast."
John Ford passed away on August 31, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of some of the most influential and enduring films in American cinema history.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Titan of Hollywood
The Legend paints a comprehensive portrait of John Ford—a filmmaker of unparalleled talent and complexity. Through triumphs and tribulations, Ford's dedication to his craft and his profound impact on the film industry remain unquestioned. His ability to navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood, coupled with his personal struggles, offers a nuanced understanding of a man who was as formidable in his personal life as he was legendary on screen.
Ben Mankiewicz [58:37]: "Trying to understand Ford has been frustrating and elusive. But I take solace in knowing that despite his demons and a lifetime of mistakes, John Ford became the very thing he wanted to be."
This episode of The Plot Thickens provides an in-depth exploration of John Ford's life, unraveling the layers of his professional achievements and personal challenges, offering listeners a rich and engaging narrative of one of cinema's greatest directors.