JOHN FORD

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBBB. 

USA, 1952.  Republic Pictures, Argosy Pictures.  Screenplay by Frank S. Nugent, based on the story by Maurice Walsh.  Cinematography by Winton C. Hoch.  Produced by Merian C. Cooper, John Ford.  Music by Victor Young.  Production Design by Frank Hotaling.  Costume Design by Adele Palmer.  Film Editing by Jack Murray.  

If The Searchers is John Wayne‘s best western, The Quiet Man is his best film outside the Oater genre. He plays a champion boxer who runs away from his high-profile life after a tragic accident in the ring, seeking shelter in his mother’s native Ireland and looking to buy the home she grew up in. Once there he immediately becomes a member of the community, falling in love with a local beauty (Maureen O’Hara) and eventually deciding to marry her. This is the first feature film ever to be shot in Ireland, and it is a breathtaking drama, full of marvelously charming little moments that manage to always feel so important. The Technicolour photography is stunning, the acting is fantastic (even the Duke manages a few lucid moments) and the characters indelible. Don’t go another second without seeing this.

Academy Awards:  Best Director (John Ford); Best Cinematography-Colour
Nominations: Best Picture; Best Supporting Actor (Victor McLaglen); Best Screenplay; Best Art Direction-Colour; Best Sound Recording

Golden Globe Award Nominations:  Best Director (John Ford); Best Original Score

Venice Film Festival: In Competition