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John Ford Goes to War

57% | Jan 01, 2002 | Documentary

When World War II broke out, John Ford, in his forties, commissioned in the Naval Reserve, was put in charge of the Field Photographic Unit by Bill Donavan, director of the soon-to-be-OSS. During the war, Field Photo made at least 87 documentaries, many with Ford's signature attention to heroism and loss, and many from the point of view of the fighting soldier and sailor. Talking heads discuss Ford's life and personality, the ways that the war gave him fulfillment, and the ways that his war films embodied the same values and conflicts that his Hollywood films did. Among the films profiled are "Battle of Midway," "Torpedo Squadron," "Sexual Hygiene," and "December 7."

Featured Crew

Tom Thurman
Director
Tom Marksbury
Writer

Cast

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Kris Kristofferson
Narrator (voice)
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Peter Bogdanovich
Self - Interviewee
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Oliver Stone
Self - Interviewee
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Andrew Sarris
Self - Interviewee
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Leonard Maltin
Self - Interviewee

Images