I finally get Ford fully - the acting, achieved through only one or two takes, and minimum rehearsal, the compositions of grouped characters, the camera that doesn't move (much), the lyricism, the compassion, the ensemble cast. Also the way you can see exactly what's going on without voice-over or dialogue - silent film.
Won Oscars for film, director, Arthur Miller, Donald Crisp and art direction (Nathan Juran, Richard Day & Thomas Little). The cinematography and music (Lionel Newman) are both terrific.
Cast includes Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, Sara Allgood, Anna Lee, Roddy McDowell, John Loader, Barry Fitzgerald, Patric Knowles, Rhys Williams (boxer).
Ford is the only director to have won four Oscars (for The Informer, The Grapes of Wrath, this and The Quiet Man). Now want to watch all Ford's films again.
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