They Were Expendable

They Were Expendable

MGM

December 19, 1945

War Drama

DVD

D

Predictably expendable John Wayne war movie.  Robert Montgomery co-stars and co-directed with John Ford.

Wee Willie Winkie

Wee Willie Winkie

20th Century Fox

July 30, 1937

Historical Drama

DVD
D+

Racist of course and I didn't really care about the characters.  This is based on a Kipling short story, and directed by John Ford.

My Darling Clementine

My Darling Clementine

20th Century Fox

October 16, 1946

Western

DVD
C-

On the one hand, there's the title song and dry humor, and on the other, there's obligatory racism and some heavy-handed writing in relation to the kid brother who's killed off.  John Ford directed.

Mister Roberts

Mister Roberts

Warner Bros.

July 30, 1955

War Comedy, War Drama

DVD
C-

I watched the whole movie about a decade ago and didn't get that into it.  This time I gave it fifteen minutes, so I didn't even see Jack Lemmon.  The movie is based on the play based on the novel by Thomas Heggen.  And there were three directors: John Ford, Mervyn LeRoy, and Joshua Logan!

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Paramount

April 22, 1962

Western

DVD
D-

Shockingly bad direction by Ford, in pacing, composition of shots, and definitely the acting, especially by Vera Miles.  (And I tuned out before the Duke showed up.)

Donovan's Reef

Donovan's Reef
Paramount
June 12, 1963
Dramedy
DVD
C-

The main appeal for me was the South Pacific scenery and seeing who would turn up next, but I didn't care about the story, with its seemingly endless threads.  John Ford directed, and it does feel a bit Westernish at times.

Judge Priest

Singing about the laundry
while doing the laundry

Judge Priest
Fox
September 28, 1934
Historical Comedy
DVD
D-

The jaw-dropping racism aside-- Stepin Fetchit (AKA Lincoln Perry) as a slow chicken thief, Hattie McDaniel as a maid singing about housework!-- this is definitely not a "classic comedy."  John Ford directed.