Ronald L. Davis is Emeritus Professor of History at Southern Methodist University, where he was Director of both the Oral History Program on the Performing Arts and the De Golyer Institute for American Studies. He has written many books on the performing arts in America, including the best-seller Hollywood Anecdotes.
YA‘A biography that humanizes both the dean of Hollywood directors and the motion-picture industry itself. Davis weaves Ford's roots as the son of 19th-century Irish immigrants throughout his portrayal of the filmmaker's illustrious career. From silent-film beginnings to the early '60s, his presence shaped the industry. Intimate glimpses into Ford's personal life provide insight into the making of his films as well as reveal his influence on many of Hollywood's legends.‘Sue Callahan, R.E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA
During a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ford (1895-1973) directed 136 films and established himself as a creative genius. Davis, a history professor at Southern Methodist, presents a lively and well-researched study of Ford's life and work. Although best known for directing westerns that emphasized visual beauty, action and mood rather than dialogue‘Stagecoach (1939), Fort Apache (1948)‘Ford won six academy awards for non-westerns, including The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and How Green Was My Valley (1941), which dealt with social themes. Davis draws on the recollections of the actors who worked frequently with Ford, including John Wayne, Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara, to document Ford's tyranny on the set, which intimidated his cast but wrung brilliant performances from them. Although he married and had two children, Ford was most comfortable with men, according to Davis, and masked his deep emotional insecurities by abusing alcohol. Illustrations. (Apr.)
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
