John Ford
John Ford (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973) was an American movie director. He is best known as a director of western movies. He was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
John Ford | |
|---|---|
 Ford in May 1973 | |
| Born | John Martin Feeney February 1, 1894 Cape Elizabeth, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | August 31, 1973 (aged 79)[1] Palm Desert, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1913–1966 |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | U.S. Navy U.S. Naval Reserve |
| Years of service | 1942–45 (active) 1946–62 (reserve) |
| Rank | Commander (active) Rear Admiral (reserve) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
The Navy
changeFord was a soldier in World War II. He served for the United States Navy as the leader of the photography division. On D-day, Ford and his soldiers crossed the English Channel. The soldiers arrived at Omaha Beach and watched the first boats land on the shore. Ford went on to the beach and filmed the battle take place.
Directing career
changeFord started directing movies in 1917 after he moved to California. His first movies were made during The Silent Era, an era where there was no recorded sound in any movies. In 1956, Ford finished making a popular movie called The Searchers. The movie starred John Wayne as the hero. The Searchers is widely known today for its cultural and historical significance.
Death
changeIn the early 1970s, Ford broke his hip and had to be put in a wheelchair. Ford died on August 31, 1973 at his home Palm Desert, California from stomach cancer, aged 79.
References
change- ↑ Eyman, Scott. Print the Legend: The Life and Times of John Ford. New York: Simon & Schuster. 1999. ISBN 0-684-81161-8 (excerpt c/o New York Times)