Ep 1. John Ford/John Wayne: the Filmmaker and the Legend

American Masters Season 20 Episode 1, titled John Ford/John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend, examines the creative collaboration between John Ford, the renowned filmmaker, and John Wayne, the legendary actor. Through archival footage and interviews with family members, film scholars, and Hollywood personalities, this documentary explores the pioneering partnership that dominated American Western cinema for over twenty years.

The episode begins by delving into the early lives of both John Ford and John Wayne. John Ford, born John Feeney, was an Irish Catholic from Maine who found his way into the film industry as a prop man. John Wayne, on the other hand, was born Marion Robert Morrison in Iowa and grew up in southern California. The episode reveals how both men struggled in their early careers before eventually finding success in Hollywood.

As the documentary progresses, it highlights the bond between Ford and Wayne that began in 1939 with their first film together, Stagecoach, and continued through other classic films like The Searchers, Rio Grande, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Footage from their films and interviews with film scholars discuss the ways in which Ford and Wayne revolutionized the Western genre.

The episode also touches on Ford's strong personality and directing style, which at times brought him into conflict with Wayne. The documentary demonstrates how, despite their differences, both men respected and admired each other's work.

American Masters Season 20 Episode 1 also explores the personal lives of John Ford and John Wayne. Ford was known for having a difficult personality, and his alcoholism likely contributed to his internal conflicts and strained relationships with family and friends. Wayne, meanwhile, was known for his conservative political views and his intense work ethic.

The episode concludes with a look back at the legacy of Ford and Wayne, whose work continues to be celebrated and studied by filmmakers and moviegoers today. Through their partnership, they created some of the most iconic and enduring films in American cinema.

Overall, American Masters Season 20 Episode 1 offers an insightful and engaging look at the creative relationship between John Ford and John Wayne. Through its use of archival footage and interviews with film scholars and Hollywood personalities, the documentary paints a nuanced picture of two giants of cinema and their impact on American culture.