Ford At Fox Collection: The Essential John Ford Collection...

Buy This Item Ford At Fox Collection: The Essential John Ford Collection... by 20th Century Fox  Available from Amazon  $44.99  on 11-3-2008     Disc 1: DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK - REMASTERED SPECIAL EDITION Disc 2: THE GRAPES OF WRATH Disc 3: MY DARLING CLEMENTINE Disc 4: FRONTIER MARSHALL Disc 5: HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY? Disc 6: BECOMING JOHN FORD DOCUMENTARY Reader Reviews Buy the box set for "Clementine" and "Grapes of Wrath". The other films are mediocre. Ford and John Wayne (instead of Henry Fonda) make a better boxed set with their western triolgy plus "Stagecoach". But, I did not hesitate to buy this set. Here's what you get: "Frontier Marshall" with Randolf Scott is not Ford's best, nor does Scott stand out as Wyatt Earp. It is a highly fictionalized part of Earp's life, which begs the question "Why not film Earp according to the facts of his life?" It looks like it was done by all concerned to fulfill studio contracts. 'My Darling Clementine" is closer to the Earp saga (roughly 30% accurate). Forgetting that it is about a fictional Wyatt Earp, the western itself is one of Ford's best, and Henry Fonda's best. The cinematography is surperb, but the absence of multiple close-ups is notable, and regrettable. Also, Ford disagreed with the final cut. Included in this box set are Ford's original film scenes without the additional music and added scenes -- you might agree that his version carries more impact. "Drums Along The Mohawk" is rather boring, which is a surprise for a John Ford film, and the genre. There is no build up to the indian battle scenes, therefore no excitement, no anticipation. It is a routine melodrama about a married couple on the frontier. Nothing special. At any time during this film, you may feel free to get and go to the kitchen and order a pizza, without missing anything important in the film. "How Green Was My Valley" is a standard John Ford drama. The critics have vacillated over the years with regard to the quality of this John Ford film. It has never received a "10", at the most a "7" and with the passage of time, today a mediocre "4". "The Grapes Of Wrath" is a powerful film, both for Ford and Fonda. Critics have claimed that Ford was pro-communist, or at least an extremely pink socialist. The film definitely cries out for the workers of the world to unite. As a depression era drama, it hits all bases to tear your heart out. The cinematography is matched only by "Clementine". But in this film Ford paints graphic pictures with close-ups of every lead. At times it is almost film noir. It is better casted than any other film in this boxed set. This film is a definite "10" and has stood the passage of time to keep it in the top 100 films of all time. It is said that Stalin's favorite American picture was "Clementine" and FDR's was "Grapes Of Wrath". It is recorded that both watched their Ford favorites over 20 times. Perhaps FDR was inspired to formulate his "New Deal" after the 20th viewing. Buy this boxed set used, to get full value.

Ford At Fox Collection: The Essential John Ford Collection... Available from Amazon Price: $44.99 Updated on 11-3-2008.

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