3 Godfathers (1948)

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  • 3 GODFATHERS


    DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD
    PRODUCED BY JOHN FORD and MERIAN C. COOPER
    ARGOSY PICTURE CORPORATION
    METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER



    Photo with the courtesy of lasbugas


    INFORMATION FROM IMDb


    Plot Summary
    Three outlaws on the run discover a dying woman and her baby.
    They swear to bring the infant to safety across the desert,
    even at the risk of their own lives.
    Summary written by Jim Beaver


    Full Cast
    John Wayne .... Robert Marmaduke Hightower
    Pedro Armendáriz .... Pedro "Pete' Roca Fuerte
    Harry Carey Jr. .... William Kearney ('The Abilene Kid')
    Ward Bond .... Perley 'Buck' Sweet
    Mae Marsh .... Mrs. Perley Sweet
    Mildred Natwick .... The Mother
    Jane Darwell .... Miss Florie
    Guy Kibbee .... Judge
    Dorothy Ford .... Ruby Latham
    Ben Johnson .... Posse man #1
    Charles Halton .... Oliver Latham
    Hank Worden .... Deputy Curly
    Jack Pennick .... Luke (the conductor)
    Fred Libby .... Deputy
    Michael Dugan .... Posse man #2
    Don Summers .... Posse man #3
    Gertrude Astor .... Townswoman (uncredited)
    Ruth Clifford .... Woman in bar (uncredited)
    Jack Curtis .... Bartender (uncredited)
    Francis Ford .... Drunken oldtimer at bar (uncredited)
    Richard Hageman .... Saloon pianist (uncredited)
    Cliff Lyons .... Guard at Mojave Tanks (uncredited)
    Eva Novak .... Townswoman (uncredited)
    Harry Tenbrook .... Bartender #2 (uncredited)
    Amelia Yelda ... Robert William Pedro Hightower (the Baby) (uncredited)


    Writing Credits
    Peter B. Kyne (story)
    Laurence Stallings (screenplay) and
    Frank S. Nugent (screenplay)


    Original Music
    Richard Hageman


    Cinematography
    Winton C. Hoch


    Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
    Edward O'Fearna .... assistant director
    Wingate Smith .... assistant director


    Stunts
    Ben Johnson .... stunts (uncredited)
    Cliff Lyons .... stunts (uncredited)
    Jack Montgomery .... stunts (uncredited)
    Jack Williams .... stunts (uncredited)


    Trivia
    * For the scene where Deputy Curly (Hank Worden) has trouble pulling a mule about a train, director John Ford rigged the reins to pull backwards whenever Worden pulled forward.


    * When John Wayne is "greasing" the baby boy, Robert William Pedro, it is evident that the baby boy is actually a baby girl.


    * This is a remake of John Ford's silent film Marked Men (1919), which starred Ford's long-time friend Harry Carey. When Carey died in 1947, Ford decided to remake the story in Technicolor and dedicate the film to his memory. Carey's son, Harry Carey Jr., plays one of the three, "The Abilene Kid".


    * John Ford had a greensman water a cactus overnight to allow it to be squeezed for water.


    John Wayne's character, Robert Marmaduke Hightower, was named by director John Ford after his favorite stuntman, Bryan 'Slim' Hightower, who also worked on this picture.
    Link this trivia
    John Wayne was badly sun burnt while filming 3 Godfathers (1948) and was briefly hospitalized.


    Goofs
    * Continuity: The Bible used as a prop has marginal cross-references, but the Bible pages used in the close-up shot, as read by Bob, do not.


    * Anachronisms: Power lines are visible overhead behind Ruby Latham when the stagecoach is stopped in Welcome, Arizona.


    * Continuity: Shortly after the three riders enter the desert Hightower discovers that Pedro's water bag is empty and throws it away. As they ride away in a long shot, the water bag is still visible on Pedro's horse.


    * Continuity: When the three Godfathers leave the covered wagon with little Robert William Pedro, the canvas is coming loose in the wind. Later when Purly Sweet and his posse arrive at the covered wagon, the canvas is tied down firmly.


    * Continuity: After the three godfathers rob the bank, a covered wagon is seen passing by them as they board their horses but in the next scene they are riding in front of the wagon.


    * Continuity: In the chase scenes after the bank robbery, the shadows change location repeatedly, indicating the scenes were shot at different times of the day.


    * Continuity: When Bob Hightower is greasing the baby, Bill Kearny holds up his hat to give shade over the baby. At that point, the sun is high in the east. But in the next shot, when they are finished greasing the baby and are applying a makeshift diaper, the shadow from the covered wagon shows that the sun is to the west.


    * Revealing mistakes: When Hightower is greasing the baby, who is referred to as a boy, is played by a girl.


    * Continuity: When Pedro first skips the saddle the horse without the saddle is black. Later when the horses are pulled behind a dune, it is brown.


    * Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): While Wayne is holding the baby at the wagon, Pete is asked if he got any information about looking after the baby from its dying mother. He is supposed to say "Do you think I was going to drive the lady crazy?" what he says is "Do you think I was going to drive the lazy crazy?"


    * Revealing mistakes: When Ben Johnston is standing in the buckboard when the sheriff and 3 deputies use it to chase the 3 bank robbers out of town, he has one leg behind him bracing himself to stay standing while the horses gallop. There is a strap secured to the tray of the buckboard and he has the toe of his boot wedged in it to help keep his balance.


    * Revealing mistakes: Near the end of the movie, Hightower reads a bible passage Matthew, yet the bible is open close to the beginning.


    Memorable Quotes


    Filming Locations
    Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA
    Carson & Colorado Railroad, Owens Valley, California, USA
    Keeler, California, USA
    Mojave Desert, California, USA
    RKO Encino Ranch - Balboa Boulevard & Burbank Boulevard, Encino, Los Angeles, California, USA
    Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California, USA
    Death Valley National Park, California, USA


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    Previous discussion:-
    3 Godfathers


    Watch the Trailer:-


    3 Godfathers

  • 3 Godfathers is a 1948 American Western film directed by John Ford
    and filmed (although not set) primarily in Death Valley, California.
    The screenplay, written by Frank S. Nugent and Laurence Stallings,
    is based on the novelette of the same name written by Peter B. Kyne.
    Ford had already adapted the film once before in 1919 as Marked Men.
    The original silent adaptation by Ford is thought to be lost today.
    The story is something of a re-telling of the story of The Three Wise Men
    in an American western context.
    Ford decided to remake the story in Technicolor
    and dedicate the film to the memory of long-time friend Harry Carey who starred in the 1919 film Marked Men.
    Carey's son, Harry Carey Jr., plays one of the three, "The Abilene Kid" in this 1948 film


    This is another film I like alot, not a classic,
    but a good watchable film.
    John Ford, dedicated the movie, to the memory of Harry Carey,


    'To the Memory of Harry Carey,
    Bright Star, of the Early Western Sky'


    The picture was a re-make of John Ford's silent classic Marked Men (1919).
    Duke, played Harry Carey's part, in this new version,
    and I thought played it well,


    The New York Tribune said,

    Quote


    Wayne is better than ever, as the leader of the badmen.


    Pedro, was his usual, over the top Mexican self, but
    Harry Carey Jnr. made an awesome 'Abilene Kid'
    in what most consider, to be his finest acting role.
    With Ward Bond, and great support from the Ford regulars,
    I consider this, a good all round film.


    User Review


    However, as much of the film's emphasis, was put on the trio's walking,plodding, and finally staggering, endless sand and salt flats,
    critics did not treat it kindly, finding it laboured and sentimental!!
    I like this film, and I think most of his fans, do too.


    ..

  • Everyone in the cast, Duke,Dobie, Pedro Armendáriz, Ward Bond all hit just the right note.
    Alas, like almost all of the John Ford/Harry Carey Westerns Marked Men seems to be lost forever.

    John Bernard Books (The Shootist):
    "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them."

  • Quote

    Originally posted by ZACK613@Feb 8 2006, 12:19 PM
    Everyone in the cast, Duke,Dobie, Pedro Armendáriz, Ward Bond all hit just the right note.
    Alas, like almost all of the John Ford/Harry Carey Westerns Marked Men seems to be lost forever.

    [snapback]26784[/snapback]



    You hit the nail on the head with what you said. This movie is also my favorite Christmas time movie with It's A Wonderful Life as my 2nd most fav.

    Es Ist Verboten Mit Gefangenen In Einzelhaft Zu Sprechen..

  • This is one of my favourite movies it is a superior western with great acting, plot, symbolism and direction.


    John Waynes on top form and the movie is a treat to watch, it really is a shame to see it end, I am staggered to learn its not considered a classic, I presumed it was.


    Overall an offbeat but exceptionally good western and one in which Duke shines.


    My rating 9/10.


    :agent:

  • Well, the perfectionist in me strikes again!!! The name of this film is simply 3 Godfathers not "The 3 Godfathers." Sorry ethan, I just can't help myself!!!!


    This is a great Christmas movie. JW played his role very well, as did Carey and Armendáriz. Ward Bond was also very good here too, as was Ben Johnson, who got his first major film role here as one of the members of Bond's posse. I'd agree with Ringo in putting it right up there with It's a Wonderful Life on my list of Christmas favorites.


    I also liked the fact that in this one, JW was paired with a love interest his own size. Dorothy Ford was 6' 2" and it destroyed her career. She was taller then most of the leading men in Hollywood at the time (though she was paired with Mickey Rooney in Love Laughs at Andy Hardy to great comic effect). In the 6' 4" Wayne, she finally found a partner her own size. It's too bad they never worked together again (she did have bit parts in Sands of Iwo Jima and The High and the Mighty, though in those ones she and the Duke didn't share any scenes together). She and JW don't have a lot of scenes together here, but what they did have showed some definite chemistry between the two of them. It's too bad it was never explored further in another film.


    3 Godfathers is a great film featuring the talents of a great group of players filmed by a great director. No Christmas is complete without it.


    E.J.


    PS: BTW Ringo, your avatar isn't showing up. For every one of your posts, it just displays a blank box with an "x" in it. Maybe it's just my computer, though I did try it on two different browsers.


    Quote

    "I am not intoxicated - yet." McLintock!


  • Hi EJ, I noticed that my avatar aint showing either. I use it on another site and it disappeared from there as well. I wonder if that means that the site I got it from, is no longer working? I guess i'll need to look for another one to use and will probably do so tomorrow ;)

    Es Ist Verboten Mit Gefangenen In Einzelhaft Zu Sprechen..

  • Quote

    Originally posted by ejgreen77@Feb 8 2006, 06:52 PM
    BTW Ringo, your avatar isn't showing up. For every one of your posts, it just displays a blank box with an "x" in it.

    [snapback]26806[/snapback]



    Maybe that's the target Robin Hood is getting ready to skewer with his arrow. :lol:
    Cheers - Jay :D

    Cheers - Jay:beer:
    "Not hardly!!!"

  • Why you were surprised? Ford movies are all great! I love this movie too.
    Regards,
    Senta

    Quote

    Originally posted by Moonshine_Sally@Aug 12 2006, 11:06 PM
    Watched this last night for the 1st time and I was pleasantly surprised.A very good movie and as others have said here it's going to be a Christmas favourite!

    [snapback]33530[/snapback]


  • Hi


    Three Godfathers was obviously a popular vehicle for Hollywood sentimentality. It first saw the light of day in 1916 when Edward J LeSaint directed the Peter B Kyne story. It starred Harry Carey.


    In 1919 Ford directed it for the first time calling the film Marked Men again it starred Harey Carey and also featured J.Farrell McDonald Joe Harris and Winifred Westover. It was one of Ford's favourite early films.


    In 1929 it was remade with the title Hells Heroes and directed by William Wyler
    and in 1936 as 3 Godfathers directed by Richard Boleslawski with Chester Morris taking the Wayne role.


    I suppose the Harey Carey connection was completed in the 1948 version when the veterans son played The Abilene Kid one of the outlaws and Ford dedicated the film to Harry Carey, who had died the year before, the bright star of the early western sky.


    Shortly before filming the tribute Ford ordered Harry Carey jnr off of the set but as he was leaving he noticed Careys horse standing by and then watched as I believe Cliff Lyons mounted him and rode him to the horizon.


    Carey found the tribute extrememely moving.



    Regards


    Arthur


  • Hi Arthur,
    Thank you for this information. Have you seen any of these films. I saw only 2 photos in "John Ford. The complete films" - the book, which I bought in my trip to Finland recently. I see that there is some difference between the plots . In Marked Man they run away from the prison. And the names an characters are different also.
    Regards,
    Vera :rolleyes:

  • Hi Senta


    I haven't seen any of the other films but the history of them is mentioned in the Peter Bogdanovitch book John Ford. It's a very good book if you haven't read it and covers the time when the author met Ford in Monument Valley while he was making Cheyenne Autumn.



    Regards


    Arthur

  • I hope to read it someday. Now I'm reading the Scott Eymer/Paul Duncan book. And also I have Dan Ford's book - very interesting one.
    Regards,
    Senta :rolleyes:

  • Quote

    Originally posted by Senta@Aug 13 2006, 05:12 AM
    Why you were surprised? Ford movies are all great! I love this movie too.
    Regards,
    Senta

    [snapback]33544[/snapback]





    We say it that way in Flemish and that's how I translate it.

  • Quote

    Originally posted by arthurarnell@Aug 13 2006, 05:32 AM
    . . . in 1916 when Edward J LeSaint directed the Peter B Kyne story. It starred Harry Carey . . . 1919 Ford directed it for the first time calling the film Marked Men . . . 1929 it was remade with the title Hells Heroes . . . and in 1936 as 3 Godfathers . . . the 1948 version when the veterans son played The Abilene Kid one of the outlaws and Ford dedicated the film to Harry Carey, who had died the year before, the bright star of the early western sky.

    [snapback]33548[/snapback]


    As Senta noted, that is an impressive history of the story on film . . . that's one of the reasons we are so happy to have you here, Arthur - you are a wealth of information :rolleyes: (plus, you're such a nice guy :wub: ).


    Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

  • Great movie. One of the most enjoyable scenes is when Perley (Ward Bond) finds out that Hightower's (John Wayne) middle name is Marmaduke.

    Judge: Robert Marmaduke Hightower...

    Perley: MARMADUKE?!? AAAHA HA HA HA

    Hightower: PERLEY...OOOOOHO HO HO HO!

    I absolutely loved this scene.

  • I was surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed this film, the colors, the cinematography, and the entire cast were all wonderful. One of my favorite sequences in this movie is when they are going through Robert William Pedro's stuff, these tough men pondering what each is for and wondering what the heck to do with the child is great. I was surprised to see Ben Johnson in such an early supporting role with decent screen time, I knew Ford had used him frequently but it was still surprising. My one complaint is that the script seems a little thin at times, it's almost as if the movie was improv-ed.

  • I'm sure I mentioned this before, somewhere else on this board, but my son gave me a DVD of this film for Christmas about three years ago, before it was released in this country. Mine comes from Brazil, in Portuguese, but we can change it to English.


    Anyway, here are a couple of posters (the second one is a 1962 re-release, a less colorful version of the original) -


    Three Godfathers-poster.jpg


    Three Godfathers-1962 reissue poster.jpg

  • Reading Harry Carey's book and the hard time Ford gave Carey.

    He mentions that Ford kept threatening him with "We could have got Audie Murphy" for his part.

    Wonder how that would have been like??


    Mike