Neither Western nor John Wayne… 72 years ago, this little-known but fascinating film was released, which the legendary John Ford never tired of watching.

Neither Western nor John Wayne… 72 years ago, this little-known but fascinating film was released, which the legendary John Ford never tired of watching.

When John Ford was asked to appear before the Anti-Communist Commission, the director introduced himself clearly: “My name is John Ford and I make westerns”. Likewise, when we asked him about his favorite movie, he didn’t beat around the bush.

On the other hand, his choice was surprising.

A lesser known but fascinating film

Charles Wininger

For John Ford, it was a movie “Definitely my favourite, one I love to see again and again”*But it’s not a western and it doesn’t have John Wayne in the cast, it’s one of the least known in his filmography: The Sun Shines on All.

This dramatic comedy follows Judge Priest (Charles Wininger) in the midst of a re-election campaign as he manages several delicate cases in his small Kentucky town: restoring women’s honor, reconciling Civil War veterans, and defending a young black man accused of hanging without further trial.

A woman passed

A woman passed

Then we understand why Ford chose this film over others as we find his favorite themes such as community. Here society is flawed and divided, which confirms Ford’s pessimism in this regard. In the early 1950s, it was just the beginning, but it would continue for the rest of his career.

However, the shortcomings of the residents are corrected thanks to the personality of the judge, who holds the unity of his small town within reach. Thanks to this, he will also be re-elected.

Union saved, but for how long?

We can also compare The Sun Shines for Everyone with The Last Fanfare, made by Ford five years later, in which we meet a small-town political figure who seeks re-election and who, this time, Ford’s pessimism progresses, loses the election. He failed to join the community.

For reference, The Sun Shines For All is also Ford’s remake of one of his previous films, Judge Priest, released in 1934, starring actor Will Rogers. Both films end in the same way, with loud and jubilant fanfare from the assembled public. A time when John Ford still believed that…

* Cin the case”John Ford By Patrick Brion.

Source: Allocine

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