In my ongoing search to broaden my cinematic education, I called my dad up and asked him what his favorite movies are. A John Wayne fan to the end, one of his recommendations was “The Quiet Man.” I rented it henceforth and forthwith. Now, I believe in honoring one’s father and one’s mother. Listening to one’s parents is good. But I have to say, I really don’t understand why my dad likes this movie so much. Plot: John Wayne is Sean Thornton, a man who is returning to Ireland, the land of his birth, in hopes of purchasing the very … Continue reading →

In 1941, Hollywood released a film which introduced Americans to a life they knew little about unless they came from similar backgrounds themselves. “How Green Was My Valley” is based on Richard Llewellyn’s novel of the same name, and examines coal mining in Wales. In this film we meet the Morgans. They have several sons, only one daughter, and every son old enough works in the coal mines. Their earnings are meager but their mother is frugal, and they have enough to live on and very little else. Still, they are a tight-knit family and strive together for all that … Continue reading →

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” “McLintock!” is one of my dad’s favorite John Wayne films. In my quest to broaden my knowledge of classic Hollywood, I gave this one a try. Wayne stars as G. W. McLintock, a cattle baron who owns a town. Well, he doesn’t own all of it, but just about, and it’s named after him, too. With all that wealth and prestige, you’d think he’d have it made in the shade, but he doesn’t. His estranged wife Kate (Maureen O’Hara) really is a shrew. They were much happier in the days before … Continue reading →