Thursday, November 09, 2023

Book review - "Print the Legend: The Life and Times John Ford" by Scott Eyman

 Eyman can be counted on to do a good biography and he does very well by Ford - solid research, entertainingly written. Maybe a little easy on Ford's racism. And also doesn't cover the possibility of his homosexuality - it refers to crushes and possible affairs with women (Katherine Hepburn)... although these seem asexual. His torment, drinking, preference for male company, consistent use of Jeffrey Hunter (who is barely mentioned in the book).

I'm being salacious. The rest is well done. Ford wasn't always admirable but also was a genius. The most moving section is the end, with Ford longing to direct but also scared he'll be able to (there were some options), being feted, estranged from his son, with an alcoholic useless daughter.

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