Actor John Wayne and director John Ford are made for one of the most iconic duos of American Western cinema, but their best collaboration was their first movie,Stagecoach. Released in 1939 and considered one of thebest Western movies,Stagecoachremains a memorable film over 80 years later.
John Wayne and John Fordsymbolize an important period of Hollywood’s golden era, and their collaborations have remained highly influential in Western movies.Their longtime friendship is highlighted by the many films they worked on togetherover the years. However, despite their incredible portfolio of shared work, nothing comes close toStagecoach.
John Wayne & John Ford Never Topped 1939’s Stagecoach
Stagecoach Was Wayne’s First Leading Role In A Ford Movie
Wayne and Ford worked on a total of 14 movies together, with Wayne largely in the leading role, over their longtime professional friendship. Their portfolio includes classics likeThe SearchersandRio Grande. The duo even excelled at creating non-Westerns together, with a total of five out of their 14 movies being outside theWestern genre. However, of all the movies they created,Stagecoachremains their best one.
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Stagecoachfollows the journey of a group of passengers traveling together on a stagecoach as they pass through Apache territory. Filled with scenery of the Western American landscape and tales of morality and justice,Stagecoachis symbolic of all the classic elements that have made Westerns so popular. The movie also highlights Ford’s skills at directing andWayne’s classic cowboy personathat helped launch his career as a Hollywood star. Even though Wayne had starred in Westerns before, it wasStagecoachthat pushed Wayne into true stardom.
John Wayne & John Ford Began Working Together Long Before Stagecoach
Wayne and Ford’s Friendship Began Years Before Stagecoach
WhileStagecoachis often credited as Wayne’s first time in a Ford movie, it was only his first time in a leading role with the director. In fact, the two professionals worked together for years before the 1939 classic.Wayne was first hired as a film extra and prop boy. Soon after, Wayne began acting in bit parts where he had minor interactions with leading stars, which was a huge upgrade from his role as an extra. Wayne’s Hollywood promotion was largely due to Ford’s interest in Wayne, as Ford was the one who helped Wayne land the new roles.
Wayne’s high school football coach was friends with popular silent film star Tom Mix, who was friends with Ford, and these connections helped Wayne start his career in Hollywood.
It was Ford’s help that gave Wayne his first role as an uncredited guard inBardelys The Magnificentin 1926. Shortly after, Wayne had his first appearance in a Ford movie.Wayne was an uncredited extra in the 1928 movie,Mother Machree, 11 years beforeStagecoach. It was Wayne’s friendship with Ford that helped cement Wayne as one of the most memorable actors of the twentieth century. Without it, he would never have starred inStagecoach, which laid the foundation for his future collaborations with Ford.
Stagecoach
Cast
Stagecoach, directed by John Ford, follows a diverse group of travelers on a stagecoach journey through dangerous Apache territory. As they face the threat of Geronimo, the passengers confront personal challenges and gain insight into each other’s lives amidst the perilous landscape.
