The Plot Thickens The Commander
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Jun 20, 2024 Join a fascinating journey as a filmmaker's military adventure unfolds, starting with an unusual assignment to create a sex ed film for soldiers. Experience the chaos of combat as he transitions from the camera to the battlefield, nurtured back to health by none other than John Wayne. Witness his films, including an Oscar-winning piece on Midway, reshape wartime perception, while touching on friendship amidst the struggles of documenting the human cost of war. The complex bond of duty and artistry shines through in a gripping narrative.
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Ford Builds His Own Film Unit
- John Ford formed a Field Photographic Service by recruiting Hollywood filmmakers and training them in military-style exercises.
- He ran the unit obsessively, drilling them weekly and insisting on discipline and ceremonial order.
Pearl Harbor Film Sparks Controversy
- Greg Toland filmed December 7th after Pearl Harbor under Ford's direction, making a documentary about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- Toland's film depicted Japanese Americans as a fifth column and angered military brass, prompting censorship of Field Photo.
Propaganda Needs Control
- The military wanted uplifting propaganda, not films that questioned leadership or stoked racism.
- Toland's critical and racist approach reduced Ford's unit autonomy and led to tighter censorship.
