Wagon Master Overview:

Wagon Master (1950) was a Western Film directed by John Ford and produced by John Ford, Merian C. Cooper and Lowell J. Farrell.

SYNOPSIS

Fine Ford Western about two rugged cowhands (Ford stalwarts Johnson and Bond) who join a wagon train of faithful, hardy Mormons heading for Utah. One of Ford's exemplary tales of human survival that contrast ideals (the expression of the Mormons' beliefs in their quest for the "promised land") with reality (the harsh Western terrain, the threat of Indian attack and outlaws). The inspiration for the television show Wagon Train (which also starred bond).

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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BlogHub Articles:

On Blu-ray: John Ford's Wagon Master (1950)

By KC on Oct 22, 2019 From Classic Movies

It says a lot about the kind of actors director John Ford cast when his supporting players are as good at carrying a film as his frequent star John Wayne. In the 1950 film Wagon Master, actors and stuntmen Ben Johnson and Harry Carey, Jr. shine at a different wattage than Wayne, but they are neverth... Read full article


Wagon Master (1950)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Apr 28, 2019 From 4 Star Films

“Wagons west are rolling…” – Sons of The Pioneers Despite being a tighter film, Wagon Train still bears the irrefutable mark of John Ford.?Together with producer Meridian C.?Cooper, he crafts a piece of work as near to a fully realized articulation of his vision as he probabl... Read full article


Classic Films in Focus: WAGON MASTER (1950)

By Jennifer Garlen on Aug 23, 2013 From Virtual Virago

John Ford directed many more famous Westerns than Wagon Master (1950), but this modest oater about a Mormon wagon train reveals many of Ford’s signature touches and favorite players. It’s a dramatic tale that focuses on the interactions of several different kinds of frontier outsiders, i... Read full article


Classic Films in Focus: WAGON MASTER (1950)

By Jennifer Garlen on Aug 23, 2013 From Virtual Virago

John Ford directed many more famous Westerns than Wagon Master (1950), but this modest oater about a Mormon wagon train reveals many of Ford’s signature touches and favorite players. It’s a dramatic tale that focuses on the interactions of several different kinds of frontier outsiders, i... Read full article


Classic Films in Focus: WAGON MASTER (1950)

By Jennifer Garlen on Aug 23, 2013 From Virtual Virago

John Ford directed many more famous Westerns than Wagon Master (1950), but this modest oater about a Mormon wagon train reveals many of Ford’s signature touches and favorite players. It’s a dramatic tale that focuses on the interactions of several different kinds of frontier outsiders, i... Read full article


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Quotes from

Travis Blue: [after Sandy pushes a gun down the back of his pants] Be careful or you'll blow yer brains out.


Travis Blue: Feet hurt, ma'am?
Denver: Nope!
Travis Blue: Well here, try these on!
[Hands here a pair of walking shoes, she puts them on]
Denver: Did you get these from that... red-headed gal?
Travis Blue: You mean Miss Prudence?... yes ma'am.
Denver: Is she your wife?
Travis Blue: No ma'am... How do they feel?
Denver: Fine. A little large for me maybe, but fine. Thanks very much, and thank your lady friend.
[Denver arises, and starts to walk away, Travis looks after her]
Travis Blue: She ain't that either ma'am!


[singing]
Sandy: I left my gal in Old Virginy...
Travis Blue: Trailin' behind the wagon trail...
Sandy: Another I left in Old Missoura...
Travis Blue: Trailin' behind the wagon trail...
Sandy, Travis Blue: [Together] Oh the Wite tops are a rollin', rollin', the big wheels keep a-turnin', and when I reach that promise land, for my gal I'll still be yearnin'.


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Facts about

Ben Johnson did all his own stunts.
In the scene where Travis gets bucked off his horse after Denver throws water on it, Ben Johnson did his own stunts. They used a genuine rodeo bucking horse and John Ford promised Johnston if he rode the horse he would not have to do anymore dialogue for the day. which apparently pleased Johnston. Johnston lasted 4 bucks and came off so hard he was almost knocked out. Unfortunately the shot was ruined by one of the wranglers running out to him and asking if he was all right as he lay on the ground. Ben Johnston had to get up and ride the horse again. This time he lasted ten bucks before he bailed off and Ford got his shot.
According to Harry Carey Jr., Joanne Dru's husband, John Ireland, stayed in town during the shooting and avoided the set, but did organize the company into a performance of "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" in the evening.
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Also directed by John Ford




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Also produced by John Ford




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Also released in 1950




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