3 Godfathers (1948)

Directed by John Ford. Starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr., Ward Bond, Mae Marsh, Mildred Natwick, Hank Worden, Jane Darwell, Guy Kibbee, Dorothy Ford, Ben Johnson.

A trio of bank robbers making their escape through the Arizona desert come upon a dying woman in labor who births a baby boy; before passing, she asks the three men to swear to take care of the child, which they each do. Turns out, it’s hard enough taking care of a baby without the added burden of having little available water, even less knowledge of child-rearing, plus a sheriff (Bond) and his posse on their trail for the robbery. Based on a Peter B. Kyne story, it’s a tale that’s been told before several times (including once by Ford himself as a silent film called Marked Men in 1919); though praised by many, it’s not one of the best Ford-Wayne star collaborations. Regardless of it being critical to the central storyline, the baby’s appearance signals the down turn, slowing down the pace to a mosey and becoming overly sentimental, long and wistful soliloquies dominating the dusty landscape, with an implausible conclusion that falters the emotional landing. A better-than-average performance from the Duke, the always delightful Armendáriz, Monument Valley scenery, and a solid start make it worth watching, just keep expectations lowered. Dedicated to Ford’s friend, Harry Carey—“bright star of the Western sky”—who passed the year before (his son, of course, plays one of the “godfathers”).

59/100