Few directors have a feature debut as promising as John Ford’s. While the story isn’t much to write home about, Straight Shooting has gorgeous cinematography, good acting and a showdown that remains one of the best in the history of westerns.
Western heroes with a dark side weren’t new in 1917 (let alone in the 50s or 60s) but Harry Carey puts his own spin on the Good Bad Man and is the magic ingredient that holds the picture together.
How does it end? Hover or tap below for a spoiler.
Harry settles down with his lady love.
Read my full-length review here.
If it were a dessert it would be: Paris-Brest. Lots of little elements that need to be done right… and they are.
Availability: Released on DVD by Alpha.
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Movies Silently 
Sorry, I cannot see John Ford eating a ring of choux pastry filled with hazelnut and almond cream. (With or without the rhubarb.) I saw him once in an interview where the interviewer was trying to get him to comment on the deeper symbolic meaning of his movies. I think he would make the same face.
To be honest, I really have a deep and personal loathing for John Ford the man (and the message of a good many of his later pictures) but this film has so many delicate flourishes that Ford has a lot more in common with a patisserie than he would likely care to admit.
Plus, the dessert section is just a goofy little unscientific score. I have to admit that I kind of agree with Ford when it comes to overthinking.
I love this film! I find the Paris-Brest analogy apt: small elements each well crafted and fitting together just as they should.
Re: Paris Brest- can’t recommend highly enough the King Arthur Flour site for all things baking. They’ve been at it a long time (founded 1790!) and really know their stuff. And doesn’t that Paris-Brest look scrumptious.. The most ambitious I’ll probably get in the baking dept. this holiday season is a three tier Chocolate Death cake with fresh-frozen cherries for topping 🙂
I adore King Arthur! I love their cookie book, which has chewy, crispy and cakey variations of all the popular flavors. I am Team Chewy but it’s nice to be able to make a variation for anyone.
For those of us who are cooking-impaired, King Arthur also makes an excellent gluten-free baking mix –