Four Men and a Prayer (1938) | Directed by John Ford

2 months ago
402

"Four Men and a Prayer" is a globe-trotting adventure drama in which four brothers, sons of a British Army officer, band together to clear their father's name after he is accused of dereliction of duty and subsequently murdered. Their quest for justice and truth takes them across continents—from India and South America to Egypt—as they unravel a conspiracy tied to international arms dealing and war profiteering.

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Director: John Ford

John Ford was a seminal figure in American cinema, known for his mastery of visual storytelling and his extensive body of work across genres, particularly Westerns. Born in 1894 in Maine, Ford began directing silent films in the 1910s and went on to become one of Hollywood's most respected directors. He won four Academy Awards for Best Director, a record that still stands. Ford’s films often dealt with themes of honor, community, and the American identity, and he was known for his collaborations with actors like John Wayne and Henry Fonda.

Star Cast:

* Loretta Young as Lynn Cherrington
* Richard Greene as Geoffrey Leigh
* George Sanders as Wyatt Leigh
* David Niven as Christopher Leigh
* C. Aubrey Smith as Col. Loring Leigh
* William Henry as Rodney Leigh
* Alan Hale as Mr. Furnoy
* Barry Fitzgerald as Timothy

Upon its release, "Four Men and a Prayer" received generally positive reviews for its brisk pacing, exotic locations, and the charm of its leading men. Critics appreciated John Ford's direction and the film's ambitious, globe-spanning narrative. However, some reviews noted that the storyline occasionally lacked cohesion due to its wide geographical scope. The movie was considered a modest commercial success and was praised for its timely themes during the interwar period.

Fun Facts:

* The film was shot on location in several international spots including India and South America, which was relatively uncommon for the time.
* "Four Men and a Prayer" is one of the few John Ford films that does not feature his frequent collaborator John Wayne.
* David Niven was still early in his career at this point, and this role helped solidify his status as a rising British star in Hollywood.
* The movie’s theme of global conspiracy and arms dealing foreshadowed the concerns that would arise with the onset of World War II just a year later.

* This Rumble Movie Channel is comprehensively indexed on https://kinoquick.com - find you favourite movies fast & free!
* Follow this channel to be notified of daily movie updates.

Loading comments...