3 Godfathers

You just have to love a story which John Ford liked enough to direct three times, twice during the silent era and in this 1938 talkie version as a dedication to his late friend Harry Carey Sr. Carey Jr. is listed as making his introduction here even though he had done work prior but the real interest here in this odd Western adaptation of the Nativity story is John Wayne. The film actually ended the poor Duke's ass in the hospital from severe sun burn but this didn't stop him from giving one of the most unique performances in his life. The idea of juxtaposing three bank robbers on the run in to the three wise men is fantastic and this will certainly provide a wonderful break for those sick of Holiday sentiment even though they do manage to tack on a sappy and happy but truly satisfying ending. Look for Ben Johnson in his first credited role.