Ward Bond

I love him in this movie too. He was great in It's a Wonderful Life as well!!

John Ford made a running joke during the shooting to make fun of Bond's rather enormous bottoms. With most of his scenes Ford made sure that huge part of his body would be in the frame, also often asked the still cameraman to take photos of his and some cast members (mainly Wayne) pausing next to a horse's back, the horse's bottoms dubbing for Bond's, signing it "Always thinking about you" and sending that to Bond.

Bond was buddies to John Wayne and both were close friends to John Ford, appeared on so many of his films, but this is one of his best performances, also because the role is such a rich one.

Yes, Ward Bond steals nearly every scene he's in in nearly every movie I've seen him in.

I read somewhere that both Ward Bond and Victor McLaughlin were big hams and often did little things to catch the audience's attention. Watch Victor in his scenes - he'll wipe his face, move his head a certain way, etc. - just to focus attention on him in the scene. Apparently, it was OK with Ford who allowed the scenes to remain just as they were shot.

Ward Bond was my hero as the wonderful wagon master "the Major" Seth Adams, as I watched the Wagon Train TV series on its initial run. Then as I saw his old movies over the years I developed a deep respect. He was always so friendly and down to earth and a perfect actor. But his backbone was steel. Taking the part of the cavalry sergeant, he was the one you would go to Hell and back with.

Never was he used to better advantage than in They Were Expendable, Fort Apache, The Quiet Man, The Searchers, and The Wings Of Eagles - John Ford directions all. This is not to minimize his superb performances in Sergeant York, The Maltese Falcon, It's A Wonderful Life, Operation Pacific, and so many others.

He was a super reliable actor, never phoned it in, highly respected in the business. An actor to grow up with, grow old still watching, and always to love.

John Ford considered Ward Bond to be his favorite actor, or "favorite sh!t" according to Harry Carey,jr. Ford was filming "Two Rode Together" when word came of Bond's death. Ford called, "Cut!", made the announcement to the cast, and told Andy Devine, "Now YOU are my favorite sh!t". Filming was suspended for the remainder of the day.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's living!!!"
Augustus McCrae

Yes, Ward Bond stole every scene in every movie he was in. Ya can never replace actors like him, The Duke, Victor O. never again......Ride Away Cowboys!