MovieChat Forums > Stagecoach (1966) Discussion > John Ford's comment about remake

John Ford's comment about remake

posted 15 years ago by johnaquino
9 replies | jump to latest

I've never seen this story printed before, but I remember when the 1966 remake of Stagecoach came out and Stephanie Powers was promoting it on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She volunteered the story that the director of the remake, Gordon Douglas, I believe, but whoever, as a joke, telegrammed John Ford and said, "If you had done it right the first time, I wouldn't have had to remake it."

The way Powers told the story, she said that Ford had sent a telegram back. When Carson asked what was in it, she hesitated, saying she wasn't sure she could say what he said on television. She whispered it in Carson's ear. Carson looked embarrased, and said, "No, no, no, this place would be turned into a parking lot if you said that on television!"

Now, my imagination is as good as the next person, but I have occasionally wondered what John Ford actually said exactly in response.

[–] Kennyjbaran 15 years ago

Knowing the salty language credited to Ford on set when making a movie it probably had a few pointed comments about where the director could stick his opinion or more colorful phrasing. The gist of it I'm sure got the new directors attention and I'll bet left him feeling just a little embarassed.

[–] Forever_Libra 15 years ago

"If you had done it right the first time, I wouldn't have had to remake it."

Was this joker completely oblivious as to whom he was saying this to?! You insult John Ford in a dream, you better wake up and apologize.

[–] lankford2000 14 years ago

He was joking. Obviously.

[–] williwaw 13 years ago

Gordon Douglas made some okay films with some fine Stars: James Garner, Diane McBain, Carroll Baker, etc., but in no way was Gordon Douglas in the league of John Ford.

Except for sexy glorious Ann Margret this film was a mistake in casting. Since Douglas was at WB for years and had to know them, he should have used Ty Hardin or Peter Brown as Ringo Kid.

Gordon Douglas made several films with Frank Sinatra so he must have been a kind and understanding man to work with the tempestous Sinatra so many times in films like Tony Rome, The Detective, Robin and the 7 Hoods, eta. Sinatra was known for only "2 Takes" and then moved on.

[–] krasnegar 10 years ago

Very likely he had no say in the casting - the studio system was still pretty strong in those days.

[–] joe_538 9 years ago

Some of the casting was better than others. I do think Ann-Margret looked a little too clean, but they probably just wanted her to look nice rather than authentic. Bob Cummings, Mike Connors, and Alex Cord were poorly chosen.

[–] litmustest-648-564237 9 years ago

I'll take Them directed by Douglas over anything Ford made.

[–] SuperWittySmitty 11 years ago

Too many "to"s.

[–] 9 years ago

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