Francis Ford (born Francis Joseph Feeney; August 14, 1881 – September 5, 1953) was an American film actor, writer and director. He was the mentor and elder brother of film director

John Ford John Martin Feeney (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973), known professionally as John Ford, was an American film director and naval officer. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. He ...

. He also appeared in many of the latter's movies, including '' Young Mr. Lincoln'' (1939) and '' The Quiet Man'' (1952).

Biography

Ford was born in

Portland, Maine Portland is the largest city in the U.S. state of Maine and the seat of Cumberland County. Portland's population was 68,408 in April 2020. The Greater Portland metropolitan area is home to over half a million people, the 104th-largest metro ...

. He was the son of John Augustine Feeney, who was born in the village of

Spiddal Spiddal ( ga, An Spidéal , meaning 'the hospital') is a village on the shore of Galway Bay in County Galway, Ireland. It is west of Galway city, on the R336 road. It is on the eastern side of the county's Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) ...

County Galway "Righteousness and Justice" , anthem = () , image_map = Island of Ireland location map Galway.svg , map_caption = Location in Ireland , area_footnotes = , area_total_km2 = ...

, Ireland, on June 15, 1854. His mother was Barbara "Abbey" Curran. By 1878, John had moved to Portland, Maine, and opened a saloon, at 42 Center Street, that used a false front to pose as grocery store. John opened four others in following years. After service in the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land warfare, land military branch, service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight Uniformed services of the United States, U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army o ...

in the

Spanish–American War , partof = the Philippine Revolution, the decolonization of the Americas, and the Cuban War of Independence , image = Collage infobox for Spanish-American War.jpg , image_size = 300px , caption = (cl ...

(In ''Pappy: The Life of John Ford'', Dan Ford wrote about Francis Ford and the war, "The Army soon discovered that he was only fifteen and sent him home."), Francis left home. He drifted into the film business in New York City, working for

David Horsley David Horsley (March 11, 1873 – February 23, 1933) was an English pioneer of the film industry. He founded the Centaur Film Company and its West Coast branch, the Nestor Film Company, which established the first film studio in Hollywood in ...

Al Christie Charles Herbert Christie (April 13, 1882 – October 1, 1955) and Alfred Ernest Christie (November 23, 1886 – April 14, 1951) were Canadian motion picture entrepreneurs. Early life Charles Herbert Christie was born between April 13, 1 ...

and the Star Film Company's San Antonio operation under Gaston Méliès. He adopted the name Ford from the automobile. From San Antonio, Francis began his Hollywood career working for Thomas H. Ince at Ince's Bison studio, directing and appearing in westerns. Ford's younger brother, John M. Feeney, nicknamed "Bull," was a successful fullback and defensive tackle on a Portland High state championship football team. In 1914, "Bull" followed Francis to Hollywood, changed his name to

and eventually surpassed his elder brother's considerable reputation. Ford's son, Philip Ford, was also a film actor/director. Ford died after being diagnosed with cancer.

Work

Ford may have acted in over 400 films, with many of his early credits poorly documented and probably lost. Ambitious and prolific, in Ford's early work he cast himself as

George Armstrong Custer George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Custer graduated from West Point in 1861 at the bottom of his clas ...

, Sherlock Holmes (with his younger brother as Dr. Watson) and

Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln ( ; February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation thro ...

, a role in which he specialized. By 1912, Ford was directing alongside Thomas Ince. It rapidly became clear that Ince was routinely taking credit for Ford's work, so Ford moved to Universal in early 1913. His 1913 '' Lucille Love, Girl of Mystery'' was Universal's first serial, and the first of a string of very popular serials starring Ford's collaborator and lover Grace Cunard. The 1915 serial '' The Broken Coin'' was expanded from 15 to 22 episodes by popular demand, probably the height of Ford's career. In 1917, Ford founded a short-lived independent company, Fordart Films, which released the 1918 ''Berlin via America'' with Phil Kelly, and briefly opened his own studio at Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. At the same time, Ford mentored his younger brother, collaborating frequently as writers, directors and actors in each other's projects, but as early as 1917, it was clear that John's star was on the rise. Frank's directorial style remained suitable for serials, but failed to evolve. Ford's final known directoral credit is for the 1928 ''The Call of the Heart'', a 50-minute vehicle for "Dynamite the Devil Dog". The Ford brothers were, at the best of times, critical of each other and sometimes sharply antagonistic. Ford wrote an unpublished memoir in 1934 called ''Up and Down the Ladder'' which is "filled with bitter and sometimes heartrending complaints about how old-timers who had helped create the industry had been shunted aside by younger men."Joseph McBride, ''Searching for John Ford'', pages 94–95 From the late 1920s, and for the next two decades, Ford sustained a career as a grizzled character actor and bit player. He is often uncredited, as in his appearance in

James Whale James Whale (22 July 1889 – 29 May 1957) was an English film director, theatre director and actor, who spent the greater part of his career in Hollywood. He is best remembered for several horror films: ''Frankenstein'' (1931), '' The Old ...

's 1931 ''Frankenstein''. Among his most memorable roles was that of the demented old man in '' The Ox-Bow Incident'' (1943).

Selected filmography

*'' The Immortal Alamo'' (1911, Short) – Navarre *'' The Deserter'' (actor, 1912, Short) – The Deserter *'' Custer's Last Fight'' (actor and director, 1912) – General George A. Custer *''The Post Telegrapher'' (director, 1912, Short) – Bob Evans – the Post Telegrapher *''

The Invaders ''The Invaders'' is an American science-fiction television series created by Larry Cohen that aired on ABC for two seasons, from 1967 to 1968. Roy Thinnes stars as David Vincent, who after stumbling across evidence of an in-progress invas ...

'' (actor and director, 1912) – Colonel James Bryson *'' When Lincoln Paid'' (actor and director, 1913, Short) – Abraham Lincoln *'' The Battle of Bull Run'' (1913) – Abraham Lincoln *'' Lucille Love, Girl of Mystery'' (writer, director and star, 15-episode serial, 1914) – Hugo Loubeque *''

The Adventures of Shorty ''The Adventures of Shorty'' is the name of a 1914 American short silent Western film featuring Shorty Hamilton, and the general name for the series of similar short films it started. More than 30 two-reel "Shorty" titles were released between ...

'' (director, 1914, and some of the subsequent "Shorty" two-reelers through 1917) *'' A Study in Scarlet'' (actor and director, 1914, Short) – Sherlock Holmes *'' The Mysterious Rose'' (1914) *'' The Heart of Maryland'' (1915) – Abraham Lincoln *'' The Broken Coin'' (actor and director, 22-episode serial, 1915) – Count Frederick *''

Three Bad Men and a Girl ''Three Bad Men and a Girl'' is a 1915 American silent Western black and white film directed by Francis Ford and written by Grace Cunard. This film is reminiscent of ''The Desert Breed'' (1915). Cast * Francis Ford as Joe * Jack Ford as Jim ...

'' (1915) *'' The Adventures of Peg o' the Ring'' (actor and director, 15-episode serial, 1916) – Dr. Lund, Junior *''

The Bandit's Wager ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...

'' (director, 1916, Short) – Nan's Brother / The Bandit *''The Purple Mask'' (1916) – Phil Kelly / The Sphinx *'' John Ermine of Yellowstone'' (director, 1917) – John Ermine *'' The Mystery Ship'' (1917) *''

Who Was the Other Man? ''Who Was the Other Man?'' is a 1917 American silent war drama film directed by Francis Ford and starring Ford, Duke Worne and William T. Horne.Eyman p.47 Cast * Francis Ford as James Walbert / Ludwig Schumann * Duke Worne as Herbert Corne ...

'' (1917) *'' The Dazzling Miss Davison'' (actor, 1917) *'' Motherhood'' (actor, 1917) *'' John Ermine of the Yellowstone'' (1917) *'' The Greater Woman'' (actor, 1917) *'' The Mirror'' (actor, 1917) *'' The Tornado'' (writer, 1917) *'' The Avenging Trail'' (director, 1917) *''

Berlin via America Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, both by area and by population. Its more than 3.85 million inhabitants make it the European Union's most populous city, as measured by population within city limits having gained this status a ...

'' (director, 1918) – Phil Kelly *'' The Craving'' (writer, director and star, 1918) – Carroll Wayles *''

The Silent Mystery ''The Silent Mystery'' is a 1918 American drama film serial directed by Francis Ford. The film is considered to be lost. Plot As described in a film magazine, Phil Kelly (Ford) devotes himself to solving the mystery surrounding the Graham fami ...

'' (actor and director, 15-episode serial, 1918) – Phil Kelly *''The Isle of Intrigue'' (1918) *'' The Mystery of 13'' (actor and director, 15-episode serial, 1919) – Phil Kelly / Jim Kelly *''Crimson Shoals'' (1919) – Jack Quinn, the son / Frederick Fielding, the father / Thomas Fielding, the grandfather *''The Woman of Mystery'' (1920) *'' Thunderbolt Jack'' (director, 10-episode serial, 1920) *''A Man from Nowhere'' (1920) – The Town Drunkard *'' The Great Reward'' (director, producer, star, 15-episode serial, 1921) – The American Adventurer *'' Action'' (actor, 1921) – Soda Water Manning * '' The Lady from Longacre'' (1921) – Count de Freitas *''The Stampede'' (1921) – Robert Wagner * '' Cyclone Bliss'' (1921) *''So This Is Arizona'' (1922) – Ned Kendall * '' Another Man's Boots'' (1922) – The Stranger * '' Thundering Hoofs'' (1922) – Daddy Bill / 'Colonel' Bill *''They're Off'' (1922) – Col. Blake *'' Bells of San Juan'' (1922) – Minor Role (uncredited) *''Storm Girl'' (1922) – Dr. Blake * ''

Angel Citizens ''Angel Citizens'' is a 1922 American silent Western film directed by Francis Ford and starring Franklyn Farnum, Peggy O'Day and Shorty Hamilton. Plot "Angel City is a misnomer. A gang of outlaws is largely in control and when Isabelle Brun ...

'' (1922) *'' The Village Blacksmith'' (actor, 1922) – Asa Martin *'' The Boss of Camp 4'' (1922) – Dude McCormick *''

The Fighting Skipper ''The Fighting Skipper'' is a 1923 American adventure film serial directed by Francis Ford. The film is considered to be lost. Cast *Peggy O'Day (as Skipper) * Jack Perrin * William White (as Bill White) * Francis Ford * Steve Murphy See ...

'' (actor and director, 15-episode serial, 1923) *'' Three Jumps Ahead'' (actor, 1923) – Ben McLean *''

Haunted Valley ''Haunted Valley'' is a fifteen episode American adventure film serial starring Ruth Roland, in which Ruth Ranger, the president of an engineering firm engaged in a construction project at the Lost River Dam, takes out a three-month million-doll ...

'' (actor, 15-episode serial, 1923) – Sharkey * '' Mine to Keep'' (1923) – Jack Deering *''Western Feuds'' (1924) – J.P. Hartley *''A Rodeo Mixup'' (1924) – Her Uncle *'' Western Yesterdays'' (1924) – Twitchie *''In the Days of the Covered Wagon'' (1924) *''

Hearts of Oak Hearts most commonly refers to: * Hearts (card game), a trick-taking game * Hearts (suit), one of the standard four suits of cards * Heart, an organ Hearts may also refer to: Music * The Hearts, an American girl group closely related to the Jay ...

'' (actor, 1924) *'' The Measure of a Man'' (1924) – 'Pale' Peter *'' The Diamond Bandit'' (1924) – Friar Aloysius *'' Cupid's Rustler'' (1924) *'' Soft Shoes'' (actor, 1925) – Quig Mundy *'' The Sign of the Cactus'' (1925) – Panhandle George *'' A Roaring Adventure'' (1925) – Colonel Burns / Bennett Hardy *'' The Taming of the West'' (1925) – Frosty Miller * '' Scar Hanan'' (1925) – Jury foreman *''The Power God'' (serial, 1925) – Government Secret Service Man (Chapter 15) (uncredited) * '' Ridin' Thunder'' (1925) – Frank Douglas *''

The Red Rider ''The Red Rider'' is a 1934 American Western film serial from Universal Pictures and starring Buck Jones. It has 15 chapters based on the short story "The Redhead from Sun Dog" by W. C. Tuttle, and is a remake of Buck Jones' earlier 1931 film ...

'' (1925) – Brown Bear *'' Perils of the Wild'' (director, 15-episode serial, 1925) *'' The Fighting Heart'' (actor, 1925) – Town Fool *''The Four from Nowhere'' (1925) *'' Officer 444'' (writer and director, 10-episode serial, 1926) – Fire Chief *'' Lash of the Whip'' (1926) – 'Hurricane' Smith *'' Speed Cop'' (actor, 1926) *''

The Winking Idol ''The Winking Idol'' is a 1926 American silent Western film serial, consisting of 10 chapters, starring William Desmond and Eileen Sedgwick. Directed by Francis Ford, the screenplay was written by Arthur Henry Gooden, George Morgan and Charl ...

'' (director, 10-chapter serial, 1926) *'' Wolf's Trail'' (1927) *'' Wolves of the Air'' (1927) *''

Upstream Upstream may refer to: * Upstream (bioprocess) * ''Upstream'' (film), a 1927 film by John Ford * Upstream (networking) * ''Upstream'' (newspaper), a newspaper covering the oil and gas industry * Upstream (petroleum industry) * Upstream (software ...

'' (actor, 1927) – Juggler *'' Men of Daring'' (1927) – Black Roger *''

The Devil's Saddle ''The Devil's Saddle'' is a 1927 American silent Western film directed by Albert S. Rogell and written by Marion Jackson. The film stars Ken Maynard, Kathleen Collins, Francis Ford, Will Walling, Earl Metcalfe and Paul Hurst. It is based on th ...

'' (1927) – Pete Hepburn *'' The Heart of Maryland'' (actor, 1927) – Jefferson Davis *'' The Cruise of the Hellion'' (1927) – Peg-leg *'' The Wreck of the Hesperus'' (actor, 1927) – John Hazzard *''

Uncle Tom's Cabin ''Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly'' is an anti-slavery novel by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in two volumes in 1852, the novel had a profound effect on attitudes toward African Americans and slavery in the U ...

'' (1927) – Captain (uncredited) *'' One Glorious Scrap'' (1927) – Ralph Curtis *'' The Branded Sombrero'' (1928) – Link Jarvis *''

The Trail of '98 ''The Trail of '98'' is a 1928 American silent action-adventure/drama film featuring Harry Carey and Dolores del Río about the Klondike Gold Rush. The film was originally released by MGM in a short-lived widescreen process called “Fantom Sc ...

'' (actor, 1928) – Gold Commissioner's Assistant (uncredited) *''

The Four-Footed Range ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...

'' (1928) – Brom Hockley *''The Chinatown Mystery'' (1928) – The Sphinx *'' Sisters of Eve'' (1928) – Pritchard *'' The Call of the Heart'' (director, 1928) *'' The Charlatan'' (1929) – Detective (uncredited) *''

The Black Watch The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The regiment was created as part of the Childers Reforms in 1881, when the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment ...

'' (1929) – Maj. MacGregor (uncredited) *'' The Lariat Kid'' (actor, 1929) – Cal Gregg *''

The Drake Case ''The Drake Case'' is a 1929 American pre-Code mystery film directed by Edward Laemmle and written by J.G. Hawks, Charles Logue and Dudley Early. The film stars Gladys Brockwell, Forrest Stanley, Robert Frazer, and Doris Lloyd. The film was rele ...

'' (1929) – Juror (uncredited) *'' Mister Antonio'' (1929) – Bit Role (uncredited) *'' The Mounted Stranger'' (1930) – 'Spider' Coy *'' The Jade Box'' (actor, 10-chapter serial, 1930) – Martin Morgan *'' Captain of the Guard'' (1930) – Hussars Officer (uncredited) *''

Kathleen Mavourneen "Kathleen Mavourneen" is a song written in 1837, composed by Frederick Crouch with lyrics by a Mrs. Crawford. Crawford's name is variously cited as Annie, Julia,Bruce Stewart, ''Ricorso: A Catalogue of Full-text Works on Ireland in the Internet Arc ...

'' (1930) – James, the butler *'' Song of the Caballero'' (1932) – Don Pedro Madero *'' Sons of the Saddle'' (1930) – 'Red' Slade *''

'' (actor, 1930) – Sheridan's Aide (uncredited) *'' The Indians Are Coming'' (1930) – George Woods / Tom Woods *''

Resurrection Resurrection or anastasis is the concept of coming back to life after death. In a number of religions, a dying-and-rising god is a deity which dies and is resurrected. Reincarnation is a similar process hypothesized by other religions, whic ...

'' (1931) – Drunken Soldier on Train (uncredited) *'' Seas Beneath'' (1931) – Eric (Captain of Trawler) (uncredited) *'' The Front Page'' (1931) – Carl – a Detective (uncredited) *'' A Free Soul'' (actor, 1931) – Skid Row Drunk (uncredited) *'' The Spirit of Notre Dame'' (1931) – Alumnus (uncredited) *'' Possessed'' (actor, 1931) – Drunken Husband (uncredited) *''

Frankenstein ''Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus'' is an 1818 novel written by English author Mary Shelley. ''Frankenstein'' tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific exp ...

'' (actor, 1931) – Hans (uncredited) *'' Battling with Buffalo Bill'' (serial, 1931) – Jim Rodney *'' The Last Ride'' (actor, 1931) – Brady *'' Discarded Lovers'' (1932) – Medical Examiner (uncredited) *'' The Impatient Maiden'' (1932) – InsanMatt Higginse Asylum Warden (uncredited) *'' Scarface'' (1932) – Prison Guard (alternative ending) (uncredited) *'' Scandal for Sale'' (1932) – Belmont Hotel Desk Clerk (uncredited) *'' Destry Rides Again'' (actor, 1932) – Judd Ogden *'' The Rider of Death Valley'' (1932) – Gabe *'' Tangled Fortunes'' (1932) *'' Heroes of the West'' (actor, 12-chapter serial, 1932) – Cavalry Captain *'' Jungle Mystery'' (actor, 12-chapter serial, 1932) *''

Air Mail Airmail (or air mail) is a mail transport service branded and sold on the basis of at least one leg of its journey being by air. Airmail items typically arrive more quickly than surface mail, and usually cost more to send. Airmail may be th ...

'' (1932) – Passenger Who'll Die on a Train (uncredited) *'' The Lost Special'' (actor, 12-chapter serial, 1932) – Botter Hood *'' Clancy of the Mounted'' (actor, 12-chapter serial, 1933) – Inspector Cabot *'' The Thundering Herd'' (1933) – Frank (uncredited) *''

Life in the Raw ''Life in the Raw'' is a 1933 American pre-Code Western film, based on Zane Grey's short story "From Missouri", directed by Louis King and written by Stuart Anthony. It was Claire Trevor's film debut. Plot Cast * George O'Brien as J ...

'' (1933) – Sheriff Myles *''

Pilgrimage A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation, aft ...

'' (actor, 1933) – Mayor Elmer Briggs *'' The Man from Monterey'' (1933) – Don Pablo Gonzales *'' Gordon of Ghost City'' (actor, 12-chapter serial, 1933) – Mystery Man *''

Doctor Bull ''Doctor Bull'' is a 1933 American pre-Code comedy film directed by John Ford, based on the James Gould Cozzens novel '' The Last Adam''. Will Rogers portrays a small-town doctor who must deal with a typhoid outbreak in the community. The film w ...

'' (1933) – Mr. Herring, Metting Chairman (uncredited) *''

Charlie Chan's Greatest Case ''Charlie Chan's Greatest Case'' (1933) is an American pre-Code murder mystery film starring Warner Oland as the Oriental detective Charlie Chan. It was based on the Earl Derr Biggers novel ''The House Without a Key'' (1925). Oland made a serie ...

'' (actor, 1933) – Captain Hallett *''

Roman Scandals ''Roman Scandals'' is a 1933 American black-and-white pre-Code musical film starring Eddie Cantor, Ruth Etting, Gloria Stuart, Edward Arnold and David Manners. It was directed by Frank Tuttle. The film features a number of intricate productio ...

'' (actor, 1933) – Roman Citizen (uncredited) *'' Smoky'' (1933) – Horse Buyer (uncredited) *'' Pirate Treasure'' (1934) – Dick's Friend at the Airfield *'' The Lost Patrol'' (1934) – Arab (uncredited) *'' Sleepers East'' (1934) – Well-Wisher at Train Station (uncredited) *'' Cheaters'' (actor, 1934) *'' Murder in Trinidad'' (actor, 1934) – Davenant *'' The World Moves On'' (1934) – Legionnaire in Trench (uncredited) *''

Charlie Chan's Courage ''Charlie Chan's Courage'' (1934) is the fifth film in which Warner Oland played detective Charlie Chan. It is a remake of the 1927 silent film ''The Chinese Parrot,'' based upon the novel by Earl Derr Biggers''.'' Both are considered lost films. ...

'' (actor, 1934) – Hewitt *'' Judge Priest'' (actor, 1934) – Juror No. 12 *''

Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of arts (BA or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts degree course is generally completed in three or four yea ...

'' (1934) – Pawnbroker (uncredited) *'' The County Chairman'' (1935) – Cattle Rancher *'' The Whole Town's Talking'' (1935) – Newspaper Reporter at Dock (uncredited) *'' Goin' to Town'' (1935) – Sheriff (uncredited) *'' The Informer'' (1935) – 'Judge' Flynn *'' Paris in Spring'' (actor, 1935) – Drunken Peasant (uncredited) *'' The Arizonian'' (actor, 1935) – Mayor Ed Comstock *'' Steamboat Round the Bend'' (actor, 1935) – Efe *'' This Is the Life'' (1935) – 'Sticky' Jones *'' Charlie Chan's Secret'' (1936) – Captain of Salvage Ship (uncredited) *'' Paddy O'Day'' (actor, 1936) – Tom McGuire – Immigration Officer *'' The Prisoner of Shark Island'' (actor, 1936) – Cpl. O'Toole *'' Charlie Chan at the Circus'' (actor, 1936) – John Gaines *'' Gentle Julia'' (1936) – Tubbs, Fish Peddler *'' Educating Father'' (1936) – Sheriff Hart *'' Little Miss Nobody'' (1936) – Detective (uncredited) *'' Sins of Man'' (actor, 1936) – Town Drunk *'' The Plainsman'' (actor, 1936) – Anderson – Old Veteran (uncredited) *''

The Plough and the Stars ''The Plough and the Stars'' is a four-act play by the Irish writer Seán O'Casey that was first performed on 8 February 1926 at the Abbey Theatre. It is set in Dublin and addresses the 1916 Easter Rising. The play's title references the Star ...

'' (1936) – (uncredited) *'' A Star Is Born'' (1937) – William Gregory (uncredited) *''

The Road Back ''The Road Back'', also translated as ''The Way Back'', (german: Der Weg zurück) is a novel by German author Erich Maria Remarque, commonly regarded as a sequel to his 1929 novel ''All Quiet on the Western Front''. It was first serialized in the ...

'' (1937) – Street Cleaner (uncredited) *'' The Last Train from Madrid'' (actor, 1937) – Pedro Elias (uncredited) *''

Slave Ship Slave ships were large cargo ships specially built or converted from the 17th to the 19th century for transporting slaves. Such ships were also known as "Guineamen" because the trade involved human trafficking to and from the Guinea coast i ...

'' (actor, 1937) – Scraps *''

The Prisoner of Zenda ''The Prisoner of Zenda'' is an 1894 adventure novel by Anthony Hope, in which the King of Ruritania is drugged on the eve of his coronation and thus is unable to attend the ceremony. Political forces within the realm are such that, in or ...

'' (actor, 1937) – (scenes deleted) *''

Checkers Checkers (American English), also known as draughts (; British English), is a group of strategy board games for two players which involve diagonal moves of uniform game pieces and mandatory captures by jumping over opponent pieces. Checkers ...

'' (1937) – Daniel Snodgrass *''

Mannequin A mannequin (also called a dummy, lay figure, or dress form) is a doll, often articulated, used by artists, tailors, dressmakers, window dressers and others, especially to display or fit clothing and show off different fabrics and textiles ...

'' (1937) – Tim O'Rourke (uncredited) *'' In Old Chicago'' (actor, 1938) – Driver *'' Change of Heart'' (1938) – Dog Pound Man (uncredited) *'' The Girl of the Golden West'' (1938) – Miner (uncredited) *'' Kentucky Moonshine'' (actor, 1938) – Grandpa Hatfield *'' The Texans'' (actor, 1938) – Uncle Dud *'' The Great Waltz'' (actor, 1938) *''

Stagecoach A stagecoach is a four-wheeled public transport coach used to carry paying passengers and light packages on journeys long enough to need a change of horses. It is strongly sprung and generally drawn by four horses although some versions are draw ...

'' (1939) – Sergeant Billy Pickett (uncredited) *'' Young Mr. Lincoln'' (1939) – Sam Boone (uncredited) *''

Colorado Sunset ''Colorado Sunset'' is a 1939 American Western film directed by George Sherman and starring Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, and June Storey. Written by Betty Burbridge and Stanley Roberts, based on a story by Luci Ward and Jack Natteford, the film ...

'' (1939) – The Drunk (uncredited) *'' Bad Lands'' (1939) – Charlie Garth *'' Drums Along the Mohawk'' (1939) – Joe Boleo *''

Geronimo Geronimo ( apm, Goyaałé, , ; June 16, 1829 – February 17, 1909) was a prominent leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Ndendahe Apache people. From 1850 to 1886, Geronimo joined with members of three other Central Apache ...

'' (1939) – Scout (uncredited) *''

The Grapes of Wrath ''The Grapes of Wrath'' is an American realist novel written by John Steinbeck and published in 1939. The book won the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and it was cited prominently when Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Priz ...

'' (1940) – Migrant (uncredited) *'' The Man from Dakota'' (1940) – Horseman on Bridge (uncredited) *'' Viva Cisco Kid'' (1940) – Proprietor *'' Lucky Cisco Kid'' (1940) – Court Clerk *'' Three Faces West'' (1940) – Farmer Bill (uncredited) *'' South of Pago Pago'' (actor, 1940) – Foster *'' Diamond Frontier'' (actor, 1940) *'' Romance of the Rio Grande'' (1941) – Stagecoach Driver (uncredited) *''

Western Union The Western Union Company is an American multinational financial services company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1851 as the New York and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company in Rochester, New York, the company ch ...

'' (1941) – Eastbound Stagecoach Driver (uncredited) *'' Tobacco Road'' (actor, 1941) – Vagabond on Road (uncredited) *'' The Last of the Duanes'' (actor, 1941) – Luke Stevens *''

Riders of the Purple Sage ''Riders of the Purple Sage'' is a Western novel by Zane Grey, first published by Harper & Brothers in 1912. Considered by scholars to have played a significant role in shaping the formula of the popular Western genre, the novel has been call ...

'' (1941) – Inebriated Courtroom Spectator (uncredited) *''

They Died with Their Boots On ''They Died with Their Boots On'' is a 1941 American black-and-white Western film from Warner Bros. Pictures, produced by Hal B. Wallis and Robert Fellows, directed by Raoul Walsh, that stars Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The film's st ...

'' (1941) – Veteran (uncredited) *'' The Vanishing Virginian'' (1942) – Campaign Committee Member (uncredited) *'' The Man Who Wouldn't Die'' (1942) – Caretaker *'' The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe'' (actor, 1942) – Tavern Keeper *'' King of the Mounties'' (serial, 1942) – Zeke Collins (Ch. 4) *'' Outlaws of Pine Ridge'' (actor, 1942) – Bartender *'' The Ox-Bow Incident'' (actor, 1943) – Alva 'Dad' Hardwicke (uncredited) *'' Girls in Chains'' (1943) – Jury Foreman (uncredited) *''

The Desperadoes ''The Desperadoes'' is a 1943 American Western film directed by Charles Vidor and starring Randolph Scott, Claire Trevor, Glenn Ford, Evelyn Keyes and Edgar Buchanan. Based on a story by Max Brand, the film is about a wanted outlaw who arrives ...

'' (1943) – Hank (uncredited) *'' Jitterbugs'' (actor, 1943) – Skeptical Old-Timer (uncredited) *''

Home in Indiana ''Home in Indiana'' is a 1944 Technicolor film directed by Henry Hathaway. The film, that stars Walter Brennan, Lon McCallister, Jeanne Crain, June Haver and Charlotte Greenwood, is based on the novel ''The Phantom Filly'' by George Agnew Chamber ...

'' (1944) – Ed – Seated Opposite J.T. in Bar (uncredited) *''

Wilson Wilson may refer to: People *Wilson (name) ** List of people with given name Wilson ** List of people with surname Wilson * Wilson (footballer, 1927–1998), Brazilian manager and defender *Wilson (footballer, born 1984), full name Wilson Rod ...

'' (1944) – Hughes Campaign Orator (uncredited) *'' The Big Noise'' (actor, 1944) – Train Station Attendant (uncredited) *'' The Climax'' (1944) – Backstage Attendant (uncredited) *''

The Princess and the Pirate ''The Princess and the Pirate'' is a 1944 American comedy film directed by David Butler and starring Bob Hope and Virginia Mayo. Based on a story by Sy Bartlett, the film is about a princess who travels incognito to elope with her true love ins ...

'' (1944) – Drunken Pirate (uncredited) *'' Bowery Champs'' (actor, 1944) – Sports Writer (uncredited) *'' The Big Bonanza'' (1944) – Daley (uncredited) *''

Mom and Dad ] A mother is the female parent of a child. A woman may be considered a mother by virtue of having given birth, by raising a child who may or may not be her biological offspring, or by supplying her ovum for fertilisation in the case of gestati ...

'' (1945) – Dr. Rubin *'' Hangover Square'' (actor, 1945) – Ogilby – Fulham Antique Dealer (uncredited) *''

Murder, He Says ''Murder, He Says'' is a 1945 American black comedy film directed by George Marshall and starring Fred MacMurray about a murderous rural family and the hapless pollster who becomes entangled in their hunt for a cache of money. It was filmed i ...

'' (1945) – Lee – Old Townsman (uncredited) *'' The White Gorilla'' (1945) – Mr. Stacey *''

Wildfire A wildfire, forest fire, bushfire, wildland fire or rural fire is an unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable fire in an area of combustible vegetation. Depending on the type of vegetation present, a wildfire may be more specifically identi ...

'' (actor, 1945) – Ezra Mills *''

Incendiary Blonde ''Incendiary Blonde'' is a 1945 American musical drama film biography of 1920s nightclub star Texas Guinan. Filmed in Technicolor by director George Marshall and loosely based on a true story, the picture stars actress Betty Hutton as Guinan. The ...

'' (1945) – Ranch Owner (uncredited) *''

State Fair A state fair is an annual competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state's population, usually held in late summer or early fall. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in ...

'' (1945) – R.C. Martin (uncredited) *'' Love, Honor and Goodbye'' (1945) – Old Sea Dog (uncredited) *''

San Antonio ("Cradle of Freedom") , image_map = , mapsize = 220px , map_caption = Interactive map of San Antonio , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = United States , subdivision_type1= State , subdivision_name1 = Texas , subdivision_t ...

'' (1945) – Old Cowboy Greeting Coach (uncredited) *'' The Wife of Monte Cristo'' (1946) – (uncredited) *'' Renegades'' (1946) – Eph (uncredited) *'' Sister Kenny'' (1946) – Patrick O'Shea (uncredited) *''

Accomplice Under the English common law, an accomplice is a person who actively participates in the commission of a crime, even if they take no part in the actual criminal offense. For example, in a bank robbery, the person who points the gun at the teller ...

'' (actor, 1946) – King Connors *'' My Darling Clementine'' (1946) – Dad (Old Soldier) (uncredited) *'' Wake Up and Dream'' (1946) – Old Man at Counter (uncredited) *''

California California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the ...

'' (1947) – Jessie (uncredited) *''

Gunfighters Gunfighters, also called gunslingers (), or in the 19th and early 20th centuries gunmen, were individuals in the American Old West who gained a reputation of being dangerous with a gun and participated in gunfights and shootouts. Today, the te ...

'' (1947) – Cook (uncredited) *''

High Tide Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon (and to a much lesser extent, the Sun) and are also caused by the Earth and Moon orbiting one another. Tide tables ...

'' (1947) – Pop Garrow *''

Driftwood __NOTOC__ Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore or beach of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves. In some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. However, the driftwood provides shelter and fo ...

'' (actor, 1947) – Abner Green *'' Unconquered'' (1947) – Frontiersman on Fort Pitt Roof (uncredited) *'' Bandits of Dark Canyon'' (1947) – Horse Trader *'' Fort Apache'' (1948) – Fen (Stage Guard) (uncredited) *'' The Timber Trail'' (1948) – Ralph Baker *'' Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin''' (1948) – Race Checker / Fisherman (uncredited) *'' Eyes of Texas'' (actor, 1948) – Thad Cameron *'' The Plunderers'' (actor, 1948) – Barnaby *''

3 Godfathers ''3 Godfathers'' is a 1948 American Western film directed by John Ford and filmed (although not set) primarily in Death Valley, California. The screenplay, written by Frank S. Nugent and Laurence Stallings, is based on the 1913 novelette '' T ...

'' (1948) – Drunken Old-Timer at Bar (uncredited) *''

The Far Frontier '' The Far Frontier '' is a 1948 American Western film starring Roy Rogers. Plot Tom Sharper of the border patrol stops a truck to inspect its cargo. He is knocked cold by the drivers, who report back to their boss, Bart Carroll. Coming fro ...

'' (1948) – Alf Sharper *'' Frontier Investigator'' (1949) – Ed Garnett *''

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon ''She Wore a Yellow Ribbon'' is a 1949 American Technicolor Western film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne. It is the second film in Ford's "Cavalry Trilogy", along with '' Fort Apache'' (1948) and ''Rio Grande'' (1950). With a bud ...

'' (1949) – Connelly (Fort Starke Barman) (uncredited) *'' San Antone Ambush'' (1949) – Maj. Farnsworth *'' Wagon Master'' (1950) – Mr. Peachtree *'' Father Makes Good'' (1950) – Fisherman *'' The Quiet Man'' (1952) – Dan Tobin *''

Toughest Man in Arizona ''Toughest Man in Arizona'' is a 1952 American Western film directed by R. G. Springsteen, written by John K. Butler, and starring Vaughn Monroe, Joan Leslie, Edgar Buchanan, Victor Jory, Jean Parker and Harry Morgan. It was released on October ...

'' (1952) – Hanchette *'' The Lawless Breed'' (1953) – Charlie – Saloon Janitor (uncredited) *'' The Sun Shines Bright'' (actor, 1953) – Feeney – Old Backwoodsman *'' It Happens Every Thursday'' (actor, 1953) – Elderly Man (uncredited) *'' The Marshal's Daughter'' (actor, 1953) – Gramps (uncredited) (final film role)

Television

*'' The Lone Ranger'' – episode "Gold Fever" – Sam Dingle (1950) *''The Living Bible'' – TV series – Samaritan Leper (1952)

References

External links

* *
Early portrait of Francis Ford
(moviecard)
Literature on Francis Ford
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ford, Francis 1881 births 1953 deaths American male film actors American male silent film actors American film directors American people of Irish descent Burials at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City 20th-century American male actors Male actors from Portland, Maine Male Western (genre) film actors