3 Godfathers (1948)

 
BACKGROUND
 

During the opening credits of 3 Godfathers, stuntman Cliff Lyons is shown silhouetted against a sunset, riding Harry Carey’s favorite horse, Sonny, over the words: "To the Memory of Harry Carey, bright star of the Western sky.” Ford dedicated 3 Godfathers to his old friend and mentor who passed away in 1947. 
 

Ford had already adapted the novelette once before in his 1919 Marked Men — a silent film thought to be lost that starred Harry Carey, Sr. The reason for the falling out between Ford and Carey during the silent era has never been entirely clear. Rumor suggests that Carey had made no objections when his drinking buddies began spreading rumors about Ford being bisexual or gay. Regardless of the reason, Harry always told his son that Ford would cast him in a film as soon as he passed away which is exactly what Ford did by giving Harry Jr a leading role in 3 Godfathers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


PLOT SUMMARY
 
Three outlaws on the run come upon a stranded dying woman in the desert who gives birth to a child that they must escort to safety.