Go West, Young Man

Published: June 6, 2024, 7 a.m.

John Ford was born in Maine as Sean Aloysius O\u2019Feeney\u2026 or so he says.\xa0His birth records say differently, and it would not be the last time he changes his name.\xa0As a child, he visits Ireland and falls in love with his heritage, and later fights at the University of Maine when confronted with an Irish slur.\xa0He rediscovers his long-lost brother Francis on the big screen and follows him to Hollywood, where he works as a stunt double until fibbing his way into directing. As silent movies transition to talkies, Ford befriends the man who would become his friend, his muse, and his enabler, a young football player named John Wayne.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices