He was Made for the Movies, a figure of towering heroism even when his characters weren’t.
Watch him in 3 Godfathers (1948), a film about three outlaws who meet a pregnant woman stranded in the Arizona desert. A boy is born, the mother dies, and the outlaws face a Decision. Will they leave the newborn to die alongside his mother? Or will they take him to civilization where he can thrive, but where the men will be arrested?
When we first meet the woman, alone and abandoned by her husband, we realize she’s remarkably clearheaded about the future, for both her child and herself. Because one of the outlaws helps deliver her son, she enlists the three of them to be his godfathers. Given the circumstances, who could refuse? Certainly not these men, and they agree to care for the infant.
But it ain’t gonna be easy. The men, despite themselves, develop an immediate affection for the lil’ tyke, and for his sake, they embark on the traditional Hero’s Journey, an arduous quest that will transform them – if they survive it.
The twin themes in this film are water and redemption.
Thirst for water runs throughout the film, which is fitting and ironic, because there’s so little of it.
In one scene, the outlaws make their way to an artesian well in the desert, but they’re beaten to it by the sheriff (Ward Bond) and his deputies. We – along with the outlaws – watch one of the deputies fill his cup with water. He takes a drink and swishes it in his mouth before spitting it out and dumping the rest. In the desert, this simple act feels extravagant and wasteful; it almost makes you wince.
Since water is so rare, the movie tells us those who do not respect it are the worst kind of criminal because they do not value life.
Take, for example, the man who abandoned his pregnant wife early in the film. The outlaws find her at the site of another artesian well, one that her husband had ruined. The man had dynamited the well, causing it to collapse and rendering it useless for everyone.
The man’s ignorance of (or indifference to) water makes the three outlaws look saintly by comparison.
The longing for water also surfaces in other ways. For example, when one of the outlaws is wounded, he asks his friend to read him Psalm 137 a song of lament near the waters of Babylon.
Another example is the men’s trek across a dry salt lake bed. Their boots crunch against the cracked earth as they stumble across the heat and dryness, each step reminding us water is life.
The way director John Ford composes a shot. Image: OCD Viewer
3 Godfathers is based on the 1922 short story, “The Three Godfathers“, by Peter B. Kyne, which was adapted to the screen at least four times. One of these versions, Marked Men (1919)*, was directed by John Ford, who also directed the 1948 film.
Ford’s framing makes for beautiful and haunting images; nearly every shot is a work of art.
He’s also sentimental, and 3 Godfathers has scenes that border on the ludicrous. However, a person can overlook those because of the film’s second theme of forgiveness. It’s a message as relevant for our time as it was for a post-WWII audience.
If you’re looking for a different kind of holiday movie, try 3 Godfathers. It’s both idealistic and gritty, and offers an unusual interpretation of the nativity story.
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*3 Godfathers is dedicated to Ford’s friend, actor Harry Carey, who starred in Ford’s 1919 version. Carey’s son, Harry Carey Jr., plays one of the outlaws in the 1948 film.
3 Godfathers: starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr. Directed by John Ford. Written by Laurence Stallings & Frank S. Nugent. Argosy Pictures, 1948, Technicolor, 106 mins.
I haven’t counted the movies and/or TV shows but I believe next to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Peter B. Kyne’s 3 Godfathers must have the most adaptions (no exaggeration). Your review is as touching as the movie.
I admire John Ford and John Wayne greatly and 3 Godfathers, 1948 is on my list of favourite Christmas movies but it is not my favourite version of Kyne’s story. Number one for me is Richard Boleslawski’s 1936 film and close behind that it William Wyler’s Hell’s Heroes, 1929. Peter Kyne’s story is so solid and speaks to us on so many levels that it would be a poor filmmaker indeed who couldn’t make a moving motion picture, and the three mentioned here were anything but poor filmmakers.
Your review has re-kindled my interest in this film. It’s been ages since I’ve seen this one, but I remember enjoying it. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.
I’m also a big fan of Pedro Armendáriz. So, there’s that. 🙂
I don’t know how it’s possible that I’ve never seen this movie! I love John Wayne very much, I’ve seen a lot of John Ford and I also am very fond of Padro Armendariz: I need to see this! It reminds me of that tender side of the Duke we have seen before in movies like True Grit, The Searchers and even in his early Stagecoach.
Wow. Never knew this existed, and what an interesting twist on the story. Love how water acts as the theme for goodness in the film. Definitely need to check this out. Thanks!
You said it. Even though some scenes are a bit much, Ford’s imagery is powerful + beautiful. And, of course, John Wayne is perfect as the redeemed outlaw.
This past week, Roku dumped a whole bunch of channels to our over-the-air lineup. This movie jumped out of the line-up for channel 845 or something 🙄 , and made me put it on our watch list. THEN, a few hours after that, your post came to my mailbox. What are the odds?! I’d never even heard of this movie! I don’t normally watch westerns, and John Wayne, um, gets on my last nerve, but I am so going to watch this in the next couple of days.
Thanks to my old man I’ve seen most of the Ford and Wayne collaborations, 3 Godfathers is one I hadn’t even heard of until I came across your post. I’ll be sure to look out for it on the Talking Pictures channel over the festive season.
Not watched any John Wayne films since I was wee but do like the sound of this one. Sounds like a Three Men and A Baby with a Western slant so that’s good for me.
No. I haven’t read Peter Bernard Kyne’s book yet. Anyhow, I’m surprised that there isn’t a modern remake (there is a 2003 Japanese remake, but that’s it) because this is the perfect Xmas story
I had to stop by and thank you for writing about this movie. I watched it today, and I never ever would have if you hadn’t written about it. BONUS: I enjoyed it! We both did. I watched a John Wayne movie I liked thanks to you! There’s hope for me yet. More please 🙂
Yay! So glad you were able to see it – and so pleased you enjoyed it. It’s surprisingly powerful, isn’t it? (Look at you, being a John Wayne fangirl. 😉 )
P.S. I’m going to watch Desk Set during the holidays. Looking forward to it.
Silver Screenings 
I haven’t counted the movies and/or TV shows but I believe next to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Peter B. Kyne’s 3 Godfathers must have the most adaptions (no exaggeration). Your review is as touching as the movie.
I admire John Ford and John Wayne greatly and 3 Godfathers, 1948 is on my list of favourite Christmas movies but it is not my favourite version of Kyne’s story. Number one for me is Richard Boleslawski’s 1936 film and close behind that it William Wyler’s Hell’s Heroes, 1929. Peter Kyne’s story is so solid and speaks to us on so many levels that it would be a poor filmmaker indeed who couldn’t make a moving motion picture, and the three mentioned here were anything but poor filmmakers.
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I’ve heard great things about the 1936 version & its grittiness. You’ve prompted me to see it sooner rather than later.
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Your review has re-kindled my interest in this film. It’s been ages since I’ve seen this one, but I remember enjoying it. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.
I’m also a big fan of Pedro Armendáriz. So, there’s that. 🙂
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Oh yeah, Pedro Armendáriz is a gem. Always completely convincing and you forget he’s acting.
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I don’t know how it’s possible that I’ve never seen this movie! I love John Wayne very much, I’ve seen a lot of John Ford and I also am very fond of Padro Armendariz: I need to see this! It reminds me of that tender side of the Duke we have seen before in movies like True Grit, The Searchers and even in his early Stagecoach.
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Oh yes, if you like John Wayne and John Ford, you must, MUST see this film. In fact, that will be your homework. 😉
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Wow. Never knew this existed, and what an interesting twist on the story. Love how water acts as the theme for goodness in the film. Definitely need to check this out. Thanks!
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The film is a bit much in places, but the theme of water (or lack thereof) is a fascinating one. I hope you enjoy if you get the chance to see it.
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Ford and Wayne–what an excellent combination for this story/allegory!
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You said it. Even though some scenes are a bit much, Ford’s imagery is powerful + beautiful. And, of course, John Wayne is perfect as the redeemed outlaw.
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This past week, Roku dumped a whole bunch of channels to our over-the-air lineup. This movie jumped out of the line-up for channel 845 or something 🙄 , and made me put it on our watch list. THEN, a few hours after that, your post came to my mailbox. What are the odds?! I’d never even heard of this movie! I don’t normally watch westerns, and John Wayne, um, gets on my last nerve, but I am so going to watch this in the next couple of days.
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This may not end up being your fave movie – John Wayne and all – but Ford’s imagery is stunning. And the themes about water are haunting in a way.
And how weird that you just received notice of the film when you got the email! See? It’s meant to be. 😉
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It’s definitely outside my usual viewing, but broadening my horizons is always a good thing. It sounds so interesting.
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Thanks to my old man I’ve seen most of the Ford and Wayne collaborations, 3 Godfathers is one I hadn’t even heard of until I came across your post. I’ll be sure to look out for it on the Talking Pictures channel over the festive season.
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I hope you get the chance to see it. Ford’s shot composition is amazing. And the scenes where the men cross the salt lake bed are not soon forgotten.
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Not watched any John Wayne films since I was wee but do like the sound of this one. Sounds like a Three Men and A Baby with a Western slant so that’s good for me.
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It is like a western Three Men and a Baby, plus John Ford’s gorgeous cinematography. I hope you enjoy if you get the chance to see it.
Also: Happy Holidays to you and yours, Gill! 🙂
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Thanks, looking forward to it and hope you have a fabulous holiday too. Stay safe xx
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Probably my favorite version of the story (I did like the 1929 and 1936 versions). Nice review! 🙂
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Thanks! I have yet to see those two earlier versions. Have you also read the original story, by any chance?
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No. I haven’t read Peter Bernard Kyne’s book yet. Anyhow, I’m surprised that there isn’t a modern remake (there is a 2003 Japanese remake, but that’s it) because this is the perfect Xmas story
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They just don’t make them like John Wayne anymore! Oh wait, I guess I’m showing my age…lol
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Bahaha! They certainly don’t make ’em like John Wayne any more. He was definitely Made For The Movies.
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Ruth, you are a wonderful film critic. Your narrative style bounds your readers to watch the movie!
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Aw, thanks so much, Dee. You’ve made my day! 🙂
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☺️😊
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I had to stop by and thank you for writing about this movie. I watched it today, and I never ever would have if you hadn’t written about it. BONUS: I enjoyed it! We both did. I watched a John Wayne movie I liked thanks to you! There’s hope for me yet. More please 🙂
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Yay! So glad you were able to see it – and so pleased you enjoyed it. It’s surprisingly powerful, isn’t it? (Look at you, being a John Wayne fangirl. 😉 )
P.S. I’m going to watch Desk Set during the holidays. Looking forward to it.
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