Directed by John Ford (2006, dir. Peter Bogdanovich) [Not Available on Video]

Directed by John Ford [expanded version] (2006, dir. Peter Bogdanovich)

What Is It?: A richly deserved mash note of a documentary about the late, great director, John Ford.

What About It?: Initially made for an AFI tribute to the director in 1971, this never received wide release due to difficulties with rights for the numerous clips of Ford's films. Last year, Bogdanovich approached Turner Movie Classics to get clearance for many of the scenes he needed and the idea was hatched for a revisiting of this -- literally -- lost classic. Both share the original's candid interviews with John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart and the lucid and engaging narration by Orson Welles. The newer version has remarkably concise interviews with some living greats who were greatly influenced by Ford: Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Walter Hill and Clint Eastwood. Their love of film is as infectious as the film's. This is a rare treat that should be savored.

Why Should I See It?: Because you love great films and what's better than watching a documentary to remind you what you loved and tell you what you've missed all these years. This movie is huge fun and should not be missed by any lover of film.

What Else Is It Like?: George Stevens: A Filmmakers Journey, A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese through American Movies, Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick.

When Is It Playing Until ON DEMAND?: 12/22/06

Watch It ON DEMAND On Comcast Cable.

-- ddt/pdx

What's New This Week (That's Worth Watching to One Degree or Another)?: 40 Guns to Apache Pass, 84 Charing Cross Road, The Big Street, The Deep, Joe Kidd, The Fisher King, Mean Guns, Nightwatch, Quicksilver, Sense and Sensibility, Take the Money and Run.