John Ford: The Columbia Films Collection (DVD), Turner Classics Mod, Drama

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the Film Foundation and Turner Classic Movies partner to present John Ford: The Columbia Films Collection, a special set of five fully restored and remastered films, three of them released here for the first time on DVD. In a remarkable career spanning 50 years and 140 films, John Ford established himself as one of the greatest American directors with such legendary Westerns as (Stagecoach, 1939) and (The Searchers, 1956) and literary adaptations as (The Grapes of Wrath, 1940) and (Tobacco Road, 1941), ultimately earning a record four Academy Awards for Best Director. Now, John Ford: The Columbia Films Collection showcases the quality of Ford's work for Columbia Pictures over the course of nearly three decades, in genres as diverse as Biopic and Romantic Comedy. (The Whole Town's Talking, 1935) Edward G. Robinson and Jean Arthur star in this comedic caper of mistaken identities, with Robinson playing the roles of a bland accountant who is mistaken for a notorious gangster and the gangster himself, who takes advantage of the resemblance for criminal schemes. Arthur finds herself caught in the crossfire in this fast-paced farce based on a story by W.R. Burnett (novelist, Little Caesar). (The Long Gray Line, 1955) Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara star in this heartwarming real-life story of a tough Irish immigrant whose 50-year career at West Point takes him from dishwasher to athletic instructor to non-commissioned officer, allowing him to guide generations of young officers. As visually stunning as it is uplifting, with cinematography by Charles Lawton, Jr.. (The Lady from Shanghai, 1947). (Gideon's Day, 1958) Based on the popular procedural novels by John Creasey, this ingenious comedic drama is a typical day in the life of Scotland Yard Inspector George Gideon (Jack Hawkins), which begins when an overzealous young officer issues him a ticket and ends when he returns home to find his daughter leaving on a date with that same officer. In between, the Inspector foils numerous crimes - all in a day's work! (The Last Hurrah, 1958) Spencer Tracy stars as a big city mayor who rises from humble origins by building a powerful political machine, but struggles to maintain his position amidst charges of corruption leveled at him by the elite citizens whose power he has usurped. A trenchant and still relevant political commentary with a stellar supporting cast that includes Pat O'Brien, Donald Crisp and Basil Rathbone. (Two Rode Together, 1961) James Stewart plays an unethical US Marshall who is summoned to accompany an army officer (Richard Widmark) on a mission to secure the release of two prisoners from the Commanches - a journey that takes an unexpected turn when one of those captives turns out to be an alluring woman. A provocative script by Frank Nugent (The Searchers, 1956) tackles enduring questions of race, greed and love.