Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I've never been a western movie fan, but lately I've enjoyed two Wayne flicks to my surprise: The Searchers and this little-known family film, 3 Godfathers, directed by the incomparable John Ford in 1948 and starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz and Harry Carey, Jr. in his first role that originally starred his father in a silent version. It's an inspired choice for the holiday season in its succulent Technicolor glory.

We have three shiftless bank robbers of various miens scooping out the desert village of Welcome, Arizona, who chance upon the local top gun when they spy his house sign proclaiming "B. Sweet." Soon we meet him and his friendly wife who offer coffee and conversation, but the robbers skidaddle as soon as they learn he's the sheriff. Undaunted they carry out their mission with the bank, tearing out of town with the sheriff and posse gunning for them.

Harry Carey, Jr.'s character, William (Bill), sustains a shoulder injury and their large water bag on the Wayne character's (Robert or Bob) saddle is deliberately snagged by the sheriff, who refuses to kill him. He'd like to have his company in the jail when they capture the thirsty bandits at the nearest water tower.

Nothing goes as planned for either the robbers or the sheriff, shrewdly and yet warmly played by Ward Bond. I can't imagine having to go for so long without water, or the horses putting up with it so long, but a suspension of belief obviously is called for here. This is made even more tangible when the hapless gang meets up with the sheriff's sister-in-law abandoned by her dead husband on their way to Welcome, having a baby.

Pedro, the third robber, on account that his ex-wife bore him several kids, agrees to help the woman in her need and the other two chop up hammerhead cacti for its water, which drips out into a cup for Pedro to use. Unfortunately the woman (an angelic-like Mildred Natwick) dies right after they promise to be her son's godfathers. Now besides trying to survive the cruel desert without much water, they have to figure out how to take care of little Robert William Pedro!

The goofiness begins in earnest when they find a doctor's book in the trunk his mother prepared for him and read that the baby must first be greased. It will uproariously remind you for a while of the 90s' offshoot, Three Men And A Baby, but in a desert.

3 Godfathers isn't all silly, however. These "unwise men" follow (on foot when the untied horses run away during the night!) a great star to a town across the desert called Jerusalem, reading from the bible found in the trunk. They naturally all find religion, though it requires a sappy miracle for the Wayne character to believe!

Silly or serious, I loved the old-fashioned integrity and style of the movie (Harry Carey, Jr. even sings gorgeously), the honesty of the dialogue and acting, and the very endearing Christmas story (it happens during Christmas as well). Based on a Peter B. Kyne story, 3 Godfathers is unusual and brisk enough to keep your interest even if like me, you don't usually watch westerns. John Wayne has never been more lovable.


This is an entry in lemon_lime's Third Time's A Charm write-off. His 3 year anniversary is January 10th and I'm happy to congratulate him on his worthy accomplishment. I love his movie reviews! Please visit his profile page for more congratulatory entries.

Happy holidays!


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4