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Action (movie) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Action was an American western movie made in 1921. It was directed by a famous filmmaker named John Ford. The story for the movie came from a book called The Three Godfathers, written by Peter B. Kyne in 1913.

The movie starred actors like Hoot Gibson, Francis Ford, Buck Connors, J. Farrell MacDonald, William Robert Daly, and Jim Corey. It was released by a big movie company called Universal Pictures. Sadly, Action is now considered a "lost movie," which means there are no known copies of it left today.

What is a Western Movie?

Western movies are a popular type of film that usually tell stories about the American Old West. This was a time in history, mostly in the 1800s, when settlers moved across America. These movies often feature cowboys, sheriffs, outlaws, and Native Americans. They are known for their exciting adventures, horseback riding, and beautiful landscapes.

Key Elements of Westerns

  • Cowboys and Heroes: Often, the main characters are brave cowboys or lawmen. They fight for justice in tough situations.
  • Frontier Life: Westerns show what life was like in small towns and on ranches. People often faced challenges like harsh weather and dangerous journeys.
  • Good vs. Evil: Many westerns have clear heroes and villains. The stories are about the fight between right and wrong.
  • Horses and Scenery: Horses are very important in westerns. The movies also show off wide-open spaces and deserts.

Who Was John Ford?

John Ford was one of the most important movie directors in history. He was born in 1894 and made many famous films. He is especially known for his western movies. Ford won many awards for his work, including four Academy Awards for Best Director.

Ford's Impact on Movies

  • Storytelling: John Ford was a master at telling powerful stories. His movies often showed strong characters and important themes.
  • Visual Style: He had a unique way of filming. He used wide shots to show the vast landscapes of the American West.
  • Famous Actors: Ford often worked with the same actors, like John Wayne. They became very famous through his films.
  • Legacy: Even today, many directors look up to John Ford. His movies helped shape how westerns are made.

What is a Lost Movie?

A "lost movie" is a film that no longer exists in any known archive or collection. This means that all copies of the movie, like film reels, have been lost, destroyed, or have decayed over time. It's like a book that no one can find anymore.

Why Movies Get Lost

  • Old Film Materials: Early movies were made on film that could easily catch fire or break down.
  • Lack of Preservation: For a long time, people didn't realize how important it was to save movies. Many were thrown away.
  • Storage Issues: Films need special conditions to be stored. If not kept properly, they can decay.
  • Fires and Accidents: Many film vaults and studios had fires that destroyed countless movies.

It's sad when a movie like Action is lost because we can no longer watch it or learn from it. It's a piece of history that has disappeared.

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