Ford had range enough to convincingly play hissables in LUST FOR GOLD and THE MAN FROM COLORADO, but he was no less credible -- and a lot more affecting -- as the Everyman heroes of BLACKBOARD JUNGLE, THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER and DEAR HEART. He was also gifted with a low-key charm and unforced naturalness that enabled him to steal the show from a buffoonish Brando in TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON.

Ford made few missteps in his choice of roles: he was not exactly the second coming of Valentino in THE FOUR HORSEMEN remake, nor was he Runyonesque enough to fill Warren Williams' spats in POCKETFUL OF MIRACLES. On the other hand, he was the saving grace of several clunkers, adding gravitas to the unworthy likes of SANTEE, APPOINTMENT IN HONDURAS and Anthony Mann's overblown CIMARRON.*



*Ford was especially impressive as Yancey Cravat, rising above the turgid dialogue, static direction, and his own unfortunate hair style, a bizarre comb-forward 'do complete with Moe Howard bangs.