John Ford earned respect, by making movies like The Informer. It is a very strong drama set in Ireland, during the rebellion of 1922. The movie shows the harsh conditions of the people under British occupation. It also brings out how little life can mean, when it comes to money.
The main character is Gypo Nolan, (Victor Mcglagen). He is a man who loves the good life. He is looked down upon by most. He loves Katie Madden, (Margo Grahame), a prostitute. Gypo’s love for her, destroys his moral compass. He sees a poster advertising passage to America. The price is 10 pounds. He has no money, and he wants to start a life with Katie. While he is thinking about how he will get money, he sees another poster. It is posting a reward, for anyone who knows the whereabouts of Frankie McPhillip, (Wallace Ford). The reward is twenty pounds. Frankie is a friend of Gypo’s. They meet in a tavern, and Frankie tells Gypo, where he will be. After the meeting, Gypo goes to the police, and lets them know. Frankie is tracked down and killed. Gypo recieves his reward, after a phone call confirms Frankie’s death.
Gypo has his blood money, but he thinks he can win friends and influence people, by buying drinks. He isn’t the brightest man. Frankie was a member of the IRA-The Irish Republican Army. They are very upset about Frankie’s death. Terry, (J.M. Kerry), a leader in the organization, suspects Gypo. This is confirmed, when he is flashing around a large amount of money. They follow him around and ask questions, hoping he gives away his betrayal.
It is true in Gypo’s case, that conscience makes cowards of us all. He attends the wake of his friend, Frankie. Gypo shouts to Mrs. McPhillip, (Una O’Connor), that he is sorry for her loss. He frantically tries to cover up his crime. He even tries to place blame on an innocent man, Peter Mulligan, (Donald Meek). Gypo can’t escape justice, and gives his beloved Katie the rest of the money. Margo Grahame has an excellent scene comforting Gypo. Another is when she begs Terry to spare Gypo’s life. These scenes bring forth the true tragedy of this film. It also shows how little life can mean, in desperate circumstances.
Victor McGlagen was one of John Ford’s stock players. He is known for his comedic roles in Ford’s films. The Informer shows his strong acting ability. His recognition would come for his role, as the tragic Gypo Nolan. McGlagen would win the academy award for best actor. He beat out such talents as Clark Gable and Charles Laughton.
John Ford won his first of four academy awards for The Informer. It is a record that still stands. He manages to get the gloomy depressing feel of the film. He shows the exteriors as foggy, and a singer, (Dennis O’Dea), who gives some cheer. He also sings a song that lets everyone know that Frankie McPhillip is dead. Ford also shows Gypo’s greed, by having the wanted poster appear while he talks to Frankie. Most of the film has night scenes, lending to the gloom. He has given the film an ending, that shows a virtue, that was lacking in the film’s many characters. It gives a light tone to an otherwise dark film.
It is very ironic that all of John Ford’s films that won oscars, were not westerns. They are what made him famous. He would make a totally different film about Ireland, several years later. It was The Quiet Man. This film was Ford’s last Oscar winner. He was Irish, and it was a celebration of The Emerald Isle. John Ford stated that he didn’t like making westerns. It was a weird statement, but Ford was a different person. He was also one of the greatest talents that ever came out of Hollywood.
The Informer doesn’t charm, but brings a powerful message. It starts out with a biblical quote about Judas’s betrayal. This sets the tone. There is no good central character person in the movie. It isn’t meant to do anything but highlight the suffering of the Irish. Their lives are made a little better by their gatherings in the taverns. The IRA’s meeting place is dark and gloomy. They have a door which opens only to people they trust. The film also won for best screenplay by Dudley Nichols. It was based on a story by LiamO’Flaherty. He was able to write about The IRA because he had first hand experience. He was a member for several years, and was involved in the uprising, of 1922. The Informer does show early John Ford directing techniques. It is a springboard to later films like The Grapes of Wrath. Ford’s films are worth watching, and The Informer has his running theme about the human condition. It also goes to those in control, not understanding those who struggle to survive. This theme was used in his cavalry trilogy and his later westerns. All of this makes The Informer, a forerunner for drama in movies.