3 Godfathers

In 3 GODFATHERS, based on Peter B. Kynes's allegorical novel, a trio of bandits robs a small-town bank in Arizona under the nose of the Sheriff. Although one of the gang is wounded, the trio makes a clean getaway, with the Sheriff in close pursuit. Realizing that a trap is set for them at the Mojave water tank, the bandits head toward Terrapin Tanks but lose the trail and their horses in a terrible sandstorm. Now on foot, they find the tanks defunct but come upon a lone covered wagon with a woman about to give birth. Although they're able to deliver the baby, the mother dies but not before getting the bandits to promise to protect her child. This is Ford's sentimental tribute to the great Western icon Harry Carey Sr., which combines rousing action scenes with surprisingly subtle moments of self-sacrifice, redemption and love.