The Plot Thickens

John Ford was born in Maine as Sean Aloysius O'Feeney … or so he says. His birth records say differently, and it would not be the last time he changes his name.

John Ford buys a yacht, where he cavorts, drinks and vacations. But he also keeps an eye on the looming threat in Europe, and uses his new vessel to enlist in the Naval Reserve.

Ford is finally in the military and his first assignment is … to make a sex ed film for soldiers! Soon he sees real combat and is injured while filming the Battle of Midway.

Ben traces the mystery of John Ford's missing D-Day documentary. The one time Ford talked about it, he claimed it was buried in a government film vault, too disturbing for public view.

After D-Day, Ford goes on a historic bender then heads home ... not to Hollywood but to Monument Valley, a secluded land with incredible scenery.

At the height of his powers, John Ford directs his masterpiece, an anti-racist Western called The Searchers.

After being removed from a film and ruining his friendship with Henry Fonda, John Ford begins to openly challenge his previous work.