Director John Ford frequently cast Native Americans not only as actors in his Westerns but also for various other roles on set. During filming of Fort Apache, many scenes depended on specific weather conditions, so Ford began hiring a Navajo doctor to provide weather forecasts.
For several days, the forecasts proved accurate, helping the crew plan their shoots. However, one day, the doctor announced he could no longer predict the weather. When asked why, he explained that his radio was broken.
This unexpected turn left Ford and the crew puzzled, as they relied heavily on these forecasts for their filming schedule. The story highlights how Ford’s resourcefulness extended beyond acting and directing. This story adds an intriguing anecdote to Hollywood lore about the intersection of Native knowledge and filmmaking challenges.
