Ep 888: John Sayles

Ep 888: John Sayles

From Filmwax Radio by Adam Schartoff

February 18, 2026 · 54 min · Season 16 · Episode 888

About this episode

Filmmaker John Sayles discusses his latest novel 'Crucible' and its historical context.

The filmmaker John Sayles (“Eight Men Out”, “The Brother From Another Planet”) returns for his 3rd visit. In addition to the 18 feature films he has written and directed, he is also a longtime author of novels. His latest, “ Crucible ” is now available where books are sold. From the Oscar-nominated filmmaker comes a complex and sweeping historical novel about Henry Ford — the Elon Musk of his day — and his attempt to rule not only an automotive empire but the rambunctious city of Detroit. It is an epic tale ranging from the 1920s through the second World War, featuring violent labor disputes, misbegotten jungle expeditions, a tragic race riot, and the gestapo tactics of Ford’s private army . . . Already the gateway for illegal Canadian liquor during Prohibition, the Motor City becomes a crucible for American class conflict during the Great Depression, with an army of laid off Ford workers drifting into the ranks of the burgeoning union movement — Henry Ford’s worst nightmare. To keep the hundreds of thousands still employed by him in thrall, the man who was formerly ‘America’s favorite tycoon’ recruits black laborers…

People in this episode

Host: Adam Schartoff

Guest: John Sayles

Topics covered

  • filmmaking
  • historical novels
  • labor disputes
  • American history
  • interviews

Keywords

  • John Sayles
  • Crucible
  • Henry Ford
  • labor movement
  • Detroit
  • historical novel

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Eight Men Out, The Brother From Another Planet, Crucible

Places: Detroit, Brazil

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