Lori3

Hi Tom, you wrote "while I am a Flynn admirer there is only so much I know about him." It seems like you do know a lot about this iconic film star, and I really appreciate you sharing what you do know about this man with us. As I have written before, it is such a shame he got caught in the web and disease of addiction, for I believe he was one of the greats in our film history. I was just wondering towards the end of his career if he left WBs, (e.g. his contract was up) or when his life end was he still under contract with WBs? Thanks again for sharing, I always enjoy reading your posts. Lori

Thanks willbefree, Celebrities have to expect to be approached by the public, if they are not approached then they are probably not that popular of a star or celebrity. However, I do agree with what the MP wrote in that celebrities also have the right to not have their personal space invaded or asked in appropriate questions, and they do have the right to refuse to give their autograph. Whether the fan then takes that refusal as, "that guy is really a jerk" or they just think, "oh well no big deal." depends on a lot of things. I realize that some people can be real "idiots" when they approach celebrities, and I am sure most celebrities just get tired of having to deal with that kind of behavior. However, I think too that the celebrity must also be aware that with a lot of people it takes all the inner strength one has to approach a celebrity.(Most people I believe are kind and respectful in their behaviors, but there are always a few "jerks" too.) I think most celebrities before they made it "big" or got into their profession probably too idolized a certain "star" and probably if they ever meet them they too would act like a "typical fan." Years ago, I went with a friend to a revival theater where they were airing "That's Entertainment." When we left the theater, walking towards us was Betty Garrett. She had just see the film as well. My friend just stopped for a moment and said to her, "I think you are so wonderful." Miss Garrett seem very touched by what my friend said to her, and very sweetly thanked her. So I maintain that some celebrities want to be recognized and acknowledged. If they are not acknowledge they might feel bad, or think that people have forgotten about them. We all have egos and want to be told we are appreciated and loved, even celebrities. I wrote in another thread that one star felt he was mandated by the American public to go in and keep "punching" for them. It is a double edged sword really. The celebrity does deserve to be treated respectfully, but they must also realize it is because of the "fans" that they are enjoying the many "perks" of their lives. Thanks Lori Oh, and thanks for telling me what OTOH stands for!

Thank you MovieProfessor for your response and what you wrote makes a lot of sense and I tend to agree with you. That is why I wrote I can kind of understand how celebrities might feel always being hounded by the public. I guess it is just the role of the dice or the chance a person takes on approaching a celebrity. Just for the record I tend to be on the shy side and it takes a lot for me to get up enough nerve to approach a celebrity. Both with Mr.Kelly and Mr.Lemmon I said excuse me I don't me to bother you, etc. and I never invaded their personal space. With Mr.Lemmon he was funny because he said, "Well it is about time, I been waiting for you to come over here." As I wrote also, some celebrities want to be recognized. Years ago when I worked as a floor nurse, I cared for a patient who was the mother in-law of a very famous actress. When the actress came to see her mother in-law, I recognized her but didn't say anything or ask for her autograph. Later in the evening when I was preparing my patient for bed, I told her I didn't realize that her daughter in-law was this famous actress, and I did not say anything to her because I didn't feel it was the appropriate time or place. My patient said, "Oh, you should of said something, she loves it when people ask for her autograph and recognize her." So like you said, you never know, it is a chance a fan takes. There have been many times in my life where I have seen a celebrity but thought better in approaching them because they looked too busy or I got a vibe of "don't bother me" and I respected their right to be left alone. I think maybe with Andy Griffith, many people probably thought of him as being really like Sheriff Andy in his series, which of course isn't right. They are just actors who are not really the person they portray on the screen. It is just with their chosen profession they must realize that we the people tend to idolize them. Whether that is right or wrong I don't really know. They after all are the ones who take us away from our everyday trials, and if only for a few hours we are transported to that world they helped create on the screen. I remember years ago after some awful terrorist act (not here) and the newspaper had a picture of hundreds of dead and wounded people on the cover. I turned on the TV and there was Fred and Ginger dancing Cheek to Cheek in Top Hat. For those brief few minutes I forgot about the horrible things that were happening and was taken to away by the sheer beauty of their performance. I also remember crying a little in gratitude for both Fred and Ginger. I was so thankful that they did what they were meant to do, and I wondered if they knew how powerful their "magic" was to us the audience and their fans. If I could I would of I would have said a sincere "thank you" to both of them. I read that Andy's wife said her husband had a very strong Christian faith and while she will miss him terribly, she was happy because she knew he was home with his Lord. While I am sad that Andy Griffith has left this world, I believe he is now "walking streets of gold' along with many, many others (too many to count) who have left this old world we live in. Thanks Lori

Thank you MovieProfessor for the beautiful and insightful write up on the career of Andy Griffith. He was an outstanding actor and just always to me seemed like a "real down to earth" guy who had a real God given talent to entertain. Thank you Mr.Giffith for all the wonderful performances you left us to enjoy, R.I.P. You have arrived home. Lori

Tom, many of the "Garfield Gang" fans I know really like "They Made Me A Criminal" including myself. A lot of them also like "Dust Be My Destiny." And you are right, the Dead In Kids are very good in the film and Max Steiner's music is great. I am sure you have seen the outtake of the slaps Garfield gets, where it is a little too much and he ends up saying "J.C." It is on YouTube. It is really funny and there is something really special about a tough guy getting the sh-t slapped out of him by a little old lady. Oh, and did you know that Virginia Mayo's great, great, great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War! Thanks Lori

willbefree25, I also think that what happened to Garfield with HUAC, the blacklisting and his premature death was horrific. I finally found a book that reprinted the entire letter Clifford Odets wrote to the NY Times a couple of days after Garfield's funeral. Odets and Garfield had been close friends since the early 30's. It is a really beautiful letter, entitled "A Letter From A Friend' Garfield was a very loyal American and loved his country very much, and that HUAC could accused someone like this of being a harm to this country is so wrong and tragic. In part of his letter to the NY Times, Odets explains Garfield's feeling about being an American. "In these keen and bitter times, highly placed and so open to any wild attacks, Garfield remained extraordinary free of malice and meanness....they were nowhere in his nature. *Despite any and all gossip to the contrary, I, who was in the position to know, state without equivocation that of all of his possessions Garfield was proudest of his American heritage.* His climb from bare poverty to stardom illustrated for him one of the most cherished folkways of our people. His feelings never changed that he had been mandated by the American people to go in and "keep punching" for them. His success as he felt it, was the common property of millions, not peculiarly his own. Affectionate by nature, charming and often refreshingly candid he mostly reserved for friends a glimpse of something true and precious...the ador of a boy for learning and growth. Many critics believe that at 39 Garfield was just beginning to reveal himself as an actor in terms of wider range, new sensitivity and maturity." The letter ends with "I ask, finally to be permitted to forget the present hushed austerities and say simply, "Julie, dear friend, I will always love you." May 25, 1952 Yes, what happened to John Garfield's career and life was a real American tragedy. I realize that there were many, many actors, and others who suffered during that horrible time in our history. However, John Garfield was at the time the biggest star that HUAC "took down." (The dirty rats!) Unbelievable that this kind of stuff happend in our country and I can imagine that all those in the entertainment industry were quite afraid, unless they agreed to be a "friendly witness" and name, names. In my dream box-set of John Garfield films The Fallen Sparrow would be included. Thanks Lori

Tom, I am not disagreeing with you when you wrote: "Both Davis and Bogart got some of Warners best material, too, but ONLY after Jack Warner finally saw them for their talent." I just don't understand why didn't Jack Warner see the talent in another of his stars (John Garfield) when he made such a positive impression with his first film, Four Daughters. Garfield not only got nominated for a Oscar for best supporting actor, and he won the National Board of Review for Best Actor. He also got excellent reviews for the critics of the day. Newsweek: "John Garfield steals the acting honors with his realistic portrayal.......and he is undoubtably the outstanding film find of the year." Time: "In Four Daughters almost negative cast, he (Garfield) is the positive charge. NY Times: "Garfield bites off his lines with a delivery so eloquent that we still aren't sure whether it is the dialogue or Mr.Garfield who is so bitterly brilliant.......Mr.Garfield is such a sweet relief from conventional screen types that we can't thank Warner Brothers enough of him. I mean what did Jack Warner need, for God to speak to him, and say. "NO, NOT THAT ONE JACK, PUT GARFIELD IN ONLY A PICTURES!" (Just kidding, but you know what I mean, I hope.) Maybe Jack Warner believed Garfield when he said, "Mickey Borden is foolproof and actorproof. Getting the part was pure unadulterated luck and don't think for a minute that I ever kidded myself into thinking anything else." With that statement I would have to respectfully but strongly disagree with Mr.Garfield. And just to get back on the subject,t here is what the NY Times said about Virginia Mayo's performance in White Heat. "Miss Mayo, in fact, is excellent as the gangster's disloyal spouse brassy, voluptuous and stupid to just the right degree." Although kind of like the modest Garfield she said she didn't act in the film, reacted to Cagney's great acting. Oh, and for all you guys who feel that Miss Mayo was "easy on the eyes" my husband thinks so too. I also remember reading or hearing that in her prime some Prince from somewhere thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Miss Mayo proved in White Heat that she had what it takes to be a great "film noir" dame,and I say too bad she wasn't given the chance. Thanks Lori

Tom, I loved Virginia Mayo in the two films you mentioned she did a wonderful job in both. I really think that Warners did not know what to do with a lot of the talent they had under contract. I mean please, like you said, "didn't they see her performances in those two film?" And, I am sure she got good reviews from the critics, so didn't the producers or Jack himself read the reviews of the of the actors they had under contract? It really makes one wonder, who was the genius that made such decisions, that ultimately didn't showcase or give the actor or actress the material to allow them to grow and display their real talent? I heard too, that a lot of the time Warners would punish their actors by putting them in B pictures if the actor or actress was causing too much headaches by demanding better roles! That to me makes no sense at all. (Talk about wasting away your money!) Miss Mayo did deserve better roles, no argument here on that statement. Thanks Lori

hi ginnyfan It is late, I had a bad day and I am tired. Are you kidding with the airing of Ginny's films in July? I checked the schedule, and I didn't see any of hers listed. Sorry, I am just not thinking really clearly now. Thanks Lori

Hi kingrat. I agree completely that Maureen O'Hara was beautiful in The Fallen Sparrow, but I never could really figure out if her character was good,bad or a little of both in the film. I always wanted Garfield's character to end up with Whitney, Martha Driscoll character. It seemed to me the chemistry between Garfield and Driscoll was better than with O'Hara. Fun Trivia: John Garfield and Martha Driscoll had the same birthday of March 4th. Not the same year though he was 9 years older than she. Also, John Banner, Anton in the film would later in the 60's play Schultz in the comedy series Hogan Hero's, and of course Huge Beaumout, Otto Skaas, was Beaver's wise and understanding father in the series Leave it to Beaver. Of course Walter Slezak was wonderful as the evil Dr.Skaas. Next time you watch the film notice the shadowing of Slezak face as he slowly moves toward Garfield with that needle and syringe. He has a real demon look to his face, due to the camera view, shadows and his up turned (need of trim) eyebrows! Thanks Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jul 3, 2012 3:39 AM

Hi ValentineXavier The Fallen Sparrow is a great early film noir and Garfield does give another outstanding performance in it. Of course it was made as a loan out to RKO, and when Cagney, Grant and Scott turned down the role they offered it to Garfield. I am very glad he agreed to do it. It is one of my favorite John Garfield films and one I would love to see in his long over due box-set when it becomes a reality. You notice I wrote "reality" because my petition to get him that box-set is really taking off on the film noir websites, and one Cafe Noir will be airing The Postman Always Rings Twice in August in his honor and will be promoting my petition at the same time. Forgive me if I wrote about this before, I forget sometimes where I write things. Any ways, it is really exciting how many people are coming through and writing how they too want a box-set of his films and how it is a shame he doesn't already have one. Thanks Lori

Hi misswonderly, I am sorry I am late in responding to you. I also like Drew, and of course with the name Lori I am a female, but with all do respect to my fellow "sisters" I just felt she went on and on a little too much about the film last night. I have heard men "gush" over other films, and I am sure I have "gushed" a little too much about certain films in my day as well. I am fine with hearing why she likes a film and why she feels it is an Essential, I just like it when RO gives us the inside story of a film, the stars and the director. RO did in all fairness talk a little about the film itself last night, the director and the stars but not enough for me. Maybe I like to hear the inside stories a little too much, like after this film Joel McCrea refused to work with Veronica Lake ever again. Sorry, Veronica Lake fans, I am just repeating what I read. She was a fine actress and lovely to look at, and I know she had some emotional problems. But I also remember hearing RO say that Frederick March didn't want to work with her again after they did "I Married A Witch." I guess she was "difficult" but in what way I don't know. I think too RO could of mentioned from whom Preston Sturges got the idea for the film from or at least the hobo and train hopping idea from. I think too that people here on this thread do agree with you regarding the real message of the picture. Thanks Lori And no offense taken at all.

clore, I not sure if Preston Sturges ever talked with Wallace Ford, but Ford was in two of Garfield's films. The Breaking Point 1950 and He Ran All The Way 1951 (Garfield's last film) It is amazing how some people can escape their horrible childhood memories and become successful in their chosen field. Garfield's childhood was not "bed of roses" either. Both men and many, many others survived the great depression and that I think says a lot about the inner strength we all have in us. I think that maybe Preston Sturges did not think so much about what was causing those people to laugh when they watched that cartoon. It is more like RO and Drew mentioned last night, the message is that people sometimes just need to laugh, and that might be all they have. When I feel like I need a good laugh, I put in one of my many MST3K tapes and let those guys do their thing and soon I am laughing and I feel much better. Tom though always brings up an interesting topic, "Why that cartoon clip?" Thanks Lori

Yes, Tom I was aware of the story that Preston Surges got the idea for Sullivan Travels from listening to John Garfield tell his stories when he took to hopping trains and living the life of a "hobo" in 1929. I have seen it mentioned in other articles and books, and Julie Garfield said it was true. (I am sure her mother related the story to her.) So, from my research I think it is true. Garfield's trip didn't end though on a happy note because on that "adventure" he had to have been exposed to the bacteria Strep. Grp A, which developed into a rheumatic heart, which caused permanent damage to his heart. His friend was even more unlucky, he was exposed to Tuberculosis and died two months later after he arrived home. They (Garfield and his friend) also were witnesses the death of another "hobo" when he was run over by a train. Preston Surges did I think show the horrible conditions and over crowding those poor "displaced" men had to deal with during that time. Thanks Lori

Well ginnyfan, I will be looking forward to your next blog. I am really enjoying learning all about Ginny through your posts and blogs. I think with these supporting actors or child actors some people kind of take them for granted if you know what I mean? However, through your posts and blogs I really now learning how important these supporting players are to the films and to the "stars" of the films. I have always enjoyed Virginia Weidler in the films I have seen her in. However, thanks to you I will now view her films with new "light" of appreciation. I am sure that the "real" Ginny is very thankful that you are "moved" enough to shine a light on her star. I sometimes think some of our more iconic stars get a little over exposed, and I for one like see exposure given to the less iconic or forgotten stars, who's contribution to our film heritage is very important and should always be appreciated. Thanks Lori

I agree with you finance, Drew's "gushing" was a little over the top for me. I prefer when RO gives us little trivia regarding films, e.g. as with Sullivan's Travels that Veronica Lake was 6 months pregnant when she made this film, Edith Head had to design her costumes to hide this fact. I guess too that Preston wasn't aware of this fact and when he found out he was not happy! There are other trivia or stories regarding the film, but I let them go for now. Regarding Tom's question, that scene never made sense to me either. The laughter by the people seems a little too much, but it doesn't take away from the film being an Essential IMHO. Too bad Chaplin refused to let him us any of his films, and yes Bugs Bunny would have been a better choice. Thanks Lori

ginnyfan, another great job, you are just "rocking out" the blogs. Thanks too for including my little medical insight in the blog. So many people have died as a result of that horrible bacteria Streptococcus Grp. A. especially prior to the discovery of antibiotics. Yes, R.I.P. Virginia Weidler, you are remembered and cherished here on TCM boards thanks to your number one fan, "ginnyfan." Lori P.S. Lovely picture of Ginny.

Topbilled, it is funny you brought up Gene Kelly because actually Garfield and Kelly were very good friends especially during the "Hollywood" years. In fact Kelly's first wife Betsy Blair was also blacklisted. If Garfield had lived even a month longer he would had seen his name cleared of all communist accusations. If he would of made a movie regarding the HUAC and the blacklisting I don't know if it would have been a tearjerker, drama or horror film. Because from everything I read and researched on him he was mad as hell, frighten and heartbroken at what happened to him. His story is a real tragic Hollywood story. StBartsActor, I agree Garfield always brought an intense presence to his roles, I guess due to his "Method" training. Thanks Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 30, 2012 11:55 PM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 30, 2012 11:57 PM

TopBilled, all in the film TPART are in top form. Yes, I think it is on Lana's best performances too, and she in a 1973 interview stated out of all her films TPART was her personal favorite. Cecil Kellway is great, as is Leon Ames, and well Hume Croyn is outstanding as usual! Everyone worked together to make in my opinion one great film noir. I just think Garfield and the character he choose to be is what carried the film, but he couldn't have done it without the other talent in the film. Thanks Lori

Thanks StBartsActor. When we lived in Calif. it was easy to attend the Palm Springs Festival, plus my father has a condo there so had a free place to stay. Unfortunately my husband's job had him transfered to Oregon and now it is very difficult to go to the P.S.Festival or TCM's celebrations. Kim Morgan who hosted the P.S. Festival is also a big fan of John Garfield, and when she was asked to co-host on TCM a few years back she picked the same film "He Ran All The Way" to be shown. She told us when she knew she was going to co-host, the first thing that came to her mind was not a film, but an actor, being John Garfield. I am glad you liked what you saw of TPART, I think it is a wonderful film. Thanks Lori

Hi Sprocket Man, I kind of think that was my point regarding TPART, in that is Garfield who carries the film. I love Double Indeminty too, it is a great film no don't about that, and with the cast and director how could one miss. I just perfer TPART myself. (I still can put my finger on why though. ) From my research regarding TPART one scene had to be cut / and or edited after the film's first screening in 1946 because it shocked the audiene with it's "erotic boldness." It was something that maybe Garfield shouldn't had done, and maybe L.B. Mayer missed it when watching the rushes. (Maybe he was too busy looking at Lana!) Any ways, I agree too that Garfield really was a cook cat! Both films are widely features on the two film noir websites I frequent. Thanks for your information. Lori

AndyM108, I agree with you sort of. I just like the words and them melody to Long Ago and Far Away, but I don't think I would purchase the song with either Kelly or Hayworth singing it as they did in the film. Now their dance to the song was very romantic and sexy at least IMHO. I know I have heard other singers sing the song, and maybe it was Jo Stafford I heard. And you are right Too Marvelous For Words is a beautiful songs as well. Lori

{font:Arial}Ginnyfan, you might be right. I think Garfield did fine in the film “Juarez” (I liked the moustache and goatee look) but I know that a lot of the film critics of the time criticized him, saying “What is this kid of New York doing playing a Mexican general.” {font} {font:Arial}You do bring up a good point though regarding Cagney and Clark, both from New York and they both did westerns successfully. Maybe he could of pulled it off, who knows. {font} {font:Arial}Thanks{font} {font:Arial}Lori {font} Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 29, 2012 9:29 PM

I think ginnyfan has a great idea. I would think some of these actors and actresses would want to come and tell some stories. Especially if they feel like they might have been "forgotten." TCM would need to do it pretty soon though because like our veterans of WWII they are leaving us and soon no one will be around that "remembers" those good old days. Another idea would be to get some of the child actors of the 30' and 40's and so on to share what it was like to act with a "big" well know star. ginnyfan your "Ginny" would have been a perfect choice. What about the Dead End Kids? I know they weren't really child actors but they were young when they made those 30's and 40's films with some of the "greats." I am not sure who of the group is still around. I just look up a few things I think all of the Dead End Kids are now gone. Thanks Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 29, 2012 8:57 PM