Lori3

As far as soundtracks or the musical score of films go, I think Max Steiner was one of the best. His music always seemed to fit the scene or what was happening to the characters in the film just perfectly. For specific songs in a film I have two favorites. 1. "Long Ago and Far Away" from "Cover Girl" with Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth. I think the words to that song are so romantic and beautiful. 2. "As Time Goes By" from (of course) "Casablanca". I had the organist at my wedding play that as people enter the church. Everyone knew that the song was my choice not my husband's. (Although he is happy when I tell him to play "black 22' when we are in Las Vegas, and it hits!) Lori

ginnyfan, as much as I admire Garfield's acting, Westerns is the one genre where I just can't see him acting in. I could be wrong, but I just don't see it. I do think he could of easily done some lighter roles, e.g. comedies as evident in his performance in "Saturday's Children" and he did show comedy skills a the lighter scenes in "Pride of the Marines" (e.g. the bowling scene) and in Destination Tokyo when he is describing his encounters with the "dames." I know he wanted to do some comedies, but sadly it just didn't happen, and then his time ran out. Thanks Lori

{font:Arial}Yes, StBartsActor I agree John Garfield was an amazing actor. The Film Noir Foundation did hold a tribute to John Garfield in Palm Springs in 2010 with Kim Morgan and Julie Garfield. They showed his last film “He Ran All The Way” then Kim interviewed Julie about her father. Julie shared a lot about her father’s childhood in the slums of NY, the terrible “stutter” he had, his time with the Group theater, his Method style acting and his ultimate “fall” at the hands of HUAC. The 3 part interview is on YouTube.{font} {font:Arial}Willbefree25 Lena Horne was not in The Fallen Sparrow. I think that the film just was one of her favorites that’s all. {font} {font:Arial}finance and Topbilled, Dana Clark was sort of meant to be a replacement to Garfield in case he caused too much trouble at WBs in demanding better scripts. Clark was know as the “poor man’s Garfield” on the WB lot. I guess they redeemable each other in some ways, but Dana Clark did not have the acting “chops” that Garfield did.{font} {font:Arial}Sorry Dane Clark fans, that is just again IMHO.{font} {font:Arial}Thanks{font} {font:Arial}Lori {font} {font:Arial} {font} {font:Arial}Oh and thanks to TCM for airing two of my favorite John Garfield films today. Trevor (my cat) and I enjoyed watching them very much today {font} Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 29, 2012 5:15 PM

Hi willbefree25 I am sorry I should of put the correct time on this thread but I did under the general discussion forum. I live on the west coast so I sometimes get mixed up with the times. Any ways, I am glad you got to see the film and you liked it and Garfield's performance. I think he did a great job in the film and I guess so did Jack Warner because once Garfield returned to WB after making The Fallen Sparrow at RKO he started to make sure Garfield got better films. I love the film not only for Garfield's performance, but just the whole feeling of the film, it is so 1940's and a great example of an early film noir. I did catch the Word of Mouth segment with Maureen O'Hara taking about working with John Garfield. She was very sweet and cute in that segment. From everything that I have so far read about John Garfield all of his co-stars always had kind things to say about working with him and all said how they admired his talent as an actor. One can only imagine what performances he could have left us with if he hadn't had to leave this earth at such a young age. Thanks Lori

MovieProfessor, very interesting and nicely written piece as always. Thank you for sharing. Lori3

Capuchin wrote: {font:Arial}"I sometimes find myself subconsciously rewriting lines because I'll recognize what the writer meant, but the actors couldn't carry off that sentence structure. That's why roles written for a specific actor are so often vastly superior to generic roles."{font} {font:Arial} This point makes a lot of sense to me and just to illustrate the point here is a portion of a review written way back in 1938 that gives evidence how important the right actor is to a script. {font} {font:Arial}From the NY Times review of the film Four Daughters, 1938{font} {font:Arial}Article published August 19, 1938{font} {font:Arial}“We may assert with equal confidence that Four Daughters is one of the best pictures of anybody's career, if only for the sake of the marvelously meaningful character of Mickey Borden as portrayed by John (formerly Jules) Garfield, *who 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.*{font} {font:Arial}Our vote, though, is for Mr. Garfield, and for whatever stars watch over his career on the stage and screen, *because, on rereading the dialogue, as we have just done carefully, it seems to have lost something of the acidity, the beautiful clarity it had when Mr. Garfield spoke it.”*{font} {font:Arial}Good writing is I believe very important to a film for me to enjoy. However if you don't have the right actor speaking the lines, forget about it, it just will not work. {font} {font:Arial}That is IMHO of course.{font} {font:Arial}Thanks{font} {font:Arial}Lori3 {font} Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 28, 2012 8:43 PM

{font:Arial}{font} {font:Arial}This is just a reminder that on Friday TCM will be airing two of John Garfield’s films in which (IMHO) he gives two superb performances. {font} {font:Arial}The Fallen Sparrow airs this Friday at 0:9:30 am EST. This a great early “film noir” type of film, with great direction, beautiful sets and a super supporting cast which includes Maureen O’Hara. One critic said of this film, “Garfield is grand as the intense war vet who has been psychologically scarred by his time in a Nazi run prison. {font} {font:Arial}The Postman Always Rings Twice airs at 2:45pm EST. This of course is probably John Garfield’s most popular film, and the film in which I first discover the beautiful acting art that was John Garfield. A couple of critics opinion of this film, “Postman is an excellent noir that's fueled by one of John Garfield's best performances” and “there's something about the combination of Garfield's mannish broad shoulders and childish eyes that make him perfect for noirs. Body and Soul is his finest hour, but Postman is worth Garfield as well.”{font} {font:Arial}I debated seriously about making this post, since TCM has being airing the “Word of Mouth” segments with Joanne Woodward talking about his performance in TPART, and Maureen O’Hara talking about working with him in The Fallen Sparrow. {font} {font:Arial}However, I thought would the heck I didn’t post any thing earlier this month when TCM aired Four Daughters, Daughters Courageous or He Ran All The Way. {font} {font:Arial}It is interesting that months ago when the Suggest a Movie section was up I at least a couple times requested The Fallen Sparrow, and He Ran All The Way, and now they have or are going to be aired. So maybe TCM does really listen to their viewers’ suggestions. However it might be that they just wanted to “shut me up” especially since a John Garfield Tribute is scheduled for September 19^th^. (Yeah!) {font} {font:Arial}Any ways, I am hoping that none of you will be saying to yourself “OMG, if she mentions John Garfield one more time I am going to throw-up.” {font} {font:Arial}My thought now is just forget about it, I am not going to shut up, not until the goal of my petition is reached and he gets a box-set of his films. OK? Just think of my as that “Garfield Gal,” and here is a quick update on my petition. People from all over the world e.g. Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and of course the USA, have added there names to the petition and the comments they are leaving are very supportive and loving toward him and his films. {font} {font:Arial}For me it is very nice to read these comments and it especially nice to know he is still remembered. {font} {font:Arial}Now be nice, OK? Just kidding, all comments and opinions are welcome. {font} {font:Arial}Thanks{font} {font:Arial}Lori{font} Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 28, 2012 1:15 AM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 28, 2012 1:25 AM

I agree with you clore. From what I saw of Ross Alexander the other night I could see him in Jeffery Lynn type roles. The sweet and "safe' type of guy. Maybe as he matured his roles and / or performances would have changed. Of course being under contract at WBs you did what you were told to do, and they (Jack Warner) didn't always make the right decision for a lot of his stars. That is of course IMHO. Thanks Lori

hi ginnyfan I just read your most recent blog, it is was wonderful. WOW a hand written note from Gloria Jean. How old is Gloria Jean now? I can't recall any movies of Gloria Jean, but I remember my mother spoke of her from time to time, she really liked her. I also had a close girlfriend in elementary school and her first name was Gloria Jean. Any ways, great job. I keep meaning to write a blog for a classic movie website on my favorite. The site first has to approve it, but once it is approved they will feature it on their site which has quite a few visitors. I just haven't had yet time because I been busy visiting film noir sites to garner signature for my project. Any ways, if you want to submit either one of your blogs to this website let me know and I will forward to you the website address. You never can tell, you might find some more Ginny fans! Thanks Lori

My thoughts and prayers go out to fxreyman, his wife and all the resisdents of Colorado Springs. I used to have close friend who lived there and I have been there and it is a beautiful place. Thanks for being this to our attention. Lori3

Four Daughters 1938 was also known as Because of a Man. Warners decided to go with Four Daughters. Force of Evil 1949 was also known as Tucker's People. I am not sure who decided to go with Force of Evil. Lori3

Thanks willbefree25 No darn it, I didn't see it. I am happy that Miss O'Hara had nice things to say about him. Hopefully TCM will repeat it and I'll see it. As far as the information I have read about Garfield all of his co-stars really enjoyed working with him and thought he was a great talent. I am sure with his taller leading ladies he had to use a "apple box" since he was only 5'7! I know I read he joked about it though. Yes, I wish he was still around, or at least had stayed here on earth a little longer than he did. Thanks Lori

MovieProfessor, I think that is a very sweet story. It gives hope to all single women that you don't have to look like Marilyn Monroe to get the attention of a great guy! Thanks for sharing Lori

Why thank you sir! Pete O'Toole was the best actor in that movie, period. Of course that is only IMHO. Lori

Thank you ginnyfan with your support and I agree with everything you wrote. I also believe that Garfield would have fit in well in the films of the 1950's. I also believe he would have been a wonderful character actor in his later years had he lived longer. John Garfield once said that an actor doesn't become really interesting until he reaches 40. Unfortunately he didn't make it past 39, but I do disagree with him, in that he and many others gave many interesting and beautiful performances before the age of 40 was reached. Yes, and Judy's singing in "I could go on singing" is very honest, and well to me she just ":brings it home." If you get a chance to watch "Troy" I would strongly encourage you to do so. Peter O'Toole gives a beautiful performance in that film. Hard to believe he has never won an Oscar. Oh well I know he is not alone in that group. Thanks Lori

{font:Arial}*Judy Garland* in “I Could Go On Singing” 1963. Judy’s last film, and again she shows us what a great dramatic actress she was. Her scene in the emergency room, where she says she is tired of being “cut into little pieces” for everyone to take is very poignant and powerful. Also, in her last film we get to witness and hear her amazing singing voice. She is at her best and even after many viewings of this film I still get chills when she sings “Bluebird.” {font} {font:Arial} {font} {font:Arial}*John Garfield* in “He Ran All The Way” 1951. Garfield gives a beautiful multi-layered performance in his last film. One critic wrote "Garfield gives a terrific chilling performance as someone who is less like a cold-blooded killer than someone who has been rejected all his life by family and the outside world, and like a wounded animal goes on the run as a desperate man in search of someone to trust in this cold world.” The tragedy is that the heartbreak on the screen is all too real for John Garfield in his own life. {font} {font:Arial}Lastly, I think that *Peter O’Toole* gave a touching and beautiful performance in “Troy” 2004. You can see and feel the heartache in him when his son Hector is killed and when he later asks, to be allowed to take his son’s body for proper preparation and burial."{font} Thanks Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 25, 2012 4:32 PM

WOW! This is wonderful, I love old movies, the actors and actresses that acted in them, and I love American history. Thank you Tom and Fred for very informative and interesting posts. I know that Custer was an officer in the Civil war as well. I haven't seen "They Died With Their Boots On" in many years and I can't remember if this fact is mentioned or indicated in the film. The things one learns from these message boards! I can't wait for my husband to get home from work so I can ask he, "What famous American battle happend 136 years ago?" Thanks again gentlemen. Lori

Huh, yes Tom it is. Here is a little piece I copied off my fan club site, from Modern Screen Magazine 1939 Titled: Little Orphan Julie" "When JOHN GARFIELD and his wife Robbie went to Dodge City, like the rest of the Warner guests, they rode around in an open carriage. On one of their rides they were suddenly surrounded by a crowd of fans, mostly men, who pointed to Robbie and screamed, "There's Hedy Lamarr!" Although the only resemblance Mrs. Garfield bears to Hedy is that both have black hair, she rose to the occasion and smilingly took her bows. But the fans weren't satisfied. They crowded about the carriage, demanding autographs. So Robbie wrote away until her arm was tired and she pointed to her husband, crying, "Look! Don't you want his? He's John Garfield!" Taking this cue, slightly mixed, the leading fan somewhat astounded the Garfields by shouting to his companions, "Hey fellahs! It's Jack Gilbert!" And Mr. Garfield found himself besieged for the late Gilbert's signature. He sweetly obliged." I guess at least to the people in Dodge City he wasn't as well known as Errol Flynn in 1939. How wonderful though you do have an autograph from the great Errol Flynn! You lucky guy! Lori

Tom, are you serious? Did you really purchase this piece with both Flynn's and Garfield's signatures? Why you lucky guy! I happy for you, truly if it is true. I couldn't have bought anyways. Don't think my husband would appreciate it, at all. Oh well. Lori

I second what Fred wrote. Very interesting information from both the MovieProfessor and Tom. Thanks for sharing. You two should get together and write a book on Errol Fylnn, might be a best seller! Lori3

Hi Tom Sorry I couldn't resist this. The cost is $299.00. How about we split the cost, then cut it in half. You keep the Flynn's signature ' and I will keep the Garfield's signature? http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/m/mTVpk5hh1lKonSeFs3ZjNlw/140.jpg!*{font:verdana} *Below is the description from ebay!* *RARE ERROL FLYNN & JOHN GARFIELD SIGNED SHEET MUSIC. THIS MUSIC WAS PUBLISHED IN 1943 FROM THE MOVIE/MUSICAL: "THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS". THIS PIECE WAS ORIGINALLY ACQUIRED FROM THE ESTATE OF A MEMBER OF THE MILITARY WHO SPENT TIME AT THE LEGENDARY "HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN" FOUNDED BY JOHN GARFIELD AND FREQUENTED BY MANY HOLLYWOOD STARS OF THE DAY.* {font} By the way Hollywood Canteen is airing on Sunday, 8am EST. Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 24, 2012 2:51 AM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 24, 2012 3:00 AM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 24, 2012 3:01 AM

Beautifully written as always MovieProfessor. I agree with you Errol Flynn was not underrated as an actor or a star. Lori

Hi Tom Thank you for the informative post on Flynn. Maybe the "critics" underrated his performances as you said, but I don't think the "true classic movie" fan underrates Mr.Flynn's performances at all. That is just my opinion. I had no idea he was also hooked on heroin! Bless his heart. Like I said before the disease of addiction is a very hard one to beat and the person has to stay always in that sober mind-set once they are clean. To be successful most must continue to go to at least weekly meetings to stay clean and sober. I can see where it would be extra difficult for a famous person to commit to such things as AA or NA meetings. Then by virtue of there life styles, alcohol and drugs are always so easy to get too. It seems that Robert Downey Jr. is staying clean and sober and I happy for him and us because he too is a wonderful actor. Addiction is a cunning, baffling and powerful disease, and it can attack the rich, famous and poor a like. I seen both patients and friends go through the trials of addiction and it is at times heartbreaking! What a shame, for like others who died young who knows what performance were left un-performed by Mr.Flynn. Lori

Tom, one of my favorite Flynn's movies is "Objective Burma!" I thought Flynn was just excellent in that film. You obviously know more about Flynn than I do. So am I understanding you correctly, no Oscar nominations for Mr.Flynn? That somehow seems wrong to me. I really don't consider him an underrated star or actor at all. He was one of a kind and he left us with many fine performances on film for us to cherish and enjoy. It amazes me that no one "close" to Flynn didn't step in and do an intervention of sorts and point blank tell him, "You are killing yourself, get help!" I know AA was founded sometime in the 40s and I read that Robert Downey Jr. said that it was AA and or NA that really helped him get clean and stay clean. Maybe Mr.Flynn just didn't want to admit he had the disease of addiction? Lori

John Garfield and Lana Turner, they had great on-screen chemistry together and made one 'hot" couple in The Postman Always Rings Twice." 1946 Sorry folks I just had to. Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 21, 2012 7:26 PM