Lori3

*John Garfield: The Postman Always Rings Twice 1946*. His performance is so subtle, yet powerful it is amazing. You believe his lust, confusion, frustration and fear, and you believe he loves Lana. He does all this without being “big” in any way. From the moment Lana drops her lipstick and then the camera focuses on him till he finally gets a full look at lovely Lana and you actually see him “take in a breath” because of her beauty, and it is remarkable. I think most men would have he same reaction if the saw Lana standing there in her white mini shorts. Garfield again gives a natural feeling to his role, and very believable. He should have been nominated at least. *John Garfield: The Breaking Point 1950.* Re-telling of a Hemingway story that WB first did as “To Have and Have Not.” This version from my understanding was much more true to Hemingway’s story. Hemmingway said out of all his stories that would become films, this was his favorite! Garfield again gives a subtle and powerful performance of a man caught at the breaking point due to financial issues bearing down on him from all sides. He should have been nominated at least. *John Garfield: He Ran All The Way 1951.* Garfield at his best and it is a beautiful performance he left us with in this his last film. Garfield shows his tough side and his tender and vulnerable side as a small time hoodlum who takes Shelly Winters and her family hostage. As with his very first role as Mickey Borden in Four Daughters he again is that “eternal outsider” always looking in. He wants to belong to this family but he does not know how to do it. During the film your sympathies and concerns switch from the family to him. Garfield allows the audience to see this man’s longing to belong, and the difficulties he has in understanding the love this family displays to each other. It is a beautiful multi-layered performance and a beautiful swan song for a great actor. Not only do I believe he should have been nominated but I believe he should have won the Oscar. Of course we know why no nomination came along for him. HUAC had Hollywood and the Academy members running like frighten little rats, and there was no way they would nominate a “blacklisted actor.” Garfield does look weary and stressed in the film but this look fits with the character, and it is understandable due to the real stress he was facing from the government. However he still looks handsome. I could probably think of another 25 more actors and actresses who should have at least received a nomination for one of their performances. However, most of you will probably list these iconic stars and that is fine. I will "stick" with my favorite and keep his name alive on these message boards. Thanks Lori3

Sepiatone. You made me laugh, "discovered that it was I who wished to be hit by a train." I read the book too years ago, but I remember it was a real struggle to get through it. Did you like Vivien Leigh's version any better than this one? Lori3

Hi overblue. Marsha Hunt was a lovely and very fine actress and yes I know she was blacklisted along with John Garfield and many others. Funny how you mentioned that "Bogie backed out with his tail between his legs" during that HUAC mess.I don't think too many people are aware of that. You are so right she would be a wonderful person for RO to interview. What interesting stories she could tell. Thanks Lori3

Hi TomJH. This is a fun subject for a thread. Before I make my "real" post I have a question. Can we list the same actor in three different roles (films) that we think they should have received an nomination for an Oscar? (I can't choose between the three roles.) I am sure you can guess who I am referring too. I can of course think of other actors and actresses who should have be nominated for an Oscar. However, I will stick to my favorite, since I have assigned myself as the person who keeps his name alive on these boards. OK? Thanks Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 14, 2012 9:12 PM

Well AddisonDeWitless, your summary of Humoresques made me laugh. Tell us what do you really think. I personally like the film better than you but let's such leave it at that. Only one thing about Clifford Odets is that he wrote Golden Boy with Garfield in mind for the role of Joe. Back in 1937 when he was part of the Group theater along with Garfield. However the founders of the Group gave the role to Luther Adler because he had seniority over Garfield. Garfield got the part of Sigge the taxi driver. Not getting the role of Joe that Odets had basically promised him was a BIG disappointment to Garfield and he felt cheated. It was this that caused he to take a chance with Hollywood. Maybe Odets was kind of trying to make it up to Garfield with Humoresque. Garfield also lost the role of Joe in Golden Boy when in came to the silver screen. Jack Warner refused to left Garfield go and the role went to William Holden. Another huge disappointment to Garfield. Finally in March of 1952 Garfield got to play the role of Joe in a revival of Golden Boy. However on May 21, 1952 Garfield died of a massive heart attack. Odets Golden Boy is set for another revival to open this November on Broadway. So, Odets's Golden Boy still remains popular to this day. Well, I have read about Garfield and Crawford first meeting in a couple of books, on the internet and here on the TCM site. Supposedly Crawford was attracted to Garfield's brazen masculinity and was happy to be working with him. He had just finished The Postman Always Rings Twice. On their first meeting, he said, "So you're Joan Crawford, the big movie star! Glad to meet ya," and pinched her breast. At first she bristled, but then she smiled and said, "I think we're gong to get along just fine." What? That was my first reaction. Really unbelievable, but like I said I have read this story in numerous places. I have also read conflicting stories regarding whether Garfield and Crawford had an affair. Some sources say no, and some say yes. In fact the yes sources say they had their affair every chance they got during the filming of Humoresque. Truth or fiction, you decide. However, knowing how much Garfield "loved the ladies" I wouldn't be suprised if it were true. Thanks Lori3. Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 13, 2012 10:37 PM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 13, 2012 10:39 PM

Dear Dargo2. You said it not me. I learned a long time ago, that people have different tastes and it doesn't help or accomplish anything when we say, "I have better taste than you." While you and I prefer the more naturalistic style of Garfield, Steward, Stanwyck and Cagney, their are others who prefer the acting style of Brando or Dean and that is ok. The thing is that many of the young actors and even not so young still consider that it was Brando who first showed how "film acting" should be done. The thing that gets me is that I wish some of these younger actors would study the history of film acting. Some of them probably never heard of Garfield and wouldn't know him if he suddenly re-appeared and bit them in the huh, behind. I think that Joanne Woodward says it best when she talks about Garfield's performance in The Postman Always Rings Twice. She says, he gives a very subtle and believable performance, and it is quite remarkable. It is nothing he does really outwardly, nothing "big" you just believe him in the film. You believe he loves Cora, and you believe his lust, anger, fear and frustration. She ends with saying something like, it is whatever he chose his character should be that makes his character work, and he is not "big" at all in it, Lana Turner is "big" but not Garfield. Some people consider Lana's performance in TPART as her best, so obvious some people like actors when they are "big" if you know what I mean. Thanks Lori3

AddisonDeWitless, you are the second person this week who doesn't like Humoresque, describing it as lousy or tripe. While it is not my favorite Garfield role, or my Crawford role I don't think the film is that bad. I am not alone in my opinion either, because I know from reading some of the internet site dedicated to her, many of her fans LOVE Humoresque. I will admit the critics had mixed reviews of this film. Joan herself may have not liked her performance in this film at first, however in her later years she said in a interview she liked Humoresque the best of all her films. This interview can be seen on You Tube. My on demand station describes this film as, "the beloved classic." She does look very beautiful in this film and her close-ups are something else. Although when close-ups are done when she is listening to Garfield play the violin, she almost looks like she is, well I will let that one go. My thought is, be thankful that your favorite has a box-set of her films, my favorite doesn't. I don't mean to be mean with the above statement and you are entitled of course to your opinion. By the way, do you know the story of what supposedly happened when Garfield and Crawford first met? Maybe you do, being a Crawford fan. However, if you don't ask me and sometime I will tell you about it. :8} Thanks Lori

AndyM108, what I was trying to say really say was that I get sick of hearing that Brando is the "father or "standard" in Method acting, and nothing more, and I am not meaning to insult Brando. Garfield was part of the Group Theater which practiced and taught the Stanislavki's system, and Lee Strasberg was also part of this orginal Group theater in the 1930's. It is may understanding that after the Group broke up Lee Strasberg started the Actor's studio where he taught the Method technique but with a little different twist on it+,+ and this is where Brando and other's where taught this technique to approach their roles with. That might be another reason why Brando's, Dean's and others are a little more vocal or active in their approach to their roles. When Garfield arrived in Hollywood in the late 30's while it was know that he was part of the Group theater there was no fanfare or promoting of his training of an actor. However, when Brando hit Hollywood his training was promoted and it indeed was "hyped" up. There is no way, no way that I would ever think that because Barbara Stanwyck was not trained in the Method technique that she was any less of a talented actress. And maybe she was using the technique of using her past childhood experiences to her approach her roles. It is just when I hear other actors, mostly of this era say something like, "Oh real acting didn't start till after Brando came on the scene" I get upset and a little mad. Number one I can't believe they know so little about the history of acting, but also in making such statements the are not only insulting Garfield, but Stanwyck, Cagney, Bogart, Robinson, Muni, Cooper, Tracy, Hepburn and many more. I say will say that with Brando's technique he did bring more visible and vocal passion to his roles, and again I am not insulting Brando in any way. I just prefer the more subtle and natural style of passion of Garfield's technique. Again, let us just say, some people like apple pie best, others like peach pie and I prefer cherry pie. No one is right or wrong, and no one is insulting the other person's preference. OK? And for the record Barbara Stanwyck has always been one of my favorites. She could do it all, and her performance in Stella Dallas, well "forget about it" she just brings it home in a beautiful way. Everytime I see that film I cry, and I have seen it many, many times. Thanks Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 13, 2012 12:06 PM

Dear REDHarlow. Please forgive me, I don't want to come across as mean, but when you write, "I don't know but Brando is still perceived as the standard of acting in America" you unfortunately are probably right that most people believe that Brando is the "standard or "father" of the Method acting style. However, this is not true and here is a copied statement from TCM Classic Star Union page that says it best. "Long before there was Brando--who ironically only won the role of Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire" on Broadway after producer Irene Mayer Selznick and Garfield could not come to terms--and long before there was Pacino and De Niro, there was Garfield. He is said to have been the first student of "The Method" to succeed in Hollywood, and in so doing changed the face not just of American acting, but the standard of film acting as well. Garfield was more than just an actor who played defiant rebels from the wrong side of the tracks. His natural style brought the internal rhythms and emotions of a character to the fore. While Edward G Robinson and Paul Muni had played the first tier of such characters on screen--and have been rightly heralded as two of the greatest American actors of all time--Garfield’s interpretation of the same sort of anti-heroes could break through sans expressionistic lighting and sound and was cloaked in a sexual energy that neither Robinson nor Muni had. Even Joan Crawford succumbed to him in "Humoresque" (1946). He burnt up the celluloid with Lana Turner as lovers who murder her husband in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1947). " Also unlike the reigning other "tough guys" of his era, e.g. Cagney and Bogart, Garfield had a touching vulnerability just under his abrasive surface that proved to be remarkably appealing. They are speaking of John Garfield, and (forgive me again)you probably are not aware of him, are you? That is ok, because he is unfortunately one of the most forgotten actors of all time. This might be due to the unjust "blacklisting" label he received after he refused to name names during the 1950's HUAC witch hunting mess. But it is so very wrong that he is so forgotten and me and other Garfield fans are working hard to try and change this fact. John Garfield died at a young age as well. At 39 years old he was found dead from a massive heart attack, which many believe (including myself) was due in a large part because of the constant harassment and stress the HUAC monster placed on him. So, while I freely admit that Brando and Dean should be considered great Method trained actors, they were not the first. It was Garfield who was the first, and he paved the way for all the others to follow. Also, Brando and Dean are of a different era than Garfield and therefore the Method acting technique is different than Garfield's was. This probably had to do with the changing tastes and culture of the times. Garfield "Method" acting is more subtle and understated than Brando or Dean's. I am not being critical of Brando or Dean, I am just saying Garfield had a different technique in his interpretation of his screen characters. The other thing is that with Brando and Dean's rebel or anti-hero characters they were always rebelling against society,they didn't want to belong to society, which was another sign of the time. With Garfield however he was a rebel or anti-hero characters desperately wanted to be let into society but his characters alway had some many "flaws" in their past that they just didn't know how to belong the "normal" society e.g. a family. With Garfield characters he was many times the eternal outsider always looking in. So to repeat myself one more time. When I hear people say or read that Brando is the standard or the first "Method" trained actor, I feel I need to speak up and remind everyone of John Garfield. I just like to see credit given were credit is do. Film historians agree that Garfield was the first "Method" trained actor to become a success in Hollywood and on the stage. Lastly that you and BrandoFan prefer your guys acting technique, and I prefer Garfield's, to me is just fine. Having our favorites is a very subjective thing. It just like saying you prefer apple pie, while I prefer cherry pie. There is nothing to argue or debate about this fact, it is just our own personal preferences. OK? I wish you luck in finding out more info on Dean, and I hope you share with us what you find out. Thanks Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 13, 2012 4:10 AM

You know Priscilla Lane had to be considered a good actress since WBs paired her with some of their "big gun" male stars e.g. Cagney, Bogart, Garfield and Powell. Here she is with my favorite John Garfield in Dust be My Destiny 1939. She always seemed to "hold her own" very well when she appeared with "strong" male actors. Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 12, 2012 8:05 PM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 12, 2012 8:34 PM

Hi TomJH. While I can understand how Mr.Grant might have felt, famous people have to know that being approached and asked for there autograph goes with their fame. It would be so sad (to me at least) if I approached a favorite star for an autograph or just to let them know how much I admired their talent and then have them be "nasty or mean" like someone earlier described how Kirk Douglas behaved once. I was happy to read that my favorite always gave his autograph when asked. Even when he was in a hurry he would say, "Ok, turn around" and then use the person's back as a board to sign his name on a piece of paper. One of my daughters use to work for a Star Bucks near Beverly Hills. She told me that quite a few "stars" came in to get their coffee. She said that Sarah Jessica Parker was always very nice but Gillian Anderson one of the stars of The X-Files was a real, well it rhymes with witch. I think also some famous people want to be recognized and complimented on their talent. Years ago when I was a floor nurse I took care of the mother of James Cameron. This was during the time he was married to Linda Hamilton. I never was on duty when he came in to visit his mother, but I frequently saw Linda when she came to visit her mother in-law with her baby. I commented on how cute her baby was and she beamed like all proud mommies, but I never said anything to her. Later in the afternoon after Linda left I commented to my patient that I didn't realize that her daughter in-law was Linda Hamilton and I thought was a very good actress. I said, I just didn't say anything to her because I didn't think it was appropriate with you being in the hospital. She said, "Oh you should of said something to her, she loves it when people recognize her and ask her for her autograph. You never know what some people what. Lori3

Hi Randy D. Hi agree with you and support your thread in celebrating the birthday of Miss Lane. There ar always some people who will attack or compare our favorites with other more iconic stars. The reason we (the fans) like and admire certain actors is highly subjective. I think that TCM must have admired and seen the talent in Priscilla Lane or why would they show a whole day's worth of her films. So, again Happy Birthday Priscilla Lane.

Thank you REDHarlow for the information. So his accident was purely related to speeding, no alcohol or anything else involved? I do think I remember years ago reading that he was going pretty fast in his car, and I do remember some where seeing a picture of his car after the crash and it very obvious no one could survive such a crash. What a shame and what a lose. Lori3

Ok AndyM108. You don't like Humoresque and I do. No problem. I didn't mean to offend you in anyway, and I apologize if I did. We all have your different opinions and tastes and that is how it should be. I just wanted to let you know that a lot of Crawford fans "love" Humoresque. Garfield fans (at least the ones I know) like Humoresque, but not as much as some of his other roles. Sorry Lori3

I agree. It sounds like Brando did give Dean good advice. Was Dean's car crash and death an accident or did he do it on purpose? Sorry, I know I could look up the above info on the internet but I don't have the time right now, and I figure someone here might know and quickly let me know. Thanks Lori3

AndyM108, You say that Humoresque is a "piece of tripe." That is your opinion of course and that is fine. However, I disagree with you. I like Humoresque very much and I think that Crawford and Garfield play off each other very well (They didn't the same level of heat that Garfield and Turner had, but this film had a different plot love the music and I think the supporting cast were very good. There are many Crawford fans who just love this film and say they cry at the end everytime.(I don;t.) I have Comcast on Demand and Humoresque is one film I can get. Part of the description of the film states, "This beloved classic" In an old interview on YouTube, Joan Crawford talks about Humoresque and says, She likes this film more than any other film she made, and that Johnny was one of the most dedicated young actors she has ever worked with." It is not my favorite Garfield film, but it is probably in my top ten. I think he is very believable in the role, and Crawford while not a very likeable character does do a very good job as well. She does look very beautiful in her close ups. I think Humoresque could be labeled a "chick flick." This is just my opinion. Thanks Lori3 P.S. I can't remember when TCM last aired Humoresque and I have never see Body and Soul on TCM. (I obviously missed the airing years ago.) If I had my choice, I would pick Body and Soul over Humoresque though. Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 12, 2012 2:18 AM

I have to agree with you Randy_D. I thought that Priscilla Lane and Robert Cummings did a great job in this film. Sometimes I think that some of our old classic stars and even our newer today stars can actually get over exposed too much of a good thing, if you know what I mean. It is nice to see what other (maybe less iconic) stars can do with a good script, director and great supporting case. This is just my opinion of course, and both Joel and Barbara were very talented actors who both made numerous great movies. Lori3

Sorry, I could n't help myself. I think some people will know why I will be watching a few of the films tomorrow celebrating Miss.Lane's birthday. She was a fine and lovely to actress for sure. However, I be watching Four Daughters especially to see John Garfield "knock it out of the park" in his first film performance in the above film. He performance is so ground breaking in that film and his Mickey Borden character is so heartbreaking as well. He just doesn't belong to this nice, clean WASP type family or with their WASP type boyfriends and husbands. Thanks Lori3. Happy Birthday Pricilla Lane.

Thanks sewannie, your explanation makes a lot of sense. The reason I sort of complained about those B pictures is that I just don't want someone who is not familiar with John Garfield to tune and think "he was OK, due to those two films. I would rather have TCM air some of his more impressive roles! The reason I didn't mention Body and Soul or Force of Evil is that I didn't think TCM had the rights to those films since they were made under Garfield's production company. I know that Olive Films will be releasing the above titles on July 31st on DVD and Blue ray on two separate discs. I am aware that Four Daughters will be aired tomorrow, 09:30am my time, followed by Daughter's Courageous, thanks. You see if it were me picking the films for John Garfield's Tribute, I would have included his first film Four Daughters (1938) and his last He Ran All The Way (1951). In both films he gives beautiful performances, and ironically he plays that "eternal outsider" alway looking in, wanting to belong, but his characters just can't figure out how to belong. (Heartbreaking in many ways.) Any ways, I am very happy and thankful that TCM is doing this tribute to John Garfield and I am glad that they are including The John Garfield Story. It is very well done, and gives us insight into some of the good things he did for this country and for minorities in film. We are also given insight into some of tragic events that marked his life. Thanks Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 11, 2012 2:53 PM

I debated for a long time before I decided to post this, just because I didn’t want to be attacked and told I don’t know what I am talking about. First of all I am thrilled that on September 19^th^ there will be a John Garfield Tribute, and the majority of the films of his they will be showing are very good. However, why in the world would “they” put in “Flowing Gold (1940) and East of the River (1940) in the mix? Two of his B pictures I have to admit. Well, I guess with Flowing Gold you also get to see Frances Farmer and Pat O’Brien, but East of the River is a real bomb. I mean Garfield does the best that he can with what he is given, but you can’t expect Chief Ramsey to make a gourmet meal with just some bologna and cheese can you? I mean why didn’t the choose to put in these time slots, something like The Fallen Sparrow, Humoresque, Saturday’s Children, Destination Tokyo, Pride of the Marine or The Postman Always Rings Twice for goodness sake? (And that is just to name a few.) Now I am not sure how films are selected to be aired on TCM. I mean does TCM have some huge vault filled with films and someone just goes in there and picks out films made by a certain actor? Or, does TCM have to deal with some kind of distributor and they get the films to air from some other company? I really don’t know, so if someone does please clue me in. It is just that Mr. Garfield made many more superior films and gave much more impressive performance than in those two “B” pictures TCM has chosen to show. Oh well, I am happy with the rest of the selection, I just wish they would of put Four Daughters in the mix too. It was his first film, and his performance is so ground breaking in it, plus we can see our first film “rebel” in his performance. Thanks Lori3 Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 11, 2012 3:09 AM

What saves this version of a Star is Born is when Judy sings! I mean, please "The Man that Got Away" the whole "Swanee" production number, and "Turn Your Frown Upside" I think gives us a glimpse of what it might have been like to see her in concert. I also think her acting is first rate in the film. I simply love Judy Garland! She was one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen. (At least that is my opinion.) And when I get to Heaven she is going to sing just for me. Lori3

ginnyfan, that is a sweet story you shared about Ginny and Judy Garland. I am sure Judy didn't mean to make Ginny nervous, but I do understand Ginny's feelings. I agree with TopBilled, you should start a blog in Ginny's honor. Also I read your other post, on the September Schedule thread. You watch Garfield and I will watch Ginny's film. I am sure I am never seen the film you mentioned. Lori3

Well thank you calvinme for posting the September schedule. People on these message boards must know I will be happy when September comes. Wednesday September 19th JOHN GARFIELD TRIBUTE. Yes! All day long. Not sure why TCM picked September 19th for the date to do a tribute to John Garfield, but I will take it, and be grateful for it! I have to purchase a DVD recorders before then. Tom, hope you read this TCM with be airing The Breaking Point on the above date. Garfield made only two more films after The Breaking Point, but he is so good in this film it is remarkable. One of my favorites, ever since Tom introduced me to it through these message boards Thank you TCM. Lori3

MarlonFan, I would encourage you to not only re-read Brando's autobiography but seek out other books that have been written about him e.g. through amazon or your local library. I mean if John Garfield has had 4 books written about his life, Marlon Brando must have around 40 written about his. Another thing is seek out some "fan club" Brando has that is active on the web. It is very nice to share things with other fans who also admire and love your favorite. Facebook is another place to look for other fans of Brando. We the fans of Garfield are really blessed because Garfield's daughter has a facebook page and she is very kind and understanding of us the fans of her father. She routinely shares with us, little known facts and pictures of her father and even occasionally visits our fan club site and comments how much she appreciates the kind things she write about her father. Next year we are all planning to meet in New York and visit John Garfield's final resting place together. I live in Oregon but I am going and I am dragging my husband with me. We will also see the sites of New York. If my husband doesn't want to go with us to the grave site, I will send he off to golf with a couple of the other fan's husbands. Sorry to get off topic again but I just thought I would share some things that MarlonFan can do to become a "passionate" admirer and fan like I am with John Garfield. Lori3 P.S. We need more passionate people in this world and on these message boards. How else are we going to drive people crazy with our "posts" about our favorites.

Happy Birthday Judy! I have loved you since I first saw you in "The Wizard of Oz" when I was a little girl. What unbelievable talent you had, God given for sure. Rest in Peace Always Judy. You are so loved. Lori