Lori3

Bilegewasser. It is funny that you mention Truman Capote. Years ago I was a big time Monty Python fan. (I still love their brand of humor.) Michael Palin was my favorite. I wrote him a short letter telling him how funny I thought he was, etc and I requested an autograph picture. I ended my letter with writing, "I have never done this type of thing before, well there was that time I wrote and requested a picture from Truman Capote. I got a picture back from him, and he wrote on the outside frame of the picture. "To Lori thanks for the nice comments, on the bottom he wrote Truman Capote, then crossed that out and signed his name, Michael Palin. I thought it was very sweet and funny of him to do that. kriegerg69, sorry about me repeating my Gene Kelly story in two different threads. I guess my memory is going, but I will never forget the night I met Mr.Kelly. Lori3

What about Robert Blake? I know he has had some problems as an adult in his later years, but he was a very good child actor. In my opinion at least. Plus he really was a cute little boy. Lori3

You already know about my Gene Kelly meeting, on the "If you could shake hands with an actor" thread. Many, many years ago I had many gentlemen callers. Just kidding. Many years ago before I married a date took me to a restaurant in Beverly Hills CA. Just a few tables away from us was sitting Jack Lemmon. I kept glancing at him off and on during our meal. When it was time to leave we passed by his table, (he had finished his meal and was talking to a couple men) and I stopped and said, "Mr.Lemmon may I have your autograph?" He said, "Finally you came over here, I have been waiting for you to stop by." He was so sweet and charming and signed his autograph for me. I think I said, "You are a great actor."

Ok MarlonFan, the reason I got to shake hands with Gene Kelly is while everyone was in the theater and after he had did his talk I saw him get up and leave to go into the lobby. I sure he did that because otherwise he would have been surrounded by about 200 or so people. When I saw him leave I got up and went down the other aisle to see if I could stop him for just one minute and shake his hand. The thing is that I had been communicating with him through a few letters prior to this. I had written him and asked for autograph picture and he sweetly sent me one with a lovely message. Then when his house almost burned down one year during Christmas, I sent him a note saying how sorry I was that this happened. Every year after that I got a Christmas card from Gene Kelly until his death. When I meet him in the lobby I put out my right hand and said, "Mr.Kelly, I am Lori so,and so." He took my right hand in his right hand then place his left hand on top and said, "How nice to finally meet you Lori." All I could say is "I think you are wonderful." He said thank you and left with a beautiful blonde on his arm. When I finally saw my friends I had came with one of my friends said, "Lori I saw the determination in your face when you got up to follow him, and the Devil himself I sure couldn't have stopped you." I when never forget that night, and how kind Gene Kelly was to one of his fans. He was older of course when I met him, but still a nice looking man, and the blonde with him was beautiful. MP stand for the MovieProfessor. Welcome Marlon fan, you read and study up on your favorite Marlon Brando (who was a great actor) and you can tell us a thing or two about him that I sure a lot of us don't know. OK? Thanks Lori3

Wow MarlonFan what ever gave you the idea I was a "big wig" in motion picture industry? Are you sure you don't have me mixed up with someone else on these message boards? No MarlonFan, I am just a fan of classic movies and the classic actors that starred in the old great movies. I have my favorites of course, and I have been a fan of the old classic movies most of my life. On my favorites I do read and study up on them. No "big wig" at all, I am simply a nurse, nothing more.(Well, I am also a wife, mother etc.) I am pretty sure you have me mixed up with someone who has the initials MP. Lori3

Well first of all I would want to do more than shake the hand of the following. I would want to shake their hand, give them a little kiss and hug and say thank you. *Judy Garland:* I would want to thank Judy for sharing her amazing talents with the world, and I would tell her she deserved the Oscar for "A Star is Born." *Lawrence Olivier:* I would want to thank Sir Olivier for introducing me to the beauty of Shakespeare. It was only through watching his Shakespearian films did I come to appreciate and further explore the plays and sonnets of the Bard. *Gene Kelly:* I did already shake Mr.Kelly's hand at a tribute for Judy Garland years ago in California. He was very kind and sweet. However, I was so tongue tied all I could say was, "I think you are wonderful." I would like a do over. *Steve Irwin:* I know he is not really an actor, (He did do one film). I would want to thank him for his pure passion and love for all the animals on this earth, even the not so cute or pretty ones. I would let him know it was because of him that I volunteer at my local zoo. And lastly, but by no means least, I would want to thank *John Garfield* for leaving us such an array of beautiful, passionate and believable performances on film for us to enjoy and marvel at. I would also say how I admired his bravery and loyalty to his friends when he refused to name names during that horrible HUAC witchhunting time. He stood strong, while others gave in. With Mr.Garfield I would want to give an extra tight hug and extra sweet kiss. They really are many other actors and actress I would be honored to shake their hands, I just don't have to time right now to list them. The ones I listed are the "top ones" in my book. Thanks Lori3

Hello Dargo2. I agree with you completely, with everything you wrote. Yes, Garfield was the "first" method trained actor to make it "big" in Hollywood and on the stage. He was trained at the famed Group theater in New York in the earlier 1930's. On the "classic film union" site you can click on the film "Castle on the Hudson" and read what he said he did to prepare for the scene where his character has to down that "Green Mile" to the electric chair. Basically he said he went back to his memory when he first had to walk on stage and speak his lines in a play on Broadway. He said, at the time I felt like I was going to the electric chair and I just thought back to how I felt during that first stage entrance and used that feeling in the film. I agree his acting was so natural and not "over the top" like I feel some of the later method actors tended to do, specially in the 1950's. Lastly, Garfield's rebel characters almost always wanted to get into society or into the respectful piece of society e.g. belong to a family. His first and last film show this "want" beautifully. (Four Daughters 1938 and He Ran All The Way 1951) In both those films the characters he portrayed wanted the feeling of belonging. but they just didn't know how to belong. Their past experiences prevented them from "really belonging" or feeling they had a right to belong to the respectful loving family. In the case of our 1950's our method trained actors they were rebelling against society, the did not want to belong, they wanted to rebel. I think the differences in the two type of "rebels" had to do with what society was going through at the time. I think that, but I could be wrong. Thanks Lori3

Wow MovieProfessor, thank you so much for your response to my question. You know how much I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You write with such insight and understanding, and it is so great that you share all your information not only with me but others on these message boards. The more information I find out about John Garfield (mainly thanks to your willingness to share) the more my interest grows in learning all I can about the man. What a complex man he was. I truly believe that if his life and career is ever brought to the screen it would make a great bio pic film. And I am not just saying that because I am just a huge John Garfield fan. What a life he had, wow! The thing is the film would have to have the "right" actor, director and it would have to be truthful to succeed. However if done correctly that might be the "key" in introducing him to today's audience. The thing that "hurts" not only me but other passionate John Garfield fans is that he is so forgotten. We his fans, really don't understand why this is so. I mean he was just as of fine of an actor as any of his peers, e.g. Cagney, Bogart or Robinson. He should be right up there with those iconic stars of yesterday. His talent as an actor should take a back seat to no one! My petition to get a box-set of his films finally on the market has garnered some real support from an administer of a film noir website / club I belong to. She posted the petition on her blog and is working with people she knows in marketing to help promote it on other film noir websites, and at some film noir festivals as well. I am so happy about her willingness to help me because my petition is just sort of just sitting there with little to no activity. I really thought I would get a lot of support for the petition from the TCM people here, but no such luck, and again this fact really confuses me. Oh well, hopefully film noir fans will be more interested in getting a box-set of his films finally on the market. Again thank you MP. What you shared I need to fully digest and re-read, but you probably know I will have another question or two for you regarding the info in your post. I will PM you in a day or two and as always please take you time in getting back to me. OK? If there is anyone who is reading this, and would be interested in seeing a box-set of John Garfield's films on the market please let me know, and I will provide you with the website link to get you to the petition. OK? I think that John Garfield deserves a box-set of his films, don't you? Thanks Lori3

Excuse me! Dargo. So sorry, I guess spell check didn't catch my mistake.

Drago2, I admit nothing I do not want to admit. Ok, I will give you the ears, but no their noses were different. Sorry, that how I "see" it. Thanks Lori3

Thanks MovieProfessor. I wonder why those "leading ladies" at first resisted the idea of working with him? Was it because of his reputation of a "womanizer" and they were afraid he would put the "make on them?" However, I am glad to hear there was that "change of heart" along with respect. Nice to know. I read that Lana said that "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was her personal favorite of all the films she made. I also heard in an old interview (on YouTube) that Joan Crawford, liked Humoresque the best out of all the films she made. Both co-starred Garfield, so that to me says "something" special about him. Thanks Lori3

Huh, Drago2 you need glasses or a new prescription. Please! I think you do these kind of things just to see if you can get a reaction out of people. Their lips are different, their hair is different, their eyes are different. But to be fair I do think I remember reading that Moe was in the running for the part of Frank in The Postman Always Rings Twice. And when he didn't get the part Lana was just heartbroken! However,after filming began she changed her mind and was very happy Garfield was playing opposite her. I don't know but she looks pretty happy to me. Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 6, 2012 1:34 AM Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 6, 2012 1:49 AM

Hey ginnyfan. Thanks for the info regarding archive.org and those old radio shows. I have heard some radio shows with Garfield, but none of the ones you mention. I will definitively check it out. Thanks too for viewing my YouTube video, and thanks for the comment and I agree with what you wrote. Good luck with "your" Ginny project. Lori

I think Vivien Leigh was one of the most beautiful and talented actresses ever to grace the silver screen. She has been one of my favorites ever since I saw her in a re-release of Gone With The Wind on the big screen when I was 13 years old. I think she made so few films because she was busy working on the London stage with her equally beautiful then husband Lawrence Olivier. Years ago I read a great book about the two of them titled "Love Scene." They really loved each other very much, but when she developed her manic-depressive disorder he tried to deal with it but after awhile he just couldn't and they divorced. She died at her home in London of Tuberculosis at the age of 53. When Olivier was notified of her passing he went to her house and spent hours alone with her holding her body. Years ago I saw a interview with William Wyler who directed Wuthering Heights. She was offered the role of Isabella but she refused, she wanted the role of Cathy. Wyler said, "Look Vivien, you are not yet known here in the US, Isabella is the best role you can get right now, take it." She still refused. He laughed and said, "I guess she showed me, she ended up getting the role of Scarlet O'Hara!" She was just one of the very best in my opinion. Lori

Hey ginnyfan. I was thinking of you when The Women 1939 aired this morning on TCM. It came on at 5am where I live! I love the part where she goes into the bathroom after her mother tells her that she and her father are getting a divorce. I always start crying when Virginia cries and says, "Daddy darling do something, do something." She really shows in very truthful way how a child is traumatized by divorce. Also, just for you I wrote her name in the search box on YouTube and some videos came up with her in them. Mostly clips from her movies, but one looks like it is a radio show she did with John Barrymore in 1940, "The Great Man Votes." My favorite, John Garfield has quite a few YouTube videos on him and a few tributes. Just last week I uploaded my tribute to him, another assignment from the "Garfield Gang" to help increase his recognition. It would be great if you checked out my YouTube video and let me know what you thought. The title is "John Garfield, My Humble Tribute" and my youtube name is LoveTigers5. It is about 3 minutes long, and if you just type the title in the search box you should find it easily. Maybe you should do a YouTube tribute for Ginny? Lori Edited by: Lori3 on Jun 5, 2012 2:35 AM

When I was a little girl my favorite Looney Tunes cartoon character was "Bugs Bunny" I loved his "wise cracking" taunts and his "tough" little demeanor. I guess even when I was little I went for the "tough guys." Lori

Well ValentineXavier "hooray!" I still think too many people are not aware of this great film. I wish TCM would air it more often. I have never seen it on TCM. I only see it when I rent it from my local video store that carries tons of classic films and actually has a John Garfield section! Go figure. Thanks too for the info regarding the "pre-mature antifascists" very interesting. Thanks Lori

Hey Sepiatone. I was about 11 years old when I had a crush on Tommy Kirk, and I had no idea there were different teams. However, I think that is why Disney asked he to go. Walt found out he was playing on the "wrong" team and Walt and Mickey wouldn't tolerate that! Thanks Lori

Yes ginnyfan, your wife and I sound like we both love animals and sometimes we drive our husband's crazy because of our concern and love for animals. Tell your wife thanks for caring. Oh and thank you willbefree25 and slaytonf for your support. slaytonf it is funny you mention Monty Python, because I love their "brand" of humor. Lori

Well I like the month of June. June 12th at 1:30pm "Four Daughters" 1938. John Garfield's first film and he became a star after it was released. NY Times in 1938 stated in part; "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. Our vote, though is for Mr. Garfield." With Garfield's performance our first on screen rebel was born. June 12th at 3pm "Daughters Courageous" 1939. Sort of follow-up to Four Daughters with same cast, just now playing different characters. Worth watching if only for Garfield and Claude Rains performances. June 19th at 3:15am "He Ran All The Way" 1951. John Garfield's last film. Many were amazed that Garfield got this film made, since it was made during the HUAC mess. Garfield does look older and world weary, but still handsome. He gives a beautiful multi-layered performance, one of his best. Garfield, director and one of the screenwriters were all blacklisted. Shelly Winters co-stars and is very good in it, and she stated 'it was one of the most remarkable and important films I was ever to do." June 21st at 6am "Thank Your Lucky Stars" I have never seen this film only Garfield's piece where he roughs up Eddie Canton and sings. His piece is on YouTube, and he is very cute and charming in it. Thanks

Excuse me TikiSoo. Didn't I say "I guess people back then didn't know any better?" I didn't say women or men who worn just such pieces were monsters. And what I was referring too was those fur fox pieces women draped over their bodies with the head and tail still attached. To me it is disgusting. Do you know how many animals are extinct because of man? There use to be 8 different types of Tiger species in this world. Now there is only 5, thanks to man. And there are many more species of animals who are rapidly becoming extinct. This to me is terribly wrong. I realize it was a different time in the 30's and 40's but I would like to think we have learned a little since then. I can't help it if I found the monkey made coat they showed at the zoo made me sick. I think I have a right to my own opinion and you have a right to yours. I was just voicing my opinion. Lori

Hey javalina. It looks like we are the only two who know about this wonderful film The Fallen Sparrow. Maybe if TCM would air it a little more often people would discover it. It is a great film,yet somehow it is a lost and forgotten one. Again much like the star, John Garfield. Lori

Oh Fred, Fred don't you know me by now. Brando never did anything for me, and his Stanley in Street Car was just too mean. (Don't get mad Brando fans, he was a great actor, but not my "cup of tea.") Now Fred if you husbands maybe acted more like John Garfield us wifes might act more like Lana Turner, and keep dropping our lipsticks.

Thanks slaytonf. Such a digusting fashion statement back in the day! I would like to think that even if I was around in the 30's and 40's I wouldn't have wanted one of those poor dead animals to carry around with me. I have always been an animal lover, and have done what I can to help prevent the misuse, abuse and killing of our furry and not so furry friends. I guess the people back then didn't know any better.

Fred, I don't know what to say but, "You are a bad one." Lori