Lori3

Thank you MovieProfessor for such interesting information. I have one question for you regarding an earlier post of yours where you wrote, "{font:Arial}{color:black}funny that there were so many other performers in films before Marlon who were strong disciples of Stanislavski, such as Paul Muni and for my money, the greatest of them all, John Garfield, just to name a few." I didn't realize that Paul Muni was a "disciple of Stanislavski" which would later become known as the method. I am in no way arguing with you because you obviously know your stuff. It is just that I read a biography on Paul Muni (many years ago) and I don't remember the "method" being mentioned. I do remember reading that he many times "really became the character" to the point of bringing the character home with him. Which from what I have read is not a very "healthy" thing to do, and his wife wasn't happy when he came home as the "Scarface" character. I too think Paul Muni was a great actor, no question about that. But if he was a student of Stanislavski, then that makes Muni the first "method" actor of Hollywood not Garfield. NO I want John Garfield to be the first! (Just kidding) I know that many film historians consider John Garfield as the first method actor, and that Garfield set the stage for Brando and all the others. So, where does Paul Muni fit in with this method acting discussion? Thanks, I look forward to your response. {font}

Sprocket Man you bring up a good point. That is hearsay and it is inadmissible, but obviously the HUAC monsters didn't can about the LAW. And what about innocent until proven guilty? How could they blacklist people and ruin their careers without solid evidence? I mean they blacklisted John Garfield ruined his film career, and a month after he died they cleared his name. Couldn't a person who was blacklisted sue them for defamation of character? Unbelievable that this HUAC mess happened in this country. So what did the other 9 of the Hollywood 10 think about Dmytryk becoming a friendly witness? And after Dmytryk did talk did his career flourish again? Thanks

Thanks Fred for posting this. I find all this HUAC stuff and the testimonies very interesting. Really unbelievable that this happened in our country.

Yeah! Geminigirl, I also would love to see John Garfield in the role of Stanley Kowalski! Can I share your wish with you? Really can't take away from Brando's performance as Stanley, but it would have been so interesting and great to see what Garfield would have done with the role. I actually really disliked the Stanley character, he was such a brute and so mean! When Garfield played a criminal he always showed the inner sensitivity side of character and I don't know if Stanley had just a side. Garfield did play a criminal who was completely mean and cruel inside and out in "Out of the Fog," so I am sure he could have done it and done the role really well. However it obviously it wasn't meant to be.

TopBilled I like "Under My Skin" too. I never knew who Michelline Presle was till I saw the movie. She was very pretty, and evidently Garfield thought so too because according to Robert Nott's biography on him, Garfield "made a pass" at her (which he did with many of his leading ladies) but she wasn't interested, she was in love with the producer of the film. You might be right in that Garfield would denied that McCarthy's and his gang "licked" him. From all I have read about him he was at times a tough little guy.When the FBI tried to make a deal with him by asking him to sign a statement that his wife was once a member of the communist party (they showed him her old communist membership card) according to Nott, he looked at the card then looked at the FBI agents and said, well it starts with a F and ends with K you, and walked out. Yeah, he was a tough and brave man. The problem was he heart wasn't that tough. Many of his friends and family have said, if he could have only held out for another month everything would have been ok. His name was cleared of all wrong doings a month after he died. Robert Nott tells the story when Garfield got the subpoena from HUAC and his wife said his face turned an ash white. I think those committee creeps frighten a lot of the Hollywood stars, even John Garfield. But Garfield found his courage when he testified and refused to name names and supposedly told them, "you can ask me any thing about me, but don't ask me about my wife or about my friends, period. Why the American people put up with that whole mess and lies the committee was dishing out I don't know. I guess the committee members frighten the people too.

Hey markus21. Thanks for the information. I guess TCM will be airing one of Deanna's film on May 14th. I put alarm on my phone, so I will either watch or tape. Thanks again.

I agree with you completely johnbabe. The method actor draws on their inner personal experiences and emotions. Say the actor or actress needs to cry in a scene. They then might think back to when their dog died, and bring back to their memory how they felt etc, and then comes the tears. Maybe a rather simple example but I hope you know what I mean.

Topbilled Tom is correct. The negotiations for the film Taxi could not be reached because Garfield was too hot to handle. The other thing regarding the film "Under My Skin" is that it was filmed in the fall of 1949 and Garfield didn't testify before HUAC untill April 23, 1951. HUAC wasn't happy with his testimony and had the FBI follow him. The FBI found nothing on him. Then his name appeared in the Red Channels pamphlet, linking Garfield to something like 17 suspect organizations. There was the blacklisting and people were afraid, afraid to have their name or studio linked with his. Yes he could of traveled overseas and perhaps made some movies and in fact many of his friends begged him to do so, including his wife. He refused, he was not about leave the country he so dearly loved. That was what was so tragic about Garfield being accused of being a communist sympathizer. He was a loyal American who supported his country in many ways. He was one of first actors to travel overseas during WWII to entertain the troops. He along with Bette Davis formed the Hollywood Canteen. I read that he spent the last month of his life frantically searching through old papers, to find anything that would prove he was not a harm to the country he loved. It is also written that after his death the FBI showed up at his home and his widow answered the door, and said, "He is dead, what more do you want?" Yes HUAC was responsible for his film career downfall, and they were in a large part responsible for his premature death as well.Of course his name was cleared by HUAC about a month after his death. A very sad ending to a very great actor.

Hi markus23. Thanks for correcting me on the Deanna and Judy story. I thought I heard somebody say L.B.Mayer said, "lose the fat one" on a special on Judy, but maybe not. Any ways, I will admit of course Deanna Durbin had a beautiful voice and I also admit I have not seen very many of Deanna films, so maybe I should see some more just to be fair. However, to me Judy will always be my favorite. When she sang there was always such feeling and soul in her voice it just has always moved me. Sometimes Judy can bring me to tears, and many times I get chills hearing her sing. I first fell in love with Judy when I was a child and saw her in "The Wizard of Oz." And now that I am a grown women with two married daughters I still love her. The next time TCM airs one of Deanna's films I will make a point to watch it or tape it. I again admit they were both very talented ladies, and they both deserve to have their films and performances cherished by their fans. Thanks

Hi everyone. I was very happy to see all of the posting on this thread. Thank you for some very interesting posts. It seems like this thread has kind of gotten off subject, but that ok HUAC is a interesting subject, even though it was a shameful part of our history. And, of course many careers and lives were destroyed as a direct result of being Blacklisted. I originally started this thread because I was upset that an author of an article regarding the film "Force of Evil" stated in part, John Garfield's career was not destroyed by HUAC. That statement really upset me, and I couldn't believe that TCM would ok such a wrong and untruth to be stated. I felt I was "put in my place" by Kyle of Hollywood after my orginal post and I wanted now to respond to his post. But first I want to say: 1. Thank you to FredCDobbs for posting the pictures. Those photos are actually taken in 1947 when a group of Hollywood stars traveled to Washington to protest against HUAC. The Committee for the 1st Amendment is what they called themselves, and the group included Bogart, Bacall, Garfield and others. So that is why there are pictures of Garfield and Bacall signing autographs. I don't think anyone would want to sign autographs after being "bullied" by HUAC. Although according to Julie Garfield, after nearly 10 hours of questioning, some of the HUAC members were actually fighting to see who would go out to dinner with her father. (Unbelievable!) 2. When I wrote "who knows what performances John Garfield would had left us with had he not died so young." Someone here, (I am sorry, can't remember who) wrote that such a statement can be made about any actor or actress who dies young e.g. James Dean. Well of course that is true, that can be said from James Dean to Heath Ledger. It always a tragic thing when real talent is taken from us at a young age. But I was writing about John Garfield, and I meant no offense to James Dean or any other actor/actress who died at a young age. Fans of any actor/actress can start a thread on them. OK? 3. Kyle in Hollywood. I continue to stand by what I wrote. John Garfield's career was destroyed by HUAC and the Blacklisting. It was not just damaged, it was destroyed in a matter of about 18 months. Yes, I have seen the John Garfield Story you refered to, and God Bless TCM for being a part of it. I have it on DVD and in it Luther Adler's neice told how Garfield came to her toward the end and said, "I am no longer a movie star." He wanted to make movies, continue to be a movie star, that is what he identified himself with. Some might say that it was his ego that wanted back the frame and admiration that Hollywood had given him. Well I say so what. The guy grew up in the slums of New York, with little to no parental guidance, sleeping on a bunch of old coats instead of a bed, where rats frequently visited. His was a true rags to riches story, the American dream coming true. That dream began to end in the early 1950's for Garfield. Julie Garfield tells a story on youtube that her mother told her about HUAC. HUAC supposedly wanted one "big name" to get, a liberal Jew. The names that came up were Edward G. Robinson, Danny Kaye and John Garfield. The studio heads said take Garfield. Many believe that the reason they said Garfield was because he was the only one of the three who wasn't under contract to a studio. Garfield had started his own production company, to have better control over the roles he played and the studio heads were not happy with that, so they threw him to the wolves. Regarding the Classic Film Union page, you maybe right regarding his co-stars I haven't had a chance to check it all out yet. However under the film "Force of Evil" Robert Alrich is listed as the director. This of course was wrong Abraham Polonsky was the director who was also Blacklisted. I was upset (obviously) when I stated I was thinking about notifying Julie Garfield about the article. I would not do that because I wouldn't want to cause her any pain or be the cause of an angry response to TCM or the author of the article. And you may be right,she might just leave it alone, due to her relationship with TCM. That of course is her business. However, I belong to a John Garfield fan club, which has a website. A few of it's members, including myself are in the process of trying to increase the star recognition of John Garfield. One of the members contacted Ms.Garfield and told her about the website. She posted on it on Sunday, and I posted my complaint about Felicia Feaster article right after her post went up. So if she sees my post or not and what her response will be we will have to left to the fates. Yes, I am a passionate John Garfield fan and like many of his fans we become very frustrated when time after time we see how he is forgotten, how many times untruths are printed about him and he not given the credit for which he so richly deserves. He was an actor who changed the very "soul" of acting. When he first hit the screen in Four Daughters in 1938 people where stunned by what they saw, but the liked what they saw, very much so. What they saw was perhaps a regular guy up on the screen, someone they could identify with. He was a regular guy who just happened to be blessed with an remarkable talent. Yes, HUAC destroyed his career and his life. But the people in the end spoke louder than HUAC when on May 23, 1952 10,000 distraught fans lined the streets of where his funeral was held. I intend to contact the author of the article and whoever I can at TCM to register my complaint. It probably will not change anything, but I know I will feel better after I do it. Thanks P.S. I don't why the size of the font changed, and I don't know how to fix it. Sorry. Edited by: Lori3 on Mar 27, 2012 4:28 AM

Thank you, thank you willbefree25 for your last post. Perfect response. And thank you izcutter for the information you shared with me. I in no means want this to turn into a angry thread but I still need to respond to Kyle in Hollywood. Just need to pull my thoughts together before I do. I feel like I was just "put in my place" for telling the truth. I am sorry if I came off as too sensitive and too thin skinned, but I still stand by my words. To say that John Garfield's career was not destroyed by HUAC is a untruth, and reveals that little research was done on the subject. Who knows what performances John Garfield would left us had HUAC not made their false accusations. Thanks

There is no way to e-mail this person. The is no "screen name" and one can't click on her name Felicia Feaster and be directed to her e-mail. Thanks

Izcutter, all I know is when I click on "Details" under information about the film it took me to a different page regarding the film "Force of Evil." The title or heading over the article stated, "Read TCM's Article on The Force of Evil." I know in certain sections you can contribute information, but with this article you can not contribute or try and correct. That is fine that TCM allows fans to contribute their opinions and information on stars and films, BUT I would think that TCM would first want to review articles for true and accurate information. This is untrue information on a section of the TCM site. Fans or people unfamiliar with HUAC and John Garfield's career could easily read this and take it as the truth. I was only kidding when I said TCM could pay me. I would do it for free, just to correct such false statements, but as I said there is no way I can even make a counter statement against that article. Julie Garfield was very upset and enraged when a writer on the NY Times recently wrote about a future revival of the play Golden Boy and the writer failed to mention her father's name. I personally think she would be quite upset about this article as well. Her father's memory deserves to have the truth written about him, not inaccurate and false information. If TCM can not review all the information that fans contribute then they (TCM) should at least have a disclaimer that reads; "TCM can not verify the accuracy of this information or it's truthfulness. I am not sure if you are an employee of TCM but I thank you for your information and as I said I love TCM and appreciate all the great films they air and I appreciate this site that allows us classic movie fans to share our thoughts, frustrations and opinions with other like minded fans. Thank you.

If you have never have checked out your favorite actor or actress under the Classic Film Union page you might want to do so. If you do be sure click on the "Details" link. That is where I found this unbelievable piece. This was written as an article for the film "Force of Evil." Garfield was also branded an "uncooperative" during the HUAC trials, suspected of being a Communist or supportive of Communist causes along with actors such as Edward G. Robinson, Paul Muni, Sylvia Sidney and Melvyn Douglas. Garfield's career was not destroyed as some were by the HUAC trials, but he did turn to the stage as a momentary sabbatical from film work. The article was written by Felicia Feaster. When somebody writes an article for TCM regarding a certain film or actor one would expect that particular person would do some research before they wrote the article. I mean is that asking too much? *Seriously, don't you think we could do a better job?* Oh no Garfield's film career wasn't destroyed at all. He just went from being a popular & major film star to 18 months with no film offers and seeing every major studio close their doors right in his face. He saw television spots pulled away from him, a commerical for the Red Cross was pulled out of his hands, and he saw certain so called friends turn their backs on him. The FBI tapped his phone, and took to following him around New York. He was hounded to death by the lovely men of HUAC. One of the greatest actors that this country has ever produced dead at the 39 due to in large part to the stress he was under thanks to the HUAC witch hunters. This all happened to an innocent man. Not only was his film career destoryed, but his life was destoryed as well. TCM I love you, but if you are going to allow someone to write an article regarding a film or certain actor/actress PLEASE make sure they do some research and know some film history before their words are put up on your site. Numerous errors are listed under John Garfield, e.g. stating certain people were his co-stars in films when many of these people never starred with Garfield once. TCM put me on your payroll and I will fix John Garfield's site with accurate and true information. I am very sure many on this message board could do the same for their favorite actor or actress. I still haven't decided if I am going to post the above misinformation on Julie Garfield facebook page. Seriously TCM or supervisors of the Classic Film Union section I don't think you want to face the anger of John Garfield's daughter especially when it concerns the truth about her father. If anyone knows who I can contact regarding this misinformation on John Garfield I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Hey what about the entire cast of the film Juarez! Never before have I seen such a boring film that boasted of such talented cast. I don't know what happened because the film had the "cream of the crop" as far as acting goes and a great director, but boy what a bomb! To me no one was believable in their roles. Paul Muni was so stiff it was ridiculous, and not pleasant to watch. Bette Davis over acted her part, Claude Rains over acted as well, and what was with Brain Aherne hairdo? Even my favorite actor John Garfield could not save this lemon. I don't think he was meant to do period films, but I kind of liked the moustache and goatee look. I read that John Huston blamed the film's failure on Paul Muni. Evidently Muni insisted that his brother in-law be brought in to "beef up" or really ruin the script. Well, thank you Mr.Muni. While I admit Paul Muni was a great actor, and I especially enjoyed him in "Scarface" and "I am a fugitive from a chain gain' in many of his films he too tended to over act. I think Muni would have done better if he would have left his wife and brother in-law at home.

While your television set is on TCM a Genie magically appears. The Genie says you have 3 wishes but the wishes must be what you would want 3 of your favorite actors or actresses to perform just for you. The actors/actress can be living or dead, and the performance can be from a movie, play, a song, dance or something you want them to recite. What would your 3 wishes be? Mine would be: # Have Judy Garland sing “Make Someone Happy” just for me. # Have Sir Lawrence Olivier recite anything from Shakespeare just for me. # Have John Garfield perform the part of Joe Bonaparte from the play Golden Boy just for me. Edited by: Lori3 on Mar 20, 2012 3:21 AM

"He Ran All The Way", The Life of John Garfield" 2003, Robert Nott. Beautiful and yet somewhat sad forward by his daughter Julie Garfield. The author pulls no punches in writing about Garfield's life, clearing stating his flaws, triumphs and tragedies. Heartbreaking in parts, but a very interesting life to read about.

I think preferring Deanna Durbin to Judy Garland is a personal preference, and also kind of comparing apples or oranges. They were two different type of singers. I remember my mother loved Deanna but didn't care much for Judy. Where I LOVED Judy, and really didn't get Deanna's appeal. Forgive me if this has been posted already(I didn't fully read all the posts). I am referring to the famous comment Louis B Mayer made after viewing Judy and Deanna in some short film, where they are singing at a park.(Someone must know the name of the short?) Mayer supposedly said, " lose the fat one." So "they" let Deanna go, and signed Judy to a MGM contract. What Mayer really meant was for "them" to lose Judy and sign Deanna. All I know is when I get to heaven I plan to ask God for three things 1. To have Judy Garland sing for me. 2. To have Lawrence Olivier recite anything from Shakespeare for me. 3. To have John Garfield perform the play Golden Boy for me. Now that to me would be heaven. *That might be a good thread to start. What three actors or actresses would you want to meet in Heaven and what would you like to see them perform for you?* *You already have my answers.* Thanks* B-)*

Excuse me. You are correct. All I wanted to do was mention Payne Stewart in this theard because he was one of my favorite golfers, and a joy to watch. He and all the others were in a plane and it eventually crashed and they were all dead. It was a very sad day for the golfing world, and for fans of professional golf. R.I.P. Payne, a good Christian man, always wearing his WWJD braclet on his wrist.

Payne Stewart. Not an actor but great professional golfer, character, and a joy to watch!

Hey, I sorry too. The information you posted regarding the origins of The Method acting style very interesting, and I think quite accurate. Thanks

I believe John Garfield's daughter would strongly disagree with you. If you go the John Garfield's facebook you can read a letter she wrote to NY Times. In it she states that the paper mistakenly made reference that Brando was the father of Method acting. She states that film historians agree that Garfield was the first Method actor. I have also heard her state this fact in interviews and on the 2003 documentary about her father.

Well FredCDobbs don't yell at the messenger (me). I started by quoting what Karl Malden said regarding how important it is for the Method actor to listen to the other actors. This is obviously part of the training that the Method actor receives. There are plenty of great actors especially in the classic era who weren't trained in the Method style e.g. Bogart and Huston. I guess it a personal preference, I prefer that when I am talking the other person is listening, and I return the favor when the other person is talking I listen. That to me is realistic. But again, it is a personal preference. OK? I think most people listen when other people are talking about them or talking about something that interests them. That is what I see Garfield doing in his films. He listens, and you can see him listen without saying a word. OK?

Yes Sepiatone I agree with jamesjazzguitar, you used perfect examples with Garfield and Dean. Garfield of course was the first Method actor to make it in Hollywood, but as you said his acting style is much more natural. He was able to say much with his facial expressions and the use of his eyes. He didn't have run around in his movies screaming and crying, he was just natural and he let his inner emotions come quietly to the surface. Where as Dean and others to me sometimes they kind of "chew up the scenery." I never got why Dean was so popular and considered such a great actor. To me he just always seemed to be whining and crying, especially in Rebel without a Cause, and East of Eden. I always wanted to slap his face and say, "grow up." I heard Karl Malden say that 'listening" to the other actors is an important part of Method acting. If you watch Garfield in his films you can see him "listening" to the other actors, and reacting with facial expressions and gestures. Sorry, obviously I am a big John Garfield fan. I will end with one more fact. Did you know that Garfield was the first choice to play Stanley in Streetcar Named Desire on Broadway? I guess it couldn't work out because other obligations he had. Also, he was the first to receive the script to On the Waterfront. But, he didn't do it because he died before filming began. (Sorry I guess that is two facts) I think Spencer Tracy might have been right when he said, "Less is more" when it comes to screen acting.

I think Vivian Leigh was born to play Scarlett O'Hara, period. That is my opinion. I do think that "they" could have done a better job in casting the part of Ashley though.