bhryun Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Perhaps TCM will run a salute? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhryun Posted March 8, 2005 Author Share Posted March 8, 2005 It would be splendid if TCM could play some of the fine films that Ms. Wright graced with her acting, especially if they included "The Men" and "Shadow of a Doubt" along with "Pride of the Yankees, containing my three favorite Wright performances. Amusingly, according to the New York Times obit for Teresa Wright, who died at age 86, she chose to be an anti-glamour girl, specifically nixing any cheesecake photos or hints of affairs planted in showbiz columns in her '40s contracts. Ms. Wright, with the bemused perspective of age, was quoted as saying in 1969 that "I was going to be Joan of Arc, and all I proved was that I was an actress who would work for less money." Yes, but how many actresses worked with everyone from Gary Cooper to Marlon Brando under the guidance of such directorial luminaries as William Wyler, Alfred Hitchcock and Elia Kazan? Nice work if you can get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansi4 Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 I'm gonna miss this sweet, appealing actress who I enjoyed watching in many of her films, especially "Mrs. Miniver", "The Pride of the Yankees", "The Little Foxes", "Shadow of a Doubt", etc. I can recall her at the Oscar reunions sitting on stage at the very end since her name began with "W". It's also sad to imagine that she and Virginia Mayo were the last surviving cast members in "The Best Years of Our Lives". I was always hoping that she would be sitting opposite Robert Osborne for one of his interviews since she played with some of the very best in Hollywood and would have had some great stories to tell. Rest in peace dear lady. Mongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deborahwakid11 Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Hi, Bansi 4: Yes, it is sad. I heard the news this morning. What a wonderful talent and underrated actress. As you said, the last surviving cast member for "Best Years of Our Lives." Not only that, but what a down-to-earth, wonderful, sweet lady. I know that Teresa Wright is one of several people who participated in that "Archival Project" on the movies for TCM, which were all record on VHS. Karen Morley, Frances Dee, Kitty Carlisle Hart, Margaret O'Brien are some of the others who were listed in the archival list. So, maybe there will be some special with Teresa sometime. I hope they do an "In Memorium" at least. I saw Teresa on a "Word of Mouth," where she was talking about making of "Mrs. Miniver," which was filmed before U.S. got into the war. She was nominated for two Oscars that year. She won for Supporting Actress for "Mrs. Miniver." I remember Teresa saying, "On the one hand, you want to win for Best Actress, but thinking of the boys fighting that war overseas, my heart was with "Mrs. Miniver" (and Greer Garson). I thought, "What a lovely thing to say. You're the real thing, a real class act." I remember several years ago reading this book on film by movie critic and writer James Agee. He was reviewing Ms. Wright for her performance in "Best Years of Our life." In it, he compares her to another actress who left us about a year ago, another underrated actress. Both of their memories will live on in message boards like this as well as the memories of Classic Movie fans. Here it is, as written in 1946, by James Agee: Film critic James Agee even singled out Wright's performance as particularly noteworthy in his review of THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES for The Nation (December 28, 1946): "I cannot ... resist speaking briefly ... of Teresa Wright. Like Frances Dee, she has always been one of the very few women in movies who really had a face. Like Miss Dee, she has also always used this translucent face with delicate and exciting talent as an actress, and with something of a novelist's perceptiveness behind the talent. And like Miss Dee, she has never been around nearly enough. This new performance of hers, entirely lacking in big scenes, tricks, or obstreperousness -- one can hardly think of it as acting -- seems to me one of the wisest and most beautiful pieces of work I have seen in years. If the picture had none of the hundreds of other things it has to recommend it, I could watch it a dozen times over for that personality and its mastery alone." I thought then as now, what a lovely tribute, to both ladies. May they both rest in peace. You were grand ladies, both of you. Rest in peace Teresa. Deborah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
path40a Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 What a shame, she's always been a favorite of mine and she had an incredible start to her career: her first three performances were Oscar nominated! The Little Foxes (1941), Mrs. Miniver (1942), and The Pride of the Yankees (1942) Combine these with her fourth film, Alfred Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt (1942), and they don't come many better than that ... the Oscar winning Best Picture The Best Years of Their Lives (1946) was only her sixth film! And it would have been nice to have seen her opposite Robert Osborne right her on TCM too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandykaypax Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Oh, I am so sad to read of Ms. Wright's passing. I didn't see anything about it on the imdb this morning... My favorite role of hers is as Charlie in SHADOW OF A DOUBT. I remember the first time that I watched that film (on videotape), I was soooo caught up in the movie, that when Charlie is trying to find out about her uncle, she realizes that the info she needs is in the library, and I looked at the clock in my living room and shouted at the tv screen, "but it's 9:00! The library is closed!" And then I laughed at myself for thinking that the movie was happening in real time. Sandy K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilelmhr Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 I always enjoyed watching TERESA WRIGHT emote, especially during the '40s when she appeared in so many classic films. And I sincerely believe that both she and Dana Andrews really deserved Oscar nominations for their work in THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. Although I'm glad that Hollywood honored Fredric March and Harold Russell, I thought that Andrews and Wright were equally impressive and totally convincing--especially touching in that final scene at the wedding. Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosinryanz Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 I will very much miss Theresa Wright. She was a great actress and a star. Fortunately, we have films like Best Years and Mrs. Miniver to remember her by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stan36saz Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 What a wonderful actress she was. She will truly be missed. Thank goodness for her films on VHS and DVD and her movies shown on TCM as well,so she will always be remembered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bggalaxy Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 Good-bye, Lark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliteblue Posted March 8, 2005 Share Posted March 8, 2005 This is sad news. The golden age of Hollywood is slipping fromus all. My thoughts and prayers go to her daughter & son and grand children and friends.Goodbye Charlie the waltz is playing in honor of you..... lolite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangman9312 Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Sad news. A unique actress. I can think of no one who had her combination of class, intelligence, and independence. All of it along with that down-to-earth "girl-next-door" appeal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicsfan1119 Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Another loss that is so hard to take. She was such a darling, and such a fine actress who leaves behind a wealth of wonderful movies to remember her by. My deepest Condolences to her son, daughter, grandchildren, and many friends. ML Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickdimeo Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 I just saw her on Bonanza last week on TV Land and I couldn't believe how lovely she looked at middle age. I started to reflect on her career while watching the episode and thought about how she was one of our last remaining legends. This is very sad news but she'll live on forever young in those great classics she left behind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerl964 Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 This is A-typical these days of tv shows such as: ET & Access Hollywood-(more reporting on what current star of the month, is sleeping with another, instead of barely mentioning the passing of this ACADEMY AWARD winning lady???) I know of a grand gal of whom runs a superb website www.reelclassicsbyelizabeth.com & this is among her all-time favs. along with *Olivia de Havilland-(1916-) Matter of fact, I've never read nor heard 1 negative thing about *Teresa Wright!? Welp, yet another "Golden Age Heavyweight"-(true, she was not a Garbo, *Davis & *K. Hepburn. Meaning, a huge Box-0ffice draw & name above the title type of actress. But, she was marvelous! Being more than just a fan of *"The Great: Spencer Tracy"-(1900-67) I also fondly recall her-(& as long as film is there, they are still for the most part, alive) in 1953's "The Actress" In which he starred with another genuine & talented "Lady"-Jean Simmons-(1927-) & about what I personally rate as the finest critic of all-time: James Agee-(of course he turned screenwriter: "African Queen" &"Night of the Hunter") I agree, that her performance in *"Best Years" was greater than her OSCAR winning turn in *"Mrs.Miniver"-(just my view) & for some that may recall her brief role in 1980's massive cult-flick "Somewhere In Time"-(P.S. which arguably has 1 of thee greatest scores of all-time by *John Barry. Almost at times identical to his beautiful *"Out of Africa" music) & unfortunately, they do seem to go in 3's. So whom is next? Wonder why TCM & Mr. 0sborne never had *Wright on "Pvt. Screenings?" It's getting mighty empty, as far as these folks go, to interview anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moviejoe79 Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 What surprising news. It's so sad that we're losing so many Golden Age stars. I've loved Teresa ever since I saw her in "The Little Foxes." I was so taken with her emotionally charged performance, and impressed with the fact that she could hold her own next to the great Bette Davis. And she had a great natural beauty, she didn't even need makeup since her look was wholesome. I also loved her in "The Best Years of Our Lives," and "Shadow of a Doubt." I also admire the fact that she never really went "Hollywood" but instead remained grounded. In fact, I believe she lived in Connecticut for most of her life. May she rest in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feaito Posted March 9, 2005 Share Posted March 9, 2005 Teresa Wright, a luminous, unaffected, 100% natural performer, who lighted-up many a film with her talent and presence. I am sure she rests in peace, because she seemed to be a very good human being too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhryun Posted March 10, 2005 Author Share Posted March 10, 2005 I love the scene in The Best Years of Our Lives, where Teresa Wright tells her parents she believs Dana Andrews is in an unhappy marriage to another woman. Her parents warn her that relationships have their ups and downs and not to misread the situation. Wright, neverthless, declares, "I'm going to break up that marriage!" She says it with hope and determination that she will eventually marry him one day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vertigoman82 Posted March 10, 2005 Share Posted March 10, 2005 Definitely one of my favorite actresses. She has a natural beauty about her that not many had during the 40's and 50's. I especially like her in Shadow of a Doubt and Pride of the Yankee's. Those films show the versatility of her character roles. Sometimes she would seem withdrawn and then she would burst forth with deep emotion in a scene. Her talents and moral character are definitely missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgedrv Posted March 10, 2005 Share Posted March 10, 2005 Wright is one of those actresses who never gave a bad performance and she is one of my favorites too! What puzzles me is why she graduated to character/mother roles by the 1950s. She was only in her early 30s when she played Jean Simmons mother in THE ACTRESS. I'm glad I got to meet Wright once. She was a very sweet lady, very much like her screen personality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janus2910 Posted March 10, 2005 Share Posted March 10, 2005 In Richard Brooks' "The Happy Ending," Teresa Wright played Jean Simmons' mother a second time. Their scenes together are wonderful and poignant. Janus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencerl964 Posted March 12, 2005 Share Posted March 12, 2005 To moviepal1776, great to see you on here buddy! & "Shadow of a Doubt" (1943) was Hitchcock's own personal fav. Don't know why? It's a great movie though-(personally, I agree, it's her best performance on screen) He apparently, was not as yet into "The Blonde Girl Thing" as yet though-(*"Grace Kelly-(1929-82) really pu the hook in him. & as most on here know he later even had other actresses dye their hair. Tippi Hedren & he, really hit the fan though BIG-TIME! & to the person that cited '69's "Happy Ending" It's ridiculous. But, it was only the 2nd-(& final to date) of Jean Simmon's OSCAR nods.??? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
encanto8591 Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 I only found out about her death this past Tuesday. So caught up in my new job and a fender bender I just had that I wasn't paying attention to much. This is so sad because like everyone else has said, Teresa Wright was one of the best. Pride of the Yankees did it for me and all her performances were wonderful. Such a sweetness emanated from her and I really feel like shedding tears. Did TCM show any of her films after she died? Any tributes? I'd love to see someone do a little dedication like the ones for Cary, Myrna, Harlow, etc. Damn! Now I know I'll cry whenever I see her films. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhryun Posted March 21, 2005 Author Share Posted March 21, 2005 I wrote and asked and was told NO! What an insult. They have enough of her films in their library they could have. She was on the Oscarcast (and looked great!) a few yrs ago when they showed past winners. I'm glad I taped and saved that part........I guess they dont consider her a big enough star. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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