edgedrv Posted May 15, 2005 Share Posted May 15, 2005 I have always been a fan of this unappreciated actor and I was happy TCM finally paid tribute to Kennedy. I wasn't terribly impressed with the films that were selected. I can never get through RANCHO NOTORIOUS. I always found this film to be boring and the title tune sung throughout the film is irritating. Were the producers influenced by HIGH NOON with its title song sung throughout that film? If so, there is no comparison, not by a mile. BRIGHT VICTORY is another story though. I have never seen this film and found it to be very moving with Kennedy giving a beautiful performance as the blinded ex-soldier adjusting to civilian life. Kennedy's co-star Peggy Dow is fine as the girl he falls in love with. I always found Dow, who made too few films very promising as an actress, then she suddenly left the screen. About a dozen years ago I wrote her a fan letter and enclosed some photos for her to sign. Much to my disappointment I never heard from her. What surprised me about this film were seeing so many up and coming actors in small parts: Richard Egan, Murray Hamilton, James Edwards, Rock Hudson and Julia Adams. In addition there were some excellent characters actors: Jim Backus, Will Geer and Nana Bryant. For the record Kennedy was nominated TWICE for an Oscar, Best Actor for BRIGHT VICTORY and Best Supporting Actor for the 1949 film CHAMPION. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bansi4 Posted May 15, 2005 Share Posted May 15, 2005 For your information edgdrv the fine actor Arthur Kennedy was nominated for 5 Oscars. In addition to the two you mention he was nominated in a supporting role for "Trial", "Peyton Place" and "Some Came Running". He won a Golden Globe Award for "Trial" and the New York Film Critics Award for "Bright Victory". Mongo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgedrv Posted May 15, 2005 Author Share Posted May 15, 2005 Thanx for the correction. I got my info from a book and neglected to read the entire bio of Kennedy. Again, I think Kennedy could have been represented by several of his better known films than those that were selected to be shown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
path40a Posted May 15, 2005 Share Posted May 15, 2005 Good to find another Arthur Kennedy fan, edge! Though I've not always been a fan, some of the first films I saw him in didn't impress, I've grown to appreciate his talent and think he's another in a long list of talented actors who unfortunately never received an Oscar. Given the number of those with less talent who have, it's really too bad. Of course, the list of those who were never even nominated is another travesty (starting with Edward G. Robinson, but that's another story). Kennedy did win a Tony Award though, for a supporting role in "Death of a Salesman". And, I too really enjoyed "Bright Victory" when I saw it (and reviewed it) earlier this year on TCM. His first film was "City for Conquest", a fine performance in a very good film with Cagney and a bunch of other Warner Bros. stars. Some other films of Kennedy's I've seen on TCM, in addition to those already mentioned, include: High Sierra, They Died With Their Boots On, Desperate Journey, Air Force, and Peyton Place. FWIW, I've posted at least capsule reviews on my site for most of these as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliteblue Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 Arthur Kennedy will always be known as the "Bad" stepfather in Peyton Place he was very good in this role Also in the movie Summerplace playing Troy Donahune's drunken dad good film for the 60's. In Lawerence of Arabia he plays a reporter, trying to write & understand Lawrence of Arabia. In the film Elmer Gantry he plays the part of another reporter to see if a tent evangelist is a fake or not. Very good acting by an actor who was and is still underated in my opinion. lolite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwtwbooklover Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 Wasn't Kennedy in Cool Hand Luke? You all hadn't mentioned this movie so I am beginning to wonder. He was great in that movie. I am no big big movie buff and I apologize for my ignorance is Kennedy still alive and if so how is he doing? He was also in The Dirty Dozen wasn't he? Hope I'm not confused but then again it is not the first time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classicsfan1119 Posted May 16, 2005 Share Posted May 16, 2005 GWTW, the Kennedy that you're thinking of is George Kennedy. He played "Dragline" in COOL HAND LUKE, and is also well-remembered for his role of "Joe Petroni" in the AIRPORT movies. Yes, he was in THE DIRTY DOZEN and a whole lot of other movies, too. ;)ML Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwtwbooklover Posted May 17, 2005 Share Posted May 17, 2005 Thanks for the correction and info ML and I apologize for confusing my Kennedys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilelmhr Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 My favorite ARTHUR KENNEDY performance is in a film nobody sees any more unless they have TCM--the one in which he plays Branwell Bronte in DEVOTION. The film stars Ida Lupino and Olivia de Havilland as Emily and Charlotte Bronte--but Arthur Kennedy is superb as the brother who wastes his talent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealfuster Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 for his performance in the film adaption of "The Glass Menagerie", there is hardly any film he is in, which does not benefit greatly from his normalcy and grounding effect. Have you ever seen Cornell Woolrich lensed "The Window" where Kennedy plays the father of Bobby Driscoll? This is definitely a film which is underrated and superb! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loliteblue Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 therealfuster quite right! "The Window" & "The Glass Menagerie" are superb Arthur Kennedy movies i'm ashamed to admit i had forgotten them in my original posting lolite:0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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