Among the Directors John Ireland worked with, are the names, Lewis Milestone, Howard Hawks, John Ford, Sam Fuller, Anthony Mann, Stanley Kubrick and even Roger Corman. On screen Ireland came across as the man you didn't want to mess with, but also, with something more going on behind the personality of the character he was portraying.
The actor appeared in a combination of 222 different roles in motion pictures and on television, between 1945 and 1992. This is basically a look at some of Ireland's film work.
For every story there is a beginning and Ireland's started on January 30, 1914.When he was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His mother was a Scottish piano teacher named Gracie Ferguson. Who is father was, to the day of his death, John never found out, or why his last name had always been Ireland.
His mother moved the two of them to the United States and New York City. Where she married a vaudevillian named Michael James Noonan and had three children. One of three was the future Comedian, Screenplay Writer and Producer, Tommy Noonan, 1953's "Gentleman Prefer Blondes", as Marilyn Monroe's boyfriend, and, the Judy Garland, 1954, "A Star Is Born", as pianist "Danny McGuire".
As for John Ireland's education, that stopped after the 7th Grade. The boy took odd jobs and probably one of the oddest, happened while working at a permanent New York City carnival. One can easily imagine what a "Dead Octopus Wrestler" must have looked like. We know John Ireland performed also performed underwater stunts and at time was a "Carnival Barker".
When exactly this happened, I could not locate, but one day walking past the "Davenport Free Theatre" in the "Hell's Kitchen" area of Manhattan, John Ireland thinking the theater's name meant that there was "No Admission" being charged" to see the show, went inside. Instead of seeing a live stage production. John Ireland found himself a job working behind the stage and getting free acting lessons.
In 1940, John Benjamin Ireland married Elaine Sheldon Rosen. Other than they had two sons, John and Peter, I could not locate anything else about the couple. Except that the two would divorce in 1948.
What I can say is during 1941 actor John Ireland had horned his acting craft to appear on Broadway in a production of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", starring Maurice Evans and the future Dame Judith Anderson. I couldn't locate the role Ireland portrayed, but this was a start of a short Broadway stage career that ended four years later in Hollywood, California, with 4th billing as "Army Private First Class Windy Craven" in:
A WALK IN THE SUN released December 3, 1945
The film was Directed by Lewis Milestone, 1930's "All Quiet on the Western Front", 1939's "Of Mice and Men" and 1944's "The Purple Heart".
The screenplay was based upon Harry Brown's World War 2 novel. The writing of
the screenplay was by Robert Rossen. As a screenplay writer, Rossen started in
1937 and had written the James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, 1939 "The
Roaring Twenties", and the Edward G. Robinson, Ida Lupino
and John Garfield, 1941 version of author Jack London's "The Sea Wolf".
The World War 2 story is a hard hitting, no no nonsense look, as was associated with
Director Milestone's films, at one Army Platoon's day on the Italian
Front. Ireland's role was of a letter writing soldier.
1946 would find the actor in five feature films, with four becoming forgotten
over the years. Even though two starred Carole Landis, another Lloyd Nolan, in
which only Ireland's voice was heard, and a third, John Payne and June Haver.
However, it was the 4th picture in order, that is not only remembered, but gave
John Ireland his first Iconic Western role.
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE released October 16, 1946
On a personal note, the motion picture was released on the day I was born.
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE released October 16, 1946
On a personal note, the motion picture was released on the day I was born.
This was Director John Ford's version of "The Gunfight at the O.K.
Corral". Actually, this was a expanded remake of 20th Century
Fox's earlier, 1939, "Frontier Marshall", starring
Randolph Scott, Nancy Kelly and Cesar Romero.
Both these motion pictures, the entire history of the real Gunfightm and its
on-screen representations through 1994. May be read in my article, "The
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral' Reinvented By Hollywood", found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2015/03/the-gunfight-at-ok-corral-as-reinvented.html
Henry Fonda was cast as "Wyatt Earp". Fonda, Maureen
O'Hara and Thomas Mitchell had just been seen in the 1943 World War 2 drama,
the "Immoral Sergeant". After this picture, Henry
Fonda would appear with Barbara Bel Geddes and Vincent Prince in the 1947 Film-Noir, "The
Long Night".
Linda Darnell portrayed "Chihuahua". Known for
1940's "The Mark of Zorro", co-starring with Tyrone
Power. Darnell had just been seen in the 1946 Jerome Kern musical "Centennial
Summer". She would follow this picture starring in
1947's "Forever Amber", with co-stars Cornel Wilde
and Richard Greene.
Victor Mature portrayed "Doc Holliday". Mature had
starred in Producer Hal Roach's 1940 "One Million
B.C.", a classic 1941 Film-Noir, "I Wake Up Screaming", that
introduced Richard Widmark as a psychotic killer. Along with several musicals, even though he wasn't a singer. My article, "Victor Mature: 'One
Million B.C.' to the 'Big Circus'---The Leading Man as a Character
Actor", is found at:
Cathy Downs portrayed "Clementine Carter". Prior to this picture, Downs had 6th billing, in the 1946 Film-Noir, "The Dark Corner", starring Lucille Ball and Clifton Webb. She followed the picture with first billing in another Film-Noir, 1947's "For You I Die". In which, Cathy Downs co-starred with Paul Langton. Who would star in the first Abominable Snowman feature, 1954's "Snow Creature", and 1958's. "It, the Terror from Beyond Space".
Above left to right is Henry Fonda with shave cream, Ward Bond and Tim Holt.
Ward Bond portrayed "Morgan Earp". Bond was a member of "The John Ford Stock Company" and appeared in many of the directors motion pictures. Such as 1939's "Young Mr. Lincoln", the same years "Drums Along the Mohawks", 1940's "The Grapes of Wrath" and 1945's "They Were Expendable". Then, of course, there are, 1952's "The Quiet Man" and 1956's "The Searchers".
In this version of the "Gunfight" the audience first meets the "Earp Brothers", "Wyatt", "Virgil", "Morgan" and the youngest "James", played by Don Garner. They have brought their herd of cattle to just outside of Tombstone, Arizona. "Old Man Clanton" and his family ride up to the "Earp's" camp site and "Clanton" offers to buy their cattle, but is declined. He thanks the brothers, who he hasn't gotten a name from, and leaves. "Wyatt", "Morgan" and "Virgil" head into town and leave "James" in charge of the cattle. When they return, after an incident in town and an offer for "Wyatt" to become Town Marshall, the three find the cattle gone and "James" dead.
This leads the three back to Tombstone and "Wyatt" accepting the Marshall's job. Just then, "Old Man Clanton" and others enter the saloon the brothers are at, there's a small confrontation and "Clayton" asks the new Marshall his name. The reply of "Wyatt Earp", stops "Old Man Clanton", just for a moment and then they leave.
"Doc Holliday" arrives and the towns people are expecting a showdown between him and "Wyatt". Instead, a friendship over respect for each other develops.
"Wyatt" and his brothers have to deal with the "Clanton's" and drive them out of town creating more hard feelings between the two groups.
Above John Ireland is just to the right of Walter Brennan
Harry Carey, Sr., who had been one of young John Wayne's mentors, portrayed "Mr. Melville". Carey was both a Silent Screen and 1930 "B" Cowboy hero. He had just been seen in John Wayne's, 1947, "Angel and the Badman".
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2020/06/victor-mature-one-million-bc-to-big.html
Cathy Downs portrayed "Clementine Carter". Prior to this picture, Downs had 6th billing, in the 1946 Film-Noir, "The Dark Corner", starring Lucille Ball and Clifton Webb. She followed the picture with first billing in another Film-Noir, 1947's "For You I Die". In which, Cathy Downs co-starred with Paul Langton. Who would star in the first Abominable Snowman feature, 1954's "Snow Creature", and 1958's. "It, the Terror from Beyond Space".
Walter Brennan portrayed "Old Man Clanton". Brennan started in films in 1925, blink, and you might recognize him as the "Bicycle Owner" in the 1933 "The Invisible Man", or "The Neighbor with an Axe", in 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein". While in 1944, Walter Brennan portrayed Humphrey Bogart's alcoholic friend in Director Howard Hawks', "To Have and Have Not". Just before this picture, Brennan was in Linda Darnell's 1946 "Centennial Summer" and followed this feature with the 1946 Film-Noir, "Nobody Lives Forever", starring John Garfield.
Tim Holt portrayed "Virgil Earp". Holt would become a 1940's "B" Cowboy star, after a small role in Director John Ford's 1939 "Stagecoach". In 1942, Tim Holt co-starred in Director Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons". Then the actor went back to "B" Cowboy features until 1948. It was then, that he co-starred in Director John Huston's classic, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre", and 1958, starred in the Cult Science Fiction movie, "The Monster That Challenged the World". My article, "Tim Holt: Directors John Ford, Orson Welles, John Huston and a Prehistoric Snail" is available to read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2019/10/tim-holt-directors-john-ford-orson.html
Above left to right is Henry Fonda with shave cream, Ward Bond and Tim Holt.
Ward Bond portrayed "Morgan Earp". Bond was a member of "The John Ford Stock Company" and appeared in many of the directors motion pictures. Such as 1939's "Young Mr. Lincoln", the same years "Drums Along the Mohawks", 1940's "The Grapes of Wrath" and 1945's "They Were Expendable". Then, of course, there are, 1952's "The Quiet Man" and 1956's "The Searchers".
John Ireland portrayed "Billy
Clanton".
In this version of the "Gunfight" the audience first meets the "Earp Brothers", "Wyatt", "Virgil", "Morgan" and the youngest "James", played by Don Garner. They have brought their herd of cattle to just outside of Tombstone, Arizona. "Old Man Clanton" and his family ride up to the "Earp's" camp site and "Clanton" offers to buy their cattle, but is declined. He thanks the brothers, who he hasn't gotten a name from, and leaves. "Wyatt", "Morgan" and "Virgil" head into town and leave "James" in charge of the cattle. When they return, after an incident in town and an offer for "Wyatt" to become Town Marshall, the three find the cattle gone and "James" dead.
This leads the three back to Tombstone and "Wyatt" accepting the Marshall's job. Just then, "Old Man Clanton" and others enter the saloon the brothers are at, there's a small confrontation and "Clayton" asks the new Marshall his name. The reply of "Wyatt Earp", stops "Old Man Clanton", just for a moment and then they leave.
"Doc Holliday" arrives and the towns people are expecting a showdown between him and "Wyatt". Instead, a friendship over respect for each other develops.
"Wyatt" and his brothers have to deal with the "Clanton's" and drive them out of town creating more hard feelings between the two groups.
Above John Ireland is just to the right of Walter Brennan
"Wyatt" and "Holliday" are gamblers and hang out a
lot in the saloon playing poker. There, "Doc" has a relationship with "Chihuahua", the saloon girl and singer, but doesn't know she is also seeing "Billy Clanton".
Then two events take place that change everything and create the subplot to
the famous Gunfight.
The first is the arrival of "Doc's" Boston love interest, "Clementine Carter". Who
has been tracing his whereabouts for months.
"Holliday", is cold toward "Clementine", whose still in love with the man she knew, and wants to help him fight the tuberculous that is slowing killing the Gunfighter. He tells her to leave Tombstone and return to Boston, where she belongs. "Clementine" refuses, and "Holliday" leaves town to get away from old memories.
The second event begins with the start of a fight between the fiery "Chihuahua" and "Clementine" that "Wyatt" breaks up. However, the Marshall notices a silver
cross around the saloon girl's neck and is told that "Doc" gave it too her. The cross
belonged to "James Earp" and he was wearing it the night the boy was murdered. "Wyatt" now leaves town to find and kill "Doc Holliday" for his brother's murder.
The two men meet and before one can kill the other. The truth that "Doc's" innocent comes out and they ride back to Tombstone to confront "Chihuahua". While
at the "Clanton" ranch, plans to stop the "Earp's" are being laid out.
"Doc" and "Wyatt" start to question "Chihuahua" over the necklace and she admits that "Billy Clanton" gave it to her. "Billy", through a window, shoots the girl and
attempting to ride out of town is shot in the back by "Wyatt". Still on his horse
he makes it back to the "Clanton" spread.
"Virgil Earp" is directed to bring "Billy" back in for trial, but when "Virgil" arrives at the "Clanton" ranch. He's told the other is dead. As "Virgil" starts to
leave, he is also shot dead. His body is taken to Tombstone and dumped in the
street.
The famous Gunfight is about to take place, John
Ford style, and only Walter Brennan survives. Both Victor Mature and John Ireland are killed.
Eight motion pictures followed "My Darling Clementine" for John Ireland and
two are very interesting Film-Noirs.
The first was "Railroaded", released September
27, 1947.
The film was by Director Anthony Mann. Who made several excellent James Stewart Westerns starting with "Winchester 73" in 1950. More about Mann's work follows in this article.
The screenplay was by John C. Higgins, from a story by Gertrude Walker, and is far
above the norm for a "B" Film-Noir.
John Ireland portrayed "Duke Martin". Martin is one
of two men pulling off the robbery of a bookie joint, that is fronted by a
beauty shop. When a police officer enters the shop during the robbery. The
other robber is killed and "Martin" kills the officer.
Jane Randolph, Val Lewton's 1942 "Cat People" and1948's "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein", portrayed
beautician "Clara Calhoun". "Clara" is an
alcoholic and is actually the one that told her boyfriend, "Duke
Martin", about the backroom bookie operation.
The two are able to frame truck driver, "Steve
Ryan", portrayed Ed Kelly, and it is up to "Police
Sergeant Mickey Ferguson", played by Hugh Beaumont, who believes
"Ryan" is guilty, to get "Martin" and
"Calhoun".
The second Film-Noir has a complete change of
image for both Ireland and Randolph.
"Open Secret" was released on February 14,
1948. The two portray newly weds, "Paul Lester" and "Nancy
Lester", that stop in a small town to visit "Paul's"
Army buddy. They discover that he's missing, but not a person, at first, seems to know anything or if "Paul's" Army Buddy existed in the small town at all.
The Henry Blankfort, John Bright and Max Wilk screenplay is outstanding. As is
the Directing by John Reinhardt. Both demonstrating that budget does not always
equate with quality.
As the "Lester's" question the towns people, they discover its run by a group of White anti-Semites. That believe Jews, like the Army Buddy, and Foreigners, are a
cancer on America. The screenplay pulls no punches and makes Gregory Peck's,
1947 "Gentleman's Agreement", on the same subject, very tame by
comparison.
The townspeople believe they are Patriots fighting to cure a cancer
against American values. Remember, this was right after World War 2, and just
before the start of McCarthyism in the United States. Director John Sturges
would return to this subject, in his 1955, "Bad Day at Black Rock" starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan and Ann Francis. However, he made the story about a missing Native American and Highly Decorated World War 2 Soldier, in a all
White Desert Town,
As the story progresses, "Paul's" Jewish friend turns up dead, and the newly weds become
involved in solving his murder.
In the above still, that's John Ireland's half-brother, Tommy Noonan, to his
left.
The movie has been remastered by the "UCLA
Film Department" and is well worth viewing.
John Ireland now appeared in another of his classic Western roles.
Back in 1946 writer Borden Chase wrote a story for "The Saturday
Evening Post", entitled "The Chisholm
Trail". That same year Director Howard Hawks filmed the story,
but did not copyright the finished motion picture until 1947 and still delayed
it release.
RED RIVER released August 26, 1948
In 1946, Howard Hawks had released his motion picture version of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep", starring husband and wife team, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That picture was originally filmed in 1945. In 1948, Howard Hawks also released the Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo musical "A Song is Born". That movie became the number one box office hit in the United States that year and "Red River", became number two.
My article, "Howard Hawks: 'RIO BRAVO' Remade (?) as 'EL DORADO'
and 'RIO LOBO' starring John Wayne" will be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/10/howard-hawks-rio-bravo-remade-as-el.html
The screenplay was co-written by Borden Chase. Who would write several of the screenplays for the Anthony Mann and James Stewart Westerns. His co-writer was Charles Schnee, the classic Hollywood expose, 1952's "The Bad
and the Beautiful" starring Lana Turner and Kirk Douglas.
"Red River" had just two main stars, but was filled with
several fine character roles of varying sizes.
The Two Stars:
John Wayne portrayed "Thomas Dunson". He had just
been seen in John Ford's first entry of his "Cavalry
Trilogy", 1948's "Fort Apache", and would
follow this picture with Ford's 1948, "3 Godfathers". For
those interested in the "Cavalry Trilogy", my article, "John Wayne in John
Ford's CAVALRY TRILOGY: 'Fort Apache' 1948. 'She Word A Yellow Ribbon' 1949 and
'Rio Grande" 1950" will be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/12/john-wayne-in-john-fords-cavalry.html
Montgomery Clift portrayed "Matt Garth". Clift's first
on-screen appearance, at age 19, was in "Hay Fever". A made for
television movie, in 1939, on the NBC experimental television
station W2XBS, in New York City. It would be nine years before Montgomery Clift was again seen on-screen and that was 1948's, "The
Search". Which would be followed by the earlier made "Red
River".
Some of the Supporting Cast Included:
Joanne Dru portrayed "Tess Millay". Her only other feature film, prior to this, was 1946's "Abie's Irish Rose". That was based upon a 1922 radio play, turned into a 1927 Broadway play and a 1928 silent movie. Dru followed "Red River", one year later, with Director John Ford's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon".
Walter Brennan portrayed "Nadine Groot". Brennan was in the 1948 Comedy, Drama, Romance "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" and followed the picture with the Robert Mitchum, 1948 Western, "Blood on the Moon".
John Ireland portrayed Gunfighter turned Drover "Cherry Valance". He had just been seen as a "Confederate Officer" in the 1948 Red Skelton Comedy, "A Southern Yankee". It what might be John Ireland's most unusual role. The actor portrayed "French Army Captain Jean de la Boussac, St. Severe", in the 1948, Ingrid Bergman and Jose Ferrer, "Joan of Arc".
Harry Carey, Sr., who had been one of young John Wayne's mentors, portrayed "Mr. Melville". Carey was both a Silent Screen and 1930 "B" Cowboy hero. He had just been seen in John Wayne's, 1947, "Angel and the Badman".
Like father, like son, Harry Carey, Jr. portrayed "Dan Latimer". A member of "The John Ford Stock Company" and good friend of John Wayne. Among the films the two would be seen togther. are, 1948's "3 Godfathers", 1949's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon", and 1956's "The Searchers".
Above John Wayne is on the left, Montgomery Clift, and Harry Carey, Jr.in the foreground on the right.
Paul Fix portrayed "Teeler Yancy". Fix was a friend of Harry Carey, Sr. and is the man who taught John Wayne to walk like he was born in the saddle. He was a very close friend of "The Duke" and had appeared with Wayne, in a row, in 1945's Flame of the Barbary Coast, 1945's "Back to Bataan", 1945's "Dakota", 1947's "Angel and the Badman", and 1947's "Tycoon", leading up to this picture.
Above Paul Fix with Walter Brennan
Fix would become "Marshall Micah Torrance" on television's "The Rifleman". My article, "PAUL FIX: The Character Actor Who Taught John Wayne to Walk" is at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2018/02/paul-fix-character-actor-who-taught.html
Noah Beery, Jr. portrayed "Buster". On television the actor was known for "Circus Boy" with a very young Mickey Dolenz, "Riverboat" with Darren McGavin, "The Rockford Files" with James Gardner,
Above Noah Berry, Jr with Montgomery Clift.
"Tom Dunson" wants a cattle ranch in Texas and prepares to leave from California with his trail hand "Nadine Groot". After the two set off, he learns that the girl he planned to marry, "Fen", played by Coleen Grey, Henry Hathaway's 1947 Film-Noir "Kiss of Death", Stanley Kurbrick's 1956 "The Killing" and 1960's "The Leech Woman", was killed in an Indian attack on the wagon train that he told her to follow him on.
"Tom" and "Nadine" are attacked by Indians and find one of the dead Indians wearing "Tom's" mother's bracelet that he gave "Fen". This is followed by the arrival, in their camp, of the wagon train's only survivor. He's a young boy named "Matt Garth", that "Dunson" adopts and gives him the bracelet.
The three cross the "Red River" intoTexas and "Dunson" starts his ranch, the "Red River D". That letter is on his cattle brand and promises to add a "M", once "Matt's" earns it.
Move forward 14 years and a large cattle drive. "Dunson" wants to drive the herd hundreds of miles north to the railhead at Sedalia, Missouri. One of the hands, is the professional gunfighter, "Cherry Valance". He tells "Tom" and "Matt", who he's befriended, of a railhead at the closer Abilene, Kansas, but "Dunson" learns that "Cherry" has never seen it and will continue to go for Sedalia.
Sam Fuller, ever that rebel, was able to get around the censors, but implies that "Bob" and "Jesse" are having a homosexual relationship. This is shown in a bath scene.
Next, John Ireland made his first television appearance, July 10, 1950, in an episode of the dramatic anthology series "Starlite Theatre" entitled "The Kiss".
Starting in 1950, the motion picture industry was faced with both Senator Joseph McCarthy and the "House Committee On Un-American Activities", "Blacklisting Producers, Directors and Actors" for, in many cases, unproven Communist associations. All brought on by what historians would call "The Second Red Scare".
To protect itself, the Motion Picture Industry started making "Safe AMERICAN Movies". Which meant the All-American Western, Musicals and Biblical Pictures. For John Ireland this period solidified his "Cowboy Bad Guy Image" with the occasional Film-Noir.
Producer Robert L. Lippert got to thinking, if "I Shot Jesse James" was a money-making Western for him. Why not repeat the formula with another picture featuring the outlaw. Especially as he could get "Oscar Nominated" John Ireland in the title role.
THE RETURN OF JESS JAMES released September 8, 1950
The movie was Directed by Arthur Hilton. Hilton was actually a film editor and would edit over 312 feature films and television programs between 1925 and 1979. As a "B' film Director, his credits only totaled 3, this feature, plus two others. Including the 1953 3-D, Cult Science Fiction movie, "Cat-Women of the Moon", but he also directed 13 television episodes.
The screenplay was based upon a story by Carl K. Hittleman. His screenplays would include the excellent World War 2 thriller "36 Hours", starring James Gardner and Rod Taylor. Plus the 6-day wonders from 1966, "Billy the Kid vs Dracula" and "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter".
The Three Leads:
John Ireland portrayed "Johnny Callum".
Peter Marshall, Joanne Dru's brother, and future original host of televisions "Hollywood Squares", 1966 through 1981, portrayed "George".
The screenplay has "Johnny Callum" enter a Missouri Saloon owned by "Bob" and "Charlie Ford". There has always been a rumor that "Jesse" was never killed. Although "Bob" and "Charlie" claim to have killed him. In the saloon is "Hank 'Pop' Younger", who notices that "Johnny" is the image of "Jesse".
When, "Younger" goes over to introduce himself, "Johnny" calls himself "Tom Howard", the alias used by the real Jesse James. Word is received that the "Clay County Bank" had been robbed earlier and "Younger" now believes that "Johnny" is "Jesse" and the rumors of him not being killed by the "Ford's" is true. Taking, "Mr. Howard", to his home, "Younger" introduces him to his two sons, "Lem" and "Hank", I could not locate the name of the actor in that role, and his daughter "Sue Ellen".
The plan is to dress "Johnny Callum" up as "Jesse" and re-rob all of he banks the gang hit in the same order.
Hugh O'Brien portrayed "Private Al DeWalt".
SPARTACUS released October 6, 1960
The motion picture was from Executive Producer Kirk Douglas and a had been race between the actor, at Universal International Pictures, and another actor, Yul Bryner, at United Artists, to make the story. Douglas won the race and then encountered his first problem, a Director. Initially, Anthony Mann was hired, but after filming the opening sequence, was let go. Douglas next hired 32 years old Stanley Kubrick. Who had Directed the actor in 1957's "Paths of Glory" and the rest, as the saying goes, was film history.
The screenplay was by, still in 1960, "Blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo". Kirk Douglas would go against the "Motion Picture Industry" and end Trumbo's "Blacklisting". By giving him full on-screen credit and later, in 1960, Dalton Trumbo's name would appear on the motion picture version of author Leon Uris' "Exodus". A feature film starring Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sir Ralph Richardson, Lee J. Cobb. Sal Mino and John Derek.
Kirk Douglas portrayed "Spartacus". Douglas had just been seen co-starring with Kim Novak and Ernie Kovacs in 1960's "Strangers When We Meet". He would follow this picture with the hard hitting court room drama, 1961's, "Town Without Pity".
However, "The Ceremony", was followed by another Historical epic from Samuel Bronston.
THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE released March 6, 1964
The feature film was Directed by Anthony Mann.
The screenplay was based upon Edward Gibbon's classic piece of literature, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire".
The screenplays three writers were:
Ben Barzman, 1945's "Back to Bataan", 1948's World War 2 orphan allegory "The Boy With the Green Hair", 1961's "El Cid", and 1966's "The Blue Max".
Basilio Franchina, an Italian screenplay writer, also joined with Ben Barzman on 1966's, "The Blue Max".
This was Philip Yordan's fourth screenplay for Samuel Bronston.
Note:
In 2000, Director Ridley Scott released "Gladiator", from a screenplay by Producer David Franzoni. Anyone, especially the World Wide Film Critics, at the time, and Film Historians, who saw that picture. Not only realized it was the same subject matter as the Samuel Bronston feature, but there are scenes, verified by the "Gladiator" screenplay, with the exact same dialogue and camera and actor placements as in the 1964 screenplay. Franzoni claimed he never knew there was a motion picture called "The Fall of the Roman Empire" and Scott said the same.
Sophia Loren portrayed "Lucilla". Loren had just been seen in Italian Director Vittorio De Sica's. 1963, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" and would follow this picture with De Sica's, 1964, "Marriage Italian Style".
Everything comes down and the Roman Empire starts to fall. After "Commodus" assassinates his father to become Emperor and restores gladiator games and ignores political realities.
However, "Commodus" lets his ego take control to prove, really to himself, that he is the true Emperor of Rome, He decides to fight "Livius" to the death. In the end "Commodus" is killed, but "Ballomar" and his followers die in the flames of the burning stakes, "Lucilla" is rescued and "Livius'" troops offer him the crown, but he refuses and the two walk away. As bidding now begins for the leadership of the Roman Army and by association the Empire.
Between December 26, 1964 and April 13, 1967, John Ireland appeared on episodes of different television programs. In the case of "Rawhide", he was "Jed Colby" in eight episodes alone.
Now, John Ireland, like many a American actor, even before Clint Eastwood, headed for Italy to appear in a large amount of Spaghetti Westerns. The Italians, Spanish and Germans appreciated the actor and looked upon him as a major Western star.
ODIO PER ODIO (HATE FOR HATE) released August 18, 1967 in Italy
The feature never came to movie theaters in the United States, but did make a European Tour. the U.K. and Ireland.
Domencio Paolella Directed this picture. He had been Directing in the Italian film industry since 1940. During the Peplum (Sword and Sandal) period. Paolella, made three "Hercules" pictures with one of those starring Peter Lupus. From the original television version of "Mission Impossible". When the Italian film industry switched to Spaghetti Westerns, so did Domencio Paoella.
"James Cooper" is a bank robber who teams up with a Mexican youth to take down the robber's ex-partner "Moxon", played by Swiss Actor Mirko Ellis. There;s one motion picture American audiences would know Ellis. This was the Italian Peplum production, "Hannibal", starring Victor Mature as the Carthaginian General that crossed the Alps to conquer Rome.
Above John Wayne is on the left, Montgomery Clift, and Harry Carey, Jr.in the foreground on the right.
Paul Fix portrayed "Teeler Yancy". Fix was a friend of Harry Carey, Sr. and is the man who taught John Wayne to walk like he was born in the saddle. He was a very close friend of "The Duke" and had appeared with Wayne, in a row, in 1945's Flame of the Barbary Coast, 1945's "Back to Bataan", 1945's "Dakota", 1947's "Angel and the Badman", and 1947's "Tycoon", leading up to this picture.
Above Paul Fix with Walter Brennan
Fix would become "Marshall Micah Torrance" on television's "The Rifleman". My article, "PAUL FIX: The Character Actor Who Taught John Wayne to Walk" is at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2018/02/paul-fix-character-actor-who-taught.html
Noah Beery, Jr. portrayed "Buster". On television the actor was known for "Circus Boy" with a very young Mickey Dolenz, "Riverboat" with Darren McGavin, "The Rockford Files" with James Gardner,
Above Noah Berry, Jr with Montgomery Clift.
"Tom Dunson" wants a cattle ranch in Texas and prepares to leave from California with his trail hand "Nadine Groot". After the two set off, he learns that the girl he planned to marry, "Fen", played by Coleen Grey, Henry Hathaway's 1947 Film-Noir "Kiss of Death", Stanley Kurbrick's 1956 "The Killing" and 1960's "The Leech Woman", was killed in an Indian attack on the wagon train that he told her to follow him on.
"Tom" and "Nadine" are attacked by Indians and find one of the dead Indians wearing "Tom's" mother's bracelet that he gave "Fen". This is followed by the arrival, in their camp, of the wagon train's only survivor. He's a young boy named "Matt Garth", that "Dunson" adopts and gives him the bracelet.
The three cross the "Red River" intoTexas and "Dunson" starts his ranch, the "Red River D". That letter is on his cattle brand and promises to add a "M", once "Matt's" earns it.
Move forward 14 years and a large cattle drive. "Dunson" wants to drive the herd hundreds of miles north to the railhead at Sedalia, Missouri. One of the hands, is the professional gunfighter, "Cherry Valance". He tells "Tom" and "Matt", who he's befriended, of a railhead at the closer Abilene, Kansas, but "Dunson" learns that "Cherry" has never seen it and will continue to go for Sedalia.
On the cattle drive, they come across another wagon train under being attacked by Indians. "Dunson" and his drovers rescue a group of gamblers and dance hall girls, including "Tess Millay".
Later, when "Dunson" wants to lynch two men for stealing supplies and wanting to leave the drive. "Matt" rebels and takes over the herd, leaves "Dunson" in the desert, and with "Cherry" and "Buster" as his two right hands. Now heads up the old Chisholm Trail for Abilene, being followed by "Dunson". Who has vowed to kill "Matt".
Later, when "Dunson" wants to lynch two men for stealing supplies and wanting to leave the drive. "Matt" rebels and takes over the herd, leaves "Dunson" in the desert, and with "Cherry" and "Buster" as his two right hands. Now heads up the old Chisholm Trail for Abilene, being followed by "Dunson". Who has vowed to kill "Matt".
"Matt" spends a night with "Tess" and he gives her the bracelet. The next morning, as "Tom Dunson" did with "Fen", "Matt" leaves "Tess" and continues the drive. "Tom" and "Tess" will meet, she offers herself to "Tom" as his wife to bear him an heir, if he will leave "Matt" alone. Instead, "Dunson", with a posse he's created, heads for Abilene with "Tess" accompanying them.
When, "Matt" arrives in Abilene, with the first ever cattle drive, he arranges for a higher purchase price for the cattle than could have been gotten in Sedalia. Also, they have more cattle still alive and that means more money then "Tom" could have gotten. "Matt" has the check made out to "Tom Dunson". "Tess" gets to town before "Dunson" and warns "Matt".
The climax comes as "Cherry Valance" challenges "Dunson" to protect "Matt". "Tom" shoots "Cherry", but the other has hit "Dunson".
Still, "Tom" goes for "Matt", but his adoptive son will not draw on his father. A fist fight takes place and "Tess" fires a pistol into the air and gets them to realize how much they love each other. The picture ends with "Tom" advising "Matt" to marry "Tess" and adding the letter "M" to the ranch brand.
When, "Matt" arrives in Abilene, with the first ever cattle drive, he arranges for a higher purchase price for the cattle than could have been gotten in Sedalia. Also, they have more cattle still alive and that means more money then "Tom" could have gotten. "Matt" has the check made out to "Tom Dunson". "Tess" gets to town before "Dunson" and warns "Matt".
The climax comes as "Cherry Valance" challenges "Dunson" to protect "Matt". "Tom" shoots "Cherry", but the other has hit "Dunson".
Samuel "Sam" Fuller was a rebel Director at the end of the 1940's and into the 1950's. One of his motion pictures, 1951's "The Steel Helmet", caused the Pentagon to come down on him over a scene of a American Sergeant summarily killing a captured North Korean Officer. The Pentagon firmly stated that American's didn't do such things. However, both Fuller and his star, Gene Evans, were hardened World War 2 combat veterans that knew otherwise.
Back on February 26, 1949. Director and Screenplay writer Sam Fuller, released:
I SHOT JESSE JAMES
Third billed John Ireland portrayed "Robert 'Bob' Ford".
Back on February 26, 1949. Director and Screenplay writer Sam Fuller, released:
I SHOT JESSE JAMES
Although, John Ireland portrays the man referred too in the films title. He is not one of the pictures two stars.
Preston Foster portrayed the fictional "John Kelly". Foster was the title character in 1932's "Dr. X". the first Technicolor Horror movie. Preston Foster was a leading man during the 1930's and into the 1940's. He would have the lead in the 78 episode, 1954, television series "Waterfront".
Barbara Britton portrayed the fictional "Cathy Walters". Britton started her on-screen roles with the 1941 "Hopalong Cassidy" entry "Secret of the Wastelands". She co-starred with Charles Laughton and Randolph Scott in 1945's "Captain Kidd", the following year, she co-starred with Louis Hayward in "The Return of Monte Christo". However, it was appearing on television with Richard Denning in the series "Mr. and Mrs. North", and in 1950's and 1960's commercials as "The Revlon Girl", that she is remembered for.
Preston Foster portrayed the fictional "John Kelly". Foster was the title character in 1932's "Dr. X". the first Technicolor Horror movie. Preston Foster was a leading man during the 1930's and into the 1940's. He would have the lead in the 78 episode, 1954, television series "Waterfront".
Barbara Britton portrayed the fictional "Cathy Walters". Britton started her on-screen roles with the 1941 "Hopalong Cassidy" entry "Secret of the Wastelands". She co-starred with Charles Laughton and Randolph Scott in 1945's "Captain Kidd", the following year, she co-starred with Louis Hayward in "The Return of Monte Christo". However, it was appearing on television with Richard Denning in the series "Mr. and Mrs. North", and in 1950's and 1960's commercials as "The Revlon Girl", that she is remembered for.
Third billed John Ireland portrayed "Robert 'Bob' Ford".
Reed Hadley portrayed "Jesse James". Among Hadley's films is the 1939 serial, "Zorro's Fighting Legion", 1943's "Guadalcanal Diary", 1944's "Wing and a Prayer" and Sam Fuller's 1950, "The Baron of Arizona", starring Vincent Price. From 1951 through 1953, Reed Hadley starred on televisions "Racket Squad".
Ireland's half-brother, Tommy Noonan, portrayed "Charlie Ford the brother of Bob".
Fuller's screenplay starts with "Bob Ford" riding with "Jesse James" and becoming very close to him. After "Jesse" takes on the persona of farmer "Mr. Howard", "Ford" is still with him. Although, "Jesse's" wife doesn't trust "Robert Ford".
Sam Fuller, ever that rebel, was able to get around the censors, but implies that "Bob" and "Jesse" are having a homosexual relationship. This is shown in a bath scene.
The governor offers a $10,000 award, "Dead or Alive". for "Jesse James". While hanging a picture, "Bob" shoots and kills "Jesse" in the back. Instead of the expected $10,000, the murderer gets only $500.
"Robert Ford" is forced into recreating the murder on stage for paying customers.
Meanwhile, his girl "Cathy Walters", has met "John Kelly" and the two are falling in love. There is a great sequence in Fuller's screenplay. As "Ford" is standing at a bar and a traveling guitar playing singer asks to trade him a song for a drink. The singer, next proceeds to sing the latest and very popular ballad. It tells how "That dirty little coward, Robert Ford, shot Mr. Howard, in the back".
However, before the singer in half-way through the song, "Robert Ford" identifies himself, and has the frightened singer finish the song.
The film's climax comes on the streets of town, as "Robert Ford" faces "John Kelly". "Kelly", like the "Earp's" in the real gunfight, has a shotgun against "Ford's" pistol and a shotgun always wins.
My article, "Samuel 'Sam' Fuller" The Ever Present Cigar and Six Movies: 'I Shot Jesse James' 1949, 'The Baron of Arizona' 1950, 'The Steel Helmet' 1951, 'Pick Up on South Street' 1951, 'Shock Corridor' 1963 and 'The Big Red One' 1980" is available to read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/02/samuel-sam-fuller-ever-present-cigar.html
There would another seven motion pictures that John Ireland would appear in during 1949. I want to look at just two of them.
Writer Philip Yordan wrote the screenplays for 1945's "Dillinger", 1951's "Detective Story", 1954's "Naked Jungle", 1954's "Broken Lance", and four for Producer Samuel Bronson. Two of which I will mention later, but back in 1944. Philip Yordan had written a successful Broadway play and five years later, wanted to turn it, as both Producer and Screenplay writer, into a motion picture.
ANNA LUCASTA released July 11, 1949
However, before the singer in half-way through the song, "Robert Ford" identifies himself, and has the frightened singer finish the song.
The film's climax comes on the streets of town, as "Robert Ford" faces "John Kelly". "Kelly", like the "Earp's" in the real gunfight, has a shotgun against "Ford's" pistol and a shotgun always wins.
My article, "Samuel 'Sam' Fuller" The Ever Present Cigar and Six Movies: 'I Shot Jesse James' 1949, 'The Baron of Arizona' 1950, 'The Steel Helmet' 1951, 'Pick Up on South Street' 1951, 'Shock Corridor' 1963 and 'The Big Red One' 1980" is available to read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/02/samuel-sam-fuller-ever-present-cigar.html
There would another seven motion pictures that John Ireland would appear in during 1949. I want to look at just two of them.
Writer Philip Yordan wrote the screenplays for 1945's "Dillinger", 1951's "Detective Story", 1954's "Naked Jungle", 1954's "Broken Lance", and four for Producer Samuel Bronson. Two of which I will mention later, but back in 1944. Philip Yordan had written a successful Broadway play and five years later, wanted to turn it, as both Producer and Screenplay writer, into a motion picture.
ANNA LUCASTA released July 11, 1949
Director Irving Rapper, 1942's "Now Voyager", 1944's "The Adventures of Mark Twain", 1945's "Rhapsody in Blue" and 1946's "Deception". Had wanted Susan Hayward for the title role, but Paulette Goddard had a letter from Columbia Pictures, owner Harry "King" Cohn, that promised her the lead.
As I just wrote, Paulette Goddard portrayed "Anna Lucasta". Goddard had just been seen as "Lucretia Borgia" in 1949's "Bride of Vengeance". She would follow this picture with the Mexican-American co-production, 1950's "The Torch". In Mexico second billing for that film, went to Pedro Armendariz, and in the United States, second billing went to Gilbert Roland.
William Bishop portrayed "Rudolf Strobel". His first fifteen on-screen roles were so small, Bishop received no credit. Then he started appearing in "B" Westerns in supporting roles. Basically during the 1950's, William Bishop appeared on different television shows.
John Ireland portrayed "Danny Johnson". Ireland had just been seen in the 1949 Randolph Scott and George Macready Western "The Doolins of Oklahoma". He would follow this picture, co-starring with Glenn Ford and Evelyn Keyes, in 1949's Crime Drama, "Mr. Soft Touch".
William Bishop portrayed "Rudolf Strobel". His first fifteen on-screen roles were so small, Bishop received no credit. Then he started appearing in "B" Westerns in supporting roles. Basically during the 1950's, William Bishop appeared on different television shows.
John Ireland portrayed "Danny Johnson". Ireland had just been seen in the 1949 Randolph Scott and George Macready Western "The Doolins of Oklahoma". He would follow this picture, co-starring with Glenn Ford and Evelyn Keyes, in 1949's Crime Drama, "Mr. Soft Touch".
Above John Ireland, Paulette Goddard and twenty-first billed James Brown. Who would co-star on televisions "The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin".
Oscar Homolka portrayed "Anna's Father Joe Lucasta". Homolka was an Austrian character actor that left his homeland with the rise of Adolph Hitler. He worked first in the U.K. and then moved to the United States. Among his films are, Alfred Hitchcock's 1936 "Sabotage", the Clark Gable and Heddy Lamarr 1940 "Comrade X", 1950's Glenn Ford and Sir Cedric Hardwicke's "The White Tower" and Director King Vidor's 1956 version of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" starring Henry Fonda and Audrey Hepburn.
Above Oscar Homolka and Paulette Goddard
Broderick Crawford portrayed "Anna's brother-in-law, Frank". Crawford had been in the classic 1939 version of "Beau Geste" starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland and Robert Preston as "The Geste Brothers". He starred in the 1940 Western "When the Daltons Rode", as "Brod" Crawford, the actor was in Universal Pictures 1941 "The Black Cat" and between 1955 and 1959, Broderick Crawford was "Captain Dan Matthews" for 155 episodes of television's "Highway Patrol".
Oscar Homolka portrayed "Anna's Father Joe Lucasta". Homolka was an Austrian character actor that left his homeland with the rise of Adolph Hitler. He worked first in the U.K. and then moved to the United States. Among his films are, Alfred Hitchcock's 1936 "Sabotage", the Clark Gable and Heddy Lamarr 1940 "Comrade X", 1950's Glenn Ford and Sir Cedric Hardwicke's "The White Tower" and Director King Vidor's 1956 version of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" starring Henry Fonda and Audrey Hepburn.
Above Oscar Homolka and Paulette Goddard
Broderick Crawford portrayed "Anna's brother-in-law, Frank". Crawford had been in the classic 1939 version of "Beau Geste" starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland and Robert Preston as "The Geste Brothers". He starred in the 1940 Western "When the Daltons Rode", as "Brod" Crawford, the actor was in Universal Pictures 1941 "The Black Cat" and between 1955 and 1959, Broderick Crawford was "Captain Dan Matthews" for 155 episodes of television's "Highway Patrol".
Above Broderick Crawford driving Paulette Goddard and Mary Wickes, as his character's wife, "Stella".
The basic story line has a Pennsylvania Polish farm family down on their luck. Then, through a family friend, they learn that "Rudolf Stobel" is coming to town to find a wife and he has $4,000. The plan is to sell him their troublesome daughter "Anna". The entire family is for this idea except "Joe Lucasta", but "Frank" beats him up and now her father is with the others.
"Anna", normally lives in Brooklyn, and works at a bar called "Noah's Ark". She has fallen for a Merchant Sailor named "Danny Johnson" and when he saves up enough money, to "Go Ashore", retire. "Anna" believes "Danny" will ask her to marry him.
"Anna", normally lives in Brooklyn, and works at a bar called "Noah's Ark". She has fallen for a Merchant Sailor named "Danny Johnson" and when he saves up enough money, to "Go Ashore", retire. "Anna" believes "Danny" will ask her to marry him.
When "Rudolf" arrives, he isn't as gullible as the family believed he would be. He also turns out to be a educated man with plans to both work the farm owned by his family, teach at the local school and raise a family. However, "Rudolf" does like "Anna", but her father tells him he can do a lot better.
"Rudolf" meets "Anna" at a local bar and this leads to both dinner and a marriage proposal, but she will give him no answer. "Anna" decides to return to New York and goes to the train station followed by "Rudolf". He persuades her to marry him and gives "Anna" the $4,000, but just before their wedding. The money is stolen by her family.
As "Rudolf" and "Anna" are about to be married, "Danny Johnson" arrives. He has his "Shore Money" and "Joe" threaten to reveal her previous life, as a prostitute, to "Rudolf" unless she now goes with "Danny".
"Anna" sees no other alternative, but to leave with "Danny" and return to Brooklyn. There, the two split up and "Rudolf", having been following her, learns of "Noah's Ark". He goes there, but she's gone and he leaves a message that her father has died. The following evening, after work, and the bar closes, "Anna" walks out and finds "Rudolf" waiting for her.
The second motion picture I wanted to mention reunited John Ireland and Broderick Crawford.
ALL THE KING'S MEN released November 8, 1949
"Rudolf" meets "Anna" at a local bar and this leads to both dinner and a marriage proposal, but she will give him no answer. "Anna" decides to return to New York and goes to the train station followed by "Rudolf". He persuades her to marry him and gives "Anna" the $4,000, but just before their wedding. The money is stolen by her family.
As "Rudolf" and "Anna" are about to be married, "Danny Johnson" arrives. He has his "Shore Money" and "Joe" threaten to reveal her previous life, as a prostitute, to "Rudolf" unless she now goes with "Danny".
The second motion picture I wanted to mention reunited John Ireland and Broderick Crawford.
ALL THE KING'S MEN released November 8, 1949
This was the first motion picture version of the 1946 "Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel" by Robert Penn Warren. The story is about "Louisiana Governor Willie Stark" and was a thinly veiled look at real-life Senator Huey P. Long. Who was assassinated in 1935.
The screenplay was by the film's Director Robert Rossen. Who would win the "Best Picture Academy Award" for this film. Rossen was also nominated for both "Best Screenplay" and "Best Director".
The Five Main Characters:
Broderick Crawford portrayed "Willie Stark" and won the "Best Actor Academy Award". He was, of course, just seen in "Anna Lucasta".
John Ireland portrayed "Jack Burden". Ireland was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor".
Joanne Dru portrayed "Anne Stanton". Before the years end she would become "Mrs. John Ireland". The two would divorce in 1957. Dru had just been seen in Director John Ford's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" and would follow this picture with Ford's 1950 "Wagon Master".
John Derek portrayed "Tom Stark, the alcoholic son of Willie Stark" . Derek brought attention to himself as the "Punk Cop Killer" in the Nicolas Ray Directed 1949 "Knock on Any Door" starring Humphrey Bogart. The young actor followed this film with 1950's "Rogues of Sherwood Forest" playing "Robin Hood".
John Derek is in the center of the above picture with Ireland on the far right.
Mercedes McCambridge portrayed "Sadie Burke". The actress won the "Best Supporting Actress Academy Award". McCambridge played Joan Crawford's nemeses in Nicholas Ray's Western "Johnny Guitar" in 1954. She was Rock Hudson's sister in George Stevens version of authoress Edna Ferber's "Giant" and in 1973's "The Exorcist" was a "Demon".
Mercedes McCambridge is to the right of Broderick Crawford, above.
The screenplay is very complex and sees everything from the perspective of journalist "Jack Burden". Who becomes unknown "Willie Stark's" publicity man. It is "Burden" that helps create "Stark's" image as he rises from a Rural County Seat Board member to the Governor's mansion.
Along the way, "Willie Stark" destroys many people. His son kills a female passenger in a DUI accident. Then "Stark" forces him to play in a college football game, he doesn't want to play in, and "Tom" ends up paralyzed. "Stark" is a womanizer and takes "Jack's" girlfriend, "Anne", as his mistress.
In the end, "Jack" and "Anne" plan to destroy the "Legend of Willie Stark", but "Stark" dies and the "Legend" will continue.
Released on April 1, 1950, Columbia Pictures owner Harry "King" Cohn. Who had made "All the King's Men". Now put both his "Best Actor Winner", Broderick Crawford and " Best Supporting Actor" nominee, John Ireland, in a very low budget "B" feature, "Cargo to Capetown". Which was about the Captain of a rusty old freighter, Ireland, fighting with his Chief Engineer, Crawford, over a woman, Ellen Drew, of Val Lewton's 1945 "Isle of the Dead" and Sam Fuller's 1950 "Baron of Arizona".
The screenplay was by the film's Director Robert Rossen. Who would win the "Best Picture Academy Award" for this film. Rossen was also nominated for both "Best Screenplay" and "Best Director".
The Five Main Characters:
Broderick Crawford portrayed "Willie Stark" and won the "Best Actor Academy Award". He was, of course, just seen in "Anna Lucasta".
John Ireland portrayed "Jack Burden". Ireland was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor".
Joanne Dru portrayed "Anne Stanton". Before the years end she would become "Mrs. John Ireland". The two would divorce in 1957. Dru had just been seen in Director John Ford's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon" and would follow this picture with Ford's 1950 "Wagon Master".
John Derek portrayed "Tom Stark, the alcoholic son of Willie Stark" . Derek brought attention to himself as the "Punk Cop Killer" in the Nicolas Ray Directed 1949 "Knock on Any Door" starring Humphrey Bogart. The young actor followed this film with 1950's "Rogues of Sherwood Forest" playing "Robin Hood".
John Derek is in the center of the above picture with Ireland on the far right.
Mercedes McCambridge portrayed "Sadie Burke". The actress won the "Best Supporting Actress Academy Award". McCambridge played Joan Crawford's nemeses in Nicholas Ray's Western "Johnny Guitar" in 1954. She was Rock Hudson's sister in George Stevens version of authoress Edna Ferber's "Giant" and in 1973's "The Exorcist" was a "Demon".
Mercedes McCambridge is to the right of Broderick Crawford, above.
The screenplay is very complex and sees everything from the perspective of journalist "Jack Burden". Who becomes unknown "Willie Stark's" publicity man. It is "Burden" that helps create "Stark's" image as he rises from a Rural County Seat Board member to the Governor's mansion.
Along the way, "Willie Stark" destroys many people. His son kills a female passenger in a DUI accident. Then "Stark" forces him to play in a college football game, he doesn't want to play in, and "Tom" ends up paralyzed. "Stark" is a womanizer and takes "Jack's" girlfriend, "Anne", as his mistress.
In the end, "Jack" and "Anne" plan to destroy the "Legend of Willie Stark", but "Stark" dies and the "Legend" will continue.
Released on April 1, 1950, Columbia Pictures owner Harry "King" Cohn. Who had made "All the King's Men". Now put both his "Best Actor Winner", Broderick Crawford and " Best Supporting Actor" nominee, John Ireland, in a very low budget "B" feature, "Cargo to Capetown". Which was about the Captain of a rusty old freighter, Ireland, fighting with his Chief Engineer, Crawford, over a woman, Ellen Drew, of Val Lewton's 1945 "Isle of the Dead" and Sam Fuller's 1950 "Baron of Arizona".
Starting in 1950, the motion picture industry was faced with both Senator Joseph McCarthy and the "House Committee On Un-American Activities", "Blacklisting Producers, Directors and Actors" for, in many cases, unproven Communist associations. All brought on by what historians would call "The Second Red Scare".
To protect itself, the Motion Picture Industry started making "Safe AMERICAN Movies". Which meant the All-American Western, Musicals and Biblical Pictures. For John Ireland this period solidified his "Cowboy Bad Guy Image" with the occasional Film-Noir.
Producer Robert L. Lippert got to thinking, if "I Shot Jesse James" was a money-making Western for him. Why not repeat the formula with another picture featuring the outlaw. Especially as he could get "Oscar Nominated" John Ireland in the title role.
THE RETURN OF JESS JAMES released September 8, 1950
The movie was Directed by Arthur Hilton. Hilton was actually a film editor and would edit over 312 feature films and television programs between 1925 and 1979. As a "B' film Director, his credits only totaled 3, this feature, plus two others. Including the 1953 3-D, Cult Science Fiction movie, "Cat-Women of the Moon", but he also directed 13 television episodes.
The screenplay was based upon a story by Carl K. Hittleman. His screenplays would include the excellent World War 2 thriller "36 Hours", starring James Gardner and Rod Taylor. Plus the 6-day wonders from 1966, "Billy the Kid vs Dracula" and "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter".
The Three Leads:
John Ireland portrayed "Johnny Callum".
Ann Dvorak portrayed "Susan 'Sue' Ellen Younger". There were eight younger girls, but not one of them was named "Susan", "Sue", or "Ellen". Dvorak made a name for herself as "Cesca Carmonte" in Director Howard Hawks' 1932 "Scarface". She was in the Lana Turner and Ray Milland, 1950 "A Life of Her Own", just prior to this picture and followed this film by co-starring with Marjorie Main and James Whitmore in 1950's "Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone".
Henry Hull portrayed "Hank Younger". There was a "Henry Washington Younger", who was the "Younger Brothers" father, but he died in 1862. There was no member of the "James-Younger" gang named "Hank". Hull portrayed "Major Rufus Cobb" in both the 1939 "Jesse James", starring Tyrone Power and Henry Fonda, and the films sequel, 1940's "The Return of Frank James", starring Fonda. He was also 1935's "The Werewolf of London" and in Alfred Hitchcock's 1944 "Lifeboat".
Other Interesting Actors:
Reed Hadley was back not as "Jesse James", but his brother "Frank James".
Reed Hadley was back not as "Jesse James", but his brother "Frank James".
Hugh O'Brien portrays the fictional "Lem Younger". Before this picture, O'Brien was in Lippert's 1950 Science Fiction "Rocketship X-M". From 1955 through 1961, Hugh O'Brien starred on television in "The Life and Times of Wyatt Earp".
Above left, Hugh O'Brien as "Lem Younger", Reed Hadley as "Frank James" and Henry Hull as "Hank Younger".
Tommy Noonan was back as "Charlie Ford".
Tommy Noonan was back as "Charlie Ford".
Peter Marshall, Joanne Dru's brother, and future original host of televisions "Hollywood Squares", 1966 through 1981, portrayed "George".
The screenplay has "Johnny Callum" enter a Missouri Saloon owned by "Bob" and "Charlie Ford". There has always been a rumor that "Jesse" was never killed. Although "Bob" and "Charlie" claim to have killed him. In the saloon is "Hank 'Pop' Younger", who notices that "Johnny" is the image of "Jesse".
When, "Younger" goes over to introduce himself, "Johnny" calls himself "Tom Howard", the alias used by the real Jesse James. Word is received that the "Clay County Bank" had been robbed earlier and "Younger" now believes that "Johnny" is "Jesse" and the rumors of him not being killed by the "Ford's" is true. Taking, "Mr. Howard", to his home, "Younger" introduces him to his two sons, "Lem" and "Hank", I could not locate the name of the actor in that role, and his daughter "Sue Ellen".
The plan is to dress "Johnny Callum" up as "Jesse" and re-rob all of he banks the gang hit in the same order.
As the story progresses "Johnny-Jesse" confronts and kills both "Ford" brothers and as he dies, "Charlie" calls the other 'Jesse". Meanwhile, two things take place, "Sue Ellen" brags to the new gang that the authorities have offered $5,000 for "Johnny", Dead or Alive.
While, in Lebanon, Tennessee, "Frank James" has been living peacefully as "Ben Woodson" with his wife "Anne". He now gets with the authorities and sets a trap for the imposter and his gang. "Frank" knowing the next bank to be rob.
The lawmen kill all of the gang except "Johnny" and "Pop". They turn on each other and "Pop" is killed, but "Johnny" severely wounded. He makes it back to "Sue Ellen" and she tells him to lie down on the bed. She leaves and he hears her outside talking to the lawmen and when she returns with bandages. "Johnny Callum" shoots and kills "Susan 'Sue' Ellen Younger".
Another television appearance and a Western, 1951's "Vengeance Valley", starring Burt Lancaster and Ireland's wife Joanne Dru followed. Ireland was teamed up again with Mercedes McCambridge in a Psychological Film-Noir, 1951's "The Scarf", that did neither actor any good.
John Ireland's politics were considered questionable during the beginnings of the "House Committee On Un-American Activities" investigation of the Motion Picture Industry. Which could actually mean he wasn't a "Communist" or "Fellow Traveler", but a "Leftist" in the "Right Wing" world of American Politics.
John Ireland had signed a contract to star in a weekly television series "The Adventures of Ellery Queen". The series ran on the old "Dumont Network" from October 14, 1950 through December 6, 1951, for 50 episodes. Then moved to ABC, from December 16, 1951 through November 26, 1952, for another 43 episodes.
However, Ireland never portrayed "Ellery Queen" and was dropped by the Producers before production began. The stated reason was his "Undesirable Politics". He sued the producers over a "Breach of Contract" and "Slander" and won an undisclosed amount of money.
On January 21, 1951, John Ireland appeared in the first of two television dramas, "Confession", on "The Philco Television Playhouse". Like many early 1950's anthologies, the name came from its only sponsor and in this case the television set and radio maker, "Philco".
The next film for John Ireland, is a normally forgotten, very good story, based around an attempt to warn George Armstrong Custer of the Sioux that would kill him at the----
LITTLE BIG HORN released June 8, 1951
The motion picture was Directed and Co-written by Charles Marquis Warren, 1952's "Springfield Rife", starring Gary Cooper, 1953's "Arrowhead", starring Charlton Heston and Jack Palance, 1955's "Seven Angry Men", starring Raymond Massey, Jeffrey Hunter and Debra Paget about John Brown and 1958's, "Desert Hell", starring Brian Keith, Barbara Hale and Richard Denning.
The other writer was Harold Shumate. Who had been writing "B" films, of all genres, since 1917 and moved to television.
John Ireland portrayed "Lieutenant John Haywood".
Lloyd Bridges portrayed "Captain Phillip Donlin". Bridges had been acting on film since 1936. Some of his films included fourth billing in the 1943 World War 2, "Sahara", starring Humphrey Bogart and Bruce Bennett, 1945's "A Walk in the Sun", Cecil B. DeMille's 1947 "Unconquered", for Robert L. Lippert, the 1950 Science Fiction, "Rocketship X-M", and in the same year, Glenn Ford's "The White Tower". From 1958 through 1961, Lloyd Bridges portrayed "Mike Nelson", on Producer Ivan Tors "Sea Hunt".
Marie Windsor portrayed "Celie Donlin". Windsor started acting in 1941 and would be seen in small roles in both "B" and "A" list features. In this picture she is having an affair with Ireland establishing the animosity between the two officers. She co-starred in the 1953 3-D Cult Science Fiction "Cat-Women of the Moon", was the villainess in 1955's "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy", starred in Roger Corman's 1956 "Swamp Women" and switched to television.
Reed Hadley portrayed "Sergeant Major Peter Grierson".
While, in Lebanon, Tennessee, "Frank James" has been living peacefully as "Ben Woodson" with his wife "Anne". He now gets with the authorities and sets a trap for the imposter and his gang. "Frank" knowing the next bank to be rob.
The lawmen kill all of the gang except "Johnny" and "Pop". They turn on each other and "Pop" is killed, but "Johnny" severely wounded. He makes it back to "Sue Ellen" and she tells him to lie down on the bed. She leaves and he hears her outside talking to the lawmen and when she returns with bandages. "Johnny Callum" shoots and kills "Susan 'Sue' Ellen Younger".
Another television appearance and a Western, 1951's "Vengeance Valley", starring Burt Lancaster and Ireland's wife Joanne Dru followed. Ireland was teamed up again with Mercedes McCambridge in a Psychological Film-Noir, 1951's "The Scarf", that did neither actor any good.
John Ireland's politics were considered questionable during the beginnings of the "House Committee On Un-American Activities" investigation of the Motion Picture Industry. Which could actually mean he wasn't a "Communist" or "Fellow Traveler", but a "Leftist" in the "Right Wing" world of American Politics.
John Ireland had signed a contract to star in a weekly television series "The Adventures of Ellery Queen". The series ran on the old "Dumont Network" from October 14, 1950 through December 6, 1951, for 50 episodes. Then moved to ABC, from December 16, 1951 through November 26, 1952, for another 43 episodes.
However, Ireland never portrayed "Ellery Queen" and was dropped by the Producers before production began. The stated reason was his "Undesirable Politics". He sued the producers over a "Breach of Contract" and "Slander" and won an undisclosed amount of money.
On January 21, 1951, John Ireland appeared in the first of two television dramas, "Confession", on "The Philco Television Playhouse". Like many early 1950's anthologies, the name came from its only sponsor and in this case the television set and radio maker, "Philco".
The next film for John Ireland, is a normally forgotten, very good story, based around an attempt to warn George Armstrong Custer of the Sioux that would kill him at the----
LITTLE BIG HORN released June 8, 1951
The film was originally to be made by Republic Pictures in 1950 and star Rod Cameron. For whatever the real reason, it ended up with Robert L. Lippert without Cameron. Which strangely made the end result into a minor classic.
The motion picture was Directed and Co-written by Charles Marquis Warren, 1952's "Springfield Rife", starring Gary Cooper, 1953's "Arrowhead", starring Charlton Heston and Jack Palance, 1955's "Seven Angry Men", starring Raymond Massey, Jeffrey Hunter and Debra Paget about John Brown and 1958's, "Desert Hell", starring Brian Keith, Barbara Hale and Richard Denning.
The other writer was Harold Shumate. Who had been writing "B" films, of all genres, since 1917 and moved to television.
John Ireland portrayed "Lieutenant John Haywood".
Marie Windsor portrayed "Celie Donlin". Windsor started acting in 1941 and would be seen in small roles in both "B" and "A" list features. In this picture she is having an affair with Ireland establishing the animosity between the two officers. She co-starred in the 1953 3-D Cult Science Fiction "Cat-Women of the Moon", was the villainess in 1955's "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy", starred in Roger Corman's 1956 "Swamp Women" and switched to television.
Reed Hadley portrayed "Sergeant Major Peter Grierson".
Some of the Troop:
Jim Davis portrayed "Corporal Doan Moylan". Davis started acting in 1942 and would be seen in many Westerns. On television, Davis starred in 1952's "Dangerous Assignment" , "Cowboy G-Men", 1952 through 1953, "Stories of the Century", 1954 through 1955, and 1974's "The Cowboys". In 1978, Jim Davis started playing "Jock Ewing", on the television series, "Dallas".
Jim Davis portrayed "Corporal Doan Moylan". Davis started acting in 1942 and would be seen in many Westerns. On television, Davis starred in 1952's "Dangerous Assignment" , "Cowboy G-Men", 1952 through 1953, "Stories of the Century", 1954 through 1955, and 1974's "The Cowboys". In 1978, Jim Davis started playing "Jock Ewing", on the television series, "Dallas".
Hugh O'Brien portrayed "Private Al DeWalt".
Sheb Wooley portrayed "Quince the Scout". Wooley was one of the killers after Gary Cooper in 1952's "High Noon" and was a regular on televisions "Rawhide" as "Pete Nolan". Wooley also sang and composed music. He recorded a little composition "The Purple People Eater". My article, "High Noon', 'The Purple People Eater' and 'Rawhide': A Short But Fond Memory of Sheb Wooley" may be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/03/high-noon-purple-people-eater-and.html
MacDonald Carey portrayed "Bus Crow". Carey first appeared on-screen in 1942's "Take a Letter Darling", co-starring with Rosalind Russell and Fred MacMurray. He followed that film with the 1942 World War 2 story, "Wake Island" and had third billing in Alfred Hitchcock's 1943 "Shadow of a Doubt", co-starring with Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton. Then, took off some time off for active duty in the Marine Corps and returned to Hollywood in 1947 in "Suddenly It's Spring", co-starring with Paulette Goddard and Fred MacMurray. From 1959 through 1961 MacDonald Carey starred on the television series "Lock Up" and from 1965 through 1994 portrayed "Dr, Tom Horton" on the Soap Opera, "Days of Our Lives".
Above MacDonald Carey with Joanne Dru.
Joanne Dru portrayed "Hallie McLaird aka; Hannah Lee". Dru had just co-starred with James Stewart and Gilbert Roland in Director Anthony Mann's 1953 "Thunder Bay". She would follow this picture with 1953's "Forbidden" starring Tony Curtis.
John Ireland portrayed "Marshall Sam Rochelle".
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2017/03/high-noon-purple-people-eater-and.html
King Donovan portrayed "Private James Corbo". Donovan began on-screen acting in 1948 and had an uncredited role in "All the King's Men" and another in "Cargo to Capetown". In 1953, Science Fiction Fans saw King Donovan first as "Dr. Dan Forbes" in Ivan Tors "The Magnetic Monster" with co-star Richard Carlson. Next, he was "Dr. Ingersoll", in Stop Motion Animator's 1953 "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms". Then in 1956, King Donovan portrayed "Jack Belicec" in Director Don Siegel's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".
The picture opens in June of 1876, at "Fort Abraham Lincoln", in the Montana Territory, with the return of "Captain Donlin" from a long patrol. He overhears his wife telling her lover "Lieutenant Haywood" to resign his commission and leave the Army. The next morning "Captain Phil Donlin" leads a troop for "Camp Yellowstone". His purpose is to warn "General George Armstrong Custer" of the build-up of the Sioux Nation and not to go toward the meeting of the Little and Big Horn Rivers as was his plan. After three weeks march, they have yet to reach "Camp Yellowstone".
At a watering hole, 'Donlin" and his men are joined by "Lieutenant Haywood" and a small detail. "Haywood" has been sent to bring them back to "Fort Abraham Lincoln", because word has reached headquarters that "Custer" has already left, ahead of schedule, for the "Little Big Horn".
However, "Captain Phillip Donlin" makes the decision to ignore the order and make a attempt to reach and warn "Custer". "Lieutenant John Haywood" argues that's a suicide mission and refuses to order his men on it. "Donlin" permits "Haywood's" men to return to the Fort, but orders him to become his second-in-command. The date is now June 22, 1876, three days before "Custer" and his troops will reach the Little and Big Horn rivers. "Captain Donlin" now orders a 250 mile forced march. The troop is scouted by a civilian named "Quince" and "Corporal Arika", played by Rodd Redwing.
As the troop moves through a ravine, one of the men spots a Sioux look-out and shoots at him. This raises the question, did the soldier kill the scout, or is he on his way to "Chief Sitting Bull"? "Phil" now orders "John" to go up the ravine and find out. This turns into a hand to hand fight with the Sioux warrior and "John" kills him, but a second Sioux warrior has been watching and is about to kill "Haywood" with an arrow. "Quince" appears and kills the Sioux saves "Lieutenant Haywood".
At a watering hole, 'Donlin" and his men are joined by "Lieutenant Haywood" and a small detail. "Haywood" has been sent to bring them back to "Fort Abraham Lincoln", because word has reached headquarters that "Custer" has already left, ahead of schedule, for the "Little Big Horn".
However, "Captain Phillip Donlin" makes the decision to ignore the order and make a attempt to reach and warn "Custer". "Lieutenant John Haywood" argues that's a suicide mission and refuses to order his men on it. "Donlin" permits "Haywood's" men to return to the Fort, but orders him to become his second-in-command. The date is now June 22, 1876, three days before "Custer" and his troops will reach the Little and Big Horn rivers. "Captain Donlin" now orders a 250 mile forced march. The troop is scouted by a civilian named "Quince" and "Corporal Arika", played by Rodd Redwing.
As the troop moves through a ravine, one of the men spots a Sioux look-out and shoots at him. This raises the question, did the soldier kill the scout, or is he on his way to "Chief Sitting Bull"? "Phil" now orders "John" to go up the ravine and find out. This turns into a hand to hand fight with the Sioux warrior and "John" kills him, but a second Sioux warrior has been watching and is about to kill "Haywood" with an arrow. "Quince" appears and kills the Sioux saves "Lieutenant Haywood".
Later, "John" gives "Phil" a photo of his wife and tells him its the only thing of "Celie" he has, but he doesn't tell him that he ended the affair and she still loves her husband.
Worried about his pregnant wife, "Private Arndt Hofstetter", played by Gordon Wynn, convinces "Private Tim Harvey", played by Ted Avery, to desert and return to the Fort. The two are ambushed and "Hofstetter" is saved by "John", who was sent to bring the two back, but "Harvey" is killed by a Sioux arrow.
Now, one by one, the soldiers are being picked off. "Quince" doesn't come back from a scouting trip and "Corporal Arika" finds him staked out and alive. In an attempt to rescue "Quince", "Arika" is killed, and "Quince" dies from his wounds.
Worried about his pregnant wife, "Private Arndt Hofstetter", played by Gordon Wynn, convinces "Private Tim Harvey", played by Ted Avery, to desert and return to the Fort. The two are ambushed and "Hofstetter" is saved by "John", who was sent to bring the two back, but "Harvey" is killed by a Sioux arrow.
Now, one by one, the soldiers are being picked off. "Quince" doesn't come back from a scouting trip and "Corporal Arika" finds him staked out and alive. In an attempt to rescue "Quince", "Arika" is killed, and "Quince" dies from his wounds.
Now, "Donlin", believing "Haywood" has become a threat to his authority. starts a fist fight between them that ends in a draw. "John" is ordered out on point and the rest of the men threaten to mutinyover what they see as a means of "Captain Donlin" permanenly getting rid of "Lieutenant Haywood", but
"Haywood" returns to stop them. The remaining soldiers discover a ambushed wagon train.
"Haywood" returns to stop them. The remaining soldiers discover a ambushed wagon train.
The men move out and are attacked by the Sioux and the first to fall is "Captain Phillip Donlin".
The Sioux have been temporarily driven off and "Lieutenant John Haywood" has ascertained that "General Custer" and his command have yet to arrive at the Little Big Horn. The dying "Phill Donlin" turns over command to "John Haywood" and the story had reached its climax.
The picture ends with "Lieutenant John Haywood" leading a charge into the Sioux nation.
Two films later and John Ireland found himself in an "A" List Western from Paramount Pictures.
RED MOUNTAIN released in November of 1951
The motion picture was Produced by Hal Wallis. Who between 1929 and 1975, Produced 380 films.
"Red Mountain" was Directed by William Dieterle. He started Directing in his native Germany in 1923 and like many left with the rise of Adolph Hitler. Dieterle also acted in 67 German motion pictures. As a Director, Dieterle's work include, 1936's "The Story of Louis Pasteur" and 1937's "The Life of Emile Zola", both starring Paul Muni, In 1939, he Directed the first sound version of Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", starring Charles Laughton and a unknown Maureen O'Hara. In 1944 William Dieterle Directed Ronald Coleman and Marlen Dietrich in "Kismet" and right after this picture, It was Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews and Peter Finch in 1953's "Elephant Walk".
The Four Leading Actors:
Alan Ladd portrayed "Confederate Captain Brett Sherwood". Like many actors in 1950, Ladd had started making Westerns with "Branded". Ladd would follow this picture with a World War 2 drama and then another sudo-Western, 1952's "The Iron Maiden" as "Jim Bowie", and not to forget, the classic 1953 "Shane". However, there was still another form of popular "Safe" movies and they came mainly from the U.K. Alan Ladd found himself in one of these and my article, "Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd and Robert Wagner Visit King Arthur" is available for reading at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/05/yonder-lies-castle-of-my-fodder-tony.html
Lizabeth Scott portrayed "Chris". Scott, because of her looks, was often referred to as the "B Picture Lauren Bacall" and appeared in many Film-Noir's. The actress started out on-screen with second billing in 1945's "You Came Along", co-starring Robert Cummings and Don DeFore. Her second motion picture, "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers", moved Scott to third billing behind Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heffin. For Elizabeth Scott's third motion picture, somebody had a sense of humor, The 1947 feature film was "Dead Reckoning" and Lizabeth Scott found herself with second billing to Lauren Bacall's husband, Humphrey Bogart.
Arthur Kennedy portrayed "Lane Waldron". Kennedy started his on-screen career co-starring with James Cagney and Ann Sheridan in 1940's "City for Conquest". His next motion picture dropped the actor to fourth billing, but that was behind Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino and Alan Curtis in Director Raul Walsh's 1941, "High Sierra", written by John Huston. That same year, Walsh cast him in "They Died with Their Boots On" starring Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavilland. Arthur Kennedy would follow this feature with Director Anthony Mann's 1952 "Bend in the River", co-starring with James Stewart. Also that year, was Director Fritz Lang's "Rancho Notorious". In which, Kennedy co-starred with Marlene Dietrich and Mel Ferrer.
RED MOUNTAIN released in November of 1951
The motion picture was Produced by Hal Wallis. Who between 1929 and 1975, Produced 380 films.
"Red Mountain" was Directed by William Dieterle. He started Directing in his native Germany in 1923 and like many left with the rise of Adolph Hitler. Dieterle also acted in 67 German motion pictures. As a Director, Dieterle's work include, 1936's "The Story of Louis Pasteur" and 1937's "The Life of Emile Zola", both starring Paul Muni, In 1939, he Directed the first sound version of Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", starring Charles Laughton and a unknown Maureen O'Hara. In 1944 William Dieterle Directed Ronald Coleman and Marlen Dietrich in "Kismet" and right after this picture, It was Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews and Peter Finch in 1953's "Elephant Walk".
The Four Leading Actors:
Alan Ladd portrayed "Confederate Captain Brett Sherwood". Like many actors in 1950, Ladd had started making Westerns with "Branded". Ladd would follow this picture with a World War 2 drama and then another sudo-Western, 1952's "The Iron Maiden" as "Jim Bowie", and not to forget, the classic 1953 "Shane". However, there was still another form of popular "Safe" movies and they came mainly from the U.K. Alan Ladd found himself in one of these and my article, "Tony Curtis, Alan Ladd and Robert Wagner Visit King Arthur" is available for reading at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/05/yonder-lies-castle-of-my-fodder-tony.html
Lizabeth Scott portrayed "Chris". Scott, because of her looks, was often referred to as the "B Picture Lauren Bacall" and appeared in many Film-Noir's. The actress started out on-screen with second billing in 1945's "You Came Along", co-starring Robert Cummings and Don DeFore. Her second motion picture, "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers", moved Scott to third billing behind Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heffin. For Elizabeth Scott's third motion picture, somebody had a sense of humor, The 1947 feature film was "Dead Reckoning" and Lizabeth Scott found herself with second billing to Lauren Bacall's husband, Humphrey Bogart.
Arthur Kennedy portrayed "Lane Waldron". Kennedy started his on-screen career co-starring with James Cagney and Ann Sheridan in 1940's "City for Conquest". His next motion picture dropped the actor to fourth billing, but that was behind Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino and Alan Curtis in Director Raul Walsh's 1941, "High Sierra", written by John Huston. That same year, Walsh cast him in "They Died with Their Boots On" starring Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavilland. Arthur Kennedy would follow this feature with Director Anthony Mann's 1952 "Bend in the River", co-starring with James Stewart. Also that year, was Director Fritz Lang's "Rancho Notorious". In which, Kennedy co-starred with Marlene Dietrich and Mel Ferrer.
John Ireland portrayed "Confederate General William Quantrill". As with many Westerns mentioning "Quantrill's Raiders", there were seven in the 1950's alone and this was only the third such film, they were only used as a plot point rather than being the central story line.
In this screenplay. set in 1865 Colorado, everything revolves around a gold mine discovered by "Lane Waldron". "Lane" is rescued from a lynch mob by a unseen marksman that turns out to be "Captain Brett Sherwood". Who is in Colorado to locate and stop "William Quantrill's" unauthorized, by Confederate President "Jefferson Davis", activities. The rogue General is attempting to start a rebellion against the Union by stirring up the local Indians. It should be noted that all the Confederates in this picture are wearing Union Army Uniforms as a disguise. "Lane's" girlfriend, "Chris", arrives and it turns out she hates Confederates and especially "Quantrill" who killed her family. All the diverse plot lines, and there are several, come together in the film's climax. As "William Quantrill" is driven out of Colorado, "Lane" will be killed and, of course, "Brett" gets "Chris" with the dying "Lane Waldron's" best wishes for their future.
In this screenplay. set in 1865 Colorado, everything revolves around a gold mine discovered by "Lane Waldron". "Lane" is rescued from a lynch mob by a unseen marksman that turns out to be "Captain Brett Sherwood". Who is in Colorado to locate and stop "William Quantrill's" unauthorized, by Confederate President "Jefferson Davis", activities. The rogue General is attempting to start a rebellion against the Union by stirring up the local Indians. It should be noted that all the Confederates in this picture are wearing Union Army Uniforms as a disguise. "Lane's" girlfriend, "Chris", arrives and it turns out she hates Confederates and especially "Quantrill" who killed her family. All the diverse plot lines, and there are several, come together in the film's climax. As "William Quantrill" is driven out of Colorado, "Lane" will be killed and, of course, "Brett" gets "Chris" with the dying "Lane Waldron's" best wishes for their future.
Staying in Western mode, Ireland followed "Red Mountain" with ---
THE BUSHWHACKERS released January 8, 1952
This feature was Directed and Co-written by Rod Amateau. This was one of only two feature films he Directed, because Amateau was mainly a television Director and writer.
Tom Gries was the main screenplay writer. Gries was also mainly a writer for the new medium of television.
The Three Leading Actors:
John Ireland portrayed "Jefferson Waring".
Wayne Morris portrayed "Marshal John Harding". In 1937, Morris had the title role of "Kid Galahad", in a film that actually starred Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. In 1939 Morris was in Humphrey Bogart's only Horror movie "The Return of Dr. X". He portrayed "Bob Younger" in 1941's "Bad Men of Missouri", in 1949, Wayne Morris was "Cole Younger" in "The Younger Brothers". One of Wayne Morris' best dramatic roles was in 1957, playing the soon to be executed "Lieutenant Roget", in Director Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory", starring Kirk Douglas.
THE BUSHWHACKERS released January 8, 1952
This feature was Directed and Co-written by Rod Amateau. This was one of only two feature films he Directed, because Amateau was mainly a television Director and writer.
Tom Gries was the main screenplay writer. Gries was also mainly a writer for the new medium of television.
The Three Leading Actors:
John Ireland portrayed "Jefferson Waring".
Wayne Morris portrayed "Marshal John Harding". In 1937, Morris had the title role of "Kid Galahad", in a film that actually starred Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. In 1939 Morris was in Humphrey Bogart's only Horror movie "The Return of Dr. X". He portrayed "Bob Younger" in 1941's "Bad Men of Missouri", in 1949, Wayne Morris was "Cole Younger" in "The Younger Brothers". One of Wayne Morris' best dramatic roles was in 1957, playing the soon to be executed "Lieutenant Roget", in Director Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory", starring Kirk Douglas.
Lawrence Tierney portrayed "Marshal Sam Tobin". In
1945, Tierney had the title role of "Dillinger", and in 1946, the actor portrayed "Lieutenant Commander Waite" in John Wayne and Anthony Quinn's "Back to Bataan". Lawrence Tierney was "Jesse James" in 1946's "Badman's Territory" starring Randolph Scott. In 1951, he was once again "Jesse James" in "Best of the Badmen" starring Robert Ryan.
Three Interesting Roles in The Picture:
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Cathy Sharpe". Malone was still four years away from becoming a star with 1956's "Written on the Wind". In which she co-starred with Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall and Robert Stack. Malone had been acting on-screen since 1940 and had a great small role in Director Howard Hawks' version of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Malone was in several other "B" Westerns and several "B" Film-Noirs, but nothing big. Some of her work was for a Producer and Director named Roger Corman.
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Cathy Sharpe". Malone was still four years away from becoming a star with 1956's "Written on the Wind". In which she co-starred with Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall and Robert Stack. Malone had been acting on-screen since 1940 and had a great small role in Director Howard Hawks' version of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Malone was in several other "B" Westerns and several "B" Film-Noirs, but nothing big. Some of her work was for a Producer and Director named Roger Corman.
Lon Chaney, Jr. portrayed "Artemus Taylor". On the 1952 television anthology series, "Tales of Tomorrow", in the episode entitled "Frankenstein", Chaney portrayed "The Monster". "The Bushwhackers" was followed by two more 1952 feature films. Lon Chaney played "Sinbad" in "Thief of Damascus" and ex-Marshal "Martin Lowe", in Director Fred Zimmerman's classic, "High Noon", starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.
Jack Elam portrayed "Cree". The gentle, accountant turned character actor, had started appearing on-screen in 1944. His roles were mainly Henchmen for Gangsters, or Hired Killers for the Bad Guy in Westerns. By this motion picture, Elam, had appeared 15 times and would continue to larger roles, but mostly stereo typed, overlooking his great comic timing, that was finally shown in 1969's "Support Your Local Gunfighter" starring James Gardner.
The basic storyline was a repetitious "B" formula turned out by the "Hollywood Studios" since the 1930's. "Artemus Taylor" is a powerful rancher that is driving "Homesteaders" off their land to protect his small cattle empire. As formula, "Marshal Sam Tobin" is on his payroll and into this situation rides "Jefferson Waring". Who ends up siding with the "Homesteaders" against "Taylor" and "Tobin". In the end he gets the girl, "Cathy".
Jack Elam portrayed "Cree". The gentle, accountant turned character actor, had started appearing on-screen in 1944. His roles were mainly Henchmen for Gangsters, or Hired Killers for the Bad Guy in Westerns. By this motion picture, Elam, had appeared 15 times and would continue to larger roles, but mostly stereo typed, overlooking his great comic timing, that was finally shown in 1969's "Support Your Local Gunfighter" starring James Gardner.
The basic storyline was a repetitious "B" formula turned out by the "Hollywood Studios" since the 1930's. "Artemus Taylor" is a powerful rancher that is driving "Homesteaders" off their land to protect his small cattle empire. As formula, "Marshal Sam Tobin" is on his payroll and into this situation rides "Jefferson Waring". Who ends up siding with the "Homesteaders" against "Taylor" and "Tobin". In the end he gets the girl, "Cathy".
On January 18, 1952, Ireland appeared in the first of eight appearances on televisions "Schlitz Playhouse", in "The Man That I Marry". His final appearance would be on February 24, 1956, in "Ordeal".
HURRICANE SMITH released October 3, 1952
Director Jerry Hooper started in 1946 with short subjects and it wasn't until 1952 that he moved to feature films. That picture is the very taut and thrilling "Atomic City", starring Gene Barry. It's formula for the early "Cold War", but above average for a "B" entry. The story is about the search for an Atomic Scientist's son, that has been kidnapped by enemy agents to get him to turn over government secrets. This feature was Hopper's second feature film and he would become a major television Director afterwards.
The screenplay was written by Frank Gruber. Gruber wrote primarily "B" Westerns and would also turn to television writing. The story came from the 1922 Gordon Ray Young novel, "Hurricane Williams", part of a forgotten 1920's series of novels about that character.
Yvonne DeCarlo portrayed "Luana Whitmore". The "B" leading actress had just been seen in the 1952 adventure film "Scarlet Angel" with Rock Hudson and Richard Denning, She would next move to fourth billing behind Ricardo Montalban, Pier Angeli and Vittorio Gassman in the 1953 musical "Sombrero". In 1956 DeCarlo played the wife of Charlton Heston's, "Moses", in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" and in 1964, became "Lily Munster", on the television series "The Munsters".
HURRICANE SMITH released October 3, 1952
Director Jerry Hooper started in 1946 with short subjects and it wasn't until 1952 that he moved to feature films. That picture is the very taut and thrilling "Atomic City", starring Gene Barry. It's formula for the early "Cold War", but above average for a "B" entry. The story is about the search for an Atomic Scientist's son, that has been kidnapped by enemy agents to get him to turn over government secrets. This feature was Hopper's second feature film and he would become a major television Director afterwards.
The screenplay was written by Frank Gruber. Gruber wrote primarily "B" Westerns and would also turn to television writing. The story came from the 1922 Gordon Ray Young novel, "Hurricane Williams", part of a forgotten 1920's series of novels about that character.
Yvonne DeCarlo portrayed "Luana Whitmore". The "B" leading actress had just been seen in the 1952 adventure film "Scarlet Angel" with Rock Hudson and Richard Denning, She would next move to fourth billing behind Ricardo Montalban, Pier Angeli and Vittorio Gassman in the 1953 musical "Sombrero". In 1956 DeCarlo played the wife of Charlton Heston's, "Moses", in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" and in 1964, became "Lily Munster", on the television series "The Munsters".
John Ireland portrayed "Hurricane Smith".
The plot was the typical group of treasure hunters that have a falling out over both it and a woman. For a studio as prestigious as Paramount. There are some big inconsistencies in both the time of the story and the costuming. The plot appears to take place in the late 19th Century, but the costumes range from the 18th Century to actually 1953. "Hurricane's" ship looks like it belongs in the 18th Century, but the name reflects the 19th. While, the screenplay uses the term "Blackbirding", a slaver term, which would place the story prior to 1845. However, "B" movies were made to make the audience to forget the "Cold War" and entertain.
Speaking of the "Cold War", Ireland's next feature fit right in.
THE 49TH MAN released May 20, 1953
The picture was Directed by Fred F. Sears. Sears would become a major "B" Director for Columbia Pictures, but also acted in 77 feature films. He is best remembered for Directing four Science Fiction Pictures. Two where the double bill of Stop Motion Animator Ray Harryhausen's "Earth vs the Flying Saucers" and the very good Science Fiction, Horror film, "The Werewolf". The third picture was 1957's "The Night the World Exploded" and the fourth, the Cult, laughable, Science Fiction Classic, 1957's "The Giant Claw".
The screenplay was based upon a story by Ivan Tors. Tors had just produced and released the first of his "Office of Scientific Investigation Trilogy", 1953's "The Magnetic Monster", starring Richard Carlson and King Donovan.
The actual writing was by Harry Essex. His next screenplay was 1953's "It Came from Outer Space" and in 1954, Essex wrote "The Creature from the Black Lagoon"
John Ireland was "Government Investigator John Williams".
Richard Denning portrayed "Chief Investigator Paul Reagan". Denny had just been seen in Director Fred F. Sears 1953 "Target Hong Kong". My article, "RICHARD DENNING: HIS SCIENCE FICTION AND HORROR FILMS", can be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2020/08/richard-denning-his-science-fiction-and.html
The title refers to the fact that 48 men are hired to smuggle fake atomic bombs into the United States as part of a government "War Game", but it is discovered that 49 were smuggled in. Now the search for "The 49th Man" and the real Atomic Bomb begins.
Speaking of the "Cold War", Ireland's next feature fit right in.
THE 49TH MAN released May 20, 1953
The picture was Directed by Fred F. Sears. Sears would become a major "B" Director for Columbia Pictures, but also acted in 77 feature films. He is best remembered for Directing four Science Fiction Pictures. Two where the double bill of Stop Motion Animator Ray Harryhausen's "Earth vs the Flying Saucers" and the very good Science Fiction, Horror film, "The Werewolf". The third picture was 1957's "The Night the World Exploded" and the fourth, the Cult, laughable, Science Fiction Classic, 1957's "The Giant Claw".
The screenplay was based upon a story by Ivan Tors. Tors had just produced and released the first of his "Office of Scientific Investigation Trilogy", 1953's "The Magnetic Monster", starring Richard Carlson and King Donovan.
The actual writing was by Harry Essex. His next screenplay was 1953's "It Came from Outer Space" and in 1954, Essex wrote "The Creature from the Black Lagoon"
John Ireland was "Government Investigator John Williams".
Richard Denning portrayed "Chief Investigator Paul Reagan". Denny had just been seen in Director Fred F. Sears 1953 "Target Hong Kong". My article, "RICHARD DENNING: HIS SCIENCE FICTION AND HORROR FILMS", can be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2020/08/richard-denning-his-science-fiction-and.html
The title refers to the fact that 48 men are hired to smuggle fake atomic bombs into the United States as part of a government "War Game", but it is discovered that 49 were smuggled in. Now the search for "The 49th Man" and the real Atomic Bomb begins.
Ireland returned to "B" Westerns, but now in 3-D!
HANNAH LEE released June 27, 1953
The picture was also known as "Outlaw Territory".
Another title for this entry is the strange sounding, "Hannah Lee: An American Primitive".
The motion picture was Co-Directed by Lee Garmes and John Ireland. Garmes was a very innovative Cinematographer and between 1918 and 1973 worked on 143 motion pictures. Including , the Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich 1930 "Morocco", Howard Hawks' 1932 "Scarface", the Jennifer Jones, Gregory Peck and Joseph Cotton controversial Western, 1946's "Duel in the Sun" and 1951's "The Detective" starring Kirk Douglas. Garmes followed this picture with Howard Hawks' 1955 epic, "The Land of the Pharaohs", starring Jack Hawkins and introducing Joan Collins.
As a Director Lee Garmes only worked upon seven films between 1934 and this feature.
This was John Ireland's first time Directing.
The screenplay was Co-written by author MacKinlay Cantor. Who would win the "Pulitzer Prize" for his 1955 Civil War Novel, "Andersonville". Another of his novels, "The Best Years of Our Lives", about returning World War 2 service men adjusting to civilian life, was made into a classic "Academy Award Winning" 1946 film. In 1950, Cantor and about to be blacklisted, Dalton Trumbo, wrote the screenplay for "Gun Crazy". MacKinlay Cantor followed that movie with two television scripts and then this film.
Alfred Van Ronkel had turned Robert A. Heinlein's novella "Destination Moon" into a classic 1950 George Pal Science Fiction feature. This picture was his second screenplay.
HANNAH LEE released June 27, 1953
The picture was also known as "Outlaw Territory".
The motion picture was Co-Directed by Lee Garmes and John Ireland. Garmes was a very innovative Cinematographer and between 1918 and 1973 worked on 143 motion pictures. Including , the Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich 1930 "Morocco", Howard Hawks' 1932 "Scarface", the Jennifer Jones, Gregory Peck and Joseph Cotton controversial Western, 1946's "Duel in the Sun" and 1951's "The Detective" starring Kirk Douglas. Garmes followed this picture with Howard Hawks' 1955 epic, "The Land of the Pharaohs", starring Jack Hawkins and introducing Joan Collins.
As a Director Lee Garmes only worked upon seven films between 1934 and this feature.
This was John Ireland's first time Directing.
The screenplay was Co-written by author MacKinlay Cantor. Who would win the "Pulitzer Prize" for his 1955 Civil War Novel, "Andersonville". Another of his novels, "The Best Years of Our Lives", about returning World War 2 service men adjusting to civilian life, was made into a classic "Academy Award Winning" 1946 film. In 1950, Cantor and about to be blacklisted, Dalton Trumbo, wrote the screenplay for "Gun Crazy". MacKinlay Cantor followed that movie with two television scripts and then this film.
Alfred Van Ronkel had turned Robert A. Heinlein's novella "Destination Moon" into a classic 1950 George Pal Science Fiction feature. This picture was his second screenplay.
MacDonald Carey portrayed "Bus Crow". Carey first appeared on-screen in 1942's "Take a Letter Darling", co-starring with Rosalind Russell and Fred MacMurray. He followed that film with the 1942 World War 2 story, "Wake Island" and had third billing in Alfred Hitchcock's 1943 "Shadow of a Doubt", co-starring with Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton. Then, took off some time off for active duty in the Marine Corps and returned to Hollywood in 1947 in "Suddenly It's Spring", co-starring with Paulette Goddard and Fred MacMurray. From 1959 through 1961 MacDonald Carey starred on the television series "Lock Up" and from 1965 through 1994 portrayed "Dr, Tom Horton" on the Soap Opera, "Days of Our Lives".
Above MacDonald Carey with Joanne Dru.
Joanne Dru portrayed "Hallie McLaird aka; Hannah Lee". Dru had just co-starred with James Stewart and Gilbert Roland in Director Anthony Mann's 1953 "Thunder Bay". She would follow this picture with 1953's "Forbidden" starring Tony Curtis.
John Ireland portrayed "Marshall Sam Rochelle".
The story is a very good "B" Western, with basically the same story line as "The Bushwhackers". Cattleman hire professional gunman and killer, "Bus Crow", to eliminate the "Homesteaders" on their open range. The two changes to the plot, have "Marshal Sam Rochelle" sent by the Governor to investigate several murders and suspects "Crow" is behind them. While most of the action takes place in a saloon, "Hannah's Place", and owner "Hallie", becoming the reluctant witness to the events and, of course, overhearing things she' not to know.
Above a classic 3-D shot from the picture. Imagine that rifle in your face.
An appearance on the television anthology series, "The Revlon Mirror Theater", another World War 2 picture, and John Ireland found himself in the United Kingdom making---
THE GOOD DIE YOUNG released March 2, 1954 in the U.K. and not until November 29, 1955 in the United States
THE GOOD DIE YOUNG released March 2, 1954 in the U.K. and not until November 29, 1955 in the United States
The motion picture was Directed by Lewis Gilbert. At the time Gilbert was known only in the U,K., but in the future with 1960's "Sink the Bismarck", 1962's "Damn the Defiant" and 1966's "Alfie" introducing Michael Caine, that would change. He also would Direct the "James Bond" features, 1967's "You Only Live Twice", 1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me" and 1983's "Moonraker".
The screenplay was based upon a novel by American author Richard Macaulay. The actual screenplay was co-written by Lewis Gilbert and British screenplay writer Vernon Harris.
Laurence Harvey portrayed "Miles 'Rave' Ravenscourt". Harvey has been acting in the U,K, since 1948 and his first film seen in the United States. Had been the Tyrone Power and Orson Welles 1950 "The Black Rose", set in 13th Century England. However, the motion picture that brought Laurence Harvey American recognition wouldn't be until 1959 with "Room at the Top", starring Harvey and Simone Signoret.
The screenplay was based upon a novel by American author Richard Macaulay. The actual screenplay was co-written by Lewis Gilbert and British screenplay writer Vernon Harris.
Laurence Harvey portrayed "Miles 'Rave' Ravenscourt". Harvey has been acting in the U,K, since 1948 and his first film seen in the United States. Had been the Tyrone Power and Orson Welles 1950 "The Black Rose", set in 13th Century England. However, the motion picture that brought Laurence Harvey American recognition wouldn't be until 1959 with "Room at the Top", starring Harvey and Simone Signoret.
Gloria Grahame portrayed "Denise Blaine". American Grahame's work included Director Frank Capra's 1946, "It's A Wonderful Life", Director Cecil B. DeMille's 1952, "The Greatest Show on Earth", and Director Vicente Minnelli's 1952, attack on Hollywood, "The Bad and the Beautiful".
Richard Basehart portrayed "Joe Halsey". Basehart had been appearing in movies since 1947 and several of these were not made in the United States. Among the actors varied films are, 1949's "Reign of Terror" portraying "Maximillian Robespierre", the 1951 World War 2, "Decision Before Dawn", introducing German actor Oskar Werner, Italian Director Federico Fellini's 1954 "La Strada", John Huston's 1956 version of "Moby Dick", portraying "Ishmael", and the title role in the 1962 biographical motion picture, "Hitler". However, it would be Producer Irwin Allen's television series, "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", that Richard Basehart would be known for.
Joan Collins portrayed "Mary Halsey". This was the unknown Collins 11th motion picture and it would be the film that followed, Howard Hawks' 1955, "Land of the Pharaohs", that would make the actress a Hollywood star.
Above Richard Basehart and Joan Collins
John Ireland portrayed "Eddie Blaine".
John Ireland portrayed "Eddie Blaine".
Above Barbara Grahame and John Ireland
Rene Ray portrayed "Angela Morgan". Ray was a popular British singer and second lead actress. Her father invented the first operational monoplane and was an associate of Albert Einstein. Rene Ray had been appearing in British films since 1929.
Stanley Baker portrayed "Mike Morgan". Baker first become known to American audiences in the Gregory Peck 1951, "Captain Horatio Hornblower", based upon the C.S. Forester character. In 1953 Stanley Baker portrayed "Modred" in the Robert Taylor and Ava Gardner, "Knights of the Round Table". While in 1956 he was both, "Achilles" in Director Robert Wise' epic "Helen of Troy" and "Attalus" in the Richard Burton "Alexander the Great". Stanley Baker portrayed "CPO 'Butcher' Brown" in 1961's "The Guns of Navarone" starring Gregory Peck and David Niven. The following year he portrayed "Astaroth" in Robert Aldrich's "The Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah", starring Stewart Granger.
Rene Ray portrayed "Angela Morgan". Ray was a popular British singer and second lead actress. Her father invented the first operational monoplane and was an associate of Albert Einstein. Rene Ray had been appearing in British films since 1929.
Stanley Baker portrayed "Mike Morgan". Baker first become known to American audiences in the Gregory Peck 1951, "Captain Horatio Hornblower", based upon the C.S. Forester character. In 1953 Stanley Baker portrayed "Modred" in the Robert Taylor and Ava Gardner, "Knights of the Round Table". While in 1956 he was both, "Achilles" in Director Robert Wise' epic "Helen of Troy" and "Attalus" in the Richard Burton "Alexander the Great". Stanley Baker portrayed "CPO 'Butcher' Brown" in 1961's "The Guns of Navarone" starring Gregory Peck and David Niven. The following year he portrayed "Astaroth" in Robert Aldrich's "The Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah", starring Stewart Granger.
Above Rene Ray and Stanley Baker
The movie opens with four men sitting in a car about to commit a robbery. How these four came to be there is then explained.
The movie opens with four men sitting in a car about to commit a robbery. How these four came to be there is then explained.
"Mike" is an over-the-hill boxer in love with his wife, but unable to find a job.
"Joe" is an out of work clerk, who wants to fly to the United States with his wife and escape his domineering mother.
"Eddie" is an AWOL American airman who has a unfaithful wife.
"Ravenscourt" has major gambling debts and talks the other three into the crime.
The film ends in a very bloody robbery gone wrong.
Two more films followed, including the 1954 Western, with Joanne Dru, and then a motion picture from Roger Corman.
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS released in November 1954
The motion picture was Directed by John Ireland and Edward Sampson. This was Sampson's only film as a Director. He was a film editor and edited 1953's "Hannah Lee" and Roger Corman's 1954 "Monster from the Ocean Floor".
The original story came from Producer Rodger Corman and the screenplay was written by Jerome Odlum, a low "B" writer, and Jean Howell, a television writer.
John Ireland portrayed "Frank Webster".
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Connie Adair". She had just been seen in the 1954 Film-Noir, "Private Hell 36" starring Ida Lupino and her husband Howard Duff , Directed by the unknown Don Siegel.
"Joe" is an out of work clerk, who wants to fly to the United States with his wife and escape his domineering mother.
"Eddie" is an AWOL American airman who has a unfaithful wife.
"Ravenscourt" has major gambling debts and talks the other three into the crime.
The film ends in a very bloody robbery gone wrong.
Two more films followed, including the 1954 Western, with Joanne Dru, and then a motion picture from Roger Corman.
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS released in November 1954
The motion picture was Directed by John Ireland and Edward Sampson. This was Sampson's only film as a Director. He was a film editor and edited 1953's "Hannah Lee" and Roger Corman's 1954 "Monster from the Ocean Floor".
The original story came from Producer Rodger Corman and the screenplay was written by Jerome Odlum, a low "B" writer, and Jean Howell, a television writer.
John Ireland portrayed "Frank Webster".
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Connie Adair". She had just been seen in the 1954 Film-Noir, "Private Hell 36" starring Ida Lupino and her husband Howard Duff , Directed by the unknown Don Siegel.
The story has trucker "Frank Webster" framed for murder and breaking out of jail. At a coffee shop he kidnaps a young woman, Connie Adair", to take her "Jaguar Sports Car", and elude the police. In the 73 minute running time, she attempts to escape multiple times, the two start to fall in love, he drives the car in a race, attempts to flee to Mexico and ends up turning himself in, because of his love for her.
Two more television dramas and two forgotten features later, would find John Ireland in an off-screen affair with his leading lady, Joan Crawford. The motion picture was---
QUEEN BEE released November 7, 1955
The screenplay was by the pictures Director, Ranald MacDougall. This was his first of only six Directing assignments through 1970. However, as a screenplay writer, MacDougall wrote the Errol Flynn 1945, "Objective Burma", Joan Crawford's 1945, "Mildred Pierce", the Gary Cooper and Lauren Bacall 1950, "Bright Leaf", George Pal's 1954, "Naked Jungle" and the 1959 Science Fiction, "The World, The Flesh and the Devil", that starred Harry Belefonte, Inger Stevens and Mel Ferrer.
Joan Crawford portrayed "Eva Phillips". The previous year, Crawford was "Vienna", in Director Nicholas Ray's classic 1954 Western "Johnny Guitar" with Sterling Hayden and Mercedes McCambrige. The actress would follow this picture with 1956's "Autumn Leaves", co-starring Cliff Robertson and Vera Miles.
Two more television dramas and two forgotten features later, would find John Ireland in an off-screen affair with his leading lady, Joan Crawford. The motion picture was---
QUEEN BEE released November 7, 1955
Joan Crawford portrayed "Eva Phillips". The previous year, Crawford was "Vienna", in Director Nicholas Ray's classic 1954 Western "Johnny Guitar" with Sterling Hayden and Mercedes McCambrige. The actress would follow this picture with 1956's "Autumn Leaves", co-starring Cliff Robertson and Vera Miles.
Barry Sullivan portrayed "Avery Phillips". Besides television, Sullivan had just been seen in the James Stewart and June Allyson 1955 film, "Strategic Air Command". He would follow this picture with the 1955 Western, "Texas Lady", starring Claudette Colbert.
Betsy Palmer portrayed "Carol Lee Phillips". Palmer was a television actress who started in 1951. However, she is best remembered for portraying "Jason Voorhees" mother, in 1980's "Friday the 13th".
Above Betsy Palmer with Joan Crawford
John Ireland portrayed "Jud Prentiss".
John Ireland portrayed "Jud Prentiss".
"Eva Phillips" dominates the lives of her alcoholic husband "Avery" and her sister "Carol". Into this house hold, as the observer of the story, comes "Eva's" cousin "Jennifer Stewart", played by Lucy Marlow. "Jennifer" watches, as "Eva" maneuvers her chess piece family to stop the marriage of "Carol" to "Judd Prentiss".
That night, "Jennifer" overhears "Judd" telling "Eva", that their affair has ended as has their relationship. "Eva" informs "Carol" of what went on between her and "Judd". This leads to "Carol" committing suicide.
"Judd" believes it was "Avery" who revealed his relationship with "Eva", but learns the truth. Both men, in different ways plan to avenge "Carol".
"Judd" believes it was "Avery" who revealed his relationship with "Eva", but learns the truth. Both men, in different ways plan to avenge "Carol".
"Jennifer" and "Avery" are falling in love, but "Eva" finds out and threatens to reveal everything in a scandalous divorce. Before, this can take place, "Judd" maneuvers "Eva" into taking a drive with him. As the drive is taking place, "Eva" realizes "Judd" plans to kill her. She attempts to take the wheel and the car plunges over a cliff killing both. Now, "Avery" and "Jennifer" are free to love each other.
Another 1955 war film, "Hell's Horizon" with Marla Engliish followed, but to be timely, it was now set during the Korean War. At this time was Ireland's last two appearances on the "Schiltz Playhouse" and an episode of "Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre".
Roger Corman now Produced and Directed---
GUNSLINGER released June 15, 1956
Roger Corman now Produced and Directed---
GUNSLINGER released June 15, 1956
Between 1954's "The Fast and the Furious" and this feature, Roger Corman Produced and Directed three other Westerns, 1955's "Five Guns West" co-starring Dorothy Malone and High School Basketball Star Touch Connors, before he became Mike Connors, 1955's "Apache Woman", starring Lloyd Bridges and 1956's "Oklahoma Woman", co-starring Richard Denning and Peggie Castle, 1952's "Cold War" thriller "Invasion, U.S.A." and 1957's "The Beginning of the End".
Corman also made two Science Fictions films with actor Paul Birch, 1955's "The Beast with a Million Eyes" and 1955's, "The Day the World Ended", co-starring Richard Denning and Lori Nelson of 1955's "Revenge of the Creature".
The screenplay was co-written by Charles B. Griffith. For Corman, Griffith wrote, 1956's "It Conquered the World", three in 1957, "Not of This Earth", "Attack of the Crab Monsters", and "The Undead". Later he wrote the original 1960 "Little Shop of Horrors".
This was co-screenplay writer Mark Hanna's first and he would co-write "Not of This Earth" and "The Undead". Hanna also wrote the screenplay for 1957's "Amazing Colossal Man" and 1958's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman".
John Ireland portrayed Gunslinger "Cane Miro".
Corman also made two Science Fictions films with actor Paul Birch, 1955's "The Beast with a Million Eyes" and 1955's, "The Day the World Ended", co-starring Richard Denning and Lori Nelson of 1955's "Revenge of the Creature".
The screenplay was co-written by Charles B. Griffith. For Corman, Griffith wrote, 1956's "It Conquered the World", three in 1957, "Not of This Earth", "Attack of the Crab Monsters", and "The Undead". Later he wrote the original 1960 "Little Shop of Horrors".
This was co-screenplay writer Mark Hanna's first and he would co-write "Not of This Earth" and "The Undead". Hanna also wrote the screenplay for 1957's "Amazing Colossal Man" and 1958's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman".
John Ireland portrayed Gunslinger "Cane Miro".
Beverly Garland portrayed "Marshal Rose Hood". She had been in 1953's "The Neanderthal Man" and for Roger Corma, 1956's "Swamp Woman" and "It Conquered the World". Also in 1956 was the low budget Horror film, "Curucu, Beast of the Amazon". In 1957, Garland portrayed Eddie Albert's wife in the Frank Sinatra "The Joker Is Wild". That same year she starred on the television series "Decoy", becoming the first female actress to have her own dramatic television series. The program was based upon the real-life, undercover cases, of the New York Police Department. Beverly Garland is part of my article, "Four Actresses Challenging TV's Stereo Typed Women". The other three ladies are, Honor Blackman, Anne Francis and Barbara Stanwyck. This article is available at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/05/four-actresses-challenging-tvs-stereo.html
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/05/four-actresses-challenging-tvs-stereo.html
Allison Hayes portrayed "Erica Page". Hayes is best known for portraying the title character in 1958's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman", but her other 1950 Horror and Science Fiction films included, Roger Corman's 1957 "The Undead". Along with 1957's "Zombies of Mora Tau", "The Unearthly", and "The Disembodied". My article, "Peggie Castle, Allison Hayes, Gloria Talbott and 1950's Sci-Fi Movies" will be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2015/04/peggie-castle-allison-hayes-and-gloria.html
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2015/04/peggie-castle-allison-hayes-and-gloria.html
Above, Beverly Garland on the left, and Allison Hayes on the right.
After her husband, "Marshall Scott Hood", played by William Schallert, uncredited roles in both 1949's "Mighty Joe Young" and 1954's "THEM!", but the evil "Dr. Mears" in 1951's "The Man from Planet X" and Patty Duke's father on her television series, is killed. His widow, "Rose" becomes the temporary Marshal of Oracle, Texas, and immediately runs afoul of saloon owner "Erica Page".
Above William Schallert and Beverly Garland
"Erica" sends one of her men to hire an unknown gunslinger to kill "Rose". "Cane Miro" comes to town and "Rose" shoots at him, believing he's the hired killer. "Cane", who is the hired gunfighter, explains he's come after the town's mayor and not "Rose". The mayor commanded an artillery group during the Civil War and under fire ran. His action resulted in the death of many soldiers including "Cane's" brothers.
"Miro" next goes to "Erica's" saloon and she demands that he kill "Rose". "Erica" has been buying up land along the proposed railroad frontage. However, "Cane" isn't as coldblooded as "Erica" and reminds her of a deal the two made to avoid killing "Rose", if the railroad comes to Oracle and the saloon owner becomes very rich and could leave the town.
After her husband, "Marshall Scott Hood", played by William Schallert, uncredited roles in both 1949's "Mighty Joe Young" and 1954's "THEM!", but the evil "Dr. Mears" in 1951's "The Man from Planet X" and Patty Duke's father on her television series, is killed. His widow, "Rose" becomes the temporary Marshal of Oracle, Texas, and immediately runs afoul of saloon owner "Erica Page".
Above William Schallert and Beverly Garland
"Erica" sends one of her men to hire an unknown gunslinger to kill "Rose". "Cane Miro" comes to town and "Rose" shoots at him, believing he's the hired killer. "Cane", who is the hired gunfighter, explains he's come after the town's mayor and not "Rose". The mayor commanded an artillery group during the Civil War and under fire ran. His action resulted in the death of many soldiers including "Cane's" brothers.
"Miro" next goes to "Erica's" saloon and she demands that he kill "Rose". "Erica" has been buying up land along the proposed railroad frontage. However, "Cane" isn't as coldblooded as "Erica" and reminds her of a deal the two made to avoid killing "Rose", if the railroad comes to Oracle and the saloon owner becomes very rich and could leave the town.
Meanwhile, "Rose" and "Cane" are falling in love, but things progress beyond that possibility. "Rose" has the mayor placed in protective custody, Then a series of events follow, started by a "Pony Express" rider bringing a letter that the railroad isn't coming to Oracle. "Erica" now wants "Cane" to kill "Rose" as their deal is off, but first he goes to confront the now released mayor. In a shootout, the mayor's wife is accidently killed, but "Cane" still kills the other. Back in town there's a confrontation with "Rose's" deputy and he's killed by "Cane". "Erica" gets a gun and aims it at "Rose", but "Cane' kills her and "Rose" in turn will kill him. The dying gunslinger asks, if she loved him and "Rose" says yes!
In July 1956, Joanne Dru was admitted to a hospital with a black eye. The belief was the her husband, John Ireland, had beaten her up. She always denied it, never explained her face, but the two Divorced the following year.
Between 1955 and the end of 1957, John Ireland appeared 10 times on television, but he also appeared in one 1957 Western that must have seemed like Deja vu for the actor.
THE GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL released May 29, 1957
The motion picture was Directed by John Sturges. Sturges has already Directed 1953's "Escape from Fort Bravo" starring William Holden and Eleanor Parker and 1955's "Bad Day at Black Rock" starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan and Anne Francis. Among John Sturges features after "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" are, 1959's "Never So Few", starring Frank Sinatra, Gina Lolobrigida, Peter Lawford and Steve McQueen, 1960's "The Magnificent Seven", starring Yul Brynner and McQueen and 1963's "The Great Escape", again with McQueen and an International cast.
The screenplay was by Leon Uris. Uris is the author of the novels, 1953's "Battle Cry", 1958's "Exodus" and 1967's "Topaz", among others.
Burt Lancaster portrayed "Wyatt Earp". Lancaster had just been seen in 1956's "The Rainmaker", co-starring with Katharine Hepburn and, 1956's "Trapeze", co-starring Tony Curtis and Gina Lollobrigida.
Between 1955 and the end of 1957, John Ireland appeared 10 times on television, but he also appeared in one 1957 Western that must have seemed like Deja vu for the actor.
THE GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL released May 29, 1957
The motion picture was Directed by John Sturges. Sturges has already Directed 1953's "Escape from Fort Bravo" starring William Holden and Eleanor Parker and 1955's "Bad Day at Black Rock" starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan and Anne Francis. Among John Sturges features after "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" are, 1959's "Never So Few", starring Frank Sinatra, Gina Lolobrigida, Peter Lawford and Steve McQueen, 1960's "The Magnificent Seven", starring Yul Brynner and McQueen and 1963's "The Great Escape", again with McQueen and an International cast.
The screenplay was by Leon Uris. Uris is the author of the novels, 1953's "Battle Cry", 1958's "Exodus" and 1967's "Topaz", among others.
Burt Lancaster portrayed "Wyatt Earp". Lancaster had just been seen in 1956's "The Rainmaker", co-starring with Katharine Hepburn and, 1956's "Trapeze", co-starring Tony Curtis and Gina Lollobrigida.
Kirk Douglas portrayed "Doc Holliday". The year before, Douglas portrayed "Vincent Van Gogh" in 1956's "Lust for Life" and followed this picture with Director Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory".
John Sturges hired his two leads to play the opposite roles, but the two decided to switch on him.
Rhonda Fleming portrayed the fictional gambler "Laura Denbow". Wyatt Earp was married three times, but not one was named either "Clementine Carter", or "Laura Denbow".
Just prior to this picture, Fleming co-starred with Donald O'Connor and Ann Blyth in 1957's, "The Buster Keaton Story". She followed this feature, co-starring with Stewart Granger and Chill Wills in the 1957 Western, "Gun Glory".
John Sturges hired his two leads to play the opposite roles, but the two decided to switch on him.
Rhonda Fleming portrayed the fictional gambler "Laura Denbow". Wyatt Earp was married three times, but not one was named either "Clementine Carter", or "Laura Denbow".
Just prior to this picture, Fleming co-starred with Donald O'Connor and Ann Blyth in 1957's, "The Buster Keaton Story". She followed this feature, co-starring with Stewart Granger and Chill Wills in the 1957 Western, "Gun Glory".
Jo Van Fleet portrayed "Kate Fisher". Unlike Rhonda Fleming's role, Van Fleet's was a real person that was also known as "Kate Elder" and at times, "Mrs. John H. 'Doc' Holliday". Among the actress's movies are, Susan Hayward's 1955, "I'll Cry Tomorrow", Burt Lancaster's 1955, "The Rose Tattoo", and James Dean's 1955, "East of Eden", based upon the John Steinbeck novel.
John Ireland portrayed "Johnny Ringo". The actor had made a television appearance on the anthology series "Climax", in "Avalanche at Devil's Pass", April 25, 1957.
In the above still, directly to John Ireland's left, is character actor Ted de Corsia, as the real-life "Shanghai Pierce".
Lyle Bettger portrayed "Ike Clanton". Bettger was a major 1950's villain in such features as, Cecil B. DeMille's 1952, "The Greatest Show On Earth", and the Edmond O'Brien and Sterling Hayden 1952 Western the, "Denver and Rio Grande". Bettger was in John Ireland's 1952 "Hurricane Smith", and the Audie Murphy remake of James Stewart's "Destry Rides Again", as 1954's "Destry".
Lyle Bettger portrayed "Ike Clanton". Bettger was a major 1950's villain in such features as, Cecil B. DeMille's 1952, "The Greatest Show On Earth", and the Edmond O'Brien and Sterling Hayden 1952 Western the, "Denver and Rio Grande". Bettger was in John Ireland's 1952 "Hurricane Smith", and the Audie Murphy remake of James Stewart's "Destry Rides Again", as 1954's "Destry".
Above Lyle Bettger is to John Ireland's immediate right.
Among Other Roles are:
Earl Holliman as real-life "Charles Bassett". Holliman had been seen as one of the "Devereaux Brothers" in the1954 Western "Broken Lance", starring Spencer Tracy, Richard Widmark and Robert Wagner. He was in the William Holden Korean War drama, 1954's "The Bridges at Toko-Ri", and of course the 1956 Science Fiction classic, "Forbidden Planet". Where he attempted to get "Robby the Robot" drunk.
Dennis Hopper was "Billy Clanton". Hopper was a long way from 1969's "Easy Rider". In 1955 he had played one of the High School students in James Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause" with Natalie Wood. At some point, Wood would join be in a affair with John Ireland. As would actress Barbara Payton.
Among Other Roles are:
Earl Holliman as real-life "Charles Bassett". Holliman had been seen as one of the "Devereaux Brothers" in the1954 Western "Broken Lance", starring Spencer Tracy, Richard Widmark and Robert Wagner. He was in the William Holden Korean War drama, 1954's "The Bridges at Toko-Ri", and of course the 1956 Science Fiction classic, "Forbidden Planet". Where he attempted to get "Robby the Robot" drunk.
Dennis Hopper was "Billy Clanton". Hopper was a long way from 1969's "Easy Rider". In 1955 he had played one of the High School students in James Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause" with Natalie Wood. At some point, Wood would join be in a affair with John Ireland. As would actress Barbara Payton.
Dennis Hopper's best role, prior to this movie, was as Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor's son in Director George Stevens 1956 version of Edna Ferber's "Giant".
DeForest Kelley was "Morgan Earp". The actor was nine years away from his first appearance as "Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy" on televisions "Star Trek". Kelley had started on-screen acting in 1945. Starting in 1950 he was primarily appearing on television programs with an occasional movie. He had eighth billing in the Richard Egan, Dorothy Malone and Cameron Mitchell Western, 1956's "Tension at Table Rock". While, in December 1957, he was a "Union Officer" in the Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor and Eva Marie Saint, 1957, Civil War Epic, "Raintree County".
Above Burt Lancaster and DeForest Kelley.
Kenneth Tobey was "Bat Masterson". Tobey was known for Producer Howard Hawks' 1951, "The Thing from Another World", Stop Motion Animator Ray Harryhausen's, 1953, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" and 1955's, "It Came from Beneath the Sea". Tobey had appeared on television as "Jim Bowie" in the "Davy Crockett at the Alamo" segment of Walt Disney's "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" and as "Anthony Murphy", in Disney's 1956, "The Great Locomotive Chase". My article, "My Neighbors Actors Barbara Luddy and Kenneth Tobey" can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/10/a-memory-of-my-neighbors-barbara-luddy.html
Above Kenneth Tobey, Burt Lancaster and Earl Holliman.
Lee Van Cleef portrayed "Ed Baily". Van Cleef made his on-screen appearance as "Jack Colby" in Gary Cooper's 1952, "High Noon". Also in 1952, the actor portrayed four different characters on televisions "Space Patrol". The early series was the forerunner of "Star Trek" according to Gene Roddenberry. Van Cleef also killed "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" and, as in this film, was basically a Western bad guy and moved to Spahgetti Westerns and restart of his movie career.
Above Burt Lancaster and DeForest Kelley.
Kenneth Tobey was "Bat Masterson". Tobey was known for Producer Howard Hawks' 1951, "The Thing from Another World", Stop Motion Animator Ray Harryhausen's, 1953, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" and 1955's, "It Came from Beneath the Sea". Tobey had appeared on television as "Jim Bowie" in the "Davy Crockett at the Alamo" segment of Walt Disney's "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier" and as "Anthony Murphy", in Disney's 1956, "The Great Locomotive Chase". My article, "My Neighbors Actors Barbara Luddy and Kenneth Tobey" can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/10/a-memory-of-my-neighbors-barbara-luddy.html
Above Kenneth Tobey, Burt Lancaster and Earl Holliman.
Lee Van Cleef portrayed "Ed Baily". Van Cleef made his on-screen appearance as "Jack Colby" in Gary Cooper's 1952, "High Noon". Also in 1952, the actor portrayed four different characters on televisions "Space Patrol". The early series was the forerunner of "Star Trek" according to Gene Roddenberry. Van Cleef also killed "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" and, as in this film, was basically a Western bad guy and moved to Spahgetti Westerns and restart of his movie career.
Jack Elam was "Tom McLowery". Elam was just in the Barry Sullivan Western, 1957's "Dragon Wells Massacre", and would follow this picture with the Marshall Thompson crime drama, 1957's "Lure of the Swamp". I could not locate a still of Jack Elam.
The film covers a lot of fictional ground in its two hour and two minute running time.
Part One:
The film covers a lot of fictional ground in its two hour and two minute running time.
Part One:
Has Wyatt coming to Fort Griffin, Texas, to serve papers to take "Johnny Ringo" and "Ike Clanton" into custody. Only discovering the paid-off Sheriff let them go. In the Saloon "Doc Holliday" is confronted by "Ed Bailey" over the killing, by "Doc", of his younger brother. "Bailey" calls the apparently unarmed "Holliday" out and with a hidden knife, is killed by the gunfighter.
"Sheriff Cotton Wilson", played by Frank Faylen, who released "Ike" and "Ringo", now arrests "Doc" on murder charges. "Wyatt", who doesn't necessary like "Holliday" from an earlier meeting, helps ""Kate Fisher" save the gunfighter from a lynch mob that "Cotton" is looking the other way over.
Part Two:
The story now switches to Dodge City, Kansas. Where "Wyatt Earp", after getting a promise from "Holliday" to stay away from that city for his help in "Fort Griffin", finds out that "Doc" and "Kate" are in town. However, a friendship is developing between the Marshal and the Gunfighter and if "Holliday" promises to stay out of trouble. Then "Wyatt" will let "Doc" and "Kate" stay.
Enter, gambler "Laura Denbow", who "Wyatt" now arrests for playing cards. The town rules forbid a woman to gamble.
Part Two:
The story now switches to Dodge City, Kansas. Where "Wyatt Earp", after getting a promise from "Holliday" to stay away from that city for his help in "Fort Griffin", finds out that "Doc" and "Kate" are in town. However, a friendship is developing between the Marshal and the Gunfighter and if "Holliday" promises to stay out of trouble. Then "Wyatt" will let "Doc" and "Kate" stay.
Enter, gambler "Laura Denbow", who "Wyatt" now arrests for playing cards. The town rules forbid a woman to gamble.
"Laura" is released on promise to gamble only in the side room of the saloon. The start of a romantic relationship between her and "Wyatt" begins. The bank is robbed and all of "Earp's" deputies are out of town on other business and he is forced to deputize "Doc". The two men go after the robbers, who had set an ambush for "Wyatt", but instead are killed by the lawman and the gambler.
Back in Dodge City, "Doc" finds out that "Kate" has left him for "Johnny Ringo".
Back in Dodge City, "Doc" finds out that "Kate" has left him for "Johnny Ringo".
In the saloon, "Johnny Ringo", taunts "Holliday' into a gunfight, but keeping his promise to "Wyatt". "Doc" just throws a drink in the other man's face and makes "Ringo" look foolish to the saloon patrons.
Later, "Shanghai Pierce" and his gang come to town and are confronted by "Wyatt". Guns are not permitted to be worn on the respectable side of the Dodge City's "Deadline".
Later, "Shanghai Pierce" and his gang come to town and are confronted by "Wyatt". Guns are not permitted to be worn on the respectable side of the Dodge City's "Deadline".
"Pierce" and his group are met by "Wyatt Earp", "Doc Holliday" and the town council.
As "Wyatt" attempts to defuse the situation, "Ringo" goes for his gun and "Holliday" shoots him in the arm. "Shanghai" has his men turn in their guns and they go to the other side of the "Deadline", including "Johnny Ringo".
When "Doc" goes to his room, he finds "Kate", and he refuses to take her back. "Kate" promises to see him dead!
Part Three:
"Wyatt" now receives a letter from his brother, "Virgil Earp", played by John Hudson, to come to Tombstone, Arizona, and help him clean up the town and stop the "Clanton's" led by "Ike" that include "Ringo".
As "Wyatt" attempts to defuse the situation, "Ringo" goes for his gun and "Holliday" shoots him in the arm. "Shanghai" has his men turn in their guns and they go to the other side of the "Deadline", including "Johnny Ringo".
When "Doc" goes to his room, he finds "Kate", and he refuses to take her back. "Kate" promises to see him dead!
Part Three:
"Wyatt" now receives a letter from his brother, "Virgil Earp", played by John Hudson, to come to Tombstone, Arizona, and help him clean up the town and stop the "Clanton's" led by "Ike" that include "Ringo".
This leads to John Sturges version of the actual 30 second gunfight. See my article link under "My Darling Clementine".
At the time of their Divorce in 1957, John Ireland and Joanne Dru had debts totaling over $50,000, or equated to over $463,000 as of this writing.
Four American television appearances and than back to the U.K. for "Stormy Crossing aka: Black Tide", released in August 1958. This time Ireland was the hero, a swimming coach named "Griff Parker". Who investigates the murder of one of his students swimming across the English Channel.
Another forgotten film, "No Place to Land", was released October 9, 1958, and than came fourth billing in a big budgeted "A" List motion picture.
PARTY GIRL released October 28, 1958
The movie was Directed by Nicholas Ray. A month earlier Ray's "Wind Across the Everglades", starring Burl Ives and Christopher Plummer was released. Ray would follow this picture with "The Savage Innocents", starring Anthony Quinn and Peter O'Toole in March 1960.
The story was by Leo Katcher, the screenplay writer for the excellent 1951 American version of German Director Fritz Lang's 1931 classic "M", updated to Los Angeles. He wrote the novel "The Big Bankroll", that became 1961's "King of the Roaring 20's: The Life of Arnold Rothstein", starring David Janssen.
The actual screenplay was by George Wells. Who wrote the Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly 1949 musical "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", the 1950 Judy Garland and Gene Kelly musical "Summer Stock" and 1957's "Designing Woman", starring Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall.
Robert Taylor portrayed "Tommy Farrell". Taylor had just appeared in the 1958 Western, "The Law and Jake Wade", and would follow this picture with the 1959 Western, "The Hangman".
At the time of their Divorce in 1957, John Ireland and Joanne Dru had debts totaling over $50,000, or equated to over $463,000 as of this writing.
Four American television appearances and than back to the U.K. for "Stormy Crossing aka: Black Tide", released in August 1958. This time Ireland was the hero, a swimming coach named "Griff Parker". Who investigates the murder of one of his students swimming across the English Channel.
Another forgotten film, "No Place to Land", was released October 9, 1958, and than came fourth billing in a big budgeted "A" List motion picture.
PARTY GIRL released October 28, 1958
The movie was Directed by Nicholas Ray. A month earlier Ray's "Wind Across the Everglades", starring Burl Ives and Christopher Plummer was released. Ray would follow this picture with "The Savage Innocents", starring Anthony Quinn and Peter O'Toole in March 1960.
The story was by Leo Katcher, the screenplay writer for the excellent 1951 American version of German Director Fritz Lang's 1931 classic "M", updated to Los Angeles. He wrote the novel "The Big Bankroll", that became 1961's "King of the Roaring 20's: The Life of Arnold Rothstein", starring David Janssen.
The actual screenplay was by George Wells. Who wrote the Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly 1949 musical "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", the 1950 Judy Garland and Gene Kelly musical "Summer Stock" and 1957's "Designing Woman", starring Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall.
Robert Taylor portrayed "Tommy Farrell". Taylor had just appeared in the 1958 Western, "The Law and Jake Wade", and would follow this picture with the 1959 Western, "The Hangman".
Cyd Charisse portrayed "Vicki Gaye". Dancer Charisse had just been seen in an Adventure Drama, 1958's "Twilight of the Gods", based upon an Ernest K. Gann novel and starring Rock Hudson. She would follow this film, in 1961, with a Comedy, "Five Golden Hours", with Comedian Ernie Kovacs and George Sanders.
Lee J, Cobb portrayed "Rico Angelo". Cobb had just been seen in the 1958 Anthony Mann Western, "Man of the West", starring Gary Cooper and Julie London. The actor would next be seen guest starring in three television dramas.
Lee J, Cobb portrayed "Rico Angelo". Cobb had just been seen in the 1958 Anthony Mann Western, "Man of the West", starring Gary Cooper and Julie London. The actor would next be seen guest starring in three television dramas.
John Ireland portrayed "Louis Canetto".
This was, for its time, a hard hitting look at Chicago gangsters. "Thomas Farrell" is a lawyer for the gangsters and at a party for mob boss "Rico Angelo" meets "Vicki Gaye". "Gaye" was given $100 from "Angelo" to attend his party and $400 from the gambling winnings of "Louis Canetto" for services rendered.
After the party, "Farrell" gives "Gaye" a ride home and each voices objections to how the other makes money. Once home, "Vicki" finds her roommate, "Joy", played by Myrna Hanson, dead from an apparent suicide. It is discovered that "Joy" was pregnant with the child from a gangster and a motive for a fake suicide. After a long night of questioning by the police. The following day, "Farrell" asks "Angelo" to give "Gaye" a raise and a featured number at his club.
"Farrell" has a lame leg, and he uses it as a device to get sympathy from the jurors, one of the things "Vicki Gaye" doesn't like about him, at the trial for mobster "Louis Canetto". Resulting in getting the gangster cleared of a murder charge.
This was, for its time, a hard hitting look at Chicago gangsters. "Thomas Farrell" is a lawyer for the gangsters and at a party for mob boss "Rico Angelo" meets "Vicki Gaye". "Gaye" was given $100 from "Angelo" to attend his party and $400 from the gambling winnings of "Louis Canetto" for services rendered.
After the party, "Farrell" gives "Gaye" a ride home and each voices objections to how the other makes money. Once home, "Vicki" finds her roommate, "Joy", played by Myrna Hanson, dead from an apparent suicide. It is discovered that "Joy" was pregnant with the child from a gangster and a motive for a fake suicide. After a long night of questioning by the police. The following day, "Farrell" asks "Angelo" to give "Gaye" a raise and a featured number at his club.
"Farrell" has a lame leg, and he uses it as a device to get sympathy from the jurors, one of the things "Vicki Gaye" doesn't like about him, at the trial for mobster "Louis Canetto". Resulting in getting the gangster cleared of a murder charge.
One of "Rico's" men, "Cookie La Motte", played by Corey Allen, is going on trial and the gangster wants "Farrell" to defend him. "Farrell", now in a romance with "Vicki", has had a change of mind on his profession and refuses. "Rico", threatens "Vicki", if "Farrell" doesn't defend "Cookie", Meanwhile, "Cookie" jumps bail and with his men plans to murder the prosecuting attorney, "Jeffrey Stewart", played by Kent Smith, but "Cookie" and his men are gunned down by rival gangsters.
"Stewart" decides to go after mob and anyone close to it. He has "Thomas Farrell" arrested and "Louis Canetto" seemingly offers "Vicki Gaye" his protection, but instead takes her prisoner to hold off "Rico".
"Farrell" is released and everything comes to a head with first the murder of "Canetto", Next, "Farrell" and "Rico", holding a bottle of acid and threatening to toss it into "Vicki's" face, confront each other. The mob boss wants "Farrell" to go back to doing everything he asks and if the lawyer refuses, the acid will be thrown. In the end the gangster gets the acid in his face and "Farrell" and "Vicki" leave together.
John Ireland now went to Sweden and made "Ked mord i bagaget (Sorry Murder in the Luggage)" that was released first in West Germany on March 20, 1959. The picture would come to the United States, in March 1963, as "No Time to Kill".
"Farrell" is released and everything comes to a head with first the murder of "Canetto", Next, "Farrell" and "Rico", holding a bottle of acid and threatening to toss it into "Vicki's" face, confront each other. The mob boss wants "Farrell" to go back to doing everything he asks and if the lawyer refuses, the acid will be thrown. In the end the gangster gets the acid in his face and "Farrell" and "Vicki" leave together.
John Ireland now went to Sweden and made "Ked mord i bagaget (Sorry Murder in the Luggage)" that was released first in West Germany on March 20, 1959. The picture would come to the United States, in March 1963, as "No Time to Kill".
At the time of the original release of the above picture, there was a young 16 years old actress named Tuesday Weld. She had just appeared in her fourth motion picture, "The Five Pennies", starring Danny Kaye, as 1920's band leader "Red Nichols". Besides making that motion picture, Tuesday Weld, was having an affair with 45 years old John Ireland. According to Ireland, the only one who objected to this affair was Tuesday Weld's mother.
Above, Tuesday Weld and Danny Kaye. Weld became a television actress and had the role of "Thalia Menniger" in the 1959 through 1963 series "The Many Lives of Dobbie Gillis". starring Dwayne Hickman and Bob Denver.
On October 18, 1959, Ireland appeared on the Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds television series, "Riverboat", in the episode entitled "The Fight Back". He followed that television show with appearances of three anthology series and then found himself with eighth billing, just missing out on his name on all the posters, in a major "A" List epic.
On October 18, 1959, Ireland appeared on the Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds television series, "Riverboat", in the episode entitled "The Fight Back". He followed that television show with appearances of three anthology series and then found himself with eighth billing, just missing out on his name on all the posters, in a major "A" List epic.
SPARTACUS released October 6, 1960
The motion picture was from Executive Producer Kirk Douglas and a had been race between the actor, at Universal International Pictures, and another actor, Yul Bryner, at United Artists, to make the story. Douglas won the race and then encountered his first problem, a Director. Initially, Anthony Mann was hired, but after filming the opening sequence, was let go. Douglas next hired 32 years old Stanley Kubrick. Who had Directed the actor in 1957's "Paths of Glory" and the rest, as the saying goes, was film history.
The screenplay was by, still in 1960, "Blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo". Kirk Douglas would go against the "Motion Picture Industry" and end Trumbo's "Blacklisting". By giving him full on-screen credit and later, in 1960, Dalton Trumbo's name would appear on the motion picture version of author Leon Uris' "Exodus". A feature film starring Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sir Ralph Richardson, Lee J. Cobb. Sal Mino and John Derek.
Kirk Douglas portrayed "Spartacus". Douglas had just been seen co-starring with Kim Novak and Ernie Kovacs in 1960's "Strangers When We Meet". He would follow this picture with the hard hitting court room drama, 1961's, "Town Without Pity".
Sir Laurence Olivier portrayed "Crassus". Olivier had just been seen in 1960's "The Entertainer". In 1959, Olivier had co-starred with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas in a screen adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's American Revolutionary War Play, "The Devil's Disciple".
Jean Simons portrayed "Varinia". Simons had just co-starred with Burt Lancaster in 1960's "Elmer Gantry" and after two major dramas in a row. She would be seen co-starring with Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum in Director Stanley Donen's 1960 Comedy, "The Grass Is Greener".,
Charles Laughton portrayed "Gracchus". Laughton had co-starred with American actor Van Heflin in the Italian World War 2 movie, 1960's, "Under Ten Flags". Charles Laughton would follow "Spartacus", with an appearance on televisions "Wagon Train". As the episode's title character in "The Albert Farnsworth Story", shown October 14, 1960.
Peter Ustinov portrayed "Baliatus". Ustinov was on several American television programs prior to this picture. He followed it with 1960's, "The Sundowners", co-starring with Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr.
John Gavin portrayed "Julius Caesar". Gavin was in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960, "Psycho", and would follow this picture. By co-starring with Doris Day and Rex Harrison in the drama "Midnight Lace".
Tony Curtis portrayed "Antoninus". Curtis just recently co-starred with Debbie Reynolds in 1960's "The Rat Race" and would follow this picture with 1960's, "The Great Imposter". It should be noted that Curtis is billed seventh on the above poster, but in the official cast listing. The actor is listed twenty-first, because of the order of his characters entry in the screenplay.
John Ireland portrayed "Crixus".
The screenplay is about the gladiator revolt that almost brought down Rome. It goes into the politics and adds a romantic and tragic love. "Spartacus" is a Greek slave sold to a gladiator school and leads the historical revolt. In the end "Spartacus" and his men, including "Crixus" and "Antoninus", are crucified and the owner of the gladiator school escorts "Varnia" and "Spartacus'" baby son to safety.
Above, "Spartacus" and his second in command, "Crixus", lead the revolt of the gladiators.
On December 1, 1960, John Ireland starred as "Insurance Investigator John Hunter" in the first episode of his television series, "The Cheaters", entitled "The Fine Print". The series lasted through June 16, 1962.
While filming the series, Ireland appeared in another film from the U.K,. and two in the United States. Along with five television appearances, including on the Boris Karloff hosted "Thriller", and, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".
Also, during the filming of "The Cheaters", Ireland met his third wife, Daphine Myrick Cameron. She was 26 years old at the time and Ireland was 48. The two remained married until their deaths in 1992. I could not locate who passed away first. The couple had two children, a daughter, Daphne, and a son, Cameron.
American Producer Samuel Bronston had already filmed, 1959's "John Paul Jones", the 1961 remake of Cecil B.DeMille's, "King of Kings", and the same years, "El Cid". He now turned to another Historical story:
55 DAYS AT PEKING released May 29, 1963
My article, "SAMUEL BRONSTON Movies Featuring A Cast of Thousands" can be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/04/samuel-bronston-movies-featuring-cast.html
Bronston's films were made before CGI. When they called for large armies, he had to hire literally thousands of extra's and as in this feature, build the entire city of Peking.
Nicholas Ray Directed the epic and just before this picture. Ray had Directed Bronston's 1961, "King of Kings", starring Jeffrey Hunter as "Jesus". It would be another ten years before he Directed again. He had been signed to Direct the 1964 Bronston Production, "Circus World", starring John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale.
Charlton Heston portrayed "American Cavalry Major Matt Lewis". Heston, who had co-starred with Sophia Loren in Bronston's 1961, "El Cid", had just been seen in 1962's, "Diamond Head", and would follow this feature with the 196,3 made for television movie, "The Patriots", as "Thomas Jefferson".
Also, during the filming of "The Cheaters", Ireland met his third wife, Daphine Myrick Cameron. She was 26 years old at the time and Ireland was 48. The two remained married until their deaths in 1992. I could not locate who passed away first. The couple had two children, a daughter, Daphne, and a son, Cameron.
American Producer Samuel Bronston had already filmed, 1959's "John Paul Jones", the 1961 remake of Cecil B.DeMille's, "King of Kings", and the same years, "El Cid". He now turned to another Historical story:
55 DAYS AT PEKING released May 29, 1963
The above poster's reference to "Normal Prices", is because, the picture was originally a higher priced "Reserved Seat Road Show Engagement". When I first saw it in Beverly Hills, California.
My article, "SAMUEL BRONSTON Movies Featuring A Cast of Thousands" can be found at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2016/04/samuel-bronston-movies-featuring-cast.html
Bronston's films were made before CGI. When they called for large armies, he had to hire literally thousands of extra's and as in this feature, build the entire city of Peking.
Nicholas Ray Directed the epic and just before this picture. Ray had Directed Bronston's 1961, "King of Kings", starring Jeffrey Hunter as "Jesus". It would be another ten years before he Directed again. He had been signed to Direct the 1964 Bronston Production, "Circus World", starring John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Claudia Cardinale.
Charlton Heston portrayed "American Cavalry Major Matt Lewis". Heston, who had co-starred with Sophia Loren in Bronston's 1961, "El Cid", had just been seen in 1962's, "Diamond Head", and would follow this feature with the 196,3 made for television movie, "The Patriots", as "Thomas Jefferson".
Ava Gardner portrayed "Russian Baroness Natalie Ivanoff". Gardner was just seen in the 1960 Italian and American co-production, "The Angel Wore Red". She would follow this feature with the 1964 Thriller, "Seven Days in May", starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas.
David Niven portrayed "British Ambassador Sir Arthur Robertson". Niven would follow this picture with Producer and Director, Blake Edwards', original, 1963, "The Pink Panther", co-starring Peter Sellers and Robert Wagner.
Flora Robson portrayed "Chinese Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi". Robson was in "ITV Television Playhouse's", 1961 drama entitled "The Gentle Shade". She followed "55 Days at Peking" with Agatha Christie's "Murder at the Gallop", also in 1963.
John Ireland portrayed "American Cavalry Sergeant Harry".
The story revolves around the 1900, "Boxer Rebellion", in China, and the siege, by the "Boxer's", of the European Delegation Compound, for the 55 days of the title.
The story revolves around the 1900, "Boxer Rebellion", in China, and the siege, by the "Boxer's", of the European Delegation Compound, for the 55 days of the title.
A crime drama, "The Ceremony", was released, and disappeared on December 13, 1963. The screenplay was based upon a novel by French author Frederic Grendel. Who co-wrote the French classic thriller, 1955's, "Les Diabolique".
The plot has a man imprisoned for a murder committed during a robbery and his brother plans a break-out, but only if his brother's wife goes out on a date with him. This oddity, was Directed by the films star Laurence Harvey, and the four other leads were played by English actress Sarah Miles, American's Robert Walker, Jr., John Ireland and Ross Martin.
Below John Ireland visting Laurence Harvey, back stage, at an unnamed, West End London Theater.
Below John Ireland visting Laurence Harvey, back stage, at an unnamed, West End London Theater.
However, "The Ceremony", was followed by another Historical epic from Samuel Bronston.
THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE released March 6, 1964
The feature film was Directed by Anthony Mann.
The screenplay was based upon Edward Gibbon's classic piece of literature, "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire".
The screenplays three writers were:
Ben Barzman, 1945's "Back to Bataan", 1948's World War 2 orphan allegory "The Boy With the Green Hair", 1961's "El Cid", and 1966's "The Blue Max".
Basilio Franchina, an Italian screenplay writer, also joined with Ben Barzman on 1966's, "The Blue Max".
This was Philip Yordan's fourth screenplay for Samuel Bronston.
Note:
In 2000, Director Ridley Scott released "Gladiator", from a screenplay by Producer David Franzoni. Anyone, especially the World Wide Film Critics, at the time, and Film Historians, who saw that picture. Not only realized it was the same subject matter as the Samuel Bronston feature, but there are scenes, verified by the "Gladiator" screenplay, with the exact same dialogue and camera and actor placements as in the 1964 screenplay. Franzoni claimed he never knew there was a motion picture called "The Fall of the Roman Empire" and Scott said the same.
Sophia Loren portrayed "Lucilla". Loren had just been seen in Italian Director Vittorio De Sica's. 1963, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" and would follow this picture with De Sica's, 1964, "Marriage Italian Style".
Stephen Boyd portrayed "Roman General Livius". Boyd had just made the Italian and French co-production, 1962's, "Imperial Venus", about Napoleon Bonaparte's sister. He would follow this picture with the U.K. crime drama, 1964's, "The Third Secret", co-starring with Jack Hawkins and Richard Attenborough.
Sir Alec Guinness portrayed "Empire Marcus Aurelius". Guinness had just played "Prince Faisal" in Director David Lean's, 1962 "Lawrence of Arabia", and would follow this picture as "Yevgraf" in Lean's 1965, "Doctor Zhivago"
James Mason portrayed the Greek Slave and Philosopher "Timonides". Mason had just been seen in the Italian World War 2 picture, 1963's, "Torpedo Bay", and would next be seen with Anne Bancroft and Peter Finch, in the 1964 drama, "The Pumpkin Eater".
Christopher Plummer portrayed "Commodus". Prior to this feature, Plummer had starred in a 1962 television production of "Cyrano De Bergerac" After this feature, Christopher Plummer, was again seen on television, playing "Hamlet", in a 1964 television production of William Shakespeare's play.
In the above still, that's Anthony Quale, behind and to Christopher Plummer's left, as "Verulus".
John Ireland portrayed "Ballomar".
John Ireland portrayed "Ballomar".
In the above still, John Ireland holds the torch facing James Mason.
It is the Winter of 180 A.D. and Rome, under "Emperor Marcus Aurelius", has been in a fight against the Germanic Tribes led by "Ballomar". Meanwhile, "General Livius", a close friend of the Emperor's son, "Commodus", and lover of the Emperor's daughter, "Lucilla", is surprised by the Emperor suggesting he will be named his heir over his son. Meanwhile, the Emperor sends his Greek ex-Slave and advisor, "Timonides", to meet with "Ballomar" and offer peace terms.
"Timonides" will prove himself to "Ballomar" and the Germanic tribes become farmers protected by the Emperor.
"Timonides" will prove himself to "Ballomar" and the Germanic tribes become farmers protected by the Emperor.
Everything comes down and the Roman Empire starts to fall. After "Commodus" assassinates his father to become Emperor and restores gladiator games and ignores political realities.
At the film's climax, after "Commodus" goes mad from discovering he is not of Royal Blood. Apparently, his mother, "Faustina Minor, had an affair with "Verulus" and "Marcus Aurelius" always knew. Now, fearing his sister will be found to be the true ruler of the Roman Empire and with a marriage to "Livius" have the control of the armies. "Emperor Commodus" orders his once friend, his sister, "Ballomar" and his followers burned at that stake to solidify his power base.
However, "Commodus" lets his ego take control to prove, really to himself, that he is the true Emperor of Rome, He decides to fight "Livius" to the death. In the end "Commodus" is killed, but "Ballomar" and his followers die in the flames of the burning stakes, "Lucilla" is rescued and "Livius'" troops offer him the crown, but he refuses and the two walk away. As bidding now begins for the leadership of the Roman Army and by association the Empire.
Between December 26, 1964 and April 13, 1967, John Ireland appeared on episodes of different television programs. In the case of "Rawhide", he was "Jed Colby" in eight episodes alone.
Now, John Ireland, like many a American actor, even before Clint Eastwood, headed for Italy to appear in a large amount of Spaghetti Westerns. The Italians, Spanish and Germans appreciated the actor and looked upon him as a major Western star.
ODIO PER ODIO (HATE FOR HATE) released August 18, 1967 in Italy
The feature never came to movie theaters in the United States, but did make a European Tour. the U.K. and Ireland.
Domencio Paolella Directed this picture. He had been Directing in the Italian film industry since 1940. During the Peplum (Sword and Sandal) period. Paolella, made three "Hercules" pictures with one of those starring Peter Lupus. From the original television version of "Mission Impossible". When the Italian film industry switched to Spaghetti Westerns, so did Domencio Paoella.
Antonio Sabato portrayed "Miguel". The Italian actor is known to American audiences for portraying "Nino Barlini" in Director John Frankheimer's classic racing movie, in "Cinerama", 1966's, "Grand Prix", starring James Gardner and Eva Marie Saint.
John Ireland portrayed "James Cooper".
John Ireland portrayed "James Cooper".
"James Cooper" is a bank robber who teams up with a Mexican youth to take down the robber's ex-partner "Moxon", played by Swiss Actor Mirko Ellis. There;s one motion picture American audiences would know Ellis. This was the Italian Peplum production, "Hannibal", starring Victor Mature as the Carthaginian General that crossed the Alps to conquer Rome.
Above Mark Ellis.
1967 continued with the American made and cast Western, "Fort Utah". Which was followed by a Adventure film about thieves high jacking a plane full of diamonds. The plane crashes in the Brazilian jungle and the thieves face Amazon head hunters and themselves. The movies title was "Caxambul", the name of the Brazilian city the story starts in. However, the picture was shot in the Philippines. Also during 1967, John Ireland appeared on a two part episode of "Gunsmoke", entitled "Vengeance", as a man named "Parker".
Released June 15, 1967, was Director Robert Aldrich's "The Dirty Dozen". On December 4, 1968, author and screenplay writer Alistair MacLean's, "Where Eagles Dare", had been released. John Ireland was in neither, but between those two World War 2 features was one made in Italy:
DALLE ARDENNE ALL'INFERNO (FROM THE ARDENNES TO HELL) released in Italy on January 13, 1968. When dubbed into English, the title became "DIRTY HEREOS", released first in Ireland, on December 5, 1969.
Do not confuse the English language title of John Ireland's next picture. With the excellent 1951 movie, of the same title, about the Japanese Americans who fought as the "442nd Regimental Combat Team" in Europe, during World War 2.
TUTTO PER TUTTO (ALL FOR ALL) released in Italy on March 27, 1968
When this Spaghetti Western was released in the United States. My reader can take their pick of English language titles, starting with the one I refer too above, "Go For Broke". Then add, "All Out" and "Copperface",
Yul Bryner, Robert Mitchum and Charles Bronson made 1968's, "Villa Rides". The screenplay was by future Director Sam Peckinpah, but his screenplay was changed drastically with re-writes from Robert Towne and even the Director, Buz Kulik, and Peckinpah disowned it. John Ireland is seen getting a shave and an hair cut in a one scene.
That "hard" piece of acting was followed by another Spaghetti Western, "T'ammazzo!...Raccomandti A Dio (I'll Kill You!...Recommended to God)", released August 17, 1968 in Italy. The English language dub had the title "Trusting Is Good---Shooting Is Better".
Five days later, August 29, 1968, was a Comedy Western, "Corri Uomo Corri (Run, Man, Run)", with John Ireland, sixteenth billed as "Santillana". Next, it was back to second billing in "Quanto Costa Morire (How Much Does It Cost to Die?)", released in Italy on September 14, 1968, and was released in English as "A Taste of Death".
John Ireland now took first billing in "Vendetta por Vendetta (Revenge for Revenge)" released in West Germany on September 20, 1968.
John Hamilton, on the features credits, actually Gianni Medici, portrayed "Chaliko (Shalako)"
Loredana Nusciak portrayed "Clara aka: Ann Bower". Nusciak was third billed in the original 1966 "Django"
This Western had the familiar plot line of a drifter and a criminal teaming up to go gold.
Next, John Ireland found himself in an Italian biography of a Cuban leader.
EL 'CHE' GUEVARA released in Italy in November of 1968
1967 continued with the American made and cast Western, "Fort Utah". Which was followed by a Adventure film about thieves high jacking a plane full of diamonds. The plane crashes in the Brazilian jungle and the thieves face Amazon head hunters and themselves. The movies title was "Caxambul", the name of the Brazilian city the story starts in. However, the picture was shot in the Philippines. Also during 1967, John Ireland appeared on a two part episode of "Gunsmoke", entitled "Vengeance", as a man named "Parker".
Released June 15, 1967, was Director Robert Aldrich's "The Dirty Dozen". On December 4, 1968, author and screenplay writer Alistair MacLean's, "Where Eagles Dare", had been released. John Ireland was in neither, but between those two World War 2 features was one made in Italy:
DALLE ARDENNE ALL'INFERNO (FROM THE ARDENNES TO HELL) released in Italy on January 13, 1968. When dubbed into English, the title became "DIRTY HEREOS", released first in Ireland, on December 5, 1969.
Note the tag lines on the furst two English language poster for this Italian movie.
The story is set as the lead up to the battle of the Ardennes Forest in 1944, but I couldn't locate anymore information about the story. John Ireland portrayed "American Army Captain O'Connor".
Do not confuse the English language title of John Ireland's next picture. With the excellent 1951 movie, of the same title, about the Japanese Americans who fought as the "442nd Regimental Combat Team" in Europe, during World War 2.
TUTTO PER TUTTO (ALL FOR ALL) released in Italy on March 27, 1968
When this Spaghetti Western was released in the United States. My reader can take their pick of English language titles, starting with the one I refer too above, "Go For Broke". Then add, "All Out" and "Copperface",
The cast in this picture is interesting.
Mark Damon portrayed "Johnny Sweet, aka: The Ace". Fans of Roger Corman's Poe series, know Damon from 1960's "House of Usher". Fans of Italian Horror Master Mario Bava, know Damon from 1963's "Black Sabbath". He became a Producer and Produced the "Directors Cut" of Wolfgang Petersen's 1981 "Das Boot". Mark Damon also Produced 1984's, "The NeverEnding Story". Walt Disney Productions 1986, "Flight of the Navigator" and 1987's, "The Lost Boys".
John Ireland portrayed "The Owl".
Monica Randall portrayed "Maria, Carranza's woman". The actress was born in Barcelona, Spain as Aurora Julia Sarasa, and like many Spanish and Italian actors of the 1960's, took on an American name. Americans saw her, as "Maria", in the Euro Western, from 1971, "Red Sun". That feature was Directed by "James Bond" Director Terence Young and starred Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon and Ursula Andress.
Card shark, "The Ace", needs a horse, fast, and steals one. Unfortunately, for "Johnny Sweet", the horse belongs to Bounty Hunter, "The Owl". "The Owl" catches up with him, but the two become partners hunting down four boxes containing bars of gold,
Mark Damon portrayed "Johnny Sweet, aka: The Ace". Fans of Roger Corman's Poe series, know Damon from 1960's "House of Usher". Fans of Italian Horror Master Mario Bava, know Damon from 1963's "Black Sabbath". He became a Producer and Produced the "Directors Cut" of Wolfgang Petersen's 1981 "Das Boot". Mark Damon also Produced 1984's, "The NeverEnding Story". Walt Disney Productions 1986, "Flight of the Navigator" and 1987's, "The Lost Boys".
John Ireland portrayed "The Owl".
Monica Randall portrayed "Maria, Carranza's woman". The actress was born in Barcelona, Spain as Aurora Julia Sarasa, and like many Spanish and Italian actors of the 1960's, took on an American name. Americans saw her, as "Maria", in the Euro Western, from 1971, "Red Sun". That feature was Directed by "James Bond" Director Terence Young and starred Charles Bronson, Toshiro Mifune, Alain Delon and Ursula Andress.
Card shark, "The Ace", needs a horse, fast, and steals one. Unfortunately, for "Johnny Sweet", the horse belongs to Bounty Hunter, "The Owl". "The Owl" catches up with him, but the two become partners hunting down four boxes containing bars of gold,
Yul Bryner, Robert Mitchum and Charles Bronson made 1968's, "Villa Rides". The screenplay was by future Director Sam Peckinpah, but his screenplay was changed drastically with re-writes from Robert Towne and even the Director, Buz Kulik, and Peckinpah disowned it. John Ireland is seen getting a shave and an hair cut in a one scene.
That "hard" piece of acting was followed by another Spaghetti Western, "T'ammazzo!...Raccomandti A Dio (I'll Kill You!...Recommended to God)", released August 17, 1968 in Italy. The English language dub had the title "Trusting Is Good---Shooting Is Better".
August 24, 1968 found John Ireland as "Douglas" in "Una Pistola Per Cento Bare (A Gun for a Hundred Coffins).
Five days later, August 29, 1968, was a Comedy Western, "Corri Uomo Corri (Run, Man, Run)", with John Ireland, sixteenth billed as "Santillana". Next, it was back to second billing in "Quanto Costa Morire (How Much Does It Cost to Die?)", released in Italy on September 14, 1968, and was released in English as "A Taste of Death".
John Ireland now took first billing in "Vendetta por Vendetta (Revenge for Revenge)" released in West Germany on September 20, 1968.
John Ireland portrayed "Major Bower".
John Hamilton, on the features credits, actually Gianni Medici, portrayed "Chaliko (Shalako)"
Loredana Nusciak portrayed "Clara aka: Ann Bower". Nusciak was third billed in the original 1966 "Django"
This Western had the familiar plot line of a drifter and a criminal teaming up to go gold.
Next, John Ireland found himself in an Italian biography of a Cuban leader.
EL 'CHE' GUEVARA released in Italy in November of 1968
In the United States the picture was called "Bloody Che Contra". However, I could not locate a release date.
The Director was Palo Heusch and ten years prior he Directed the first Italian Science Fiction motion picture, "La Morte Viene Dallo Spazio (Death Come from Space)". Which came to the United States as the dubbed "The Day the Sky Exploded". The uncredited second Director on that picture was Mario Bava and the lead actor was Swiss Actor Paul Hubschmid. Who used the name of Paul Christian. when starring in Ray Harryhausen's 1953, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms". Using the Americanized named of Richard Benson, in 1961, Palo Heusch, made "Werewolf in a Girls Dormitory".
Francisco Rabal portrayed "Che Guevara". Between 1942 and 2001, he would appear in 215 Spanish, or Italian roles.
"Richard Gatling", played by Ennio Baldo, wants to sell his invention to the U.S. Government, but "Tarpas" steals it and "Captain Tanner" goes after him.
After appearing on two American television programs, John Ireland found himself back with Laurence Harvey in the Israel, France and West Germany, 1972 production, "Escape to the Sun". The picture was loosely based upon the real story of a group of Soviet Jews, attempting to high jack a Soviet commercial airplane, to fly to freedom from Russia to Israel.
Two more television appearances and then back to Spain for a crime film called "Huyendo del halcon (Flying from the Hawk)", released in Madrid on June 11, 1973. John Ireland co-starred with American actress Diane McBain, 45 episodes of the television series "Surfside 6" and the AIP picture, 1968's "The Mini-Skirt Mob". The motion picture, apparently never made it out of Spain.
From bad to worse, found John Ireland in:
THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN CORPSES released in February 1974
The house used for this picture was the original Utah Governor's Mansion.
This was the only feature film of Producer, Writer and Director Paul Harrison. Who worked on television shows prior to making this motion picture.
John Ireland portrayed "Eric Hartman".
Faith Domergue portrayed "Gayle Dorian". Domergue had just been in the Italian thriller. 1971's "The Man with Icy Eyes", and would follow with 1974's Horror entry, "So Evil, My Sister". She stopped acting after appearing in one movie, the Italian entry, 1976's "Amore Grande, Amore Libero".
John Carradine portrayed "Edgar Price". Carradine was now mainly appearing in small roles on television.
Let me know if you've heard this plot before? A film crew decides to make a Horror movie in a real haunted house and brings back to life (?) a dead man that kills them all off.
What came next for John Ireland were three more low budget American movies followed and a return to Italy for another Spaghetti Western. Then returning to American television for an episode of "Planet of the Apes", "The Liberator", on December 6, 1974.
Three more television appearances followed "The Planet of the Apes" and John Ireland portrayed "Detective Nulty", opposite Robert Mitchum as Raymond Chandler's "Philip Marlowe", in the "August 8, 1975 release, of "Farewell My Lovely".
My article, "Raymond Chandler: Phillip Marlowe From Novel To Film And In-Between" can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2020/11/raymond-chandler-philip-marlowe-from.html
For more work, John Ireland returned to Italy, to make "We Are No Angels", released in Italy on September 26, 1975, "Salon Kitty", released in Italy on March 2, 1976, and "Sex Diary", released on March 26, 1976.
Director Jack Arnold gave viewers 1953's, "It Came from Outer Space", 1954's "The Creature From the Black Lagoon" and 1957's "The Incredible Shrinking Man". Now, he Directed John Ireland as "Dwight McGowan" in the West German and American co-production, "The Swiss Conspiracy", starring David Janssen, Senta Berger and Elke Sommer, the picture was released in Switzerland in March 1976.
Between 1976 and 1991, John Ireland would appear 55 more times on television programs. During this same period, the actor appeared in 20 films with titles like, 1977's "Satan's Cheerleaders", 1979's "On the Air Live with Captain Midnight", 1981's Mexican feature, with Chuck Connors, "Las Mujeres De Jeremias (Jeremiah's Women)", and both released in1985, "Treasure of the Amazon" with Stuart Whitman, Donald Pleasence and Bradford Dillman, and the Italian Horror feature "Miami Golem".
The Director was Palo Heusch and ten years prior he Directed the first Italian Science Fiction motion picture, "La Morte Viene Dallo Spazio (Death Come from Space)". Which came to the United States as the dubbed "The Day the Sky Exploded". The uncredited second Director on that picture was Mario Bava and the lead actor was Swiss Actor Paul Hubschmid. Who used the name of Paul Christian. when starring in Ray Harryhausen's 1953, "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms". Using the Americanized named of Richard Benson, in 1961, Palo Heusch, made "Werewolf in a Girls Dormitory".
Francisco Rabal portrayed "Che Guevara". Between 1942 and 2001, he would appear in 215 Spanish, or Italian roles.
John Ireland portrayed "Stuart".
The story takes place in Bolivia, as "Che" and his men are pursued by an elite American ranger unit. The unit is led by a determined CIA agent named "Stuart". The screenplay was written by journalist and screenplay writer, 1964's "Per Un Pugno Di Dollari (A Fistful of Dollars)", Adriano Bolzoni. Who also wrote the book the picture was based on.
Then it was back to Spahgetti Westerns with "Quel Caldo Maledetto Girono Di Fuoco (That Damn Hot Day of Fire)", released December 13, 1968. Like others, the picture had three different titles in the United States, dropping "The", it was either "Damn Hot Day of Fire", "Gatling Gun", or "Machine Gun Killers".
John Ireland portrayed "Tarpas".
Robert Woods portrayed "Army Captain Chris Tanner". Colorado born Woods, went to Italy in 1965 and made a career out of Spaghetti Westerns.
The story takes place in Bolivia, as "Che" and his men are pursued by an elite American ranger unit. The unit is led by a determined CIA agent named "Stuart". The screenplay was written by journalist and screenplay writer, 1964's "Per Un Pugno Di Dollari (A Fistful of Dollars)", Adriano Bolzoni. Who also wrote the book the picture was based on.
Then it was back to Spahgetti Westerns with "Quel Caldo Maledetto Girono Di Fuoco (That Damn Hot Day of Fire)", released December 13, 1968. Like others, the picture had three different titles in the United States, dropping "The", it was either "Damn Hot Day of Fire", "Gatling Gun", or "Machine Gun Killers".
John Ireland portrayed "Tarpas".
Robert Woods portrayed "Army Captain Chris Tanner". Colorado born Woods, went to Italy in 1965 and made a career out of Spaghetti Westerns.
"Richard Gatling", played by Ennio Baldo, wants to sell his invention to the U.S. Government, but "Tarpas" steals it and "Captain Tanner" goes after him.
Next, John Ireland reunited with Dorothy Malone in an Italian and German thriller, "Femme Insaziabili (Insatible Females)", released in Italy on August 14, 1969. The dubbed in English version would come to the United States as "Carnal Circuit".
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Vanessa Brighton". Malone had just finished a four year run on televisions Prime Time Soap Opera "Peyton Place". She would follow this film with television guest appearances for basically the rest of her career.
John Ireland portrayed "Richard Salinger".
Above John Ireland with Austrian actor Robert Hoffmann, first billed in both the Italian and German release of the picture. Ireland was actually fifth billed on the cast listings and Malone first.
Another excellent and must see thriller from Italy, France and Spain followed for John Ireland.
"UNA SULL'ALTRA (ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER" released in Italy August 15, 1969. It would come to the United States in December 1971.
The picture was Directed by Lucio Fulci from a screenplay by Fulci, Roberto Gianviti and Jose Luis Martinez Molla. The three have put together an excellent homage to Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 "Vertigo".
The picture was actually filmed in San Francisco and Sacramento, California and Reno, Nevada.
Jean Sorel portrayed "Dr. George Dumurrier". French actor Sorel's first on-screen appearance was actually on an episode of the American anthology series, "Robert Mongtomery Presents", in 1955. It would take until 1962 and American Director Sidney Lumet's Italian picture, "A View from the Bridge", before the actor was seen in the United States again. That film would be followed by the French film, "Belle de Jour", starring Christine Deneuve, but the actor was basically unknown even then to Americans.
Marisa Mell portrayed the duo roles of "Susan Dumurrier and Monica Weston". Austrian actress Mell was known for several West German secret agent pictures during the "James Bond" craze and several other thrillers.
Elsa Martinelli portrayed "Jane Bleeker". Italian actress Martinelli's first American film had her playing the Native American girl Kirk Douglas falls in love with, in 1954's, "The Indian Fighter", but the majority of her early work was in Italy. In 1960 Martinelli was in French Director Roger Vadim's Lesbian Vampire movie, "Blood and Roses". However, in 1962, she portrayed "Dallas", in Director Howard Hawks' "Hatari", starring John Wayne and Red Buttons as the man she loves,
Alberto de Mendoza portrayed "Henry Dumurrier". Argentine actor de Mendoza started acting in 1930 and his last on-screen appearance was in 2011.
John Ireland portrayed "Police Detective Inspector Wald".
Faith Domergue portrayed "Marta". American Domergue, had been in one excellent, but forgotten Universal International Pitures Horror movie, 1955's "Cult of the Cobra", and the same years Science Fiction feature, "This Island Earth". Then for Columbia Pictures, she appeared in the 1955, Ray Harryhausen "It Came from Beneath the Sea". Not to forget the U.K. entry from that same year, "The Atomic Man". My article, "FAITH DOMERGUE: 1955 A.D." can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2019/09/faith-domergue-1955-ad.html
Dorothy Malone portrayed "Vanessa Brighton". Malone had just finished a four year run on televisions Prime Time Soap Opera "Peyton Place". She would follow this film with television guest appearances for basically the rest of her career.
John Ireland portrayed "Richard Salinger".
Above John Ireland with Austrian actor Robert Hoffmann, first billed in both the Italian and German release of the picture. Ireland was actually fifth billed on the cast listings and Malone first.
Another excellent and must see thriller from Italy, France and Spain followed for John Ireland.
"UNA SULL'ALTRA (ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER" released in Italy August 15, 1969. It would come to the United States in December 1971.
The picture was Directed by Lucio Fulci from a screenplay by Fulci, Roberto Gianviti and Jose Luis Martinez Molla. The three have put together an excellent homage to Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 "Vertigo".
The picture was actually filmed in San Francisco and Sacramento, California and Reno, Nevada.
Jean Sorel portrayed "Dr. George Dumurrier". French actor Sorel's first on-screen appearance was actually on an episode of the American anthology series, "Robert Mongtomery Presents", in 1955. It would take until 1962 and American Director Sidney Lumet's Italian picture, "A View from the Bridge", before the actor was seen in the United States again. That film would be followed by the French film, "Belle de Jour", starring Christine Deneuve, but the actor was basically unknown even then to Americans.
Marisa Mell portrayed the duo roles of "Susan Dumurrier and Monica Weston". Austrian actress Mell was known for several West German secret agent pictures during the "James Bond" craze and several other thrillers.
Elsa Martinelli portrayed "Jane Bleeker". Italian actress Martinelli's first American film had her playing the Native American girl Kirk Douglas falls in love with, in 1954's, "The Indian Fighter", but the majority of her early work was in Italy. In 1960 Martinelli was in French Director Roger Vadim's Lesbian Vampire movie, "Blood and Roses". However, in 1962, she portrayed "Dallas", in Director Howard Hawks' "Hatari", starring John Wayne and Red Buttons as the man she loves,
Alberto de Mendoza portrayed "Henry Dumurrier". Argentine actor de Mendoza started acting in 1930 and his last on-screen appearance was in 2011.
John Ireland portrayed "Police Detective Inspector Wald".
Faith Domergue portrayed "Marta". American Domergue, had been in one excellent, but forgotten Universal International Pitures Horror movie, 1955's "Cult of the Cobra", and the same years Science Fiction feature, "This Island Earth". Then for Columbia Pictures, she appeared in the 1955, Ray Harryhausen "It Came from Beneath the Sea". Not to forget the U.K. entry from that same year, "The Atomic Man". My article, "FAITH DOMERGUE: 1955 A.D." can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2019/09/faith-domergue-1955-ad.html
In the story, "George" is having an affair with "Jane". While the two are in Reno, a phone call from "Henry", informs "George" that his wife, "Susan", has died from a severe asthma attack leaving him the beneficiary of a million dollar insurance policy. "Susan's" sister "Marta", has never liked "George" and distrusts his motives toward her now deceased sister. The Insurance Company investigator is suspicious about "Susan's" death and a anonymous phone call tips off the agent about "George's" affair.
Then another call sends "George" and "Jane" to the "Roaring 20's" strip club and the discovery of a stripper, "Monica Weston", who is a doppelganger of "Susan".
Next, "Monica", a high-class prostitute, is arrested and a search of her apartment, by the police, turns up an envelope with money and "George's" fingerprints on it. As this is happening, "Monica" is released on bail. As the investigation continues, she disappears without a trace. The police turn to "George" and arrest him for murdering his wife for the insurance money and possibly being involved with "Monica", his possible accomplice in the murder.
The screenplay, in the best Hitchcockian traditions, is full of many false leads and twists, as to whose doing this to "George" and why? One such twist is that "Monica" is really "Susan". She faked her own death to implicate her husband, but that's not actually what's happening here. The climax comes as "George's" is being prepared for execution and is led to the electric chair, but I suggest my reader get a copy of this picture.
Taking place in 1627 Spain was:
"ZENABEL" released in Italy on December 12, 1969.
Borger, Texas, born Lauretia Hickerson, using the name Lucretia Love, portrayed "Zenabel", a poor country girl. John Ireland was "Don Alonso Imolene". "Imolene" murdered "Zenabel's" father, a Spanish Nobleman, and took his title. After discovering who she really is, "Zenable" assembles a group of misfits to expose "Imolene", and take back her title.
The movie is actually a Comedy Adventure that failed at the box office, because December 12th was also the date of the "Piazza Fontana Bombing", the headquarters of the "National Agriculture Bank", in Milan, that killed 17 people and wounded another 88. This was the first of a series of bombings in Italy that followed.
"Zenabel" would be re-reissued in 1975, in France, as "The Fury of Desire", with added hardcore pornography, but not involving Love or Ireland's characters. Below is the German DVD releases cover of that version.
Also, in 1969, Ireland made a cameo appearance in a December 19, 1969, Guy Madison, televisions 1951 through 1958 "Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" and 1956's "The Beast of Hollow Mountain", World War 2 Italian movie, "The War Devils", as an American General without on-screen credit.
That role was followed by his last Italian production, another Spaghetti Western, "La Sfida Dei McKenna (The McKenna Challenge)", released in Italy March 21, 1970. Next, John Ireland returned to Hollywood and had fourteenth billing, as "Mr. James Hadley", in the big budgeted, 28 major International speaking roles, version of author Harold Robbins', "The Adventurers", released on March 25, 1970.
Then another call sends "George" and "Jane" to the "Roaring 20's" strip club and the discovery of a stripper, "Monica Weston", who is a doppelganger of "Susan".
Next, "Monica", a high-class prostitute, is arrested and a search of her apartment, by the police, turns up an envelope with money and "George's" fingerprints on it. As this is happening, "Monica" is released on bail. As the investigation continues, she disappears without a trace. The police turn to "George" and arrest him for murdering his wife for the insurance money and possibly being involved with "Monica", his possible accomplice in the murder.
The screenplay, in the best Hitchcockian traditions, is full of many false leads and twists, as to whose doing this to "George" and why? One such twist is that "Monica" is really "Susan". She faked her own death to implicate her husband, but that's not actually what's happening here. The climax comes as "George's" is being prepared for execution and is led to the electric chair, but I suggest my reader get a copy of this picture.
Taking place in 1627 Spain was:
"ZENABEL" released in Italy on December 12, 1969.
Borger, Texas, born Lauretia Hickerson, using the name Lucretia Love, portrayed "Zenabel", a poor country girl. John Ireland was "Don Alonso Imolene". "Imolene" murdered "Zenabel's" father, a Spanish Nobleman, and took his title. After discovering who she really is, "Zenable" assembles a group of misfits to expose "Imolene", and take back her title.
The movie is actually a Comedy Adventure that failed at the box office, because December 12th was also the date of the "Piazza Fontana Bombing", the headquarters of the "National Agriculture Bank", in Milan, that killed 17 people and wounded another 88. This was the first of a series of bombings in Italy that followed.
"Zenabel" would be re-reissued in 1975, in France, as "The Fury of Desire", with added hardcore pornography, but not involving Love or Ireland's characters. Below is the German DVD releases cover of that version.
That role was followed by his last Italian production, another Spaghetti Western, "La Sfida Dei McKenna (The McKenna Challenge)", released in Italy March 21, 1970. Next, John Ireland returned to Hollywood and had fourteenth billing, as "Mr. James Hadley", in the big budgeted, 28 major International speaking roles, version of author Harold Robbins', "The Adventurers", released on March 25, 1970.
After appearing on two American television programs, John Ireland found himself back with Laurence Harvey in the Israel, France and West Germany, 1972 production, "Escape to the Sun". The picture was loosely based upon the real story of a group of Soviet Jews, attempting to high jack a Soviet commercial airplane, to fly to freedom from Russia to Israel.
Two more television appearances and then back to Spain for a crime film called "Huyendo del halcon (Flying from the Hawk)", released in Madrid on June 11, 1973. John Ireland co-starred with American actress Diane McBain, 45 episodes of the television series "Surfside 6" and the AIP picture, 1968's "The Mini-Skirt Mob". The motion picture, apparently never made it out of Spain.
On CBS television, "February 12, 1974, John Ireland portrayed "Police Lieutenant Gifford", in the made-for-television feature:
This "Phantom of the Opera" rip-off, is about a disfigured actor living on the back lot of "World Wide Studios". Who is killing certain people to save the lot from being sold to developers. Jack Cassidy was "The Phantom", Broderick Crawford, Peter Lawford, Jackie Coogan, John Lupton, Kent Taylor,, Bill Williams and Corinne Calvert also had roles.
From bad to worse, found John Ireland in:
THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN CORPSES released in February 1974
The house used for this picture was the original Utah Governor's Mansion.
This was the only feature film of Producer, Writer and Director Paul Harrison. Who worked on television shows prior to making this motion picture.
John Ireland portrayed "Eric Hartman".
Faith Domergue portrayed "Gayle Dorian". Domergue had just been in the Italian thriller. 1971's "The Man with Icy Eyes", and would follow with 1974's Horror entry, "So Evil, My Sister". She stopped acting after appearing in one movie, the Italian entry, 1976's "Amore Grande, Amore Libero".
John Carradine portrayed "Edgar Price". Carradine was now mainly appearing in small roles on television.
Let me know if you've heard this plot before? A film crew decides to make a Horror movie in a real haunted house and brings back to life (?) a dead man that kills them all off.
What came next for John Ireland were three more low budget American movies followed and a return to Italy for another Spaghetti Western. Then returning to American television for an episode of "Planet of the Apes", "The Liberator", on December 6, 1974.
Three more television appearances followed "The Planet of the Apes" and John Ireland portrayed "Detective Nulty", opposite Robert Mitchum as Raymond Chandler's "Philip Marlowe", in the "August 8, 1975 release, of "Farewell My Lovely".
My article, "Raymond Chandler: Phillip Marlowe From Novel To Film And In-Between" can be read at:
http://www.bewaretheblog.com/2020/11/raymond-chandler-philip-marlowe-from.html
For more work, John Ireland returned to Italy, to make "We Are No Angels", released in Italy on September 26, 1975, "Salon Kitty", released in Italy on March 2, 1976, and "Sex Diary", released on March 26, 1976.
Director Jack Arnold gave viewers 1953's, "It Came from Outer Space", 1954's "The Creature From the Black Lagoon" and 1957's "The Incredible Shrinking Man". Now, he Directed John Ireland as "Dwight McGowan" in the West German and American co-production, "The Swiss Conspiracy", starring David Janssen, Senta Berger and Elke Sommer, the picture was released in Switzerland in March 1976.
Between 1976 and 1991, John Ireland would appear 55 more times on television programs. During this same period, the actor appeared in 20 films with titles like, 1977's "Satan's Cheerleaders", 1979's "On the Air Live with Captain Midnight", 1981's Mexican feature, with Chuck Connors, "Las Mujeres De Jeremias (Jeremiah's Women)", and both released in1985, "Treasure of the Amazon" with Stuart Whitman, Donald Pleasence and Bradford Dillman, and the Italian Horror feature "Miami Golem".
On March 21, 1992, John Ireland passed away from Leukemia.
