John Garfield 100th Birthday Blogathon: Humoresque(1947).

To celebrate classic actor John Garfield’s centennial birthday. Patti at "They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To", is hosting The John Garfield Centennial Blogathon. Please click on poster located on the side bar to read all contributions.

This is my contribution to the John Garfield, event. He was a popular leading man of his era, who made some great films. Which brings us to one of my favorite Garfield films the very glamorous:

Humoresque(1947). One of the best tortured love stories ever filmed. It is about.. one rich, bored with life woman and one poor, talented young man violinist, who fall in love and make trouble for everybody including themselves. Cast: Joan Crawford, John Garfield, Oscar Levant, J. Carroll Nash, Joan Chandler, Tom D'Andrea, Peggy Knudsen, Ruth Nelson, Craig Stevens, Paul Cavanaugh, Richard Gaines, John Abbott, Bobby Blake, Tommy Cook, Don McGuire, Fritz Leiber, Peg La Centra, Nestor Paiva, Richard Walsh.

John Garfield's violin "performances" are actually played by two professional violinists standing on either side of him, one to bow and one to finger. The actual music was performed by Isaac Stern. According to Isaac Stern's autobiography, "My First 79 Years", when the movie shows closeups of the hands alone playing the violin (without Garfield in the frame), those are Stern's hands you see.

Awards: 1947 Oscar nomination for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture: Franz Waxman.

Violinist Paul Boray, first becomes interested in the violin as a child when he receives the violin as a birthday present. Phil, Paul's older brother, resents the fact that Paul spends all his time practicing, instead of working in the family grocery store.

Paul, finds a job with a radio orchestra, but.. things don't work out because he thinks he is ready to make his classical concert debut. His friend Sid, suggests that he attend a party at the home of socialites Helen and Victor Wright, where he might meet the right people, who introduces him to Bauer.

At the party Helen, who is jaded and bored with her life, amuses herself with young men. Becomes interested in the ambitious classical violinist performing at her party, she jokes that he will probably end up in prison.

Soon after, Paul becomes a successful performer and he and Helen fall in love. When Helen talks things over with his mother Esther, she reminds Helen about her three previous failed marriages and begs her to leave Paul alone.

One night, while Paul is performing on the radio, a drunken Helen realizes that she maybe holding him back from the thing he loves the most, his career. You see the despair written on Crawford's face and her loneliness of being in an unhappy marriage and not knowing what to do with her forbidden love.

The final chilling good-by scene is when Helen, walks along the beach, the ocean is dark, lonely and beautiful all at the same time....

Dust Be My Destiny (1939)

Dust Be My Destiny (1939). Cast: John Garfield and Priscilla Lane. The original ending of the film had Joe and Mabel shot to death, but the failure of the film, You Only Live Once, which had a tragic ending, prompted the Warner Bros. studio to want a happy ending. When writer Robert Rossen refused to write the new ending, Seton I. Miller was brought in to write it.

Joe Bell, is wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit, but.. when the real culprit was caught and confessed, he is released. Later, he and his friends are picked up for vagrancy and sentenced to a county work farm. There, he meets Mabel Alden, the stepdaughter of the brutal and drunken prison foreman and the two fall in love.

When her step father catches them together, he slaps Mabel and in turn, Joe hits her stepfather, who dies of a heart attack because of his poor health caused by alcoholism. Running for their lives Joe and Mabel, leave the work farm and cross the state line and marry.

Mabel, wants to turn themselves in but, Joe does not think any one believe them refuses. They are given a job by kindly diner owner, Nick, who even helps them escape when Mabel is caught and Joe breaks her out of jail. 

Needing money, Joe.. is on the verge of pawning his camera, when he stumbles on a bank robbery and captures it on film. Impressed with the pictures, Mike the newspaper editor, offers Joe a job on the paper.

Later, when members of the gang threaten Mike unless he returns the negatives. Once again, he is threatened with being exposed as a wanted fugitive. As he is getting ready to flee once again, Mabel, not wanting to live a life on the run turns in her husband. Will Joe ever find justice and forgive Mabel for turning him in?

This film is worth seeing for Garfield's performance alone, but Henry Armetta and Alan Hale are both excellent too and there's an enjoyable Max Steiner score.

Priscilla Lane (June 12, 1915 – April 4, 1995), was the youngest of five daughters of Dr. Lorenzo A. Mullican, DDS, and his wife, Cora Bell Hicks. Dr. Mullican had a dental practice in Indianola.

Priscilla and one of her sisters, Rosemary, traveled to Des Moines every weekend to study dancing with Rose Lorenz. The girls made their first professional appearance September 30, 1930, at Des Moines' Paramount Theater. Priscilla, then 15, performed on stage as part of the entertainment accompanying the release of her sister Lola's Hollywood movie, Good News (1930).

After graduating from high school, Priscilla traveled to New York to visit a third sister, Leota, who was then appearing in a musical revue in Manhattan. Priscilla enrolled at the Fagen School of Dramatics.

At this time, talent agent Al Altman saw Priscilla( age 16) performing in one of Fagen's school plays and invited her to screen-test for MGM.

In 1932, Cora and Rosemary arrived in New York, where Cora immediately took her daughters to auditions for several Broadway productions, without success. During a tryout at a music publishing office, orchestra leader and radio personality Fred Waring heard them harmonizing, signed them to a radio contract.

Rosemary sang the ballads, while Priscilla performed the swing numbers and wisecracked with Waring and various guests.

Back in Iowa, Dr. Mullican  divorced his wife on the grounds of desertion and Rosemary and Priscilla remained with Fred Waring for almost five years.

In 1937, Waring was engaged by Warner Bros. and performed in the film, Varsity Show, a musical starring Dick Powell. Both Rosemary and Priscilla were tested and landed roles in the film. Rosemary was the romantic interest of Powell, while Priscilla was a high-spirited college girl.

Warner Bros. purchased Priscilla and Rosemary's contract from Fred Waring and signed them to seven-year contracts. Priscilla's next film was, Men Are Such Fools (1938), in which she starred with Wayne Morris. This was followed by, Love Honor and Behave (also 1938), another light romantic comedy with Morris, who, playing her husband, spanked her 47 times in a scene for which she declined a double, and Cowboy from Brooklyn, again teaming with Dick Powell.

Priscilla was next assigned the lead in Brother Rat, which had been a very successful Broadway play. Again she played opposite Wayne Morris and among the cast were newcomers Ronald Reagan, Jane Wyman, Jane Bryan, and Eddie Albert.

After winning her raise, Priscilla returned to work, but the films assigned to her were no better than those she had turned down. Brother Rat and a Baby (aka, Baby Be Good, 1940) was an inferior sequel and Three Cheers For the Irish (also 1940) gave her little to do.

She appeared opposite Ronald Reagan in a light hearted comedy, Million Dollar Baby (1941) and as a night club singer in Blues in the Night (also 1941).

Frank Capra requested her for the lead opposite Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace. The comedy film was completed in early 1942, but was not released until 1944, it was held up by contractual agreement not to distribute the film until the play's long Broadway run was over. It was Priscilla's last Warner film. Her contract was terminated by mutual agreement after five years with the studio.

She freelanced, signing a one-picture deal with Universal Studios where she starred with Robert Cummings in Alfred Hitchcock's, Saboteur (1942). The director did not want either Cummings or Lane for their roles. Hitchcock felt Lane was too much the girl next door but, Universal insisted.

She had commitments for two more films: Silver Queen (1942) for producer Harry Sherman in which she co-starred with George Brent. She played the owner of a gambling house in 1870's San Francisco. The other film was a Jack Benny comedy, The Meanest Man in the World, released in January 1943. Lane then retired from films.

For the duration of the war, she followed her husband across America as he moved from one military base to another. She often performed at camp shows. While living in Van Nuys, she was offered and accepted the leading role in Fun on a Weekend (1947) for producer–director Andrew Stone, co-starring Eddie Bracken. Soon after, Lane returned to domestic life. Once again she and her husband moved, this time to Studio City.

Lane accepted the offer of the lead role opposite Lawrence Tierney in a film noir, Bodyguard (1948), starring as Doris Brewster.  Bodyguard would be her last picture.

Between Two Worlds(1944).

Between Two Worlds (1944). Directed by Edward A. Blatt. Cast: John Garfield, Paul Henreid and Sydney Greenstreet.

At an English port, Henry Bergner, a pianist asks for a room on a ship leaving for the United States. But, is denied because he does not have a visa. During an air raid, Henry's wife Ann, goes looking for her husband and witnesses a bomb hit a taxi full of passengers: reporter Tom Prior, actress Maxine Russell, Genevieve and her husband Benjamin, Merchant Marine Pete Musick, housekeeper Mrs. Midget, Reverend William Duke, and businessman Lingley.

Henry, can not find work as a pianist, so he commits suicide. Ann, can not live without her husband, so decides to join him in death....

They find themselves on a huge ship along with the people who were killed in the taxi. Henry and Ann, soon realize that everyone on board is dead, but Scrubby, the steward, asks them not to say anything.

Later, all the passengers realize while telling their stories that they have died. An Angel known as The Examiner, is to decide who will go to Heaven and who will go to Hell.

This film has a fascinating eerie atmosphere helped along by the wonderful music score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Eleanor Parker, was only 22 and she looks beautiful. Some viewers might be offended by the theme of the film. Hopefully, you can enjoy the film's touching moments and message of making your own, Heaven or Hell in life.

Faye Emerson (July 8, 1917 – March 9, 1983). In 1944, she played one of her best known roles as Zachary Scott's ex in, The Mask of Dimitrios.

In 1948, she made a move to television and began acting in various anthology series, including The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, The Philco Television Playhouse, and Goodyear Television Playhouse.

She served as host for several short-lived talk shows and musical/variety shows, including Paris Cavalcade of Fashions (1948) and The Faye Emerson Show (CBS, 1950).

Although The Faye Emerson Show only lasted one season, it gave her wide exposure because her time slot immediately followed the CBS Evening News and alternated weeknights with the popular, The Perry Como Show. The show was broadcast from a studio CBS built on the sixth floor of the Stork Club building. The studio, a complete replica of the Stork Club's Cub Room, was built for The Stork Club, also seen on CBS beginning in 1950.

After The Faye Emerson Show, she continued in TV with other talk shows, including: Wonderful Town, U.S.A. (1951), Author Meets the Critics (1952), and Faye and Skitch (1953).

She also made numerous guest appearances on various variety shows and game shows.

Emerson hosted or appeared on so many talk show such as, I've Got a Secret.

The glamorous Emerson was so popular in the early 1950's that it was rumored that the newly created Emmy Award was named after her.

She was once married to Elliott Roosevelt, son of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Emerson was later married to bandleader Skitch Henderson in the 1950's.

John Garfield.

John Garfield (March 4, 1913 – May 21, 1952) was known as a predecessor of Method actors such as: as Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, and James Dean.

After the death of his mother, Garfield was sent to a school for difficult children in the Bronx. There he was introduced to both boxing and acting. He received a scholarship to Maria Ouspenskaya's acting school, making his Broadway debut in 1932. After which, he became a member of the Group Theater. Garfield, decided to leave Broadway and travel out to Hollywood. In 1938, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in, Four Daughters(1938).

A Musical drama film, that tells the story of a talented musical family, whose lives are turned upside down by a troubled young composer. Cast: The Lane Sisters, Gale Page, Claude Rains, Jeffrey Lynn, John Garfield and Dick Foran. The Lanes were real sisters, members of a family singing trio. Directed by Michael Curtiz.

The Lemps family, run a boarding house where a young composer Felix Deitz, is one of the tenants. One of the neighbor's named Ernest, is in love with Emma, the oldest daughter, but she does not feel the same. Thea, a pianist and the second oldest, is dating a wealthy man, Ben Crowley. Kay, the next oldest, is a talented singer and is working towards a music school scholarship. The youngest daughter is Ann, a violinist. The new tenant is a troubled young man named Mickey, an orchestral arranger and a friend of Felix. Mickey, is in love with Ann, but Felix also has set his cap for her. What starts out as a comedy turns into a melodrama which helped John Garfield, become a major star.

Garfield, also performed in the film, The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946), with Lana Turner, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn, Leon Ames, and Audrey Totter. Directed by Tay Garnett, with a score written by George Bassman.

The story begins when drifter, Frank Chambers, stops at a diner looking for work. The diner is operated by a young woman, Cora Smith and Nick, her much older husband.

Frank and Cora begin a affair and begin making plans to murder Nick, so they can own the diner. They eventually succeed.

Prosecutor, Kyle Sackett, suspects them both of murder, but doesn't have enough evidence to prove it. He comes up with a plan to turn the couple on each other by trying only Cora for the crime. Cora's lawyer prevents Cora's full confession from landing into the hands of the prosecutor. Cora, pleads guilty to manslaughter and receives probation.

Soon after, Cora dies in a car accident and all the circumstances seem to point to Frank. He is convicted of murdering Cora and is sentenced to death.

When he is informed by authorities that they have discovered enough evidence of his guilt in the murder of Nick, Frank decides that his punishment really is for that crime of killing Nick.

Sparks really fly between Lana Turner and John Garfield and because, it is filmed in black and white, it helps create a very suspenseful film noir.

Humoresque (1946). With Joan Crawford. A story about an older woman and younger man violinist. Humoresque, was directed by Jean Negulesco and produced by Jerry Wald. My favorite scene in the film, is when Paul is performing in his major violin performance, while wealthy, possessive, Helen, sits in her expensive box watching him, while his mother and "girlfriend" are in the cheaper seats. It is almost creepy.

Please click here to view Humoresque(1947) movie review.

He also performed in the, the Oscar-winning Best Picture, Gentleman's Agreement (1947). Drama film about a journalist (played by Gregory Peck) who goes undercover as a Jew to conduct research for an expose on antisemitism. Gentleman's Agreement, was based on Laura Z. Hobson's 1947 novel of the same name.

He was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his starring role in, Body and Soul (1947). A film noir which tells the story of a boxer who becomes involved with crooked promoters. Cast: John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, Hazel Brooks, Anne Revere and William Conrad.

The movie, written by Abraham Polonsky and directed by Robert Rossen, is considered the first great boxing picture. It's a story about a successful fighter, who becomes surrounded by shady characters. Charley has to make some very difficult choices.

In 1946, when his contract with Warner Bros. expired, Garfield decided not to renew it and started his own independent production company.

Please click here to learn more about john Garfield.

Personal Quote:

"England has been praised for turning out intelligent, adult pictures whereas Hollywood has been severely censured for turning out junk. I don't think criticism is a valid one because, in defense of Hollywood, we have censorship problems England doesn't have. I'm not speaking of the license to do sexy stuff. I'm speaking of the license to present adult ideas and viewpoints, which we lack and which means in turn that many of our pictures lack intelligent content."

Great On Screen Couples: Lana Turner and John Garfield.

One of Turner's favorite film performances was in , The Postman Always Rings Twice(1946), which co-starred John Garfield. As claimed in a documentary, Turner did not get along with him and when she found he was her male lead, she said: "Couldn't they at least hire someone attractive?" This classic film noir marked a turning point in Lana's career. So, I guess sometimes when you do not care to much for someone.. that can also produce "a great on screen performance".

 Please click here to read Postman Always Rings Twice review.

Tortilla Flat (1942)

Tortilla Flat (1942). Cast: Spencer Tracy, Hedy Lamarr, John Garfield, Frank Morgan, Akim Tamiroff, and Sheldon Leonard based on the novel by John Steinbeck. It was directed by Victor Fleming.

In Monterrey, California, Danny Alvarez inherits a gold watch and two houses in the area known as Tortilla Flat from his grandfather. One of his friends by the name of, Pirate, is saving money which Pilon makes plans to steal, until he learns that he is saving to buy a golden candlestick, which he plans to burn for St. Francis.

One of the houses burns down, so Danny allows his friends to move into the other house with him. Things are fine at first until Danny's love for a girl causes him to look for work at the cannery. A misunderstanding causes Danny to become drunk and almost dies in an accident. He then marries his sweetheart with the promise that he will become a fisherman now that Pilon has the money to buy a boat.

This is a wonderful movie, with strong performances from: Spencer Tracy, Frank Morgan, who is very memorable as a hermit dog lover. Hedy Lamarr, who gives a wonderful performance as a poor Portuguese girl. She went on to make only five more films.

Frank Morgan, is best known for his performance of the title character in the film, The Wizard of OZ (1939).

His first film was in, The Suspect (1916).

Morgan's career continued as talkies began, he was usually typecast in roles of a befuddled but good-hearted middle-aged man.

He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in, The Affairs of Cellini(1934), where he played the, Duke of Florence and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in, Tortilla Flat(1942), where he played a Hispanic man.

Other well known movies: The Great Ziegfeld, The Shop Around the Corner, The Human Comedy, The Mortal Storm, The White Cliffs of Dover and his last movie, Key to the City.

Like most character actors of the studio era, Frank Morgan had numerous roles in many motion pictures. One of his last roles was in, The Stratton Story, a true story about a ballplayer who makes a comeback after losing a leg in a hunting accident.

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1943).

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934). Film noir based on the novel, The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain. Cast: Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn, Leon Ames, and Audrey Totter. Directed by Tay Garnett. Score written by George Bassman and Erich Zeisl.

Being a huge Lana Turner fan, I have always loved the film The Postman Always Rings Twice". Based on the novel by James M. Cain. Frank Chambers (John Garfield) tells us his story in narration. Frank was a drifter hitchhiking to no particular destination.

He stops at a roadside diner that is looking for help. Encouraged by Nick (Cecil Kellaway) the owner, and his beautiful young wife Cora (Lana Turner), Frank takes the job. Cora is always asking Nick's help in improving the business.

But Nick and Cora's mutual attraction is more than they can resist and they begin an affair. Cora, is unwilling to run off with a drifter who wants her to take care of his invalid sister. So, the two lovers plan the murder of her husband so they can take over the diner and live happily ever after, but do they?

I never did think that Lana's character was in love with Garfield's character, it all happened too fast. She was like a spider waiting for someone to come along to kill her husband.

What I did like about the film.. Something, was always happening, First.. they get caught doing the murder. Then after, the trial, just when you think the movie's over, a new plot with it's twists and turns and double crosses, turn up...

Fun Facts:

Said to be Lana Turner's favorite role.

Contrast to Lana playing evil character, Lana wears white throughout the film.

Cecil Kellaway (August 22, 1893 - February 28, 1973), spent many years as an actor, author, and director in the Australian film industry until he moved to Hollywood in the 1930s.

Finding he could get only gangster bit parts, he got discouraged and returned to Australia. Then William Wyler called and offered him a part in the film, Wuthering Heights (1939) and things began to turn around for him.

He received two Best Supporting Actor nominations, for The Luck of the Irish and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Academy Award winning actor Edmund Gwenn, whose real surname was Kellaway, was his cousin.