Jack Albertson and the Movie Buff Moment

Jack Albertson
1907 - 1981

"I started out in vaudeville, and vaudeville died. I hit the burlesque houses and they padlocked 'em. I tried radio, and you know what happened to radio. Then live TV, and it vanished. Now that I've finally got a toehold in movies, look what's happening to them."  

Massachusetts born Jack Albertson, and his sister Mabel, inherited the show business gene from their mother who appeared in stock. I don't imagine Jack's Russian-Jewish immigrant parents were too impressed when their son left high school to pursue life upon the wicked stage, but they probably understood. In those early years perhaps Jack himself often wondered why he kept at it. However, people like to be entertained and this versatile and willing performer persevered.

By the 1950s High Button Shoes and Top Banana would see Jack on Broadway with Burlesque compatriot Phil Silvers. Television audiences would start to recognize him on shows such as The Jack Benny Program, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Twilight Zone, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Mr. Ed and more.

Albertson played his share of reporters, doctors and desk sergeants in movies. And one very famous postal worker who can be seen every Christmas season sending bags of letters to Santy Claus at the courthouse in Miracle on 34th Street. Jack Albertson was working steadily, but if he had early dreams of acclaim and awards - well, that time was probably past.  

Enter Frank D. Gilroy's The Subject Was Roses in Broadway's 1964 season. The tthree-person character study won Best Play from the Tony Committee. Young Martin Sheen was nominated for Featured Actor in a Play and Jack Albertson won the award in that category. The 1968 film of the play brought both actors to the screen with Patricia Neal replacing stage star Irene Daily. Ms. Neal was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar and Jack Albertson won Best Supporting Actor.

 

  Amanda Blake, Jack Albertson

Gunsmoke

Suddenly, in his 60s, Jack Albertson wasn't "that guy playing the cop or neighbour". He was the special guest star on series with episodes written for his character such as "Danny" who had a mysterious hold on Kitty's affection in Gunsmoke or a pool shark on Ironside: "Side Pocket".  Five Emmy nominations and two wins would come his way for guest spots and the sitcom Chico and the Man. Popular film roles would rack up with The Poseidon Adventure, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and The Fox and the Hound. Jack Albertson certainly had a wonderful career.

  Gavin Hall

Easy to shop for!

My boy Gavin has his challenges with autism/developmental delay. He has limited independent language skills, but if you take the time you will find him to have a good memory and a rollicking sense of humour. He is also a movie buff. My husband and I often fight over which side of the family Gavin gets his good looks from, but we know beyond the shadow of a doubt he gets the movie buff gene from me.

Gavin is also imaginative. He invented the alternate casting game. He must have invented it because no one has every played it with him. Gavin likes to write out the casts of his favourite movies and get his dad, sister Janet or I to read the list aloud. Every so often Gavin will throw in a ringer and watch for our reaction. For instance, in The Jungle Book he'll put Hans Conried as Colonel Hathi (Everybody knows J. Pat O'Malley was the voice of Colonel Hathi!). Gavin watches us with wide eyes waiting to see our reaction. He's so proud of us when we catch it. By the way, wouldn't you agree that Billy Gilbert and Martin Short would have been fine as "a monkey" in The Jungle Book?

 

 Jack Albertson - Amos Slade

The Fox and the Hound

Last weekend Gavin was in a The Fox and the Hound mood. That means if you are not in a The Fox and the Hound mood, you are in for a rough time because that is all that will be playing for hours. The weekend also brings one of Gavin's favourite activities which is going to the library with Daddy and borrowing a movie. After his last trip to the library, Gavin bounded into the house clutching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He made us sit in the living room. He turned on the disc of The Fox and the Hound and paused at the credit "Jack Albertson - Amos Slade".  He then replaced the disc with Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and paused at the credit "Jack Albertson" and turned with triumph in his eyes to see our reaction. "Yes" we told him. "Jack Albertson - Amos Slade and Jack Albertson - Grampa Joe."

 

 Jack Albertson - Grampa Joe

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

It may not have been the Helen Keller "water" moment, but what movie buff can't relate to the "Aha!" of discovery. It brought me back to the glorious day when it finally dawned on me that Irving Bacon, Olin Howland and Tom Fadden were not the same guy. It was an exciting moment for my boy and it was gratifying that he wanted to share. I may have gotten a little carried away because Gavin gently let me know that although he was pleased that I understood his joy, the hug was too much and a high five would suffice. I'll gladly take that high five and the movie buff connection with my son. If he must have a label - and apparently he must - let it be Gavin Hall, movie buff.

Richard Kiley - Man of ... Gunsmoke?

Richard Kiley

1922 - 1999

Richard Kiley was on tour in his famous Tony winning role of Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, thrilling sold out audiences at Toronto's O'Keefe Centre for the Performing Arts. In his spare time he was autographing the cast album at Eaton's Department Store, telling amusing show business anecdotes and shaking hands. I was working downtown at one of my first secretarial jobs and happily spent my lunch hour with the crowd at Eaton's.

Next in line for an autograph I couldn't believe I was that close to Richard Kiley. Everyone was saying how much they enjoyed Man of La Mancha or how much they were looking forward to it. I had enjoyed the show as well, but when I handed my album to Mr. Kiley I told him how much I enjoyed all his guest appearances on Gunsmoke. Well, it was different anyway. Kiley looked up from the album with a bemused smile on his face and sat back. I don't think a theatre buff/western fan is such a rare creature, but maybe on that day I was. "Thank you" he said. "I always enjoyed working on that show. Great people."

An actor never really knows what sort of an impact they are making on an audience, do they? Acclaim and awards are a good indication. Fans at the stage door. Or it could be a week's work on episodic television.

Richard Kiley on Gunsmoke

Stark, Season 16, 1970
Written by Don Sanford
Directed by Robert Totten

Richard Kiley plays Lewis Stark, a cold and calculating bounty hunter. Shelly Novak is the wild son of a rich, stubborn rancher beautifully played by Henry Wilcoxon. Stark captures the young man, who has escaped prison, and holds him for ransom. The plan to make some fast money is complicated by Suzanne Pleshette as the rancher's very modern daughter, and Wilcoxon's failing health. A brutal beating and the torn open heart of a dysfunctional family feature in this engrossing drama with excellent performances.

Lynott, Season 17, 1971
Written by Ron Bishop
Directed by Gunnar Hellstrom

This time out Kiley is Tom Lynott, a lawman between jobs who takes over in Dodge while Matt is recovering from a shooting. Lynott is a garrulous soul with his own way of doing things which is more suited to the rough cow town Dodge used to be. His loving wife played perfectly (what else?) by Peggy McCay is the rock for the rambling interim marshal. He has a wee bit of a liking for the drink and is perhaps too close in temperment to the outlaws he should be policing. What cost will come with Lynott's new found respect for his position? Great dialogue and memorable characterizations from bad guys Anthony Caruso and Jonathan Lippe (currently the World's Most Interesting Man).

Bohannan, Season 18, 1972
Written by William Kelley
Directed by Alf Kjellin

Doc Adams is determined to prove the flamboyant faith healer Bohannan a charleton. Bohannan himself is in a crisis of faith that is heightened by his relationship with a terminal ill youngster played by Vincent Van Patten and his mother, Linda Marsh. A touching and thought-provoking episode.

Kitty's Love Affair, Season 19, 1973
Written by Paul Savage from a story by Susan Kotar and Joan E. Gessler
Directed by Vincent McEveety

Well, the title just about says it all. How could Kitty not be impressed with the attentions of reformed gunfighter Will Stambridge who comes to her aid against outlaws? After all, it's Richard Kiley.

The Macahans

Kiley's future work with producer John Mantley and actor James Arness includes 1976s The Macahans as Timothy Macahan, father of a family relocating to the west in the Civil War era. Also, the second made-for-TV Gunsmoke movie 1990s The Last Apache.

Richard Kiley's television work garnered him 9 Emmy nominations including 3 wins. A 1983 win as Paddy Cleary in The Thorn Birds, in 1988 as Joe Gardner in the well-remembered A Year in the Life and a Guest Performance Emmy in 1993 for Picket Fences as Jill's father, Hayden Langston. He also won Golden Globes for The Thorn Birds and A Year in the Life, plus a nomination for 1991s Separate But Equal.

Richard Kiley, Peter Falk

Police Commissioner Mark Halperin's byzantine murder plan is doomed to failure when Lt. Columbo is on the case in 1974s A Friend in Deed. When "Lt." arrests the culprit, the look of pure hatred on Kiley's face is chilling.

National Geographic specials were more special when narrated by Richard Kiley. That voice! Mellifluous, commanding and sexy. High on my list of favourite Kiley TV appearances is on American Playhouse in 1993, Verse Person Singular. Kiley wrote the narration and the music for this one man show with poems by Poe, Lewis Carroll, Kipling and others. My favourite was T.S. Eliot's Gus the Theatre Cat. After all, that's what Richard Kiley was - a theatre cat.

Along with touring, Richard Kiley appeared in 17 Broadway plays between 1953 and 1987. He won 2 Tony Awards for Man of La Mancha in 1966 and Redhead in 1959. He was nominated in 1962 for No Strings and in 1987 for All My Sons.

The Blackboard Jungle

Let's not forget the movies. The pilot in 1974s The Little Prince. Narrating 1993s Jurassic Park. Heading a Board of Inquiry in 1998s Patch Adams. The crusading lawyer in 1955s The Phenix City Story. The murderous communist agent in 1953s Pickup on South Street. The naive high school teacher in 1955s The Blackboard Jungle. The fate of Josh Edward's jazz records breaks my heart.

Speaking of record albums, when my husband and I became a couple we faced the chore of combining our record collections. Not surprisingly, since we met doing community theatre, the only doubles were the Original Show Cast Albums. It is my copy of Man of La Mancha that has the autograph and is wrapped up with the memory of a bemused smile and a warm handshake.

James Arness (1923 - 2011)

Marshal Matt Dillon, Gunsmoke

The hero of my childhood became the TV pal of my middle years.

Dennis Weaver, James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake
Gunsmoke, 1955-1975 / 5 TV movies 1987 - 1994

From Burt Reynolds' foreword to James Arness, An Autobiography by James Arness with James E. Wise Jr. published by McFarland & Company, Inc in 2001:

"The biggest surprise for everyone who had the good fortune to work on a few episodes of Gunsmoke in those days was Jim Arness. He was funny. I mean get-the-giggles, wrap-up-for-the-cast-and-crew, "time-out"-and-get-it-together funny. He had that wonderful ability to surprise you, make you laugh at yourself or the situations that actors often find themselves in."

Ann Doran, William Kirby Cullen, Katherine Holcomb
Richard Kiley, James Arness, Eva Marie Saint
Vicki Schreck, Bruce Boxleitner
The Macahans, 1976 / How the West Was Won 1977 - 1979

Did you know that Uncle Zeb is even cooler than Marshal Matt? It's true. Zebulon Macahan is one extremely cool cat and How the West Was Won breathtakingly memorable television.

I find in the earliest of James Arness' screen performances a joy and an earnestness that would grow into the confident professional able to create such commanding and legendary characters as Dillon and Macahan. It is work I admire most, work that hides the work.

James Arness was an intensely private individual during his time in the spotlight, however in his later years he reached out in kind to the affection that came his way from his many, many fans through his autobiography, his participation in the TV Archives oral history project (found on YouTube) and through his website. Fans who turned to that site upon hearing of his passing, perhaps to leave a note of condolence, would instead find themselves condoled by Jim:Hi friends,

I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here.

I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years.

I was honored to have served in the army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is.

Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails and gifts we received from you over the years. You are and always have been truly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Jim Arness

Favourite Guest Star: Morgan Woodward

Tall, rugged Texan with a booming voice, all Morgan Woodward has to do is show up, but he's also a fine actor.

Born September 16, 1925 in Arlington, this veteran of the Korean War, musically inclined former law student entered show business in the 1950s and television fans are the better for that decision.

In the era of episodic television it was possible to see a favourite actor stretch those muscles with varied and interesting portrayals. With more of today's programs are going for the "soap opera" or continuing story arch such feats are less noticeable. For instance, Woodward scored high with his appearances as Johnny Renko on Hill Street Blues (And, by the way, where's his Emmy nomination?), the identification with a core character meant we were denied having him come back as a hard-line police captain or a crime kingpin.

When a season of programming meant 30 plus episodes a year you could count on seeing that familiar face in an unfamiliar situation. Gunsmoke (see my post of April 25, 2008) was a quality series for 20 seasons and used a roster of fine actors to great effect, Mr. Woodward more than most, but it was a happy time if Denver Pyle, Victor French, Royal Dano, Shug Fisher, Jacqueline Scott, Jeanette Nolan, Louise Latham and Nora Marlowe were listed in the TV Guide.

Watching a good actor do their thing is like watching a ballplayer accomplish something amazing. So today, let's look at some of the great catches, amazing slides and inside-the-parkers Morgan Woodard pulled off on Gunsmoke.

Vengeance (1967)
A two-part dramatic episode written by Calvin Clements Sr. and directed by Richard Sarafian. It will leave you depressed for days. As Zack Johnson, Woodward dies slowly and movingly after being shot by town boss Parker leaving his son, James Stacey, hurting for vengeance.

Death Train (1967)
In this episode written by Ken Trevey and directed by Gunnar Hellstrom, Woodward is a millionaire whose private railway car harbours a plague. His money and power are helpless when confronting a germ.

Lyle's Kid (1968)
Woodward is a bitter, crippled gunman who uses his son, Sam Melville as an instrument of revenge in this episode written by Calvin Clements Sr. and directed by Bernard McEveety.

Lobo (1968)
Another one of those compelling downers written by Jim Byrnes and directed by Bernard McEveety. As Luke Brazo, loner and mountain man teams up with Matt to track down a wolf that has become a hazard to cattle. Two of a kind- Brazo and the wolf. Brazo rampages against the town when the wolf's carcass is not afforded dignity, placing Matt in an untenable position.

Stryker (1969)
This episode written by Herman Groves and directed by Robert Totten features Woodward as Josh Stryker, the former marshal of Dodge City. Released from jail he's looking for Matt to pay.

Hackett (1970)
Woodward plays Quentin Sargent, a farmer whose former criminal associate, Earl Holliman, is a little bit on the psycho side in this story by William Kelley directed by Jack Miller. Woodward is quite convincing as a frightened coward.

Luke (1970)
Woodward is dying again. An old-time outlaw seeks to makes amends with his saloon hostess daughter played by Katherine Justice. The episode was written by Jack Miller and directed by Bernard McEveety.

A Game of Death...An Act of Love (1973)
Written by Paul F. Edwards and directed by Gunnar Helstrom this two-parter is one of the long-running series best. Woodward is Bear Sanderson whose wife was murdered, but was it by the Indians now held in the Dodge jail. Matt is not so certain as the townsfolk and convinces a part-Indian lawyer played by Paul Stevens to champion their cause. There is a lot of intense emotion in this episode.

Matt Dillon Must Die (1974)
Woodward is Adam Wakefield in a "Most Dangerous Game" scenario involving Matt.

A bonus for fans is the made-for-TV movie from 1992, Gunsmoke: To the Last Man featuring Pat Hingle as a cattle baron and Morgan Woodward as a sheriff.

Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Texas Arts Council and the Wild West Film Festival, Morgan Woodward also has the admiration and affection of fans.

Favourite tv shows: Gunsmoke (1955 - 1975)

Writer John Meston and producer Norman MacDonnell created in 1952 a radio drama with a post War noirish heart. "Gunsmoke" told the story of Marshal Matt Dillon and Dodge City. A man and a place of honour and flaws. The rumbly, world weary baritone of William Conrad perfectly captured the character of Dillon. Along with Howard McNear's Doc Adams, Georgia Ellis' Kitty and Parley Baer's Chester Goode, the series ran until 1961. The popularity of the program encouraged CBS to move "Gunsmoke" to television.

Bill Conrad's completely understandable affection for comfort food left him out of the running to represent Matt on screen. It has been said that they role was offered to John Wayne, but it seems odd to me that one of the biggest box office stars of the 50s would consider a half hour television series. Denver Pyle, who would guest many times on the program, was this close to having the role, but John Wayne suggested one of his Batjac contract players - a young fellow named James Arness. In his autobiography Arness says he was happy with his burgeoning film career and didn't think television was for him. Mr. Wayne (thanks, Duke) basically told Jim he was nuts if he didn't take the job. Amanda Blake, following her instinct, knew she was right for Kitty and made a nuisance of herself until producers finally saw things her way. After hundreds of movie roles Milburn Stone settled down to steady work as Doc Adams. Beloved by fans, he would win an Emmy in the 60s. Dennis Weaver came up with a limp at his audition to make his Chester Goode a stand out character.

Charles Marquis Warren would be the first producer as CBS kept MacDonnell with radio. By the second season MacDonnell was on board with the television show. Many of those earlier episodes were adapted from the radio plays. John Meston would write 257 episodes of "Gunsmoke" in his career. Another writer who would be responsible for the show's success was Kathleen Hite, CBS's first female staff writer. Between 1957 - 1965 she wrote over 40 episodes of the program, creating well-rounded and believable characters and plots. Her career would have continued success up to the 70s with "The Waltons" and she was inducted into the Heritage Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1969.

"Gunsmoke" would change to hour long episodes in 1961. New cast members would come and go: Burt Reynolds as Quirt, Roger Ewing as Thad. Dennis Weaver would leave for creatively greener pastures leaving the door open for Ken Curtis to create the popular sidekick of Festus Haggen. The major shake-up would come when CBS replaced Norman MacDonnell in 1964/5. Philip Leacock (director, The Kidnappers) would take over as executive producer bringing the series into its colour years. Toronto born John Mantley would take over the position from Leacock and continue until the series ended. Mantley felt a genuine obligation to the history and quality of the program. Writer Jim Byrnes would come on board in 1968 creating the majority of the episodes for the remainder of the run. Actor Buck Taylor would settle in perfectly as "the young guy", Newly O'Brien.

The most prolific director of the series was Andrew V. McLaglen, but his companions were top-notch as well: Arnold Laven, Arthur Hiller, Mark Rydell, Philip Leacock, Robert Stevenson, Sam Peckinpah, Vincent McEveety, William F. Claxton. These and others brought their individual styles and a consistent level of quality to "Gunsmoke".

Cancellation in 1975 came as a surprise to the creative team. They had slipped below 25 in the ratings for the first time in their history and a new regime at the network wanted to place their own stamp on television. Producer Mantley, writer Byrnes and actor James Arness would go on to create the popular "How the West Was Won" ("The Macahans). Arness would reprise Matt Dillon in five highly rated TV movies: "Return to Dodge" (1987), "The Last Apache" (1990), "To the Last Man" (1992), "The Long Ride" (1993), "One Man's Justice" (1994). This does make one wonder if CBS did jump the gun back in 1975.

The characters, the stories, the presentation - some programs touch us, become our favourites. "Gunsmoke" is such a one for me. The mix of adventure, drama and comedy with the fine cast and marvelous guest stars represent what television can achieve. That old Dodge City gang is a family I look forward to spending time with, sometimes on a comforting, familiar level and sometimes to study and appreciate the so many creative talents who left a fine storytelling legacy.

Recommended DVDs:

GUNSMOKE: 50th Anniversary Collection, 6 discs including 29 episodes from the 50s to 70s, special introductions, commentaries, Emmy footage, etc.

GUNSMOKE: The Directors Collection, 3 discs including 15 episodes with commentaries from Andrew McLaglen, Arthur Hiller, Mark Rydell, John Rich, etc.