The John Garfield Guestbook

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Viewing messages 381 to 400.
Lori | @
Hi everyone. Dennis you are right the inscription on the back of his watch was, To our “Golden Boy” from Robbe and Kat, March 4, 1939. Very sweet gesture from his wife I assume. After I posted that question I finally got to watch “The John Garfield Story.” My husband bought me The Postman Always Rings Twice DVD, and under the special feature section was his story. I noticed that they showed the watch inscription, so I realized most of you probably knew the answer. I really enjoyed the JG Story, and thought his daughter did a great job narrating it. I found it sad in parts though. Of course it very sad to see someone so talented and so full wonderful potential lose their life at such a young age. Sad for all of us who were denied all amazing performances he would have given us. Gary, I think your assessment of Dean’s continual “cult” popularity makes a lot of sense. And, sadly you are probably right about the general population regarding “black and white” films. Barbara it would be great if Scorcese could be persuaded to do a film about Garfield’s life.I am very sorry to hear about your cat. We had to send our Sassy to heaven last year. It broke our hearts, but she was 17 and not doing real well. We now have only happy memories of her though.
Lastly, I want to share with all of you a little treasure I found on the internet. (Maybe you “old” JG fans have heard it, if so I apologize.) It is a radio program called “I wonder if they know” done in 1943. The title refers to the soldiers’ question, if the folks back home know what it like here in the war for us. Garfield plays a soldier who is severely wounded and his acting (voice only obviously) is just remarkable. He gives his all to this part, and it is quite moving. If you haven’t heard it I would strongly encourage you to look it up and listen or I could put the link up here if anyone wants me too. It just really “blew me away.” What a extremely talented man he was!
2 February 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Barbara | @
As some of you may know, Jake LaMotta "The Raging Bull" is my uncle, and when they were making the film I went to Martin Scorcese's apartment at The Galleria in NYC. At the time, I talked to Scorcese very briefly and I mentioned John Garfield was my favorite actor. He did mention that Force of Evil influenced him greatly. It would be great if Scorcese would make a bio of JG. I wish I could have continued my conversation with him, and have suggested that, but he was kind of wired. I think it was in his drug days. As I have mentioned on this site before, that same night I caught DeNiro and Liza Minnelli in the bedroom snorting cocaine!...As a side note, I am going through a very bad time. I think my poor cat after 16 years is in his last days. Last week I rushed him to the vet when he was having trouble breathing where he had emergency surgery, and I thought he was recovering, but it seems it isn't meant to be! I don't believe he is suffering, but I know I have to make some decisions soon!
1 February 2012 - New York
Gary | @
I've been pondering the "James Dean Question" that's been discussed here recently. I think audiences' ready acceptance of Dean in 1955 was partially due to John Garfield's film legacy. Garfield's death was only 3 years past at that point, and I'm sure many moviegoers still felt affection & admiration for the man & his career, along with a little guilt as to how that career ended. James Dean's movie persona as the eternal outsider would've influenced audiences to see him as the "new" John Garfield, so the idolatry Dean received probably included a portion of lingering respect for the actor he reminded them of. As to what helps keep the James Dean celebrity cult on track: (1) violent causes of death are always more interesting to history than natural ones, and (2) those three Dean movies are all IN COLOR, which makes them more attractive to the many, many unfortunate people prejudiced against black & white films.
31 January 2012 - USA
Dennis | @
To Our Golden Boy..love Mom & Kat...something to that effect!!
31 January 2012 - Hamburg Ny
Lori | @
Hi everyone. John, I will continue to enjoy JG, and hopefully “catch up” with all of you long time Garfield fans.I have for many years been a classic old movie buff. I enjoy Cagney and Bogart and many other older classic actors and actresses. Many years ago I was a big time Gene Kelly fan. I was fortunate enough to met Mr. Kelly years ago at a Judy Garland tribute, and he was very nice and pleasant to speak with. Kind of strange that Kelly and Garfield were close friends when they both lived in Hollywood, per Robert Nott’s book. Dennis, I watched a video on you tube by the Film Noir Foundation with Kim Morgan and Julie Garfield. They showed “He Ran All the Way” then Kim asked questions of Ms. Garfield. (Probably most of you have seen it) Any way, it was mentioned that a movie about his life would be wonderful, and Mark Walberg name was mentioned, but Ms. Garfield thought Johnny Depp would be a good choice as well to portray her father. Dennis, I also like the idea of a HBO special or mini series on Garfield life. Karen, that is super you found another Garfield fan, there is power in numbers. I think we should all let TCM know we want a box set of Garfield films. Gary, I agree with you in that the film of his life would be better suited for cable, but I think his early life needs would need to be shown. Like the poverty, loss of his mother at an early age, being shipped off to relatives and separated from his brother, belonging to gangs and so on. All these early life experiences shape who we really are as adults. You know what I mean? Any ways, just a couple more “things” and I will end this long response. I apologize if this is “old news” to you long term experts on Garfield, but there is a video on you tube from the 80s where Michael Keaton does a John Garfield imitation. It is really cute. And, one trivia question, what was inscribed on the back of Garfield watch, the year 1939?
Here is the link to the video on you tube Keaton as Garfield, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPZxhk56O_M
Thanks, I really enjoy these “discussions
31 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Dennis | @
As Karen cited...Martin Scorcese is a big John Garfield fan...he used Body and Soul as a buffer for his own boxing epic Raging Bull...and i have seen Scorcese interviewed about Force Of evil, and how much this film influenced him. He would be the one who just might go for the gusto on a John Garfield vehicle...someday for we Garfield fans we will see this happen!!
30 January 2012 - Hamburg NY
Gary | @
If a film about John Garfield is ever produced, my guess is that (for dramatic impact) it would mainly focus on the last few years of his life, leading up to and including the Blacklist era. Also, I feel it would more likely be a TV (probably cable) film, rather than a theatrical one. The failure of the theatrical film about George Reeves would help guarantee that. The successful bio films that Karen cited were all about music performers, which Hollywood must consider to be safer bets.
30 January 2012 - USA
Karen
I think a movie on John Garfield's life would be great! He was an intersting man and a great actor.
It is possible! Wasn't it Martin Scorsese that said that the movie Force of Evil had an effect on him.
I think John Leguizamo would be a good choice to play Garfield.

I just found another new Garfield fan and told her about this site. I hope she posts soon. She is already collecting on Garfield.

They made movies that were hits about the lives of Loretta Lynn and Buddy Holly and Richie Valens.
30 January 2012 - Pa
Dennis | @
Totally disagee with the notion that John Garfield cannot be re-discovered!! Robert Nott who wrote he Ran All The wayhas said on many occasions that Garfield eeds to be re-discovered by the modern movie audiences. I agree that most movies. Tv , music have taken quite a step backwards, but I will never give up hope on a John Garfield movie. His story would be wonderful to see on the big screen.

I recently seen an interviw with Mark Wahlberg (not one of my favorites)....he said he loves John Garfield and tries to catch all his films. As does John Leguesano(spelled wong) I know there is interest out there.John Garfields popularity has remained dormant over all these years...but not with people like we who love his acting and movies.

And Lori never give up hope..I belive someday, somehow, when you least expect it a producer will see the light and say" this sensitive, intense, tough guy from the Bronx" life story would be great on screen or say an HBO special mini series. John Garfield will finally attain his rightful place in the annals of motion picture history!!
30 January 2012 - Hamburg NY
John
The argument abou JG getting recognized today goes back 5 years on this board. I really don't care if he ever does. I have seen and own all his movies. I am just grateful that he made them and I am still able to view them.

To get today's populace to embrace John garfield is just not possible. Most people today are drones obsessed with nonsense like American Idol, Survivor and any other pop culture "art" that has been spoonfed to them.

Just look at the movie and music industry today, any sane person with any kind of critical mind would shun it. Oh, of course there maybe exceptions to this rule. But overall as a society we have become like ancient Rome and have declined which is certainly refelected in today's "art". This is a sad but true fact.

Hoping the public of today rediscovers Garfield, I won't hold my breath. I am grateful for the few people who like him and are intelligent enough to rediscover JG and all the old films. Sure we can always suggest a film to people. They might even enjoy it. I guess there is some satisfaction in this.

But this awakening of so many to embrace Garfield or any other stars from the past, I just don't ever see this happening. As for James Dean, I will never get the icon status this guy has achieved over time.

Lori enjoy JG but try and rediscover all the other old stars as well. There are so many films form the 30s and 40s that will stir your emotions and touch tour heart. JG and his fellow actors from that period produced art that has stood the test of time to those who have had the patience and time to seek it out.
30 January 2012 - ny
Lori | @
Hi Dennis and Gary. Thanks Dennis for doing the research on James Dean. I guess I understand why he is still so popular now, but I still don’t know what happen to John Garfield’s recognition. Gary thanks too for the information. I will look on Warner Bros archive site and see what I can find. I finally got to see “Under My Skin” and of course I really like it and his performance in it was as always, very good. This DVD had a section on it called “Special Features” and in it was an interview with Robert Nott, and an expert on HUAC. Very interesting, but mostly information I already from reading Nott’s book on JG and I am sure you “long term” Garfield fans already know. The other section was a commentary by some film historian who talked about the film, the actors, director and other stuff. What was frustrating was this gentleman had some wrong information when he commented on JG. First he said JG had a bit part in the film “Footlight Parade” wrong. And then he said something like, “John Garfield had the kind of acting style similar to Marlon Brando but, Garfield had no formula acting training.” Huh? What about his time in the Group Theater, and Broadway plays? I mean if a film historian doesn’t know his Garfield history, what hope is there? Please forgive me but it is so frustrating. Nott did say that people don’t know the John Garfield name but they know the face or film. He ending with hoping this would change one day, and history would remember John Garfield. I hope this will happen too. Thanks.
28 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Gary | @
Lori, the comment I read about the canceled JG box set was made by a poster in response to a review of PRIDE OF THE MARINES on a DVD review site. I don't know where he got his information from. At this point, we'd probably only see a Garfield box set as a Warner Archive product. They've already released several of his films separately, so maybe they can be persuaded to put out a set someday. Does anyone know the address of the specific Warner Archive department in charge of making that decision?
27 January 2012 - USA
Dennis | @
In researching the mystique and poularity of James Dean I found a few things out. He hit Hollywood a an excellent time. Teenagers at the time absolutley fell in love with his rebel acting style. Before he became to Hollywood he was touted on Broadway stage, and was coached by legendary actor teacher Lee Strasberg as was John Garfield. His three movies. were immensly popular. Crictics werent so sold on him, but the public loved him. He was aslo nominted for hsi last 2 films posthumously. He became an iconic figure to this day. I personally dont get it, thats the movie business. I feel John Garfield with his body of work, should have his place with the all time greats. I have been waiting a long time for this to happen.
26 January 2012 - Hambirg NY
Lori | @
Hi Dennis, again I agree with everything you have said in your post. It is so frustrating and sad. But please someone tell me again why James Dean is such an iconic star? I mean he died young too, made only 3 movies, but every Joe on the street probably knows who James Dean was! It makes me want to scream. I still believe that John Garfield's recognition will come. I guess I should be grateful that the video store where I am renting all of his DVD’s from actually has a John Garfield section. Thanks.
25 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Dennis | @
A few monts ago...on the Jim Bohannen national late nite radio show...he had two guest on who wrte a hard cover book Gangsters in the Movies...I ddint know what the book was truly about...or what actors they had in it. .so I called and the creener asked my what was my question...of course I wanted to ask them if John Garfield or any of his films were mentioned...the screener asked me who was John Garfield(very frustraed I was)...told him about Garfield and he put me through...I proceeded to ask them about Garfield...they knew who he was...and contemplated on puting in a few pages of Force Of Evil...but chose not to...both like Garfield...but they said no one remembers him...I told them to come to this site and see there are people who know him and love his acting...again its the same old story...dying young...and Hollywood turned its back on one of our greatest actors...makes me very angry...this book mentions Cagney...Robinson...Bogart...Pacino...DiNiero ...and many others...John Garfields name should be right there along side these great actors!!!
25 January 2012 - Hamburg NY
Lori | @
Hi Gary. Most definitely let us know the name of the website, and I will write requesting a box set of Garfield films. I sure everyone else write the website as well. Let’s do it, it can’t hurt, and who knows we might get a box set of his films. I bet that the call screener for Tom Snyder show didn’t know who John Garfield was. Very frustrating.
Thanks.
25 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Gary | @
Lori, I read on another website that a box set of John Garfield movies was planned at some point, but then the powers-that-be decided against it. So maybe a write-in (or text-in) campaign for it would help.
25 January 2012 - USA
Lori | @
Hello everyone. Gary I agree totally with you, that Ida Lupino was better actress than Lana Turner, but I think Miss Turner did some of her best work in Postman. Dennis I agree also with your post on January 20th. I know I read that HUAC wanted a “big” star to go after, and yes Hollywood did feed him to the wolves. I think it was his daughter who said, “It was almost like Hollywood was so ashamed at what was done to him that they tried to make him disappear. I mean did at least one of his “Hollywood” friends attend his funeral? I haven’t read of any. Anyways, it is so nice to have forum so we can discuss “things” about our star John Garfield. I finally saw Four Daughters, and his entrance and performance in that film just knocks the rest of the actors’ right to the ground. From the preview of “Four Daughters” it looks like Warner’s thought Jeffery Lynn was going to be the new “big star” from the film. Thank God the movie going public of 1938 knew real talent and star quality when the saw. Thanks Lu for the heads up on the showing of The Postman. Sorry the put it all so late. I have written TCM asking the “powers that be” to put together a box set on John Garfield’s films. I pretty sure nothing will happen, unless we all band together? It is something to think about huh?
Thanks again.
24 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon
Gary | @
Dennis, I remember that from Shelley Winters' book. Back in the '90s she was a guest on Tom Snyder's late night TV show, and I called in to ask her about working with JG. Unfortunately, the show's telephone screener felt the subject of Garfield was too obscure and wouldn't allow it. That really ticked me off because I'm pretty sure Snyder wouldn't have minded, since he always seemed to enjoy talking about past showbiz luminaries.
21 January 2012 - USA
Dennis | @
Shelly Winters autiobiography, she speaks fondly of John Garfield...she said he was a delight to workwith in He Ran All The Way...she loved him a a young teen seeing all his filsm...and now she gets the chance to make a movies with him...he was most gracious, always giving her the better camera angles and lighting...not an ounce of "I am the big movie star", like somany others are conceited that way...but she also sensed a certain sadness of John Garfield...probably his problems with HUAC...an dboy he delivers a fantastic performance in his final film...He Ran All The Way!!!
21 January 2012 - Hamburg NY
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