The John Garfield Guestbook

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Viewing messages 401 to 420.

Barbara | @

I'm so upset for you Karen! I had trouble finding the item on ebay, but I finally did! It's a 72 page fan club journal on John Garfield! What a rare find! What a shame you missed getting it!.....As Lou said, Postman is on late tonight at 3:45am on TCM......I was just looking at some other vintage stars websites, and I have to say we have the best guestbook out of any other stars! We have a loyal core group who post insightful and passionate comments about our beloved John Garfield! I hope one day we can all get together! I know I would love to see some of your collections!...By the way, I just took a book out of the library called "Stories My Father Told Me" by Jeffrey Lyons. He has antidotes about all different stars and there are a few pages devoted to Garfield. There is one story I have heard Julie Garfield tell about her dad, during a snowstorm in 1948, JG was in town planning to attend a golden anniversary for his aunt and uncle, but unable to find a cab, he and his wife took the subway. All the passengers recognized him and were staring, except one elderly couple. Finally the woman said, "Aren't you Julius Garfinkle from Livonia Avenue in the Bronx?" He said "yes", so she said, "I haven't seen you around in years, what have you been uo to?" LOL

21 January 2012 - New York

KAREN

Nice to read all these post.
Most of you know I collect on and about JG.
Well I missed the bid on this baby and I have been collecting since 1999 and have never seen this before. RARE!
I mis-judged the time the sale was ending and was going to bid high at the last few seconds.
Boy am I upset!
go to ebay and type in this number
230729677881

20 January 2012 - Pa

This is Lu. You said it right, Barbara. Thank you so much, Lori, this website has come to life again. Right on, Dennis for your words, I think it was mentioned in Julie Garfield's documentary that because James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart were nearing the end of their contracts, Warner Brothers needed another tough guy and I guess John Garfield was it.

By the way, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" is on early Sunday morning but before that is a "short" biography of John Garfield? I have never seen that before. I am anxious to see what they can do in five minutes. I will keep my TV on, I hope I am awake to see it.

How does one go about trying to have a film made based on his life? I do agree, it would be wonderful to see, from his birth and upbringing on New York's Lower East Side to Hollywood.

Actually I heard he had to go back to Warner's to make "The Breaking Point" because he needed money to make his next movie.

20 January 2012 - Bergen County, NJ

Dennis | @

Hello Lori:

Another key ingredient to the John Garfield legacyis his treatment by Warner Bros. When he came to Hollywood and burst onto the scene in Four Daughters (nominated for best supporting actor)in his first film no less!!!. He was absolutely mezmerizing in his film debut. Not many actors are nominated for an Oscar in their first movie!!

So what do we have, a hot new star who is good-looking, sexy, tough, yet has a vuluenability to his acting style. Warners after his debut begins to shape the Garfield career...palying hoods. jailbirds. gangsters. tough guys. I personally love all his movies, but Garfield wanted to some comedy, something other the same old chip-on-your-shoulder, finding myself, urban tough guy roles. Lets not forget, he was a broadway trained actor. He wanted a broader range.

So he pleaded with Warners to be put in some other roles, for the roles he was playing, he felt were inferior. He played them well, but wanted to try his hand in in other movie genres. From 1938 thru 1945 he was put on suspension for refusing to take the same old tough guy roles. His last movie released at Warners was Humoresque...and didnt not sign another contract with them. The presceeding things I have said were all about "The Studio system"...and now Garfield was free of Warners. To do what he did after Warners was a NO NO!!! He started his own production Company!!! The movie moguls were infuriated to say the least. Here is a guy now doesent have to answer to anyone. This is one of the reasons that HUAC went after him they wanted a big name in Hollywood...now they have a Maverick actor /producer/owner!!! And Hollywood fed him to the wolves. And yes because of his political leanings, signing his name to pamphlets, having a bad heart, not naming names all contributed to his untimley death. But make no mistake...John Garfield is one of the best American actors ever, just doesnt get the credit he so richly deserves...he was the forerunner of Pacino, Diniero, Brando, Dean and a whole host of others. Great and remarkable actor!!

20 January 2012 - Dennis

Gary | @

Hi, Lori. I guess the point I was trying to make is that Lana Turner was not the actress Ida Lupino was, and all her roles depended on her physical appeal more.

20 January 2012 - USA

Lori | @

Hi Gary, your posting went up before I could get mine up. I agree with you regarding Ida Lupino and JG, but I think Lana Turner was perfect for the film. Starting with the lipstick scene, with the close up on his face, you can actually see the breath being taken out of him because of her beauty. (Now, that is acting!) And, I know I read this or heard it, but many could believe a man could commit murder because of her beauty. And lastly, the chemistry between Turner and Garfield was “red hot.” It worked, it worked very well indeed. Any ways, that is my thoughts, thanks.

19 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon

Lori | @

Hi Dennis & Barbara, I agree with you both. While “The Postman Always Rings Twice” is probably John Garfield’s best known film, it is not a Casablanca in the general publics view. BUT it does continue to baffle me and it is a dam shame that he not better known by today’s audiences. Dennis you are so right, maybe the only way for the recognition of John Garfield to occur is if a movie of his life would be made. What a life, what a story. Rags to riches yes, but also filled with triumph and tragedy. Some highs being, “hitting it out of the park” with his movie debut to becoming a major and respected actor and star in Hollywood. The lows being, losing his mother at an early age, losing his first daughter that horrible way, to suffering a heart attack while still young, and then topping off with the Blacklisting. It would be great is someone would write a screenplay from the Robert Nott’s book. I had to put that book down a couple of times though because it was making me too sad. I did finally see Body and Soul, and all I can say is, wow, what a beautiful performance he gave. I also rented “Under My Skin” but the disc wouldn’t work! How is that film of his? I always have said when I get to heaven I want two things happen. One I want Judy Garland to sing a song for me; two I want Lawrence Olivier to recite some Shakespeare for me, and now I want one more thing to occur. I want John Garfield to well; I know I would be happy if he just read the phone book to me. You know what I mean? Well looking forward to more discussion regarding the amazing artistry of John Garfield. God broke the mold after He made JG.

19 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon

Gary | @

One actress I would've liked to see JG paired more with was Ida Lupino, as they had great chemistry together. Though THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE is a classic, I always felt Lana Turner is overly glamorous for her character, and someone like Lupino would've given it an edgier, more realistic quality, more in keeping with the book. Of course, that might've only happened if the movie had been made by a less "glamorous" studio like Warners or RKO.

19 January 2012 - USA

Dennis | @

It was Julie garfield that said Garfield didnt have his "Casablanca". As far as I am concerned, being a John Garfield total fan, all his movies were great. They are all well known to me, some more than others. But to the movie going public, thats where they either dont know who he is or may recognize him when they see him. It is a darn shame.

18 January 2012 - Hamburg Ny

Barbara | @

Hi Everyone, Thanks to Lori, she was a catalyst in getting us all to start posting again!.....Dennis, you say Garfield didn't have Bogart's Casablanca, but most people do seem to know The Postman Always Rings Twice, though it isn't a cult film! It truly baffles me as to why Garfield isn't remembered like he should be!

18 January 2012 - New York

Dennis | @

Hi Lori...I have been a John Garfield fan for so many years...I have all his movies on DVD or tape..the Robert Nott book...and a bio from 1975 by Larry Swindell, pluc countless books, articles and photos...I get this so much, people like your husband who dont know the name John Garfield, and then maybe when they see him in a movie they I know him...and yes it is sad because he was a very popular actor in the classic movie time period.

here is my observations onwhy this is. John Garfield, the great actor that he ws died at a young age. He was only 39! Although he made some wonderful films, he didnt have what Bogart did a Casablanca!! That is exactly what his daughter Julie said. That one truly great memorable film. James Dean made three movies, and all three have become cult status. He is on posters, and so well remembered. And no it isint fair to Garfield, but what can you do? I have been saying this forever...the best way to wake up the modern audiences...is have some producer/director make a movie on John Garfield's lfe and career. He is truly a rags to richs story. Again I love watching his movies.he is an intense actor, tough, gritty, yet there is a compassionate side to him. There will never be another John Garfield...for those of us who know him and enjoy his acting

18 January 2012 - Hamburg NY

Lori | @

Hello everyone, and thank you all for the welcomes, suggestions on JG films, books and for your kind words. While I was reading the Robert Nott book on JG my husband asked me, “What are you reading?” “Oh, a great book on John Garfield”, I said. “Who is John Garfield was his reply!” Well I wanted to knock him up the side of the head for that question. What I did though, was I rented two WWII films of JG, Air Force, and Pride of the Marines. My husband LOVES all of the WWII films of the 40s, so I knew he would watch the films. While watching the films I said, “that is John Garfield’, then it hit him, “oh yeah I know him!” That is the problem; too many people are like my husband. They don’t know who John Garfield is until he is pointed out to them. I am really not sure why this is. Maybe because he never made a film in color, never had a huge mega hit, or is it because of the blacklisting? What ever the reason, it is so wrong! He was such a great actor, and he so deserves to be remembered like Bogart, Cagney or Dean! James Dean made 3 films, and he is bettered remembered than Garfield? Huh, that doesn’t make sense to me. I am sorry, I will stop now; I know I am preaching to the choir. Any ways, again I am so very happy I found this site, which is full of people who know real talent when they see it.

18 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon

John

Don't forget that hidden gem Between Two Worlds on the ship to? Garfield gave a great performance in it. Also if you like the Dead End Kids,They Made Me A Criminal is out there very cheap. I think it is in public domain and shown on TCM on occasion.

I wish I had his films to look forwad too. If you want a good film guide to Garfield,the book: The Films Of john Garfield is out there, author escapes my mind right now.It is one of many citadel press or crown films of books out on the market. A great reference for JG films loaded with photos. Only available used right now probably found anywhere betwen 10- 30 dollars online or at a used bookstore.

17 January 2012 - ny

Dennis | @

Nice to see we are posting again...hello all...I just got a DVD of Under MY Skin...another good movie, havent seen it in years...as always Garfield is excellent...as best as I can put it concerning the mystique of John Garfield...he was a different kind of actor...tough, edgy, yet sensitive and compassionate...he played these qualities to the hilt...loved his intense acting style...and unfortunately he was robbed of even greater stardom, only because he stood by his beliefs.

He was the first urban tough guy. paved the way for future actors like him...loved him in The Fallen Sparrow...The Breaking Point...Humoresque...Body and Soul...Force Of Evil...Postman Always Rings Twice...Pride of The Marines....really loved all his films...can watch thme till the cows come home...truly a terrific and under-appreciated actor of modern audiences!!

17 January 2012 - Hamburg NY

This is Lu again. Hi, Karen. Hi, Barbara. It's great to see you both back again. Not that I post regularly myself. I agree wholeheartedly with Barbara. I am SO grateful for this website and the people who post on it. And yes, we all have one thing in common. We LOVE John Garfield!!!!! It's SO nice to see more people posting on it.

17 January 2012 - Bergen County, NJ

Barbara | @

Hi Lori, I just loved your tribute to JG. I first discovered John Garfield when I was 9 years old. I watched Dust Be My Destiny in 1964 and I was hooked. I'm just as inspired by him now as I was 48 years ago. I envy you in a way, all John Garfield's films are brand new for you. I have seen some of his films more than 50 times. I agree with everyone's choices,like the obvious Body and Soul, Force of Evil, Postman, Pride of the Marines, Fallen Sparrow etc. Don't forget Humoresque, the music is beautiful and JG is so intense in it. I also enjoy the earlier films like Four Daughters, They Made Me a Criminal, and for fun I like Nobody Loves Forever! I'm so glad you have discovered this website! We all share a common bond, our love of John Garfield!

17 January 2012 - New York

Karen

Welcome Jack!
and Lori...your words to Mr. Garfield, just beautiful!
I too have posted to the Find A Grave site many times. I do plan on a visit to his burial place. I want to leave flowers.
I have been posting to this site for many years. I have a vast collection on JG... pictures (personal and movie stills) orginal posters and lobby cards. And all the books written on him. I'm still collecting! I really like to get one of his paintings. He liked to paint! I have a picture of him painting.
He Ran All the Way is one of my favorites.
Saturdays Children is a cute film a different Garfield.
Pride of the Marines is based on a true story of a US Marine named Al Schmid from Philadelphia (my hometown) who fought at Guadalcanal. Many of the scences were from Philly and JG even lived with Al to get to know him. A great film.
I also like Dust Be My Destiny.
They Made me a Criminal is good too!

17 January 2012 - Pa

Jack | @

I am a big fan of the black and whites and the stars of John's era. Even today, I would list John among the top 10 greatest male actors of all time. So sad that he died so young. We have missed the numerous great movies that would have come. I still watch the ones he made over and over whenever they are on.

16 January 2012 - Atlanta, Georgia

Loir | @

Hi John, thank you for the welcome and the suggestions of John Garfield movies. I am looking forward to watching all of those you mentioned. I just finished watching "The Fallen Sparrow" and I really liked it. Did he ever give a bad performance? I don't think so, or at least I haven't seen one.
I am very glad I have entered the "light" of black and white films and that I have found this website.
Thank you again.
Lori

15 January 2012 - Damascus, Oregon

John

Hi Lori

If you haven't seen Pride Of The Marines, Body And Soul and Force Of Evil. Those are definitely the best Garfield films along with Postman. Also coming up on TCM is Out Of The Fog. A nice little film where Garfield plays and evil mug. Ida Lupino,Thomas Mitchell and John Qualen are great in support.

I welcome you into the light of black and white films. You have escaped the darkness........

14 January 2012 - ny

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