I can find no evidence to suggest that Jimmys support of Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election was based on Goldwaters civil rights voting record. ), Wrestling was next on his resume. Munn claims that he and Laurence Olivier were great friends, and that Olivier nicknamed him Eminem decades before rapper Marshall Mathers adopted the moniker. Woody acknowledges that he has a daughter he's worried about, but it's really the "43 Twitter followers who depend on" him that cross his mind when he's worried this might be it for him. For nearly two decades he remained a pio- neer against racism in the film and television industry. Was Vera-Ellen Anorexic in White Christmas? By 1960, he was starting to garner more attention from Hollywood producers, and after roles inPork Chop Hill (1959), The Last Voyage (1960), andSpartacus(1960), Hollywood deemed he was no longer an extra and deserved more attention. > Music
The Revengers (1972) Munn says Frank Sinatra made him an honorary member of the Rat Pack after the two sang duets together for a laugh. Munn says he regrets turning down a marriage proposal from the beautiful Lynne Frederick, the tortured widow of Peter Sellers, and that Steve McQueen opened up to him on a secret four day motorcycle off-roading excursion. He shared a story from the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Fords 1962 film about an attorney (Stewart) who, robbed and left for dead by a notorious outlaw, is saved by a rancher (Wayne) and has to start over from scratch. A recently posed question casts a shadow on the otherwise pristine legacy of. Over the past several decades, more and more pro wrestlers are capitalizing on their work in pro wrestling to work in Hollywood as bonafide stars in the movie industry. I just started to do it full-time in 1951.. He is wearing cowboy. Spartacus is probably Strodes most famous role as the warrior Kirk Douglas refuses to kill. Androcoles and the Lion (1952) Then he asked someone to blow a whistle, which they did, and he called out, Everybody, would you please gather around? So they did. The Black Stallion Returns (1983) Was Hal Williams ever contacted regarding the contriversy kanter mentioned? In a gold-yielding town under a gang's reign of terror, an unusual alliance is forming -- between the townspeople, gunmen, and circus performers.1969 Spaghet. The picture was about, oh, more than halfway finished. According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father, Henry Fonda, proves that Jim was not racist. Electric streetcars went everywhere. He was not racist, and your essay more than demonstrates this. Razza violenta (1984) Besides Ford, Strode also worked with storied directors Cecil B. Katharine Hepburn & Woman of the Year, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Tarragon Tahini. In the absence of evidence to support your various claims about Jimmy Stewart, they cannot be taken as fact. He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Ford's deathbed in 1973. Stewart was a political conservative and product of his time and had issues with racial advancement and equality. The Harder They Fall, the Black Western in theaters now and on Netflix on Nov. 3, owes a tip of the Stetson to Woody Strode, one of the NFLs first Black players (he signed briefly with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946), who later found a niche playing strong, silent types in Westerns. That means everything, working with a man like that. Ford and Strode would also work together on Two Rode Together, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. An Interview with Woody Strode INTRODUCTION by Frank Manchei interview is with Woody Strode, called by JET magazine, "the Jackie Robinson of cinema." Strode made his film debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. His fellow Gold Dust Gang member Jackie Robinson would break the color barrier in Major League Baseball a year later in 1947. At one point in their conversations, Jim shared that his 1934 arrival in Los Angeles was marred only by the obvious mistreatment of the black community. Con Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron. Of course, their football rhythm had been broken up by World War II. No smog because few people could afford cars in those days. The Alleged Woody Strode Interview Michael Munn's dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with Woody Strode into question. I refer you back to my section on The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams. May Mr. Stewart Rest In Peace. As a black man I should know better by now, and am glad that I decided to look further into the matter. A Gathering of Old Men (TV) (1987) Due to the intense love and fandom ofPsych fans (known as Psych-os) all around the world,Psych has evolved from being a series to being a franchise that shows no sign of slowing down. More info, The cantankerous and eccentric John Ford had filmed other Westerns with John Wayne in colour from The Searchers to She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Strode also had a brief career as a professional gridiron football player and was among the first African . American actor Woody Strode on the set of Sergeant Rutledge, directed by John Ford. link], repeats The Jimmy Stewart Show casting misunderstanding, citing it as evidence of, in Munns own words, Jims racist spirit. Munn also claims that a 1976 interview he conducted with black actor Woody Strode, Jims co-star in 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, further proves that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. But when it came to shooting 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with Duke and Jimmy Stewart on the Paramount lot, the director opted for black and white instead. He often offers his opinions and most candid thoughts at the least appropriate moments. The sheer fact that he shares the anecdote is evidence that Jim did not have any racist behavior to hide. Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. Angkor: Cambodia Express (1982) One of the most memorable episodes ofPsych is "Last Night Gus," which allows the series to payhomage toThe Hangover. According to Kanter, Jim was chagrined by his mixup. Strode was a black cavalry officer on trial for rape and murder, and during the court-martial his story is recounted in flashback. Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. Before judging Jimmy Stewarts character by the recollections of one man 25 years after an alleged conversation occurred, consider the facts that can be confirmed: Based on the facts that can be confirmed, Hal Kanters anecdote cannot be used as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. His wrestling career? Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960)." As James Stewart explained it, Woody Strode, the actor who was playing Wayne's character's best friend, was part of the scene. This story first appeared in the Nov. 3 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. link]. The Quick & The Dead (1995) The episode "Last Night Gus" isn't just a real highlight for Psych but for Woody's character and his bizarre humor, too. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Jimmys words and actions prove that he was not racist. Aka: Chuck Moll In 1939 Woody, Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington led UCLA to its first undefeated football season. But then, towards the end of filming, the director asked the Ranse star what he made of Strodes costume for the beginning and the end of the film when their characters were portrayed as 25 years older. Seduto alla sua destra (1968) Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. Woody Strode. 'The Harder They Fall' owes a tip of the hat to the pro footballer turned actor, who played the title role in one of the first mainstream films to plainly address racism. Western icon John Wayne had a legendary collaboration with director John Ford that lasted five decades and transformed both mens careers. In 1962, he retired from pro wrestling to concentrate on his film career, which exploded after his role in John Fords Sergeant Rutledge, and then his first starring role in the Western The Professionalsthat starred Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster in 1966. Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. Michael Munns books are unreliable. but i had also read the story of him sticking up for Strode, so I didnt know what to believe. The couple would have a son and a daughter to compliment Kalaeloas two sons from a previous marriage. Its such a disheartening rumor, and Im so glad you did your own research and came across my article. Born in Los Angeles in 1914, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode died at age 80 on New Year's Eve 1994. Michael Munns dangerous habit of mixing truth with exaggeration and fallacy calls his alleged interview with Woody Strode into question. All Rights Reserved. The stated primary focus of the 1947 campaign was: to enroll as many people as possible in the fight against racial intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination.. Winterhawk (1975) I am an African American woman who had stopped watching his films when I heard about his overt racism. In 1946, Jimmy Stewart led a small group of stars who vocalized their support for brotherhood among all Americans. Spartacus (1960) (See The American Creed video in my article above.). Lust in the Dust (1985) However Dewes book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. Actually, I had been rassling in the off-season anyhow, Strode told the late, great Canadian newspaper columnist Jim Proudfoot. Cuibul salamandrelor (1976) Sergeant Rutledge (1960) Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) It changed my outlook on many other things and renewed my faith in mankind, thank you. Which is sort of remarkable, because they love each other. Retro book review: Strodes story a fascinating read, WOODY STRODES MOVIES Woody eventually becomes a major player in the world ofPsych, but he's also clearly not part of the main friendship group for most of the series' run. Colpo in canna (1975) Thanks for your kind words, and for reading! Woody Strode's extraordinary career led him from football field to wrestling ring to Hollywood. Thanks for commenting! Strode worked in B-movies through the 70s and 80s and acted as the narrator for Mario Van Peebles Black Western Posse in 1993. Part African American and part Native American, Strodes first big break was in 1960s Spartacus, as the Ethiopian gladiator whose death sparks a rebellion. The Stampeder supporters invaded Toronto and a national party was created. Thanks again for reading! But its possible the interview never occurred. Jungle Gents (1954) ", NEXT:Psych 2: Lassie Come Home: 10 Easter Eggs You Totally Missed. But in the early 1960s, it was Woody Strode who really broke the mold for professional wrestlers to appear in Hollywood films without just portraying pro wrestlers. He and Kenny Washington integrated the National Football League (NFL), and Strode played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 before moving to the Canadian Football League in 1948. Tha Gatling Gun (1973) Hi Cheryl, thanks for reading! Woody Strode weighed 205 lbs (92 kg) when playing. Semantic Scholar is a free, AI-powered research tool for scientific literature, based at the Allen Institute for AI. Greg Oliver has been writing about pro wrestling since 1985, and is the author of wrestling books: The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Storytellers (with Steven Johnson), The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes & Icons (with Steven Johnson and Mike Mooneyham); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (with Steven Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams (also with Johnson); The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Canadians; SLAM! It is like when people try to pretend John Wayne and Winston Churchill were not racist. A recently posed question casts a shadow on the otherwise pristine legacy of Jimmy Stewart. According to the Munn interview, it took Woody Strode years to realize that it was John Fords cruel maneuverings, not anything Jimmy Stewart actually said, that created the tension Strode felt on the. In addition to the testaments of people who knew him, Jimmy Stewarts own words and actions prove he was not racist. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. link], Goal Dusta book that accurately presents Strodes words and thoughtshe never calls Jimmy Stewart a racist, neither does he relate any of the incidents about Jim described in Munns book. Halfway through filming, Duke even asked Stewart why he wasnt being targeted by Fords insults too, which other members of the cast and crew had noticed. Ford had to accept those terms or not make the film.. DON'T MISSJohn Wayne: The Searchers set revelation that saw John Ford speechless[THE SEARCHERS]How the West Was Won: Idiot drunk producer, near-death and more[HOW THE WEST WAS WON]John Wayne: Why Elvis turned down Dukes offer to co-star in Western[ELVIS]. Id do that if I could. Hal Kanter is our only primary source on the alleged conversation. The leader's evil brother is plotting to prevent the youthful heir from assuming his rightful position. Find on Wikipedia. As an actor, Strode is forever tied to John Ford (see our Pepper Martin biography for some stories that involve both Strode and Ford). Strode appeared in several subsequent Ford films, though never in a starring capacity. Unfortunately, anger at Jimmy Stewart is also the takeaway of less engaged readers of Michael Munns book. That tendency to be excluded, either intentionally or unthinkingly, clearly plays a major part in his excitement whenever he's actually looped into any episodic adventure - even if it means the friendship group may have killed someone. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. Strode was a college track and football star at UCLA, one of the first Blacks to integrate the NFL, a professional wrestler, a Golden Globe nominated actor, and a WWII veteran. Jimmy Stewart has deserved an article like this for a long time. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. I am a black American who was heartbroken when I heard this aweful rumor. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. No freeways. He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. Weve dissected the fallacies behind the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Bow Wow Set To Train With Rikishi To Become A Wrestler, Preview: AEW Dark (02/16/21) Jon Moxley headlines a 12 match card. That never happens in a more hilarious manner than during a conversation with Henry Spencer about his sonwho Woody believes is Gus. No Time for Love (1943) I was lucky enough this time to have John Ford as my director. In fact, Woody was already calling someone on his cell phone: Shawn. Well written, thank you. Key West (TV) (1973) Ravagers (1979) (After she died in 1980, Strode would marry Tina in 1982, and they were together until his death.). I wanted to set the record straight, for Jim and all of us who admire his remarkable work and life. Hi Yolanda, it is such a disturbing rumor. But Kanter says that Jimmy mixed up the roles: he explained to Jim that Hal Williams had not been cast as a police officer, but as an FBI agent in a different episode. Also, his agent Bill Frye, in Jimmy Stewart: A Biography, says that Stewart turned down the role of Atticus Finch in Mockingbird because he was uncomfortable with the liberal racial tone (though without using those words). I almost fell for that rumor , but to just listen to Mr. Stewarts interview i know in my heart that he was not a racist. Holmes. It was on the set of 1959s Pork Chop Hill, a Korean War film, that Strode met John Ford (though Ford was not the director; Lewis Milestone and star Gregory Peck shared the credit). The answer is no. Excellent points Dennis, thanks for commenting! TIMES STAFF WRITER. Im glad you made it.. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) From Andre the Giant inThe Princess Brideto Roddy Piper inThey Livesto the expanding resumes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Dave Bautista to John Cena, pro wrestlers have found a way to transition to cinema. According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. Another reliable source for Woody Strodes feelings towards Jimmy Stewart is a 1994 interview with Lee Marvin biographer, Dwayne Epstein. Che! In 1992, he was honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club with wrestlings top award, the Iron Mike Mazurki Award. He also did professional wrestling and reportedly tussled with the renowned Gorgeous George. link]. Buruuba (1955) Released in 1960, when the U.S. was in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement, the film confronted racial injustice head on. American Brotherhood Week, sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, was meant to encourage not just religious tolerance, but acceptance and equality for all races and nationalities. Thanks for setting me straight. Thankfully, the show never subjected Woody - or viewers - to that possibility. Vigilante (1983) But I could tell he preferred to be around Lee Marvin or [John] Wayne than me., Also in the Munn interview, Strode relates an incident in whichLiberty Valance director, John Ford, asked Jim what he thought of Woodys costume, which consisted of old overalls an equally old hat. And really, that says everything someone needs to know about Woody. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Education - Historically Black Colleges (HBCU), Political Activists - Radicals and Marxists, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. So thank you for this I really really appreciate it. Apr 1: WWE WrestleMania Bill Fryes exact words to biographer Marc Elliot about Jim turning down Mockingbird were: He turned down To Kill a Mockingbird because he felt the racial thing was too controversialtoo liberal really, but he would never say it that way.. Though well into middle-age in films like Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and The Deserter (1971), Strode still looks extraordinarily vital, fitter than most men half his age. So yes, Woody's idea of the "snoafer" might not be the best concept in the world. The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961) A hilarious subplot within the episode finds Woody and Carlton "Lassie" Lassiter waking up snuggled up together, and left to wonder exactly what transpired between the two of them the night before. > Sporting Connection
Additionally, the. Strode gave the Hollywood establishment what they demanded and appeared in some of the best and the worst of what they offered him. Decathlete who also played football professionally in the CFL, and enjoyed a successful acting career. And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. > Movies & TV
We both gotta be professionals. And when we lost, we cried like babies.. Im glad that it clears up that rumor about him. After being cut by the Rams after just a season, Strode headed north to Canada, where he suited up for the Calgary Stampeders. La mala ordina (1972) Frye admits as much at the end of the quote. La collina degli stivali (1969) Thank you for bringing the evidence together. Jaguar Lives! However, while on a trip to London, he caught her in bed with a wealthy night club owner named Siegi Sessler and again the relationship almost foundered. As the two actors filmed an exterior shot on a horse-drawn cart, Wayne was close to losing control of the horses. Strode appeared in at least 90 films, from Sunrise in 1941 to his last, The Quick and the Dead, released in 1995. Before becoming one of the first big, black movie stars thanks in large part to legendary director John Fords faith in him Woody Strode was a star on the gridiron. And late Hollywood legend James Stewart got to watch their dynamic up close. Im so glad that you decided to do your own research, and that you came across my article. He was always magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed. Sergeant Rutledge is a 1960 American Technicolor Western film directed by John Ford and starring Jeffrey Hunter, Constance Towers, Woody Strode and Billie Burke. The fame he had built through football and movies helped open up wrestling as well, and Strode wrestled white grapplers in Texas in the early 50s. The Last Rebel (1971) Tarzans Fight for Life (1958) So, Stewart didnt ask that the part be re-written. According to Jimmy Stewart, Los Angeles in 1934 was: Magical! Strode praised Ford in a 1960 interview. And according to the actor, Ford froze, then walked away. He went on to play in the Canadian Football League before becoming a prolific Hollywood actor,. Woody has appeared in key roles in bothPsych the Movie andPsych 2: Lassie Come Home, but it's one particular moment in the first film that ranks at the top of the list when it comes to his best quotes. Bit of a game changer." Though Woody usually means well, he's not always the . Apparently, that tendency to over share can get even worse than what viewers are already used to. He and Kenny Washington integrated the National Football League (NFL), and Strode played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 before moving to the Canadian Football League in 1948. Thanks for your kind words, and for reading Damon! But I gradually learned L.A. was heavily segregated. Im so glad you searched for the facts and came across my article. All I heard was Ford saying that Stewart didnt like Negroes, and that made me mad at Stewart, and Stewart was just even more uncomfortable around me.. The filmmaker would ask his Western star: How rich did you get while Jimmy was risking his life?, According to Michael Munns John Wayne The Man Behind The Myth, Strode said that the directors constant ridiculing really p***ed Wayne off, but he would never take it out on Ford., The reason being that the filmmakers movies had made him a Hollywood star and the Pompey actor claimed: He ended up taking it out on me.. Strode as a member of the Calgary Stampeders. It was Donald Deweys 1997 biography of Jimmy Stewart [aff. To promote Brotherhood Week, Jimmy Stewart opened and closed a 3 minute trailer that played before feature films at theaters across the United States. As already mentioned, Woody has a real hard time knowing when to keep from over sharing. According to Woody, he's even less in control of himself, and all of his faculties, when tickling is involved. Thanks to the passionate insistence of director Otto Preminger, the controversial scene stayed in the film [aff. All Rights Reserved. The Ten Commandments (1956) RELATED:Psych: 10 Best Gus Nicknames, Ranked. Woody Strode was born in California on July 25, 1914. The Gambler from Natchez (1954) That was one of the great days in my life and I can remember it very clearly, Strode told the Toronto Stars George Gamester in 1977. Apr 2: WWE WrestleMania Jul 1: Money in the Bank You could smell the orange blossoms. Thanks for reading! By the late 1960s, he moved to Europe and became a regular in the Italian (Spaghetti) Western genre. Hi Rosemary, Thanks for reading! I do believe he love life and all Gods creations. I am so glad that I read this article. Hi James, thanks for commenting. "I was lucky enough this time to have John Ford as my director. Thanks for clearing that up. debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. Theyre like father and son.. The same year he broke into pro wrestling, he also got his start in Hollywood, making his debut in the 1941 filmSundown. We dont know why Jimmy turned down Mockingbird. She has a passion for character-driven stories with dynamic but flawed leads, and a special weakness for all things 1980s. Strode continued acting for decades his final film was as Charlie Moonlight in the 1995 film,The Quick and the Deadthat also featured Leonardo Di Caprio, Sharon Stone, and Gene Hackman sadly, Strode passed away from lung cancer in late 1994 before the film was released and the film was dedicated to him upon release. Sundown (1941). Lee Marvin was impressed by Jimmys impassioned response: I liked Jimmy before that incident, but after it, I liked him a whole lot more.. Ive done everything but play an Anglo-Saxon. Washington and Strode? Deweys book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. According to Woody, he's even less in control of himself, and all of his faculties, when tickling is involved. Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. And, as my article highlights, Hal Williams was not in fact fired from The Jimmy Stewart Show, and he does play a police officer in episode 6. Freedom, brotherhood, and equality were issues Jimmy Stewart clearly felt strongly about, for he returned to headline American Brotherhood Week the following year.
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