https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/additional-photos-the-caine-mutiny daily 0.75 2025-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662937776170-3E6AFR0WIZJ9RH40PUQT/BF%2BMutiny%2BB%252CM%252CKramer.jpg Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny Bob, May, and Director Stanley Kramer confer during nightclub scene filming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662937776170-3E6AFR0WIZJ9RH40PUQT/BF%2BMutiny%2BB%252CM%252CKramer.jpg Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny Bob, May, and Director Stanley Kramer confer during nightclub scene filming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934953953-7U09FRN3T56N2DH92DHQ/BF+Mutiny+Yellowstain.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934740955-40MC9J5JHIIR5JU3IKO4/BF+Mutiny++ty.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934746629-6LYNUZG2LVCTENW4U8Y1/BF+Mutiny+scenes+1.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934746976-O8D21OIY1WCER2FOJ9AU/BF+Mutiny+scenes+2.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934898100-7VOAJEOCBRXE30PD7QYB/BF+Mutiny+scenes+5.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934753435-9VBHNEWBIY4ZQCW8JAVG/BF+Mutiny+scenes+3.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934897260-41V4LHY2U0623NAGUPAI/BF+Mutiny+scenes+6.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934754051-9IVKBZOSTHUDBD1OE9WR/BF+Mutiny+scenes+4.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934898837-2P9FP29SY53ZGSAZFB4C/BF+Mutiny+scenes+7.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934900832-JL45YFGWESUTJ25DUGGS/BF+Mutiny+scenes+8.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934900653-NDKVGRE1I8C6WVAQNHYM/BF+Mutiny+scenes+9.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934903170-9MKWJS3KBE0YPHWSJOOL/BF+Mutiny+scenes+10.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934952571-JL1EDG5PDDBO6B6VDLPP/BF+Mutiny+scenes+15.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934903669-RLTQ4SLG0H5BHU6BA6W7/BF+Mutiny+scenes+11.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934953233-7UEHN1XAWQDLGRCYQ8QH/BF+Mutiny+scenes+16.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934905669-9EH8OEKIPO1TJWP0KS77/BF+Mutiny+scenes+12.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934955064-XACS3XT9GEVDQK56YDHE/BF+Mutiny+scenes+17.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662934905824-LV6ZNPH4YIHAQVSPOTI2/BF+Mutiny+scenes+13.PNG Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1738794997139-LPA3IMQ0JFEEBYQJ7ZBW/image-asset.jpeg Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1738795155296-MLSSLU6VRPGRX4NMF579/image-asset.png Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1738795224649-CYJC1K83KXDNOHXCIUYH/image-asset.png Additional Photos: The Caine Mutiny https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/home daily 1.0 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554914406448-AMV0AS5MNFDVAJLIKQQE/53+3+or+4+++B+Fan+Photo+54+%28authenic+auto%29.jpg Robert Francis 1930-1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1582690936958-WG40TKQ3AK26YD5H1KOQ/53%2B3%2Bor%2B4%2B%2B%2BB%2BFan%2BPhoto%2B54%2B%2528authenic%2Bauto%2529.jpg Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Celebrate Bob’s 96th birthday on February 26, 2026, by viewing his movies — all of which are on streaming channels. See info below. RECENT POSTINGS See photo of Bob’s Most Popular New Star 1954 award presented by Modern Screen magazine, December 1954, below. (Also, see both parts of The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems.) Approximately a dozen new Historical Photos of places in the Greater Los Angeles area that Bob and his family might have known during his and their lifetimes have been added (1/2026) to Sidebars. See: Beyond Pasadena: Photographs, Postcards, and Similar from Hollywood and Los Angeles c. 1920s-1950s Obit for David Podell, husband of Joan Weldon Podell who is profiled in Sidebars - Galleries and Information. July 31, 2025 Recent Post: Find complete obituary at the end of the Sidebars - Galleries and Information Section Edmond William Dosch September 19, 1926-February 17, 2025 Widower of Audrey Ann Schneider who died in airplane crash July 31, 1955, with Bob - See related information in Biography: Part One Edmond William Dosch Obituary - Knoxville News Sentinel Robert Francis and Hollywood’s Star and Studio Systems Recent Postings: January 8, 1928-March 22, 2021 May Wynn, Bob’s co-star in two movies, was a friend, as well, and very helpful with the content of this website. Please see the SIDEBARS - GALLERIES AND INFORMATION section for additional info and photos of May Wynn/Donna Custer. Bob’s fans remember her always with warm affection. Sidebars-Galleries and Information Beyond Pasadena: Photographs, Postcards, and Similar of Hollywood and Los Angeles, c. 1920s-1950s featuring places Bob probably knew growing up in the 1930s-1955. February 26, 2026, the 96th anniversary of Robert Francis’s birth This website honors his brief but memorable life and career. Dead at 25 - The Life and Sad Ending® of Robert Francis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXChVK_uqjE Contains factual errors. The Francis family did not operate a pharmacy in Pasadena. No verification of Howard Hughes teaching Bob to fly has been found. Posted January 3, 2025 https://youtu.be/knQ-62rrqZI?si=xTd0mlXtn4DAZm5n Bill Big Anderson’s Death Tours Information about Bob knowing and flying with Howard Hughes has not been verified from reliable sources. Bob died during the hiatis between the first effort to film “Tribute to a Bad Man” during June 1955 and the second scheduled for August 1955. Bob was buried on Wednesday, August 3, 1955. https://youtu.be/zn8QLysZ-n0?si=pWOOjTtDQp44alav Photo images only https://youtu.be/5YkK8MFsxCg?si=eHV6uzhDzdTPN-yh Video of Bob’s Grave Site Forest Lawn Above YouTube items posted May 2024. Watch "#148 Remembering Actor Robert Francis!" on YouTube https://youtu.be/knQ-62rrqZI?si=c-gEeUrHG9lFrmkJ Watch "ROBERT FRANCIS TRIBUTE" on YouTube https://youtu.be/zn8QLysZ-n0?si=ydtmPRMG-MhIybMi Above YouTube items posted December 2024. 28 images in Films - The Long Gray Line gallery were added April 2024. All are from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Columbia Pictures Collection. All photos were taken at West Point, N.Y., in the late winter/early spring of 1954. Thanks to DW for locating these. https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog?htf8=✓&f%5Bmember_of_collections_ssim%5D%5B%5D=Columbia+Pictures+stills+and+key+books&sort=title_alpha_numeric_ssort+asc&q=robert+francis+actor&search_field=all_fields Please remember Bob’s sister, Lillian Jean Francis Robins “Fran” June 3, 1919- September 19, 2018 See Sidebars section for information and photos of Fran and the Francis and Robins families. Without her friendship and support, this website would not exist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/86f422a8-3d09-4841-83d7-5ea533098ee3/BF+CM+Streaming.png Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/3b989656-fb71-4dac-ae00-d33a0f5d9f2a/BF+TRW+Streaming.png Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/97698c3e-bbc4-47a4-935b-6577f047144a/BF+BP+Streaming.png Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/c2942fc1-d377-42dc-95f2-b150012047f9/BF+LGL+Streaming.png Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/e835439e-a635-4827-bbab-b2005353204c/BF+Mod+Sc+award+1954+3.jpg Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out This is Bob’s Most Popular New Star 1954 award from Modern Screen magazine. Presented to him in December 1954. His family cherishes this award. Grace Kelly received the same award at that time. Hers was auctioned by Bonhams for Turner Classic Movies a few years back. Info here: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23477/lot/734/a-modern-screen-award-presented-to-grace-kelly-1954-an-american-electroplate-wine-cooler-by-international-silver-co-meriden-ct-20th-century/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/c5b524f1-e5e6-404c-9582-d1041eee2017/20190424_056.jpg Robert Francis 1930-1955 - Make it stand out Bob with his sister Fran in the kitchen of his new apartment in Hollywood. 1955 https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/about daily 0.75 2019-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555562124164-7TCLGOKHTMAIM3QN4ZU8/53+3+B+contract+Pasadena+Star+News+53+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - March/April 1953 “Princeton” haircut. Prior to preparation for and production of The Caine Munity. Photo: Pasadena Star-News, Pasadena, Calif. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555563277011-M6BVLAM9C0DCY47FY1S8/BF+CM+%284%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Summer 1953 During filming of The Caine Mutiny, June 3-Aug. 24, 1953, on location in Hawaii. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564624974238-4FFNJAALDS9N0Q5IYIJS/BF++c+53+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Fall 1953 Before/during/after filming of They Rode West, Nov. 17-Dec. 7, 1953, Hollywood. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564627026428-3FVQE0VG4YSD5VK347J7/BF+TRW+53+%283%29.png Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Fall 1953 Before/during filming of They Rode West , Nov. 17-Dec. 7, 1953, Hollywood. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564626203161-WNOQ1Y6ELKNJMZ0MVOX0/BF+BP+%283%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Late Feb.-Early March 1954 During filming of The Bamboo Prison, Hollywood. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555562187907-1LNYIZO543DB4BT3PSKR/54+2+or+3+B+B+pose+West+Point+54+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - March 15-May 17, 1954 During location filming of The Long, Gray Line, West Point, N.Y. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564538832205-OABILWUBV3VO10PSY2BZ/BF+June+4+54.png Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - June 5, 1954 At home in Pasadena, Calif. Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564850550523-CFZF2AA165Q67T42UNIP/BF+May+N.J.+7-1-54++%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - On or about July 1, 1954 Atlantic City, N.J., when Bob and May Wynn were touring for The Caine Mutiny. American Airlines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564627108090-KIPR5OU3GVZ7HUX85LZ5/54-9-19+Belleview+Neb+9-19-54+%28Bennie+Anderson+Studio.+604+W.+Mission%29+%283%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - On or about Sept. 19, 1954 Bellevue, Neb., Bennie Anderson Studio, Bellevue, Neb. Bob was touring for The Caine Mutiny and They Rode West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564884927451-3LVW9M9XWJ33Z033XUAT/BF+horse+2+12-54+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Dec. 29, 1954 Date per information on back of photograph, Los Angeles, Calif. Photographer: Arnold Johnson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564885360263-I11SBXOLNQSRW33TST20/BF+newsstand+Cokes+1-28-55+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Jan. 28, 1955 Pasadena, Calif. One of many photos made by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City, on this date. Several appeared in Screenland , July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555563650981-KJ86QYF9PTO9GHZJ345X/Robert+Francis+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show+1.png Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Feb. 6, 1955 The Ed Sullivan Show, New York City, snip from show celebrating Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564850708725-QI60ICFPUPK053YY93XP/54+4++B%2C+unknown+girl+FLA+54+55+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - February/March 1955 Cypress Gardens, Fla., during tour to promote The Long Gray Line (and The Bamboo Prison). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564850489040-4T9ZRM1VNIK4M172L8VN/20190424_061+%282%29.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - Spring 1955 Hayworth St. in West Hollywood, outside Bob’s first apartment at the Sunset Bermuda. Don Ornitz for Globe Photos, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1559406284043-PCD0L7E4VKY02XSYXGMQ/55+5+or+6+JoEd+Nelson+%28Taylor%29%2C+Tribute+set%2C+beauty+contest%2C+1955.jpg Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - June 1955 During filming of Tribute to a Bad Man, June 1-28, 1955, at a beauty pageant personal appearance in Montrose, Colo., Justin’s Studio, Montrose, Colo. A similar photo with the winner of the contest appeared in the Montrose News Press, Aug. 1 , 1955, with the story of Bob’s death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569614181676-CTJPDSMT25MB1QX17LDE/Weldon+%282%29.png Whatever Happened to Bob Francis? - On or about June 28, 1955 Hollywood, Calif. Premiere benefit party for Not As a Stranger. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/the-caine-mutiny daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1313077a-542f-48a6-a219-61feaedc2f99/BF+CM+Streaming.png The Caine Mutiny - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566576337962-YF1VU1SIPHGS1YMQDHR7/book.png The Caine Mutiny Herman Wouk won the 1951 Pulitzer Prize for The Caine Mutiny. The movie faithfully follows the book’s narrative. The Caine Mutiny, after being on the best-seller list for 17 weeks, reached the top of the New York Times list. It remained there for 33 weeks, and then another 15 weeks later in the year. In all, it was on the list for 122 weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566678337577-ISBEDXT06ZNEMXV7698W/CM+title.png The Caine Mutiny Title frame for the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566532422721-5C5JVYUFP1ZZFBEQ65XW/title.png The Caine Mutiny Main Title for trailer (preview) of film https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311159373-4N51UFDSVFW9TDEJUVOR/Kramer+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny Stanley Kramer, Producer Kramer to Francis: “Allow recognition to subside and accomplishment to prevail — you can’t miss.” Casting Bob, Making The Caine Mutiny “That’s how Bob got the job. We needed somebody who would cost no money and do the job. “It is a strange thing, you know, when you look at a fellow who had talent…He is that kind of a fellow. He was friendly with everyone and well liked. He had a natural personality, too. He was well liked, but you know you could not put your finger on it (Bob’s character, his inner self) exactly. He was pretty much what you saw. That is an advantage in many ways. “I cast Bob for the part. It is a product of some arrogance on my part, I guess. I was reasonably tender [as a producer] and I felt that I couldn’t make any mistakes. I hoped. I had in the cast, after all, MacMurray, Johnson, Bogart, and Ferrer. They were stars of long standing. Bob was somebody who was around who read for me. I took him and signed him for the part. Mostly because I thought he was competent. It wasn’t the sort of part (in which) he was going to explode on the scene. “I thought he did the job that we wanted and he looked as we wanted him to look. I talked to him many, many times. He would come to me and talk to me about problems of one kind or another, and I took some interest in him. But it never was (about) the launching of a new star. I think he learned a lot. (Director Edward) Dymtyrk was very good with him, and so it worked out. “Bob was somewhat of a loner. You never knew who he was going out with or what he was doing or with whom. And nobody was particularly interested. He wasn’t the new sex symbol or anything. “So what you get is a kind of a shade of gray through it all. He was certainly likable, honest, forthright, and wanting to help solve the problems of the day. I had hoped he would go on to some note. It (his death) was very shocking. “I remember him fondly, warmly, and nicely. And I am afraid almost all people remember him that way. That’s what interferes with the film character. “I would do Caine) pretty much the same way, although I did not direct it. But, I was in control of it — produced it and did develop the screenplay... Anything in retrospect can be improved and can be bettered and there are quite a few things…but as far as Bob was concerned, within the limitations of the role he was playing, he was completely believable. “I remember the scene at the Captain’s Table when Bogart said there are a certain number of ways you can do things: the right way, the wrong way, and my way. My way is the important thing. “I remember Bob responding. He was a natural to be in that part for that scene alone. “He was a young man among experienced troupers. He sat at a table and played a scene with Fred MacMurray, Van Johnson, Humphrey Bogart. The thing was, he was playing with old hands and he looked young and inexperienced, and that was the way he was supposed to look. That helped with the part. “There was one other thing about Bob that was never mentioned, but it was a plus because it was never considered (in casting). He was a young man who had no particular fetishes. In other words, he wasn’t carried away with his looks or the external little parts (of himself). He sought some sincerity and found it. That was good and I appreciate that in him. “The best tribute I can pay to Bob is — when I think back to the film and those days — I think of him as a young actor under very pressing circumstances. He was cooperative and hard working. I don’t know what he might have eventually become. Who knows? “Bob was not equipped for that (being a movie star). He didn’t have any of the foibles which you use as defense mechanism against the tradition of stardom. Had he become a star, he would have been a nice young man who became a star and remained that way. “He was cursed and lived by the code and will always be recognized as a nice boy. Sometimes that can be fatal. But he dealt with it.” Source: Stanley Kramer, interview, Aug. 12, 1992 Kramer can justly be cited as the man who gave the world Robert Francis, a movie star created not from scratch but from a young man deeply influenced by a strong family and supportive experiences during California’s truly golden age, 1900-1950. Bob’s was both a long and short journey from Pasadena to Gower Gulch, the home of Columbia in Hollywood. Stanley Earl Kramer (Sept. 29, 1913 – Feb. 19, 2001) was an American film director and producer responsible for making many of Hollywood's most famous “message films.” As an independent producer and director, he brought attention to topical social issues that most studios avoided. Among the subjects covered in his films were racism (in The Defiant Ones and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?) nuclear war (in On the Beach), greed (in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World), creationism vs. evolution (in Inherit the Wind), and the causes and effects of fascism in Judgment at Nuremberg) His other notable films included High Noon (1952, as producer), The Caine Mutiny (1954, as producer), and Ship of Fools (1965). See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Kramer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566573928210-7A1KPOOF4NNUTE7OLPDI/script.png The Caine Mutiny Director Edward Dymtyrk’s script was auctioned, c. 2005. Edward Dmytryk (Sept. 4, 1908–July 1, 1999) was a Canadian-born American film director. He was known for his 1940s noir films and received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for Crossfire (1947). In 1947, he was named as one of the Hollywood Ten, a group of blacklisted film industry professionals who refused to testify to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in its investigations during the McCarhty-era “Red scare.’” They all served time in prison for contempt of Congress. In 1951, however, Dmytryk did testify to HUAC and rehabilitated his career. First hired again by independent producer Stanley Kramer in 1952, Dmytryk is likely best known for directing The Caine Mutiny (1954), a critical and commercial success. The second-highest grossing film of the year, it was nominated for Best Picture and several other awards at the 1955 Oscars. Dmytryk was nominated for a Directors Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311026541-31DTRP9R8FB0H8P184UY/BF+CM+Prod+Code+1.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563312458612-72OLRJ5USDBV37JY0NL6/BF+CM+Prod+Code+2.jpg The Caine Mutiny Kramer’s efforts to bring The Caine Mutiny to the screen are well documented at http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/25162/The-Caine-Mutiny/notes.html In addition to requiring the approval and cooperation of the U.S. Navy for the novel to become a film, the screenplay needed pre-production approval by the Production Code Administration. This letter from Joseph Green who headed the Production Code Administration is about needed changes and considerations. The letter was sent about two weeks before filming began in June 1953. Source: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Margaret Herrick Library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316246830-679VJRTTGJI8RY19AWIY/BF+newspaper+clipping+1953.jpg The Caine Mutiny Edwin Schallert was a longtime drama critic for the Los Angeles Times. Probably March or April 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316206199-FH19UXNG8DIRPGT1RAAM/Bob+serious+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Based on haircut, c. April or May 1953, prior to filming of The Caine Mutiny. Notable because Bob rarely appeared this serious in photographs. The caption suggests the photo was used later as it references all of his movies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563321802627-GY53N1IDP78OPSXK49A7/BF+53+early.jpg The Caine Mutiny And the less serious version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563318587864-QZL51ATXHO1MM0BJ9TNA/Bob+serious+back.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563318588014-JKO2A3GN4SV5HCR8XFJT/Bob+serious+photo+credit.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564627809557-IJ9VR06DBUGLLU9GTEFF/53+4+or+5++B+Photo+for+Fans+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Photo, c. Spring/Summer 1953. Bob sent this photo to fans after The Caine Mutiny was released. Photos below were made on location in San Francisco, Yosemite, and Hawaii, as well as at Columbia Pictures in Hollywood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566576299049-UVK7E0KZD7K2PVIPFCG7/auto.png The Caine Mutiny San Francisco, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563309980999-25J3FYIYROMPS5RQGEF6/BF+autograph+2.png The Caine Mutiny Exterior shooting took place in San Francisco, Yosemite, and Hawaii. In San Francisco, filming was done at Pier 18, south of Embarcadero/Howard St. near the Ferry Building Tower. That pier was torn down along with the Embarcadero Freeway after the 1989 earthquake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564627830589-8BZTKS56CMCXB82W8YPC/53+8+Jeff+Chandler%2C+MW%2C+B.jpg The Caine Mutiny Based on clothing (as in Cliff House photo above), Bob and May possibly met Jeff Chandler in San Francisco when they were there on location, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564627832126-VX1NCBUFJ40LYL87SENH/53+8+MW+Love+Scene+1+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny Summer 1953. Edward Dymtyrk, Bob, May Wynn. This love scene does not appear in the released film. But similar photos were used in promotion of The Caine Mutiny. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554953645849-5ZCI8TR8RQCOJ7AWYTAT/53+8+MW+Love+Scene+2+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny This love scene does not appear in the released film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554953648257-ZV8T8SZ9JM2RAF31GYHB/53+8+MW+Love+Scene+3+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566573894655-0A7WSXQ9AB956TP66M44/Ypsemite.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563310757164-IX0STDMAEQYK90T3ZQJE/BF+leis+in+HA+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob received a traditional welcome to Hawaii. Columbia Pictures, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563310739502-SLA9K7MZ0KN63ZNGKL3O/BF+Hawaii+Miss+Australia+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob and Miss Australia, Maxine Morgan, Waikiki, Ha., Summer 1953. Possibly, Morgan was returning home from the Miss Universe contest held in Long Beach, Calif. In the 1953 Miss Universe competition held July 17, 1953, Maxine Morgan of Australia was 4th runner up; Ana Bertha Lepe Jiménez of Mexico, 3rd runner up; Kinuko Ito of Japan, 2nd runner up; Myrna Rae Hansen of the USA, 1st runner up, Christiane Martel of France was Miss Universe 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563310739563-71E0GBCV9X2W9RIBHM7X/BF+Hawaii+Miss+Australia+2+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob often wore these swim trunks in photographs 1953-1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1586985729076-N1LAFNY2HK1COEHUNLDQ/BF+53.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563309954387-0L62FQ933QM0S74XLM61/20190424_011.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob and Miss Australia, Maxine Morgan, Hawaii, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563309955698-NXKWJYIDKQQES5KINZWO/20190424_014.jpg The Caine Mutiny Unidentified woman with Bob, Hawaii, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566595682522-HMJD66Y7HQ7M3HQQS7V9/Hawaian+shirt.png The Caine Mutiny Bob purchased several “Hawaiian shirts” while filming in Hawaii. A couple show up in photos made later in 1953 and 1954. He’s wearing this one in the “traditional” welcome photo above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311084473-SESSHVVKWIJ67JVJMTU2/CM+BF+Bogarts+53.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob, Stephen Bogart, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall (Bogart), Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray, and an unidentified military officer. Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, Bell (photographer). On location in Hawaii, Summer 1953. Jose Ferrer, the other major star in The Caine Mutiny, was not on location in Hawaii. His performance was filmed entirely during interior shooting at Columbia in Hollywood after the exterior location work was completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563312492601-CP00658JZM2AVR80L1XY/CM+BF+Bogarts+53+credit++%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173620062-V5ED2ORO2QI73H9P44I1/Caine.png The Caine Mutiny The U.S. Navy provided several ships for use in The Caine Mutiny. The USS Thompson was one of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311154133-6MZUICZFK92EP7MQZN5O/RF+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny Bob and Fred MacMurray receive direction from Edward Dmytryk. At far right is Commander James Shaw, Technical Adviser. Columbia Pictures, Pearl Harbor, Summer 1953. This and the following photo (an outtake) were made during scene when Ensign Keith first boards The Caine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316368559-PI3MGW1AQO47TQQ5TNNM/BF+CM+inf+%283%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny An outtake. Arthur Franz, Bob, Fred MacMurray. On location, Hawaii, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566574024967-YIR3Z8ZR7OHNQUQM920R/Johnson+A.png The Caine Mutiny Van Johnson was the “Bob Francis” of the early 1940s at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a masterful champion of the star and studio systems. Summer 1953 on location in Hawaii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566532427569-NWU2U2FRDGFNRM95ZEEV/Van+Johnson.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566575522701-G3B0RPM501FSC9FLI9M9/20190424_090.jpg The Caine Mutiny Candid photo of Van Johnson and Bob; not a scene in the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173716668-S5X63583GE8NDPGGD7PP/CM+shooting+1.png The Caine Mutiny HIGH SHOOTING - Director Edward Dymtryk and his Technicolor camera crew swing high over the decks at Pearl Harbor, Ha., to film an exciting scene of The Kramer Company’s “The Caine Mutiny” for Columbia. Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray and Columbia’s newest contractees Robert Francis and May Wynn have the starring roles in the movie version of Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This scene is Ensign Willie Keith (Robert Francis) and Harding (Jerry Paris) climbing the mast of the over-age destroyer U.S.S. Caine. (Caption by Columbia Pictures) Photo by Van Pelt for Columbia Pictures. Van Pelt, Columbia photographer, is credited with many of the stills and candid photos made on location in Hawaii. The other on-set photographers were Bell and Lippman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316412547-0IP4SF0VNRNQKWEIUQ97/BF+CM+Fred+2.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172867098-CSRZ5BDHL8ZZGQXFK3DV/BF+CM+20B.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1584987243630-IQF0AIZE4ZLWZIQYOJ0A/BF+Kearsarge.png The Caine Mutiny The U.S. Navy produced a “yearbook” for the sailors and officers of the USS Kearsarge which was used as the carrier commanded by Admiral Halsey in the film. Steve ,Tom, and Willie go to the ship to seek Halsey’s advice about Queeg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563401450508-P2TUCNP7V4UA5WBX9P8H/Caine+-+Kearsarge+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny From navysite.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1584987237158-DEI2W72RVQPF5CD3W8OH/BF+Kearsarge+1946.png The Caine Mutiny USS Kearsarge, c. 1946. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1584987237678-PDWQOVEW4TN9VPQSBY9Z/BF+Kearsarge+2.png The Caine Mutiny USS Kearsarge, c. 1956. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173699063-9ATD37DKOB67TXVRIUFI/CM+cont+still+1.jpg The Caine Mutiny Continuity stills of sets at Columbia Pictures in Hollywood included the Samoa Club where May Wynn sings, the bridge of the USS Caine, and a hotel room used for Lt. Barney Greenwald’s confrontation of Lt. Tom Keefer and the other officers involved in the mutiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316246173-3KHLK1MM1JHY2H9RHFD6/BF+MW+CM+2+%283%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311123555-LL54S4BRKKRPQG0PBNT2/CM+cont+still+3+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563318172270-S4E6UCDJDRWUCQ821JVH/CM+scene+27.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173698619-TRM28P0ZZKELPOVIVEVL/Cm+cont+still+2.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311124918-AL4S4Q0AF1GMMNNA3MBW/CM+Fairmont+scene.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311023686-TEK3JR7JQSPD98CGOSD2/BF+CM+rehearsal+on+set+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny A rehearsal for a scene in the “missing strawberries” inquiry demanded by Captain Queeg. Bob is at far right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563318635368-C2TONQIZRS3KYEOGBC9K/CM+scene+2.jpg The Caine Mutiny The scene as shown in the finished film. Photos in the next section are actual scenes from the released film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173714468-YG1QSRVVB7F3SL3XB8NB/CM+scene+46.jpg The Caine Mutiny Below: First page of script for The Caine Mutiny and first scene featuring Bob as Willie Keith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566593668034-EMSYEJHT1PKGW684E7KH/CM+script+1.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554921518358-LUFHBCX6XU3E8OEAL3FT/53+6+CM+Bob+1st+scene.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172669597-N9008OJ6GKBQ7KA4O8AH/BF+CM+4.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569638932283-AVLYB750LYXOZM72P7HO/BF+18+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173712818-QJN3M5OIEUPNL8JS2FVA/CM+scene+41.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173710289-704PI6395ZTNNM6KUFRE/CM+scene+32.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173709507-RIYX6OBA98PPMJJ44IKX/CM+scene+11.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173703088-TZCRT6KBCFKCM1MFIXVH/CM+scene+5.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566617013938-HDDJ271K885HHE7G7L13/BF+CM+3+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny The beginning of the “crow’s nest” scene. Fred MacMurray, Bob, Jerry Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173711833-QS683W9XK65T1PFMAE33/CM+scene+40.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172436558-72C52SSZKQ2JFE627A00/BF+CM+5.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566575794741-OLB1F6HE9JQWM8VAI5F0/BF+CM+%285%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172168322-Z8N3XZYATYOTDJNLS829/BF+Caine+3.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566575694356-BQWUFM5DTBWFCEZLGT3J/BF+Caine+2+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173704370-RROSSQ20KYMUP2YFPZ76/CM+scene+12.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172866399-ZHYNUU88T205DOHWDJTX/BF+CM+14.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173715932-EQIO51DXKQV24ZAP3SWH/CM+scene+52.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173709432-XXRBTOBV10HF496J5D7M/CM+scene+27.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566575694584-IXLV4NXYBZKS19F9GYL6/BF+Caine+%283%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172359641-GST5OZWSUYHL424RWDPL/BF+CM+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173515138-IGZUZQ7E9N37Z23JM3UG/BF+lifejacket+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613411878796-CQ7GALO0OHZLG3HUIWDA/BF+CM+Hawaii.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566576325968-VBLL3HX0J0BAXTNQKV7V/b+and+V.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316387865-ZEKNDR5XMARHYN0HWJK7/BF+CM+May+2.png The Caine Mutiny Handwritten dates on photos are confusing, e.g., “9/9/53” was several weeks after filming of The Caine Mutiny was completed. Scenes in Yosemite may have been filmed in June 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563311054677-A7QDG0373LCEAT9ZM85G/BF%2C+MW+Caine+%283%29.png The Caine Mutiny Bob and May Wynn, Columbia Pictures, The Caine Mutiny, on location in Yosemite, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554953648523-51LXSTRIKMU65893IF67/53+8+MW+Love+Scene+4+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny This scene is in the released film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173711120-4HQ8OP59BBICGEUU8YKZ/CM+scene+35.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172436860-RWMGQQ8QRY9ZU8MTTCT7/BF+CM+8.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172865963-9JBVBIR0AP7E1XHE33EN/BF+CM+9.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173715674-G67U7A7XQ3654IUUN4VH/CM+scene+51.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172866233-V3OANU079Z3XE764PH6D/BF+CM+11.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173702420-0UNT1KE0GB5TD56U9E1K/CM+scene+2.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566597922027-L3BNHNV352CO8HCCVLQJ/help+me.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566575647620-B8NN4VDMZDO6IMHHJ08H/20190424_092+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569638915849-T2CFKHQ3JCPYN33NJ923/BF+19+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173713338-ITAY86KVJF1MV45EKOO5/CM+scene+45.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554921605657-94YBS4DY7HZ42L7BHHKV/53+8+CM+Bob+storm.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316153879-GDT7ZJDABPHY3AGOL73A/Caine+Mutiny+3A++B+typhoon+credit+%28Lipman%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555172866223-C6U7YQV4XWK4ZI4TVB4I/BF+CM+12.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569638984407-HAUKT0503QNW26G1ZDSV/BF+17+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173703687-STIEU69GQME3JWF2IZIQ/CM+scene+7.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613516967580-3H1GWNTD1KY2MN7S8PBT/BF+CM+Bogie+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173714987-V66C8C02DH58UHOMVH78/CM+scene+47.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566597972953-HH5JUY52286NEA5GZBGC/before+court.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173709677-19PWTZWBBH0ES44BRSFP/CM+scene+29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569639001183-UTR1JCB9UO3MBH9HJ5KL/BF+16+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173709663-MAYEIVHNCDJJW7KQPCSH/CM+scene+28.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173700201-GG5DSEJTCLR3CUYSSFFQ/CM+Fairmont+scene.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173707058-RGG7DPSV6GQPVOCXWCF9/CM+scene+19.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566574085032-VEHK6EJSDFBQLS5ANKZD/CM+end.png The Caine Mutiny The images in the following section are from the post-production period and include publicity photos, promotional materials, and media coverage before and after The Caine Mutiny opened in New York City, Thursday, June 24, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316089526-S55TL9RZ90INACZFL7OK/Caine+Mutiny+Men+of+the+Caine+%28no+B%29.JPG The Caine Mutiny Publicity photo, Columbia Pictures, Summer 1953. Bob is second from left. Don Dubbins who would replace Bob in Tribute to a Bad Man is second from left at top of photo. (Dubbins and Bob exchange dialogue at one point during the typhoon sequence.) The Caine Mutiny was one of two major Columbia films in 1954; the other was On the Waterfront. The studio invested heavily in promotional materials, advertisements in major publications, both American and foreign, and sought every publicity angle. Bob was an important part of these marketing efforts. Below: Collier’s, Nov. 13, 1953. The first major national exposure for the film. The Caine Mutiny had a sneak preview in Dec. 1953, as reported by columnist Dorothy Manners, Los Angeles Examiner, Nov. 28, 1953. However, it was held for later release in 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568065412317-PDEAV7YXF46POM13FR24/Men+1+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568065422166-UWY7MJ9GKA7YYI0MMHNH/Men+2+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568065444125-QLU6712GBK2NN92LUVT3/Men+3+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568065460422-U1AIC62L4LRFKPM33PKB/Men+4+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566668395413-3TDSFNH17GKO98J3E1P1/Life+A.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566669055656-2Q9472HKBR0GY84UUSIG/Life+AA.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566668391490-Y3MECLF8LS9UMQAH06P2/Life+B.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566668392384-WZO94RNTFORKY153A2SA/Life+C.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566668393082-KBSLH2GBSVLTI9X7KJ97/Life+D.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566573941487-ZK5RE0PPN28H5O7F6HQ2/screen+stories.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566576224987-5Z2BOTSDFYU5WZLCTBUV/time.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316436567-8G6PW3GTD5I7LGZJ7DN6/BF+Brit+mag+cover.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554926865335-0S9DPHA2PQN3PNJSHDPL/BF+MW+CM.jpg The Caine Mutiny Although used extensively in promotional materials, this love screen is not in the released film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954249103-74T9U3FUPS09EX94HX57/CM+poster+1+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954249433-10N9JQH1B8XJDRR5VMDT/CM+poster+2+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954249786-T4ONHH1YZASSRAYVR5SG/CM+poster+3+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954250461-5HVCUJ72QFIBMH7BUD7S/CM+poster+5+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954250799-B6PJYL6GHOKZIXL963VX/CM+poster+6.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954251202-RKPWPFDPG9SN4HAC1KCR/CM+poster+7.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954251536-KT1KHO0W0YH3ZF2QX4DR/CM+poster+8.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954251610-9KV36KXEQ8SC54WGJRZF/CM+poster+9+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954246553-U6UK29U9BVTHZ9OKY0XY/CM+for+poster+4+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Promotional materials for foreign markets explains how Bob had an “international” fan following from the beginning of his career. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954246826-4HJI9VQGYS4FXJOZQMW4/CM+for+poster+5+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954245714-9DI7APGFZQOIH7IMCXAJ/CM+for+poster+1+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954247074-RY7JE6V1X8QKJ7N76XDM/CM+for+poster+6+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954245988-VRSU8FBAD9R8NOODYRQT/CM+for+poster+2+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954245478-LS38H1K6ZNOM5ESO61SN/CM+Bogie%2C+Bob+poster+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954247726-HXXU0KMR1L6888HGADDW/CM+for+poster+photo+3+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954247307-3H5VBV5P6D1CUQ9AVUOY/CM+for+poster+photo+1+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954247519-LH45BJ0A7UGYR57BU9E7/CM+for+poster+photo+2+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954248380-17WSRKNKCUNDM4R18ZLR/CM+for+poster+photo+5+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954248081-URDZP610AMZHPRCGNB9T/CM+for+poster+photo+4+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554954248627-R6JJC7SY1GSYND96UR6Q/CM+for+poster+photo+6+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173700272-5V87AIQAIJQF1PZRMZ5P/CM+foreign+1.JPG The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316051133-IC67R1LYTH6XBKWEDFAT/CM+press+book+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Pages from Columbia’s press book for The Caine Mutiny, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316055188-NJGHOVQO8W3EHN72IFWO/CM+press+book+%283%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Producer Kramer and Director Dymtryk cast Lee Marvin as one of the USS Caine’s supporting sailors, not only for his talent but for his knowledge of ships at sea. Throughout the production, the former Marine served as an unofficial technical adviser. Sometimes a shot would be set up, only to be criticized by Marvin as being inauthentic. In addition to Caine, Dmytryk directed Marvin in Eight Iron Men (1952) and Raintree County (1957). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568134279509-7PUBQ9WTULY531D1INUC/CM+HoRE+review.jpg The Caine Mutiny Hollywood Reporter, June 9, 1954 “Robert Francis, a newcomer, is perfect as Willie.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568134280635-AMGQ7BAQ241HIBLNYK5F/CM+Var+review+%282%29.jpg The Caine Mutiny Variety, June 9, 1954 “Making a splendid impression in his major screen bow is Robert Francis, playing the young Ensign Willie Keith to perfection.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566617452552-6WUABSIXOX7YQ8T7R8B7/NYT+review.png The Caine Mutiny The Screen: 'Caine Mutiny' Arrives; Vibrant Depiction of Novel Is at Capitol By Bosley Crowther June 25, 1954 The job of compacting and containing Herman Wouk's "The Caine Mutiny" into two hours of color motion picture, with all the character and drama preserved, was one that compared in major aspects with the similar job on "From Here to Eternity." And we're glad to report that Columbia Pictures and Producer Stanley Kramer have achieved this extraordinarily difficult endeavor with clarity and vigor, on the whole. This tale of the tensions and turmoils among the officers and crew of a Navy destroyer—minesweeper in the Pacific in World War II is a compound of several personal dramas and conflicts of male temperaments, all drawn to a fine, explosive crisis during a violent typhoon at sea. At the core of its swirling rotation are the bravery and cowardice of men. These are the elements that stand out sharply and gauntly in this film, which was greeted by swarming patrons at the Capitol yesterday. Unfortunately, Screenwriter Stanley Roberts, in preparing the complicated script, endeavored to cram into the picture more of the novel than was required. He gave a great deal of attention to the completely extraneous love affair between Keith, a secondary junior officer, and the night club singer, May Wynn. This was both useless and artless. Whenever the love affair obtrudes, the genuine drama is side-tracked and the criss-crossing tensions are snapped. Also, the structure of the story presented in Mr. Wouk's book was not entirely felicitous for the playing of a drama on the screen. Yet Mr. Roberts has endeavored to follow it faithfully. As a consequence, the naval court-martial that follows the howling typhoon, wherein the executive officer relieves the incompetent captain of command, becomes an anticlimax as it covers essentially the same ground and repeats the collapse of the captain that are visibly shown in the storm. On the stage, this Caine mutiny court-martial is brilliant because it unfolds in the calm atmosphere of a courtroom the events that have gone before—events that are graphically enacted prior to the trial on the screen. The sole achievement of the trial in the picture is that of demonstrating the perfidy of one man—Lieut. Tom Keefer. The audience already knows the captain's guilt. This is a weakness of the picture that takes a lot of time, since more than twenty minutes are virtually wasted in building up to the thin theatrics at the end. However, the body of the picture—the good, solid, masculine core—that has to do with the chafing of naval officers under a neurotic captain's command is salty, exciting and revealing. And it is smartly and stingingly played by a cast of able performers, with Edward Dmytryk calling the turns. Van Johnson as the blunt executive officer who commits the so-called act of mutiny does an excellent job of revealing the distress and resolution of this man, and Fred MacMurray is likewise fascinating as the modern "sea lawyer" who eggs him on. Humphrey Bogart's twitchy performance of the "by-the-book" Captain Queeg is a bit in the usual Bogart manner but, by and large, it is sound. Robert Francis as the romancing ensign, Tom Tully as the sloppy captain who precedes Queeg and José Ferrer as the lawyer for the defendant in the court-martial are good. As it happens, the role of the lawyer has little body in the film. Thanks to the help of the Navy, the shipboard business is on the beam, the blue-water shots of maneuvers are sparking and the atmosphere is keen. "The Caine Mutiny," though somewhat garbled, is a vibrant film. THE CAINE MUTINY, screen play by Stanley Roberts, from the novel by Herman Wouk; directed by Edward Dmytryk; produced, by Stanley Kramer for Columbia Pictures. At the Capitol. Captain Queeg, Humphrey Bogart Lieut. Barney Greenwald ,Jose Ferrer Lieut. Steve Maryk, Van Johnson Lieut. Tom Keefer, Fred MacMurray Ensign Willie Keith, Robert Francis May Wynn, May Wynn Captain DeVriess, Tom Tully Lieutenant Commander Challee, E. G. Marshall Lieut. Paynter, Arthur Franz Meatball, Lee Marvin Captain Blakely, Warner Andersen Horrible, Clande Akins Mrs. Keith, Katharina Warren Ensign Harding, Jerry Paris A version of this article appears in print on June 25, 1954 of the National edition with the headline: The Screen: 'Caine Mutiny' Arrives; Vibrant Depiction of Novel Is at Capitol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555173700467-3VYVK8B6UOZIT2MV25JX/CM+MS+7-54.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566573928094-I9I98IKD2Q2KKJJYHCKD/Screenland+July+54.png The Caine Mutiny Screenland, July 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566573927763-VRB7Y6FJ0IYYP7WSE56W/Screenland+July+54+2.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563316333674-2PDQYTD9MIXVAIO85QBT/BF+CM+Photoplay+8-54+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny Photoplay magazine, August 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566532403924-6EJD69VDY8JGCOJB6YWB/Phoenix.png The Caine Mutiny Bob toured extensively to promote The Caine Mutiny in 1954 with many personal appearances and meetings with industry VIPs. He was in Phoenix in early Aug. and was able to visit with his brother Bill and his family who were living there at that time. Later in the year he toured to promote They Rode West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563309961029-LNBV3B29DKSV4G7F7J88/Arizona+Republic+8-6-54.png The Caine Mutiny “One night my husband Sandy was out of town and the boys were asleep, but being watched by Mother and Dad. Bob said The Caine Mutiny was playing at the Colorado Theater. ‘Let’s go see it,’ he said. ‘I have never seen it.’” The theater was big and we sat in the second balcony. We were standing in line and a lady with her husband in front of us went and looked at the marquee, and then looked at all the photos, then looked at Bob and went back and forth a few times doing this. I said to Bobby, ‘She’s is trying see if you’re the same man in the picture.’ The woman never said anything to Bobby, but she really looked him over. “Another time we took Larry and Steven to see The Caine Mutiny. Larry looked up and asked, ‘Why is Bob up there? Why doesn’t he come down here and sit with us?’ This made the people in front of us turn around. Larry could not understand the image was only a movie, not real, and Bobby was not on the stage and on the screen.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566597942426-ITF7CM9JU56VS7KSTYOC/exhibitors+3.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563549016982-RWXLM40EINC9XTIH4VOB/Caine+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563549015141-WP7Y5DLVEHDW3KE10T5T/Caine+3+%282%29.png The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567735501161-WL7GQ08BNGEJPXEVT6QZ/Caine+DVD.jpg The Caine Mutiny DVD: The Caine Mutiny Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray, Robert Francis Directors: Edward Dmytryk Producers: Stanley Kramer Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen Language: English (Dolby Digital 1.0), French (Dolby Digital 1.0), Spanish (Dolby Digital 1.0) Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Dubbed: French Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: NR Not Rated Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Columbia Pictures) DVD Release Date: February 10, 2004 Run Time: 125 minutes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567735502791-HETCR0BX21SL41JAZ9Q2/Caine+DVD+2.jpg The Caine Mutiny https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/aecbedce-3f12-43f7-b72b-3885cc12df5f/BF+TRW+Streaming.png They Rode West - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515362191-GTXFZEC1F5OK8VT1FFEH/53+10++pose+.jpg They Rode West According to Bob’s sister, Lillian, he had curly blond hair as an infant and toddler. His hair turned darker as he grew up. Between the end of shooting The Caine Mutiny (Aug. 1953) and the start of shooting They Rode West (Nov. 17, 1953), Bob’s hair grew out, was curled and given blond highlights. These portrait photos probably were shot in Nov. and Dec. 1953. Production on The Bamboo Prison began in January and he had a military crew cut for that film. Several, if not all, of the photos were shot by Cronenweth and Lippman, Columbia Pictures photographers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557350549-5H932M8HTB6E1BNPI1NF/BF+54.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515365162-UK2T6YYVP78OC9MD9ZBE/53+10+++pose%2C+golf+club+.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515363550-9W2H75UR71RIMWMAKJ9H/53+10++pose%2C+cigarette+.jpg They Rode West The cuff links Bob is wearing appear to be those given to him by his girl friend Dot Ross. when The Caine Mutiny shooting concluded. The cuff links depict the steel balls rolled in his palm by Captain Queeg when he was under stress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515413603-RK8HYFQVNA7YBDH1W7IX/BF+Fall+53.jpg They Rode West The quarter on this photo must have been left on the copy machine when photo was scanned or copied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557389125-204BY8DXN2OPY0BMREB7/Bob+with+chair+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566669501937-3229WVAWYUDQ15Y4T4Z1/BF+back+of+chair+photo.png They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563298918966-85I3X29XWXHIZ6KXD47X/BF+Fall+53.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515408833-1BNI5GW3MTS0B13JK57G/BF+c+53+2.jpeg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557327729-JPA3PP10QJW8NGYJ4RVQ/BF+Italian+postcard+%28002%29.jpg They Rode West This photo may have been made later than the Fall of 1953. The intensive, dramatic expression is unusual in Bob’s promotional photos, as is the somewhat oily hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557388877-NFWHF02BSX45NEQVMN8C/Bob+serious+photo+credit.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569641420953-G3CYQ7OL0DKSS7TB1ZY8/BF+1+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613517210907-ZEYTKJZZQTNFTUDTMCEG/BF+portrait.PNG They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613517327406-54E3GUCJZ3NFY9RF35RI/BF+portrait+2.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569641445912-5IIMTLCI6SH6OT9D81EJ/BF+2+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927678701-418MT91YJA4NQU83AC13/53+9+or+10++++B+in+costume%2C+TRW.jpg They Rode West Costume/wardrobe test photo and/or image for advertisements and promotional materials. Fall 1953, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555622327401-5IGPYRY1TD8GYMZSTI3A/BF+Rode.jpg They Rode West Portrait in They Rode West costume. The flip side has a note indicating it was used by a publication following Bob’s death in “en accidente avaiacion.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515451090-VFEXP7UL7TINITYBALG3/BF+Rode+A+%282%29.jpg They Rode West The following photographs were taken Fall 1953, on location. Exterior filming was done at Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, Calif. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corriganville_Movie_Ranch; http://movielocationsplus.com/corrigan/ftapache.htm; Burro Flats, Simi Hills, California; Iverson Ranch, 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563298965278-8A8RJUZ8VSUMXI75RVAC/RF+TRW+May_+%28002%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515611565-P1EFPRLIHDDFBK2TTEJS/TRW+May+11-28-53+%282%29.png They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515618213-41X9SKPWDVGWK7SD0BJY/TRW+May+11-28-53+%284%29.png They Rode West Dated 11-28-53. Shot on location Nov. 1953 by United Press. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927646778-GACJNR0CDJQWRMS0L1VF/53+10+or+11++TRW+candid.jpg They Rode West Photo made at Burro Flats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927650443-PSETL48IXOV3WG0EX4VN/53+10+or+11+C+B+on++horse%2C+TRW.jpg They Rode West Photo made at Burro Flats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638323861-CC7N5RM40W79I8MY7JZH/BF+horse+TRW.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557136330-JHUXGVVD5F2ZJ7EFAQ2A/TRW+candid+BF+sun.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557166251-TO8YRSC2VD1I99RKOYQE/20190424_106+%282%29.jpg They Rode West Bob with Charles Lawton, Jr., Director of Photography, They Rode West. On location Fall 1953. Lawton began as assistant cameraman at First National in 1926, working under George J. Folsey. Briefly at Paramount, then joined MGM (1936-1943), within a year became full director of photography. At United Artists, 1944-1945, then spent the remainder of his career at Columbia (1945-1962). Acquired a reputation as the studio's foremost cinematographer of outdoor action subjects. Best remembered for his superior black and white photography (particularly the famous mirror scene) of The Lady from Shanghai (1947). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927649305-IX1BXK9QX34B4HAQMZVK/53+10+or+11+B++Phil+Karlson+%28dir%29%2C+TRW+candid.jpg They Rode West Bob with Phil Karlson, director of They Rode West, on location at Fort Apache, Corriganville, Fall 1953. Phil Karlson (born Philip N. Karlstein; July 2, 1908–Dec. 12, 1982) was an American film director. Karlson directed 99 River Street, Kansas City Confidential and Hell's Island, all with actor John Payne, in the early 1950s. Other films include The Texas Rangers (1951), The Phenix City Story (1955), 5 Against the House (1955), Gunman's Walk (1958), The Young Doctors (1961) and Walking Tall (1973). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927647600-X6RX9EXEBH6APCHRJEFC/53+10+or+11+A++MW%2C+TRW.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557113595-MK6PZSGJYRY9OSKUET7H/TRW+May+Bob.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557307535-RMP1R0ZSAS3LHTBWL99P/20190424_052.jpg They Rode West Promotional photo for They Rode West shot on location: Bob, Donna Reed, Phil Carey, May Wynn. Fall 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555637489985-E5SB6BIBB8GM12RLP98M/BF+TRW+Reed+%282%29.jpg They Rode West Bob with Donna Reed, his They Rode West co-star. Photos for promotional materials. Fall 1953. She also appeared in Bob’s screen test for The Caine Mutiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515432676-QKD2O2MXNODZ4O2T9RLS/BF+Reed+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515430905-63S4TJK3D44RBS7Q5FQ2/BF+Reed+%284%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569640022636-OY1UQRN1ATODWL5B6BXT/BF+13+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927557889-86BCN2BT27AFJI00B8H1/BF+Reed.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927495255-XMHB0BQG2LCTUFV6LNJI/TRW+poster+1+%282%29.jpg They Rode West Promotional materials for They Rode West. Produced by Columbia Pictures prior to release in Nov. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555623438022-RX7JGULZRPQRLEDRB5H0/BF+TRW+poster.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613517735199-LXLH8WBIUCL3ID9JYPJC/BF+TRW+poster.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555637489891-EG5HSOUKCNWIZ2J2OLFN/BF+TRW+poster+2+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927495178-VB03S7HWLYI9U18HHQWS/TRW+for+poster+1.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515535390-8VRB2CZFSQBCYL6140VK/BF+TRW+Japan+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569640037513-AVY6A2XOJLFPS8KOZOZT/BF+14+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555637590962-YMBNNQNBHIGQCLN9AQP2/BF+TRW+title+%282%29.jpg They Rode West Snips and stills from They Rode West. Foreign language promotional materials explain Bob’s international fan base. Columbia was building global awareness and recognition of Bob. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555637590251-R5HKXHFN8394H0D5RI8M/BF+TRW+suit.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555622284420-OQJYAMPZYAJ4A37XHPNX/TRW+scene+2.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555623025035-I3OS8LDE9CTDU5MOF8J1/BF+West.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569640053565-9ATN98DIN9XB78G5RO3H/BF+15+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555622905307-5MYQUELLKWB01GGI6VB6/TRW+foreign.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927650794-G3IGKQCWQWTSQDARWX9R/53+10+or+11+TRW+scene%2C+PC%2C+MW.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555623180462-DRIVSR36NBZDIIRVA4O7/BF+DR+TRW.jpg They Rode West Below: Hollywood Reporter, Oct. 15, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955252044-78XDAA1YT4UBQIKYFNSB/West+review+3.jpg They Rode West Review of They Rode West, Hollywood Reporter, Oct. 15, 1954. This positive review is thorough and makes a case for They Rode West as an unusual sympathetic telling of Native American history with strong credit to all those involved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955252457-ZB4ZMXXH0LO6VD1OJJMI/West+review+4.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955253170-BJOH2CGUAMJWYEX7I71E/West+review+5.jpg They Rode West Variety, Oct. 20, 1954 They Rode West received little critical attention during its initial release, but Variety said the film was “A cut above [the] standards of most such offerings” and praised the film’s “handsome color lensing.” The reviewer also singled out the performances of Donna Reed, Robert Francis, and May Wynn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567978936632-Z3S4QUP389WHUOAOOIJZ/TRT+C+%282%29.png They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567978948037-W2VEI27RJQLUWA0CGPKD/TRW+D+%282%29.png They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515587723-5E3E0N8Y21BFKAR9LXQ7/BF+TRW+press+Jap+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562558150159-ATMWC2YNAW5EJBE5W2OA/54+7+Movie+Play+cover.jpg They Rode West One of the first fan magazine stories about Bob. July 1954 issue of Movie Play was on newsstands in early June 1954, weeks ahead of release of The Caine Mutiny. Significant coverage of Bob in fan publications began in July and August 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515389438-E11UPHF18FLS6I7OVEKS/54+7+Movie+Play+contents.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515386752-ONFJ8KE4DZST6NWOB7UG/54+7+Movie+Play+1.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562515388155-UOD5B6W31NJLIRXOYS9S/54+7+Movie+Play+2.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555621902865-MR9E9LMIQ2L7DMLJFB8X/54+12++B%2C+MW+NE+Tour+TRW+late+54-early+55.jpg They Rode West Promotional/personal appearance tours occupied Bob throughout 1954 and into 1955. The New England tour for They Rode West received extensive coverage in local newspapers. American Airlines. The 15 cities/15 days tour of New England began in Springfield, Mass. Air Force personnel from Westover Air Base welcomed May Wynn and Bob. See captions for identifications and credits with other photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557442419-MR004PVGNXFV9QL9WBEQ/Mass.+BF+May+Hyams+.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562558236592-G2C97BUF4RTKO97OSTOS/Mass+BF+May+HYams+12-54+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562557305017-9LWLO0R7NHFNG8FFRD03/20190424_040.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562559807641-5WTSSNB14NNJMRMZXXBG/20190424_041+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562558522401-3LBAK53SYWO1YMXH9UOE/Maine+press+54.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562559716728-RHNEQTDENY268E17GP6H/20190424_036+%282%29.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555623213751-OZ691V07IFL4UMPL2GXS/BF+12-54+ad.jpg They Rode West https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662936765317-BDRHU1ESVAMTYXW3H1GU/BF+Road+scenes+1.PNG They Rode West - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662936982241-T1XJFMSSDE0SV7Z57Z14/BF+Road+scenes+2.PNG They Rode West - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/0bb2f1f1-c374-4cbb-baf5-986e9449fce9/BF+Reed.PNG They Rode West - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662937032778-S1HMB4AA6C43WP6OXXFK/BF+Road+scenes+3.PNG They Rode West - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/the-bamboo-prison daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/3da81dfb-e5ee-4d29-ace9-c881d5c9cf79/BF+BP+Streaming.png The Bamboo Prison - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1586983382629-DS2176P2ZHHRFBBA153B/BF+Crooked+Road.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1586983412756-13Y147M7EKSADUYO6WO8/BF+Crooked+Road+cap.png The Bamboo Prison Fall 1953 - Drive a Crooked Road starring Mickey Rooney and featuring Dianne Foster was shooting (Oct./Nov. 1953) exteriors in the Malibu area and at Columbia Pictures. Bob was scheduled to start shooting They Rode West Nov. 7-Dec. 17, 1953 at the studio and several "“movie ranches” in the Los Angeles area. Bob’s hair length indicates he is growing out his military cut from The Caine Mutiny in preparation for portraying a 19th century doctor. Foster was a young contract player at Columbia; she may have already been cast as Bob’s co-star in The Bamboo Prison which they would shoot together mid-Feb./mid-March 1954. Bob’s visiting Foster and the set provided an opportunity for pre-production publicity photos. The original caption for this photo, “Star Meets Star,” is misleading as neither actor was a star nor would they be when Drive a Crooked Road was released in April 1954. However, by that time Bob had completed all four of his films with none in release. These months in late 1953 and most of 1954 would be devoted to making him a star at least in the movie fan magazines prior to The Caine Mutiny’s release in July 1954. Stardom arrived for Bob about a year after this photo was taken. The jacket he wears here is one he often wore in photos of this time period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101263323-M3J6Z9XJ07BCBQ1Y6I3C/BF+BP+Prod+Code+1.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101264665-0OLCL4ZHH5NJJYELPR4O/BF+BP+Prod+Code+2.jpg The Bamboo Prison The Bamboo Prison (aka Those Reported Missing and I Was a Prisoner in Korea) faced censorship before being filmed and then after its release. (See newspaper articles about censorship in Memphis, Tenn., at end of The Gallery.) Feb. 15, 1954, was about the time filming began. Joseph I. Breen headed the Production Code Administration which required pre-production script review and extensive paperwork about content that might in any way provoke negative public reaction to a film. The following “Analysis of Film Content” (4 pages) was required post-production. Bamboo completed filming in early March; this analysis was submitted about three months later. Note copyright notices on these documents which are available at the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library in Hollywood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101265092-WREUBFJNBVTG8CSZQ7BJ/BF+BP+Prod+Code+A.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101266687-XCJNGZ8DGN1N5CPVSZRI/BF+BP+Prod+Code+B.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101266571-3QBVHMOHHQ5PM86V2UXK/BF+BP+Prod+Code+C.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101305058-STUI4L22VQCU1DKNRHGG/BF+BP+Prod+Code+D.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101302519-6THCITZJB52Z0AY9MS7M/BF+BP+Synopsis.jpg The Bamboo Prison An early script synopsis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101231451-RJ0J2JA8E0VBHFOOKASL/BF+BP+cast.jpg The Bamboo Prison Early draft of credits for the film. Note that Bob’s character’s first name is “Bill” in this draft, not “John” as in later credits. Below: The numbers (1-20) on these scanned photos are not in synch with the movie’s narrative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513718154-Z8240RHBYHM4VK9ZAGTJ/BF+BP+multi.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513748315-9A64N49KAWPJL6POV7UF/BF+BP+multi2.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513716823-KDYJXXCZH1IO1NN2G7H0/BF+BP+multi+3.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513717524-6M4G99FMVSW3SBRBTDQF/BF+BP+multi+4.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513717773-RZE0CVLSW2QTU8DNUR4P/BF+BP+multi+5.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555705542857-PNA7X0IWF2Y9TCFLJX2S/bamboo1+%28002%29.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569643025785-90SMKU4T4CXEATQQMFDA/BF+8+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison E.G. Marshall also appeared in The Caine Mutiny. Jack Kelly (Slade) appeared in They Rode West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569642978417-808OSKUTY8GIDQXPKDS1/BF+5+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821134337-UGSFKUY9OXJ8X8HKP6HN/BF+BP+5.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821134912-194EL2O4ZTU3P6VF8HHL/BF+BP+5a.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569642942027-UG2SERZ6HHQGMEPR99MY/BF+3+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513748500-WBEWL71VNMT2SI6C1RFU/BF+BP+newspaper+2.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821128848-7FX2WCJ7L2K54M3QT0I1/BF+Bamboo+Prison.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821135727-YK9A1FR7A0MB2UVPZ5B5/BF+BP.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562101302949-LSNSJBILWM3W4YGSI6T3/Bob+BP+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568135669671-E7MXZAAXB9T84KURNWU7/BP+2+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555636221562-JNBJBUS1W6Q4I5H2ZSON/BF+BP+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554928694746-8X34WKEDEPLI0F5CCIYZ/BF+BP+2.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568135688659-ASNF2J21WWLZD05KLK3G/BP+4+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555636311162-6Y8VYTV2I84WRDJ3BXTM/BF+BP+interrogation.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569642991187-WND32VKGZ75480JA7IZ2/BF+6+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568135685885-X90G2UM6VUES5E6TCDMU/BP+3+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison “In Bamboo Prison there was one scene where I couldn’t help but laugh. He was driving the Jeep and looked like he was over steering.” [This was a process shot with Bob driving with a rear project image of the road he was supposed to be on. Actors never seem to be in sync with the road in front or behind them in these scenes. The same thing happens with stage coaches and other vehicles.] Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513716045-3EWCG3ZF50P59YDP8NOB/BF+BP+Keith.PNG The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554928727059-WX92Z0HJ25ZFA9RC3R1E/BF+BP+3.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568135686507-1L56ZS6TAB1QO3QFJ9HM/BP+5+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569643043267-I2NEJZC242HEF9U1HHW4/BF+9+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821128973-BXBFGIJ6KHF1N0MF0LQA/BF+BP+2.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569642959248-MT1K3GFKBCP59C357ZG6/BF+4+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572821129317-17202KH4COANNYIF9M6R/BF+BP+4.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566678138999-KXRUSH6EDQJFIBISOM8Z/BP+3.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555735807735-A01RR7SSYL5M59FJHCKT/The-Bamboo-Prison-1954-4+%28002%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513711913-YM8ATIKLG55U4M4XPR1T/BF+BP+costume.PNG The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613513712224-ZPI0E7V2WOZCG42WY6XL/BF+BP+costume+2.PNG The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568135671705-X1HEIA8TDQCQJZAPD8RN/BP+1+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569643008044-ZELVNFWF57XPVNN72BZH/BF+7+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638221754-DTCO9EP7VUG8KGAD0VBJ/BF+Bamboo+2+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554928757654-2AK6EC7MYD6ZP61OZEJ6/BF+BP+lobby+set.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566672845890-CEQQGNPU3NXHG7BKYY7F/BP+1.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566672843067-LR6352GVMY7CNTP7HFJ7/BP+2.png The Bamboo Prison Below: Variety, Dec. 15, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567979698584-0PLHXPQPZMSU6AHF00F9/BP+A+3.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567979958132-TW4QIZRFGFL14774LFP1/BP+B3.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567979997275-F2YOB6LNFWDOJ76AKGKR/BP+C3.png The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562092064090-PA0OPCOKGX9LOCEANNTM/Feb+1+B+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562092089849-SBSKS4XHRBYAEH1MTQ6L/Feb+9+B.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562094554184-66L0UAP46UFXDZ7BQM3Z/Feb.+9+C.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562096849376-Q0IMN9ZIXTICYIS41S6H/Prison+ban+3A+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562096849346-PW0K3QAKR2M17225HJHM/Prison+ban+3B+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562095124804-7IHBZT35V7E6IPN1DNQH/April+5+A+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562092323390-05CYW2OAEKWNNGU2SGUL/Prison+ban+B+%282%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562092210065-SJ0Q7FN4FMXS1TFO0QOE/April+6+A+%283%29.jpg The Bamboo Prison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562092210591-ZFRLQN4GO0ZUDIZTYFSL/April+6+B.jpg The Bamboo Prison As noted in a Dec. 22, 1954, Daily Variety article, a column in the Catholic newspaper Our Sunday Visitor written by Dale Francis criticized The Bamboo Prison for its depiction of a Communist agent disguised as a priest. Francis complained that the film priest delivers speeches attributed to real-life heroic chaplain Father Kapaun. Foy reportedly responded by pointing out that the picture was made with the assistance of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. Devlin and that the Catholic Legion of Decency had awarded the film an "A-2" rating. Francis' column prompted a call by an American Legion post in Kansas to halt the film's release. http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/27592/The-Bamboo-Prison/notes.html https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567735110557-D3UZ89KFSD4OGD7O9OV8/BP+DVD+2.png The Bamboo Prison DVD: The Bamboo Prison Actors: Dianne Foster, Robert Francis, Brian Keith, Jerome Courtland, E. G. Marshall Directors: Lewis Seller Producers: Bryan Foy Format: Black & White, NTSC, Widescreen Region: All Regions Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: NR Not Rated Studio: SPE (Columbia Pictures) DVD Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013 Run Time: 80 minutes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662938229365-KUV86TH4WAAPD0W1KCIU/BF+Bamboo+2.PNG The Bamboo Prison - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662938288688-ES6993QYKQQTCHAG3X3L/BF+Bamboo+3.PNG The Bamboo Prison - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662938320547-G65NFZK137IWLMDUOVN1/BF+Bamboo+scenes+1.PNG The Bamboo Prison - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2026-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/c33e2c4a-e400-4ac0-95b8-d622144f3445/BF+LGL+Streaming.png The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/ee474c51-19d1-4115-9501-90c9c30af7b9/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+1.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out William Leslie, Phil Carey, Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/5798b5aa-b4c7-468c-b892-21f1f1c0462f/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+2.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out William Leslie, Phil Carey, Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/9c490060-b336-413e-ab62-fe2d8e6aa568/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+3.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out William Leslie, Patrick Wayne, Phil Carey, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1c8b5afe-0f13-4800-b847-1b7d8953b1da/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+4.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out William Leslie, Patrick Wayne, Phil Carey, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/62f44712-dd6f-4897-919b-7ea0d01dc5ba/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+5.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out William Leslie, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/5a1e7278-34c4-4539-9fd6-7011282c1147/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+6.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Unknown actor, unknown actor, Bob Francis, Tyrone Power - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/283984c6-bbd6-4353-90b6-ebe94e785af3/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+7.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis (yawning), Phil Carey (back to camera), William Leslie, Patirck Wayne (back to camera) - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/7acd3e51-d0eb-499c-ae24-ba555742b39f/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+8.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis, Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/a05fbb23-4c10-4370-93de-a6fef5792760/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+9.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Phil Carey - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/d16f6c96-e23f-45e4-97f4-57b899619709/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+10.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Phil Carey - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/61e25cfc-b62f-4021-8a91-71c9e435a705/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+14.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Waitresses with Bob Francis at West Point - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/7cf6a2ee-9cfa-4ba8-8fd7-7c82890ad7a7/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+11.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis and Army (West Point) mascot - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/b0aeaed9-d602-48dd-8c1a-d826f9353dda/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+12.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/194bdec4-e4dd-473f-ae3d-c8957cceb104/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+13.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/00442e7a-49c4-4796-8f59-09bcaba71a43/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+15.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Marty Milner, unknown officer, Bob Francis, Maureen O’Hara, Tyrone Power, unknown man, William Leslie - photo added 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/cd9af5d1-d40d-4c6c-b74b-0276ca07f680/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+16.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Patrick Wayne, Phil Carey, Bob Francis, William Leslie - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/316a8cd3-5e60-4bf1-b4f0-6eff55ef74ae/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+17.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/6287575b-5014-4c06-a3fa-8ffe7f2c3c62/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+18.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/7942d997-c1cc-408d-afc7-82029c61e5a8/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+19.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, Bob Francis, William Leslie - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/e3c7ae09-8466-4fe8-9182-98c80bee6a9b/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+20.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/80487a03-0a90-4e04-96fd-24b323a2dd7e/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+21.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/9cd83953-c4ca-4a3e-93f3-19fff8403553/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+22.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, William Leslie, Patrick Wayne, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/f8a86c84-8443-450f-a8f2-7c01873639e2/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+23.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Phil Carey, William Leslie, Patrick Wayne, Bob Francis - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1eafbaa6-3078-46b3-9fbf-4b1bef9e0abc/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+24.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis - photo added April 24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/e56d9335-326f-4689-a296-c35ced203176/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+25.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis - photo added April 24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/327a3d80-6309-4447-8e29-44e200ed5707/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+27.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis - photo added April 24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/8810368a-d6a7-4fc8-aa91-be2f6cd65a36/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+28.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne, Phil Carey, William Leslie - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/26457c88-d6dc-4ed7-9596-37c2fd95c5ba/BF+LGL+West+Point+UCLA+29.PNG The Long Gray Line - Make it stand out Bob Francis, Patrick Wayne, William Leslie, Phil Carey - photo added April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562038060989-ZO7WBHQFCV5N0GTNHBXJ/LGL+on+location.png The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “…equipment was shipped to West Point for location filming….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562037977441-0A0BJM6AMIA29KG16WXW/LGL+Ford%2C+Power.png The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “Tyrone Power takes direction from four-time Oscar winner John Ford during the West Point location filming….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638872894-PMATW8XM5XNX4NC92LIF/BF+Line+candid+3.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “…HOLLYWOOD GROUP - Harry Carey, Jr., Donald Crisp, Martin Milner, Bill Leslie, Phil Carey and Peter Graves pose for the photographer against a Hudson River background while on location….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641067418-1EB3GYBW4S1F21F5Y4XE/BF+Line+candid+2.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “ATHLETE - Bob Francis makes use of the cadet gym facilities while on location at West Point….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561915644430-3PC7W2CMXHHX0NR86R1Z/20190424_024.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 Bob at West Point gym https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566673249570-K285MF38GAMOQ1TBL3M2/rowing.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613517981120-S2Y3C91N8CO2I6U8BTT2/BF+LGL+WP.PNG The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561950102997-H471U7IBVRT3AAVB1F18/20190424_043+%282%29.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 Bob at West Point gym and swimming pool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638901208-LDV3H8YAES37IOZO5SDO/BF+Line+candid+5.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “ATHLETE - Bob Francis makes use of the cadet gym facilities while on location at West Point….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561915645080-2N69HPC1TH0Y5Q4SNWLV/20190424_026.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 Bob at West Point gym and swimming pool with unidentified man (swimming coach or trainer?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638901998-FP7SMX8IWB67R3F8D2OR/BF+Line+candid+4.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “FRANCIS AT WEST POINT - Bob Francis makes friends with 'Pancho,’ one of the Army mules, while on location….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638903844-W0YB49M9D1FX1D99FX17/BF+Line+candid+7.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “OFF-DUTY - Bob Francis (right) plays a game of cribbage with Major George Pappas between shooting scenes on location….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554929591113-Q0018482LTKH02LERH50/54+2+or+3+A+Patrick+Wayne+LGL+54++.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photos, Columbia Pictures, West Point, N.Y. Bob and Patrick Wayne, son of John Wayne. John Ford and John Wayne had a long productive relationship as actor and director in classic westerns as well as films like The Quiet Man (1952), co-starring Maureen O’Hara. (Cadet uniform, first uniform for Bob in this film.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561685020563-HQFSFTDXTSQA0DZ7WWUL/BF+fans+date+unk.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561685020543-JFWQ3JPRFXPNTPPH6V2B/BF+fans+1954.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638902558-XEM9EFA4MJD70RI28W4X/BF+Line+candid+6.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954 “A SECRET - Betsey Palmer whispers something to Bob Francis between scenes on location at West Point….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561915747536-3ALDBPSYC1K6O83YQFVC/LGL+candid+Crisp+dinner.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954. Bill Leslie, unknown woman, Donald Crisp, Bob Francis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638577221-DG40K4QJL0QVQ8XK5CR9/BF+LGL+shoes.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638553839-5HKA615OHMVYS0PXYY35/BF+LGL+shoes+caption.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638965711-DTXJ7KFNGFPNAJT3B0ZP/BF+West+Pt+football.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954. Bob in grandstands at West Point Stadium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555639896507-H5S72QJRYEQOG43V003J/54+2+or+3+B+B+pose+West+Point+54.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641067253-KS0PK21QK2V4EIDDLQAY/BF+Line+candid+1.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954. “While wardrobe man Forrest Butler checks his script, tailor Max Zenzipper fits Bob Francis' cadet uniform at West Point during the location filming….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638577588-705LVQ433SS7DD771JXN/BF+LGL.jpg The Long Gray Line Publicity Photo, Columbia Pictures, West Point, 1954. Bob’s second unifom (soldier) in The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638872090-HZ2IYMC5V9Z2Z9SMPP5A/BF+LGL+3.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566673563798-IOVNQWGJM7A52U38R1HA/scene+TP.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638842840-ZQV6XMZNVHTQMMSHEFV2/Bf+LGL+2.png The Long Gray Line Officer uniform, Bob’s third uniform for this film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563549181589-H1QETRIF85FJQXFOSNFD/LGL.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562038044490-RPD71BLAN0W3B4V964BQ/LGL+poster.png The Long Gray Line Promotional materials for The Long Gray Line, Columbia Pictures, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638554313-VGUADLBC55K7L9J4LNKS/BF+LGL+ad+2-55.png The Long Gray Line Magazine Advertisement, The Long Gray Line, Columbia Pictures, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562038207226-EXFKCX80GF7TW8E7BN4K/LGL+3-sheet.png The Long Gray Line Promotional Materials, Columbia Pictures, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562038171662-NJP0HWCGD63GHGOJD2V5/LGL+still.png The Long Gray Line Promotional Materials, Columbia Pictures, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562038186382-IH9Z3FCRIR07GNH1370G/LGL+lobby+card.png The Long Gray Line Promotional Materials, Columbia Pictures, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563549181468-YQOJZJDLJTQ992GCC84T/LGL+2.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638845351-H89H33ENSCBNDSF1X2H5/BF+LGL+Prem+%282%29.jpg The Long Gray Line Invitation for New York opening of The Long Gray Line, Feb. 10, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562085479560-9GUL3QNAKDULHPC09SOW/DC+premiere.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562086000230-5IFAFZGRCFM8OTU6EJ6V/BF+LGL+prem+DC+55+%283%29.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561915673277-92J33ZV3XR5R2YTELEOG/20190424_110+%282%29.jpg The Long Gray Line Washington premiere, Feb. 1955. Bob Francis, unidentified man, Maureen O’Hara, Bill Leslie, Harry Carey, Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613414122963-RLA244SK418YUCYRTDBG/BF+LGL.jpg The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1589834757268-NG6Z5STX6UFCOXLCPWWL/BF+LGL.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1589834750287-0Q4AWSOSOO1QOPNQFHTZ/BF+LGL+2+%282%29.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562085509096-BWUAP8MZIWCPB1P8HM8X/Broadway.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641111126-177SMQBDQZJC0IJPT532/BF+LGL+Title+%282%29.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555638845616-2B0GQEJCALTYCACKW62N/BF+LGL+credit+BF+%282%29.png The Long Gray Line Screen: 'Long Gray Line' Tinted Green; Movie of West Point Honors Irish Hero By Bosley Crowther Feb. 11, 1955 If the green of the shamrock seems to color Columbia's "The Long Gray Line," which trooped with pennants snapping into the Capitol yesterday, it is not in the least surprising. This film tells the story of Marty Maher, a much-beloved athletic trainer and instructor at West Point for fifty years. The role of the Irish hero is played by Tyrone Power. And the picture is lustily directed by that most positive Hibernian, John Ford. As a consequence, this rich and rousing tribute to West Point and Sergeant Maher, to the Academy's deep traditions and to its long line of loyal cadets, tends somehow to leave the impression that the Irish captured the Point when Marty Maher took up residence and that it continued that way for fifty years. This notion, while slightly misleading so far as the facts are concerned, is not in the least disturbing to the entertainment at hand. For the Irish—at least, the John Ford Irish—are a lively and colorful lot, and they lend a tone of proper feeling to this jocose and sentimental film. From the moment that Marty Maher enters as an Irish lad fresh off the boat, arriving to take a job as waiter in the Academy dining hall, the jokes fly with nimble wit and clarity in a variety of Irish brogues. And the heart strings are tugged on frequent occasions with a fearless lack of restraint. There are others than Mr. Power to do it. Maureen O'Hara as the Irish servant girl whom Marty marries and has as helpmate and companion in his years at West Point contributes a share of golden laughter and gallantly choked-back tears. Donald Crisp as his proud and willful father is amusing and touching, too. Ward Bond as the physical director—the Master of the Sword—is the gruff type of military softie. Even he, though his name is Koehler, speaks with a trace of brogue. And then there are endless files of cadets—Sundstroms and Dotsons and Eisenhowers—to be chewed out, cajoled and deeply cherished by Marty Maher and, in turn, to shower affection on him. If the character that emerges in this picture from a series of human episodes is strongly reminiscent of another "father" to lots of boys, Mr. Chips, that is not to his discredit. Marty Maher was that at West Point—perhaps not so polished and pedantic, but still Mr. Chips with a brogue. And this is the character screenwriter Edward Hope has obviously strived to distill from "Bringing Up the Brass," Nardi R. Campion's biography of the West Point figure. In any event, it is a character that is mawkish at times but always warm, occasionally farcical and ridiculous but always lovable. The talent for giving a mawkish incident a genuine throb is a gift of Mr. Ford. He frequently does it in this picture, which just misses going overboard. He also has set the personal story in the big, warm frame of a West Point that looks beautiful in CinemaScope and color and has the excitement of parading cadets and thumping bands. Duty, pride and honor are the virtues that glow warmly in this film, which might better be titled "The Long Green Line"—especially when the customers start flocking in. THE LONG GRAY LINE, screen play by Edward Hope, based on the biography of Sgt. Marty Maher by Mr. Maher and Nardi R. Campion; directed by John Ford; produced by Robert Arthur for Columbia Pictures. At the Capitol. Marty Maher, Tyrone Power Mary O'Donnell, Maureen O'Hara James Sundstrom Jr., Robert Francis Old Martin, Donald Crisp Capt. Herman J. Koehler, Ward Bond Kitty Carter, Betsy Palmer Charles Dotson, Phil Carey Red Sundstrom, William Leslie Dwight Eisenhower, Harry Carey Jr. Cherub Overton, Patrick Wayne Dinny Maher, Sean McClory Cpl. Rudolph Heinz, Peter Graves Capt. John Pershing, Milburn Stone Mrs. Koehler, Erin O'Brien Moore Mike Shannon, Walter D. Ehlers Major Thomas, Willis Bouchey McDonald, Don Barclay Jim O'Carberry, Martin Millner Whitey Larson, Chuck Courtney A version of this article appears in print on Feb. 10, 1955 of the National edition with the headline: Screen: 'Long Gray Line' Tinted Green; Movie of West Point Honors Irish Hero. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566674064131-V9CIHGV726VB8DGTBQSM/LGL+NYT.png The Long Gray Line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567734773506-BR7F14ZEG62JSAJDDR1Q/LGL+DVD.png The Long Gray Line DVD: The Long Gray Line Actors: Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Robert Francis, Ward Bond Directors: John Ford Producers: Robert Arthur Format: Multiple Formats, Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen Language: English (Unknown) Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Georgian, Chinese, Thai Dubbed: French Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only) Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: NR Not Rated Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (Columbia Pictures) DVD Release Date: January 1, 2002 Run Time: 137 minutes https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/tribute-to-a-badman daily 0.75 2022-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561585716288-CQ72ILDRY0F7UZEDF5NS/BF+Tribute+story+1+%285%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561596954887-T11F1JQAFGQ8PW25HA5H/55+5+or+6+JoEd+Nelson+%28Taylor%29%2C+Tribute+set%2C+beauty+contest%2C+1955.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561597451466-OYZDF6IZEPL62WCI2Q9N/Joed+caption.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561584552412-XI86SMXN7QS4NZAQ7KOH/BF+Tribute+story+1+%284%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561584571043-XC4SFE9TIHLQYR3I5PJ4/BF+Tribute+story+2+%283%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561584574801-PAZ32TQZFHNUSBNSA8GX/BF+Tribute+story+2+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561584573053-V53584CVIU9F3TATP6N7/BF+Tribute+story+3.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622683600-0C59OFVRHVUDX5BLATQY/54-12-29+B+horse+pub+crew+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman Photos (7) of Bob with this Palomino and in this shirt, all dated 12-29-54. Photographer: Arnold Johnson. Photos may have been for a magazine story or Bob may have been improving his riding skills. The cameraman appears to be using a small movie camera. Other men in photograph are unidentified. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562034816736-N6NKCMH4HCJQR62AFQI0/BF+horse+2+12-54.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562034816361-X5HDXFCHSL8RBHYR7RW3/BF+horse+3+12-54.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622704667-14VS494QDLL8ABXVDHM3/54-12-29+B+on+Palomina+close+shot+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562034817009-WJDOYJUA6GUXSDHSL5LC/BF+horse+12-54.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622704481-U2HUY3WK2LEVNP8G5TZ1/54-12-29+B+on+Palomina+long+shot+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622683651-RC2ILYPIW7N2KRO6C9WQ/54-12-29+B+horse+outtake+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman An outtake from the photo shoot. The horse swished its tail in Bob’s face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622705938-Y1SVKG6LL5Z8FPNSWPD7/55+1++B+pose+ranch+fence+53-55.jpg Tribute to a Badman Another shirt, another horse. Photos (2) c. Fall 1954 (based on hair style). (Possibly shot earlier. See The Gallery in They Rode West page. Shirt same as in two photos there.) This one appeared in Movies magazine, April 1955. Photographer unknown. Location: desert or ranch near Los Angeles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622705926-RU7C5YK4RU5HU9QXOI12/55+1+B+on+horse+cactus+54+55.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560796046227-MBW84ORK43A0N602CE38/BF+MOntrose+1.1.jpg Tribute to a Badman Montrose, Colo., postcards. All c. mid-late 1950s. Photographers and printers unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560796071817-MWAA7C2BDLENCPQVKCKK/BF+Montrose+2.2.3.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560797004274-RSBWVCU23ZDRX0SPRBA1/BF+Montrose+3.3+%28002%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561587470186-O8WSVK02AUQFAIW9IEVG/Roberts+brochure+Tribute.png Tribute to a Badman Brochures promoting Ridgway as a location for movies. Note credits. c. 1990s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561602624434-QK8IV0VX9X6KV6BKK32F/BF+Tribute+location.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561412214280-OB4H6UVIGVS4YIT0DEW5/Miller%27s+Mesa+1.jpg Tribute to a Badman Miller’s Mesa (3 photos), primary exterior location for Tribute to a Bad Man. Photographer unknown. Source: Sales brochure for Miller Mesa Ranch, c. 2016 by Lone Eagle Land Brokerage. https://adobeindd.com/view/publications/4c13a329-d210-4f3d-9707-06a15102123e/gd39/publication-web-resources/pdf/Miller_Mesa_Ranch_Flyer_2017.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561412214515-ORCH9V5YSMGEPMN0MNQV/Miller%27s+Mesa+3.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561412214327-SCROPD26Q3MF2NFYBXUF/Miller%27s+Mesa+2.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624894365-SDDTQLKWREG0CQFF2ANO/BF+Lazy+IG+3.jpg Tribute to a Badman Lazy I G Motel, c. 1970s. Note credits on address side of postcard. Housing for “top line” talent and studio executives for Tribute to a Bad Man, including Bob, Spencer Tracy, Irene Papas, Robert Wise, James Merrick, and others. Later: James Cagney and Don Dubbins. Now the Country Lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624948394-70I5XP2MLBWZG73BNM02/BF+Lazy+IG+4.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624870674-3H7MBOVH49RPL9SKVIMG/BF+Lazy+IG+1.jpg Tribute to a Badman Lazy I G Motel brochure, c. 1959. Unknown credits. Owners: Isabel and Jim Beatty. He was one of civic leaders who promoted Montrose for filming and hosted Robert Wise and others during location scouting period in early 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560789927876-GD5T1A25VI62EWD4EJ17/BF+Lazy+IG+2+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560789928113-72UMA6TSAX00FLERENO4/BF+Lazy+IG+2+%283%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565664993705-U3N2PSE46JWFL1CGCTDC/Montrose+5-4-55+C.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Wednesday, May 4, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567653538332-46W622CFZAYY7WHW0E9F/add+locations+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, May 13, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Director Robert Wise re Casting of Robert Francis and James Cagney: “I don’t remember where that came from at all. It was a very important role. I don’t think it was my idea; maybe it came from our casting people. I had seen The Caine Mutiny, so when his name came up, I thought it was a very good idea. I met him and liked him. I was very pleased with working with Bob and the way he handled himself. And his performance — what little chance he had to show there with gruff Tracy being so offish with him…It’s a gene (star quality). You can’t study it. You can’t learn it.” “Oh, I think, Cagney was fine. I don’t know that Gable would have been a little better. When Cagney came on, he was the opposite of Spencer Tracy. He was warm and cooperative. He took Don Dubbins under his arm, his wing, and he was lovely with Irene. He was a man the same age as Tracy. He did not complain. Got on the horse and rode. No complaints. He just did it. After the treatment Bob had gotten from Tracy, it was so interesting to see the difference with Cagney.” Source: Robert Wise, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567653867080-144S6T0MKAKYNCUX0F73/add+loca+5.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, May 13, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567654237232-P7J57G7P062DLD0CWDJ9/name+change+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, May 24, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567654578826-Z5SV48V96CTCNLDF77E1/preps+compl+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Sunday, May 29, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Story is incomplete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567722475458-YR0D69CF3BEX1WQKBO84/June+1+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Wednesday, June 1, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567722889795-IUOYG5LI5WXWR6540TU8/JUne+2+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, June 2, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567723246250-2JOBXLY8LXV63EKPBQED/June+3+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, June 3, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Other sources indicate Tracy paid his first visit to Montrose on Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, 1955. This story may have been created by Metro publicist Jim Merrick to cover Tracy’s failure to report with the rest of the cast and crew at the end of May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567723918030-QJ11SHLIDSJM0CTG9T95/June+5+Surt+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Sunday, June 5, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567724321999-XMTWLM6EFT7NTTJ2WN1T/June+6+Hold+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Monday, June 6, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560625070188-EQXZWP83GQMB0H1SF3FY/BF+postcard+1.jpg Tribute to a Badman Bob arrived in Montrose in late May-early June 1955. Postcard sent to his sister, Lillian Robins, and her husband, Sandy. June 6, 1955. Lillian’s handwriting on photo side, “From Bobby 1955.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1735958866222-Q4871KCBPICQC8QXYCNA/BF%2Bpostcard%2B2.jpg Tribute to a Badman Note credits. Sister Lillian’s handwriting on “G” and “US 50.” Bob references his new apartment and Myrna Dell who might be staying there. Text: “Dear Lillian and Sandy, Everything is fine and the location is wonderful. My address is LAZY I G MOTEL MONTROSE, COLORADO Don’t be frightened if you find Myrna Dell* living in my apartment. Love, Bob” Source: The Robins Family Collection *Myrna Dell (born Marilyn Adele Dunlap, March 5, 1924–Feb. 11, 2011) was an actress, model, and writer who appeared in several television programs and motion pictures over four decades. Although tagged a "B" cheesecake blonde and glamour girl of the 1940s and early 1950s, Dell’s career is much richer than that description, though she did not achieve great fame or fortune. Her website http://myrna_dell.tripod.com/index.html continues and she is easy to find on the Internet. Her daughter, Laura Patterson, is a producer for PieTown Productions (“House Hunters,” etc.) How Dell and Bob knew one another is unknown. They could have met at almost any time between 1949 and 1955 when she was active with television and movies (including “Maverick” with Jack Kelly in 1957). A possible link is through Joe Kirkwood, Jr., who played Joe Palooka in a series of Palooka films, 1946-1951. Myrna Dell was billed in “Joe Palooka in the Squared Circle” (1950). George Meyer, killed in the same plane crash with Bob and Ann Russell, was Kirkwood’s business partner. He had borrowed the Beechcraft Bonanza 35 single-engine airplane from its owner, Kirkwood. Bob’s co-star in The Caine Mutiny, May Wynn, says she introduced Bob to George Meyer (see Biography: Part One….) who may have then introduced him to Kirkwood and Dell. Hollywood was truly a small town in those days. Bob may have asked Dell to stay at his new apartment as a security measure while he was in Colo. shooting Tribute to a Bad Man in June 1955. Below: Myrna Dell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568086084467-68Q05HYEJ4VE9FPRUNTV/Dell+2.png Tribute to a Badman Myrna Dell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1738792021092-8OH6WVKYSR3WK7F9NMS2/BF+Myrna+Dell.PNG Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567729769808-JMG8BEZ6EU0BDUM371BQ/June+8+cams+A+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Wednesday, June 8, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641813545-IVRJ7KC835ONRQJAITTA/55+5+or+6+June+Mihalach%2C+Montrose%2C+CO+TBM+May-June+55.jpg Tribute to a Badman “The high point of his stay was the day he met June Mihelcich.” - See “Bob Francis’ Last Interview,” Modern Screen, Nov. 1955 (below). Photo uncredited and undated, c. June 1955, on Tribute set. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623411086-XXPXL5PTMR38OEMYG1JP/BF+June+2.png Tribute to a Badman June Mihelcich - Photo uncredited and undated, c. 1960s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624451872-OSI1PBNEDBP8J2Z7KD1U/BF+June+1+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman June Mihelcich - Photo uncredited, c. 1972. Handwritten note (in her hand?): “This one is sleepy!” and dated Casper (Wy.), Nov. 22 (1972?). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623412704-L5E0JW2VK94K3UJPODFG/BF+June+3.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624500848-VGD8IDF4WRDXW37VCH5R/BF+June+4+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624658992-DFW8F8IO98GJE7XWRRVF/BF+June+5+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567730215346-BZMURURSJ8JDC31UG4EO/June+10+Horton+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, June 10, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567730511605-OMXQZGGLULMEW9UFRP9F/June+11+Stores+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Saturday, June 11, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567730879941-PVK57AK46OSQ8PHCBHCO/June+11+Carps+A+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Saturday, June 11, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567731206448-DY9PQL8HSXOZUW0BDD5J/June+11+Carps+B+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo. Saturday, June 11, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567732423496-55W340QMLAUQIC18O19H/June+14+Speed+4.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, June 14, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Jim Merrick, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unit publicist for Tribute, probably set up this promotional /publicity/public appearance by Irene Papas and attendance by the cast. Likewise, Bob’s meeting with the Miss Montrose Mile-High Roundup beauty queen contestants probably was set up by Merrick. Did he also play a role in setting up the M-G-M Nights on Mondays for shopping? Probably. Bob refers to the stock car races in “Bob Francis’ last interview,” Modern Screen, Nov. 1955 (below). Merrick and his boss, William Strickling, head of MGM publicity, were masters of getting into print what MGM wanted to be in print — and also were masters of keeping bad news out of print. Merrick revealed some of his stories in the 1970s. Strickling is said to have burned all of his files — good and bad —in a barrel in his backyard a few years before he died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567733793810-HG2U77UR7QL4Y43K8RBA/June+14+actress+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, June 14, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567734343034-IB4AB2TMUP3UR2240TGW/June+14+terms+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, June 14, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Story probably suggested (and written?) by Jim Merrick, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unit publicist for Tribute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567734376467-C9UL9F5K2RCIIWI5SPLU/June+14+terms+B3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, June 14, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567731711578-RWHE5NIKOPIPOOEYWS27/June+19+Tracy+A+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Sunday, June 19, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Tracy first arrived on Friday, June 10, 1955, and visited the Tribute set on Saturday morning, June 11, 1955. He returned to the Lazy IG Motel and then checked out in the afternoon (not Friday evening as in the story) without leaving any information about his plans. He disappeared until Sunday, June 19, 1955. He then worked half-days on Monday-Wednesday, June 20-22, 1955. He was fired from the film on the afternoon of June 22, 1955, but there was no national coverage until June 23 and 24. This story speaks to Tracy’s first disappearance, not his second. Possible that Jim Merrick, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unit publicist provided specifics and worked with editor of Montrose Daily Press to hold this story in hopes Tracy would return. The story ran the day Tracy returned to Montrose, four days before he was fired. (The cover story became his health issues related to the location altitude.) See Chapter 19, Spencer Tracy Tragic Idol by Bill Davidson, New York: E.P. Dutton, published April 18, 1988 (see below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567732042951-FUUW6HT69GWQIZBQELP7/JUne+20+Prod+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Monday, June 20, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567732839219-1U9PYWJ9LKYN7SUAHJAV/June+24+leaving+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, June 24, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562200483089-WWXJFTOYNRYK73QLNU3H/55+5+or+6+JoEd+Nelson+%28Taylor%29%2C+Tribute+set%2C+beauty+contest%2C+1955.jpg Tribute to a Badman Joed Nelson Taylor, Miss Montrose Mile-High Roundup contestant, June 1955. See “The movie that was filmed twice” at top of Gallery. Photo by Justin Studios, Montrose, printed in Montrose Daily Press 1955, 1998, 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562200532381-09G22CEKCOI3HMDJKYAT/Joed+Nelson+obit.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567733112181-XGZP6FQI8BJ329DUYEIR/JUne+28+coast+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, June 28, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. Bob departed from Montrose on Monday, June 27, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567733423851-KHU2TV37NU4US1S61DKI/July+18+Cag+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Monday, July 18, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567774073965-IPBO3GV336JIVP41UGQP/Aug+1+death+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Monday, Aug. 1, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563592010655-DSUFQQWCTJPY4GIUABSM/8-2-55+%282%29.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567774523828-1XP88NNTW1HW32Y2CNUD/Aug+4+personnel+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 4, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567774838029-NIRZCSIGZT8732NBJE85/Aug+11+crews+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 11, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567775110008-76KZWJSM3NI93GRN6LVP/aUG+15+BEGIN+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo,, Monday, Aug. 15, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567775472197-R5D0C2VS1YAO4AK5GH82/Aug+15+brgin+B+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Monday, Aug. 15, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567775782540-01XOTUBTRYZRFP1MDAS9/Aug+17+star+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567776035737-0JCMSXHVGZLQJI50A044/Aug+17+star+B+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567776325299-V53RKYDQRTU8PC7Y82XR/Aug+18+extra+A+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 18, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567776572965-9SPMK0FA5HINXI3JGIVC/Aug+18+troupe+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 18, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567776807059-P0EKF04BGKCGJSBH69DO/Aug+18+troupe+B+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 18, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567777052675-VKKSRZID5OM1MVVWDG3N/Aug+19+here+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Friday, Aug. 19, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567777393927-QFDPZHCQ4VRSCV4OFSJT/Aug+25+man+3.png Tribute to a Badman Montrose Daily Press, Montrose, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 25, 1955. Courtesy of Adult Services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560625268015-F2FO6MTPBKL4MRFB4DER/Modern+Screen%2C+Oct.+55+cover.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567635618134-VH0EYBZMKZVGKL7KEY75/BF+MS+10-55+1.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567635664248-SHTQA7JFKLDJH5EU4I9X/Nov.+55.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623741515-R0FN5LEQ32RSMEXNVF2B/BF+11-55+1modernscreen49unse_1003.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623741620-FKT6NPRHGSSLOFKHV9MT/BF+11-55+2modernscreen49unse_1006.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623767182-RKCAOA7POYGZX2YW131T/BF+11-55+3+modernscreen49unse_1007.jpg Tribute to a Badman No information about this photo available. Perhaps made while Bob was on location in Colorado, June 1955. Other photos, except those of Bob skiing, were published in various movie magazine stories, 1953-1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623767366-ZTU8QFZ5NZXWSINEJ39A/BF+11-55+4+modernscreen49unse_1008.jpg Tribute to a Badman Ski photos, c. Fall/Winter 1954-55. Not found in other publications. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560623768239-GQ85WAOZ9PMD151QAY85/BF+11-55+5modernscreen49unse_1009.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622832842-2HUKLJ9IKG39XUNHMLXA/55+10+MS+6+1.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622865346-CK9MMS8ZQAFMV6T7UFKT/55+10+MS+6+2.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622865219-QUSMYCMJ2NAPZETN5NNB/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+3.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622865962-ZSHEI7EAELBLFPYCO3JT/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+4.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560624819615-2KD4KT5JY9T83AT772M3/BF+Chubby+Johnson.jpg Tribute to a Badman “Bob stuck mostly with character actor Chubby Johnson and publicist Jim Merrick, an Englishman.” See “Bob Francis’ Last Interview,” Modern Screen, Nov. 1955. Johnson appeared mostly in westerns, e.g., Rocky Mountain (1950), Fort Worth (1951), Bend of the River (1952). Unclear if he is in costume for Tribute in this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622865567-CXVOA1KX0SFEYO7A2AUS/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+5.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1560622865788-YDSNZE9P0LDMM4LV97SM/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+6.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058186650-3Y84H9XRVW2YVCBI7HYK/BF+Chipeta+Cafe%2C+Montrose+1939.jpg Tribute to a Badman “You should have seen the eyebrows go up in the Chipita (sic) Cafe that night when I walked in with June.” See “Bob Francis’ Last Interview,” Modern Screen, Nov. 1955 (below). Exterior photograph c. 1939. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139409358-ZUCJFD35CQMAEK8WB4X6/BF+Wise%2C+Robert.jpg Tribute to a Badman Robert Wise (Sept. 10, 1914-Sept. 14, 2005), Director, Tribute to a Bad Man. Photo uncredited and undated, c. 1960s-1970s. A journeyman director of films in many genres. Received Oscars for West Side Story (1961) and The Sound of Music (1964). Notable credits include: Citizen Kane (1941) (editor), The Curse of the Cat People (1944), Blood on the Moon (1948), The Set-Up (1949), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Executive Suite (1954), I Want to Live (1958), The Sand Pebbles (1966). “While waiting for Tracy I had to use my covered set, a Quonset hut that had the bunk house for the ranch. We had quite a number of bunkhouse scenes with the cowboys which was supposed to be a cover set in case of bad weather. I ran out of scenes I could shoot outside with Irene and Bob and the others. I had to go into the Quonset hut set just to keep shooting. “The first thing that happened when he (Tracy) finally arrived [Friday/Saturday, June 10/11, 1955] — I walked over to his room at his motel. I went over to see him. He took me in the bathroom and I knew what it was about. He had a little growth on his cheek. He felt it might be malignant. That is why he felt he had to get it taken care of right away. So it had been removed and he showed a little scar to me and with almost tears in his eyes, he said, ‘Do you think this will be all right? Do you think it will be ok?’ He was such a hypochondriac. And I tried to reassure him as best as I could. I think he got a clean bill of health from the doctor. “My memory is we did not even shoot at all the next day [Saturday, June 11, 1955]. We just had him come up to the location which was another 1,000 feet or so [from the motel]. “He was not happy about it (the location). When we first started talking about this movie, he said, ‘Let’s find a location that’s different — with green meadows and mountains. So I did. I found it up about 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains. We put this marvelous set up there. A real A production, absolutely. [Tracy left Montrose on Saturday afternoon, June 11, 1955, and did not return until Sunday, June 18, 1955, after seeing his doctor.] “The next morning (Monday, June 20, 1955) — I recall he had been through wardrobe in L. A. — he came to the set and walked and walked around and got acclimated a little bit. According to the production sheet, he really only worked an hour or two that day. He always from the beginning was complaining about the altitude. He said, ‘I hope I can get through it.’ “The second day was a late call. I tried to give him every break I could. He came up and we did a few scenes, some with Bob. He was not very nice to Bob at all. He was just rather gruff with him. And, as a matter of fact, he was not very nice to Irene (Papas) either. And he had been rather involved with her casting. We got the scenes, but he was complaining about the altitude. “The third day, all the time complaining about the altitude, Tracy said, ‘I hope to finish and get through the film.’ Taking deep breaths and not being nice to Bob. A ‘I want to get away from the boy’ sort of feeling. I guess Spencer was just unhappy about being up there…we got a Jeep to get up there. It took about 45 minutes from Montrose. “We had a bit of business early that morning when Tracy had to bend over and pick up a horse’s hoof. He did it and came up gasping for breath and said, ‘Bob (Wise), I am never going to do it. I am never going to finish this film. With this altitude I just don’t think I am going to get through it, I tell you.’ “I had been told by Benny Thaw, the man in charge of talent at MGM, who told my agent there had not been a picture that Tracy had not come and said two weeks before the start, ‘You have got to get me out of this. I can’t do it.’ Every picture. But they always managed to mollify him and talk it out. This man who looked like the Rock of Gibraltar on the screen…Brilliant actor. “Griffin, my assistant director, and I looked at each other and said, maybe he cannot do it. We closed everything down and traipsed down the hill with the cast and got into our cars. And we all went to our own rooms. I called the studio and I got Sam Zimbalist. I said, ‘Sam, we might as well face it. We are not going to get this picture done with Spencer. He is complaining about the altitude and shortness of breath. I just don’t feel that we are going to get through; we are just going to go on and on. So, he said, ‘Hang in there. I will call you back in a little bit. I waited an hour or two. Zimbalist called back. He said, ‘OK, he is out of the picture. I will try and get you (Clark) Gable.’ So I went over to see Spence in his room and to break the news to him. Howard Strickland, an old buddy of Spence, happened to be there. When I told Spence it was OK, he did not have to do the movie, he was out of it. You would have thought his world had come to an end; his career was finished; he was done. They (MGM) had never pulled him off before. I think what he thought was we would close the company and go down and find another location at 3,000 feet or whatever. In the meantime, there was another picture he wanted to do, The Mountain. Abroad. He would be able to do that and then come back and pick ours up. So they absolutely surprised the hell out of him. He was absolutely beside himself. His career was over. He would never act again. “As angry as I was, I almost started to feel sorry for him. It was just a dreadful, emotional thing. I guess he left the next day. I don’t think I ever saw him again. “I went back to my place and hung in there. In the mean time, I have a whole company sitting up there on the mountain that can’t work. Costs are going on. It was a terrible situation. So Sam called back and said, we can’t get Gable. He called back in a day or two and said we got Jimmy Cagney, but he can’t do it for a couple of months because he has to finish another picture. All we could do was pack the whole company and everyone up. We left some props. And we waited for Jimmy. “I got a call one day. A terrible thing has happened. Francis was taking flying lessons and he crashed on a take off. “We went back up (to Montrose). I timed it so it was a few weeks before Cagney was coming up. We recast the role with Don Dubbins.” Source: Robert Wise, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561601092979-958UB70LFHE9CXZO34XA/premiere+3.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641735989-QQPA52WSN8GJA4DVK2N2/Tribute+Colorado.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555641724762-H4TW7OWJKK50HY2D5HYT/Tribute+horses.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562084460015-M0LWND6DR7RFLSKXAAWF/Tribute+Variety+1.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562084487547-X2E7XJQBWBD3LW212QF4/Tribute+Variety+2.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567721990749-YQBJJXQ922YEG4Q0OJ98/Triibute+DVD.png Tribute to a Badman DVD of Tribute to a Bad Man Actors: James Cagney, Don Dubbins, Irene Papas, Stephen McNally, Vic Morrow Directors: Robert Wise Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen Language: English Region: All Regions Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: NR Not Rated Studio: WB (originally released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) DVD Release Date: January 19, 2010 Run Time: 95 minutes Below: Montrose Morning Sun, Sept. 16, 1998 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568044121046-XKDH2SRYGI7QKQJEEENZ/Cox+2+%283%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman Filming was scheduled to begin in June, but Tracy did not show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568045276671-M96BM6WJD0YU2KJM8EME/Cox+2+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman Below: Montrose Morning Sun, Sept. 23, 1998 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568047930585-2O21OKKN2ZQBEN4ACPH6/Cox+1+Full+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058210897-0FT35LT7HLZC5UYMATIT/BF+Tracy+Davidson+1.jpg Tribute to a Badman This is copyrighted material. Davidson’s account of the troubles of the June 1955 filming ofTribute to a Bad Man is less than gentle. A more sympathetic to Tracy account is given in the “A Granite-like Wedge of a Man” chapter in Spencer Tracy A Biography by James Curtis (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058246205-E7XX4X1IYWRIB9J6P3BV/BF+Tracy+Davidson+2.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058244906-EIFZH643N5M44YK8J0ZX/BF+Tracy+Davidson+3.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058245367-36USYAMQMOQVGAORY1Y1/BF+Tracy+Davidson+4.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058245843-9KONTME2766ZMH758BPE/BF+Tracy+Davidson+5.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058246402-GW44G4TD05KLS6T0B7UW/BF+Tracy+Davidson+6.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058260373-B1IG6XCI7D8Z971FWP4R/BF+Tracy+Davidson+7.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058247699-35VNER8Z0292KFLEB1DK/BF+Tracy+Davidson+8.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058246879-8BAXSUG07JZGM8FB61NV/BF+Tracy+Davidson+9.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058247362-5900X6F1SFBV1UMH8EB7/BF+Tracy+Davidson+10.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561058248213-3HVMQC1YIVVLDNHC6V6T/BF+Tracy+Davidson+11.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561584515580-HPLURUCKIVWWKPQ009RJ/BF+Tracy+Davidson+12+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139398551-6C5KMBCIYUE1OWKBU85D/BF+Tribute+blog+1+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139397691-3ALY650H186V7PR8U4UA/BF+Tribute+blog+1+%284%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139398094-CWTRW2W100IAM7GJFSCO/BF+Tribute+blog+2+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139399885-IRUCMOE0W4JV628N0UKT/BF+Tribute+blog+2+%283%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139399440-S3SS76U1AMF8LFTDDOVF/BF+Tribute+blog+2+%284%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139399902-IL96XXQ5MVU58EZHSSPC/BF+Tribute+blog+3+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139401051-AAPBQVKZZZ6KEI9SVK9Q/BF+Tribute+blog+3+%284%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139400500-35N9PB399RJ4RWO5UN49/BF+Tribute+blog+3+%285%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139395423-CDY2WTM48L817WXPT8VP/BF+Tribtue+blog+4+%282%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139397243-V3AQC04NVJ4Z1GBXE4CS/BF+Tribtue+blog+4+%284%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1561139395913-KKQ9M5TMAJCDC3PQDT9Z/BF+Tribtue+blog+4+%285%29.jpg Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562278079713-FSUHUDIJIZ4VCNFL5LOZ/Tracy+Bad+Day+5.png Tribute to a Badman Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) was Spencer Tracy’s final film for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His being fired from Tribute to a Bad Man ended a successful 20+ years relationship with the studio. Black Rock is held in high esteem and was a hit at the box office. Tracy received his fourth (of seven) Best Actor Oscar nomination for his work. He was 54 years old when he filmed Black Rock, 55 when he started Tribute and then filmed The Mountain (1956) for Paramount Studios in the fall of 1955. He died in 1967. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562278044323-MWQ8IO9AA9OTDV6AIG5X/Tracy+BAd+Day+2.png Tribute to a Badman Ernest Borgnine, right, moved from supporting roles, often as a threatening villain, in Bad Day at Black Rock (and From Here to Eternity, 1953), to a leading role in Marty (1955) for which he received the Best Actor Oscar. Tracy was a nominee for Black Rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1562278042295-I42GUP8U0EKP2NYR0T5D/Tracy+Bad+Day+4.png Tribute to a Badman Character actor Walter Brennan (left) three-time Supporting Actor Oscar winner for Come and Get It (1936), Kentucky (1938), and The Westerner (1940) — one of only three actors to achieve this distinction. He later appeared in the successful television series, “The Real McCoys.” John Ericson (right), a young contract player at Metro, might have been a possible choice to replace Francis in Tribute, rather than Don Dubbins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566681213513-Y9X3RSRYXS561F5BMOEV/Life+A.png Tribute to a Badman John Ericson and Bob appeared in the May 31, 1954, Life magazine article, “The stronger sex makes strong box office.” Published before release of The Caine Mutiny. See third page below. Photo probably made in Winter/Spring 1954. Bob and Ericson would have met during the photo shoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566681214384-DDQKWPX9FIZZH6OJ6U5U/Life+AA.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566681215221-EHE8GM7FJREEAY6ETPKE/Life+B.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566681215563-UUL9YOURXEXEG2WRO9JE/Life+C.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566681215748-3PC3BDPZ10TXB4XXQTSL/Life+D.png Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1738792099123-ABIADAQ95NDPECU3GNJA/BF+Colorado+area.PNG Tribute to a Badman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662938477403-0X1FXY3Y2PONUZX4X9H8/BF+Tribtue.PNG Tribute to a Badman - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2025-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583700680150-37ZYH2BRJ1DU5HLYM1G2/Francis+Gen+A.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Genealogical Chart: Warnock and Francis Bob Francis’ Family Tree created by DW, 2020. Special thanks to Joan Shurtliff, Seward County Genealogical Society, Seward, Neb. See Sidebars - Galleries and Information pages for a complete genealogical record of Bob’s ancestors, including those in Neb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613336902711-GK6N69WF4JLCSPKAEBR8/censusIreland%252B1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Family of Elizabeth (McCoy) and Thomas Warnock, Bob’s Maternal Grandparents 1901 census records for Corkley (Armahague, Armagh) Ireland Bob’s mother is listed as “Lizzie”; this may have been an error in recording “Lillie” as a diminutive of “Lillian.” Or she may have been named for her mother, Elizabeth, and called “Lizzie” at this time. Root meanings of Elizabeth and Lillian and their diminutives are similar and numerous. The age of Lizzie coincides perfectly with Lillian’s true birth date and age, April 12, 1888. Lillian was one of nine children with three sisters and five brothers. The siblings are listed below in birth order; however, for most only the date of death is known. Annie: Died: Jan. 18, 1930 - She and Lillian went to America when they were teenagers, perhaps at the same time. Annie never came back home. She lived in San Francisco and married James McClure. Lillian Francis Robins, Bob’s sister: “Uncle Jim was a kind, generous, caring man. We met him as children when we went to San Francisco to visit them. Many years later in 1943, [my husband] Sandy was stationed briefly in San Francisco and I again saw Uncle Jim and could introduce him to my husband.” Minnie Rainey: Died: April 2, 1967 - Minnie went out to America and worked as a nurse. When returning home, she was shipwrecked; she was never the same afterwards. Later, she married James Rainey. They went to Airdree in Scotland. James worked in a shipyard or steel works. When James retired, they returned home and lived with Minnie’s sister, Sarah. Sarah: Died: April 1966 - She stayed at home all of her life. “And looked after whoever was there.” Lillian (Lillie): April 12, 1888-Aug. 22, 1981 - See Annie. Thomas: Feb. 25, 1890-Jan. 13, 1967 - Tom and Bob emigrated when young. Both served in the U.S. Army in WW I. Afterwards, Tom got a job and married Lady Esther Parish, London, England. She told Bob’s siblings, Lillian and Bill, her father had been the head gardener for the king and queen and oversaw the London Royal Gardens. He received a document signed by the king and delivered by the Royal Guard. The original is in the Royal Files. Joe: Died: June 18, 1939 - Lillian Francis Robins thinks he was in the U.S. and later in Canada. George: Died: Dec. 18, 1951 - He joined the British Army as a young man and served in India for some years. “Many British soldiers during the long monsoon season took up hand crafts to pass the time. One such was knitting. Uncle George knitted a beautiful blanket in black with a touch of pink which Mother had, as well as a unique black sweater which I wore for many years.” (Lillian Francis Robins) When he came back home, he did some farming. “He took a bad cold” before he died. Robert (Bob): Died: Nov. 15, 1979; wife, Evelyn, Mar. 4, 1989 - See Tom. After coming to America, Bob got a good job and married Evelyn Carolyn. They lived in Detroit, Mich.. William (Willie): Died: March 25, 1975?6? - He went to Canada when he was about 19 or 20 and worked on a ranch. Then, he returned home, married Jeannie?, and started farming. When he retired, they lived at Markethill and then at Hamiltonsbawn. He died of a heart attack. Source: Notes of Muriel Warnock unknown married name, daughter of Willie, c. 1996, and Lillian Francis Robins Lillian wrote about her mother and her family: “Mother was a very precocious little girl with an exceptional memory and in constant mischief as a child. She was about 15 or 16 when her parents sent her to a distant friend in Boston, Mass., for schooling. For several years, she enjoyed her schooling and was apparently well-liked. Summers were spent at a lake resort in N.J. “Minnie had come to the states some years before and was on the stage. She had a beautiful singing voice and appeared in musicals. At this time…singing on the stage was not acceptable. (Annie may have come to the states to encourage Minnie to return home.) “…Mother arrived in Pasadena. She met a Mrs. Chase, a lady Minnie knew when living in Southern California. In later years as a child I recall meeting Mrs. Chase in Hollywood. Minnie spoke affectionately of Mrs. Chase. “…it appears that Annie, Minnie, and Mother were in Pasadena at about the same time. I believe Minnie arrived first. This may have been the reason Mother and Aunt Annie came West. “Aunt Minnie left the states in 1917 to return home and was a passenger on the RMS Lusitania when it was torpedoed by a German submarine and sank off the south coast of Ireland. [RMS Lusitania sank in 1915. If Minnie had been a passenger, she would have left the United States in 1915, not 1917. Or perhaps she was a passenger on another ship that sank in 1917.] This disaster changed her life forever. Her singing voice was affected and she became quite religious. In time her singing voice gradually returned…she went to live in Airdrie, Scotland, and there met her cousin, James (Jemmy) Rainey, whom she married. He was a very nice, quiet man. I met them both in 1966 when Mother and I sailed for Ireland. (Mother had come to the states on the first RMS Mauretania.) [Passenger records (see below) indicate Lillian came to the United States on The Cedric.] Jemmy was the eldest son of Aunt Mary Ann McCoy Rainey, the sister of Elizabeth McCoy Warnock, Mother’s mother. Jemmy worked in the Airdrie shipyards. Eventually, they returned to Armagh, Mother’s home. “Bob’s Grandparents: Elizabeth Annie McCoy (d. 1925? 1929?) and Thomas (Tom) Warnock; they farmed. Tom’s brother, Robert, was a minister, and their parents owned Scotch Mills; they were called The Mill Warnocks.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400580567-16BLB5QD9G5Z69BZFKKJ/BF+Ireland+1901+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Family of Elizabeth and Thomas Warnock Original paper record for 1901 census. The Warnocks were Presbyterians and all had been or were being schooled in reading and writing. Thomas was a farmer. Lillian’s eldest sister, Annie, 17, evidently was no longer a student and was helping her father with the farming. Source: George Warnock, Aug. 1, 2019: Elizabeth (-Feb. 27, 1929) and Thomas Warnock (-Mar. 1, 1930) are buried at Tullyvallen Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Also buried there are Thomas’ siblings: Joseph, George, and Sarah. Lillian’s paternal grandparents, Thomas and Anne Jane Clarke, are also buried there. Tullyvallen was the site of a 1975 massacre. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tullyvallen_massacre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567006154364-AA5RICQZ5IREKK0EUNJY/Lillian+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Documentation for Bob’s mother’s arrival in America, Aug. 14, 1904. She was 16 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400712550-JJVYV5Z769CKMHQ1JXKL/BF+Warnock+Will.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Warnock Genealogical Research by Sean T. Traynor This document cites a Thomas Warnock as the guardian of Mollie Stewart, the author’s mother. The date of death of this Thomas Warnock is 1951 which does not connect with Lillian’s father, Thomas (c. 1860-1930), but could be correct for her brother, Thomas, 10 years of age at the time of the 1901 census; he died Jan. 13, 1967, in Altadena, Calif., near Pasadena. However, this article says the Thomas involved in the guardianship of the author’s mother is the son of Mary Ann McKee and Joseph Warnock. The same or another Joseph Warnock could have been Lillian’s brother, aged nine at the 1901 census. (Lillian’s brother Joseph evidently was not alive at the time of Thomas Warnock’s death in 1967; he is not listed among the survivors.) Some of the author’s research was in County Armagh where Lillian’s family lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400714623-P3CKU35DU7IZSRDV1P00/BF+Warnock+will+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400491117-OQ1R2Y25CVYRRBMOQEAR/BF+GGGG+Grandparents+graves.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, 38130 N. Fork Road, North Fork, Loudoun County, Va. 20132 USA, is the burial place of Bob’s great-great-great paternal grandparents, Enoch William Francis (1766, Chester, Penn.-1839) and Ann Dulin Francis (1779, Loudoun, Va.-1847). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400491660-EC4P1XNDLHE6FG3J2829/BF+GGGG+Grandpatents+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, North Fork, Va. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400410356-0OECDCLI11IQSJGC98TQ/BF+elizabethsnapp+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Elizabeth Snapp Crawford Hand (who lived in Neb.) was Bob’s great-great-great grandmother on the paternal side. She was a great-great grandmother to Bob’s father, James William Francis, and a great-grandmother to Charles Howe Francis, father of James William Francis. Her husband was Moses T. Hand (11/4/1801-2/18/1888). His memorial program includes two stanzas of the hymn “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” which was sung at Bob’s funeral in 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1574386406281-CENHVL3XAUYZECJVRZWK/BF+Hand+.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1574386406051-9YDRITLCEOC38T8XXD4G/BF+Hand+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1574386408728-S44TNW0DYWI3LUPYOUXA/BF+HAnd+3.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564973046415-YRY2DAQVG0Z3PVGQA5PI/BF+Francis%2C+Elizabeth+Ankrom.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Elizabeth Ankrom Francis (1830, Va.-1890, Seward, Neb.) was Bob’s great grandmother, the mother of Charles Howe Francis, the grandmother of James William Francis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564973060186-ELQ5IIL23NWRK3UXD91A/BF+Francis%2C+James+Franklin.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 James Franklin Francis (Aug. 7, 1830, Loudoun County, Va.-June 28, 1883, Seward, Neb.) was Bob’s great-grandfather, the father of Charles Howe Francis, and the grandfather of James William Francis. Wife: Elizabeth Howard Ackrom Francis, 1831-1890. His parents were Elvira Amanda Norton (Nov. 2, 1806-Feb. 16, 1861) and Lewis H. Francis (1802-June 14, 1839). The information from Find A Grave does not list Charles Howe Francis as one of James Franklin Francis’ children. Assumption: Charles Howe is the fourth child referenced, but not listed. https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567519118707-AOSVAUFYS7QTD20H0VW1/James+F.+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567519118807-459MBN1JS962EA8DPZZ1/James+F.+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400515148-RWVPQB1J53JJZLRZ4386/BF+grands+Charles+Howe+Francis%2C+Mary+Silver+Francis+Travis.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Mary Jane Silver (June 27, 1875, Tamora, Neb.-Dec. 23, 1958, Pasadena, Calif.) and Charles Howe Francis (April 1872, Ill.-Aug. 3, 1939, Pasadena, Calif.) were Bob’s grandparents and the parents of his father, James William Francis, and his aunt, Dora May Francis. Bob was named for his grandfather, Charles Howe Francis; Bob did not like his middle name “Charles.” See Sidebar Gallery for additional information about the Silver family and other Neb. relatives. Mary Jane’s parents were Anna C, Botts (1854-1924) and John C. Silver (1854-1913). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566847562201-J897XKCTX7X4QP0LQWWK/CH+Francis.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565055695172-IL6CZVJGP8QMJRVGC41N/Tamora%2C+Neb..jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Parents of Mary Jane Silver Francis, wife of Charles Howe Francis, are buried in Tamora, Neb.: Johana (Anna) Cinderella Botts (April 8, 1854, Ind.-June 18, 1924, Seward, Neb.) and John Crawford Silver (April 14, 1854, Ill.-Aug. 19, 1913, Neb.). Bob’s great grandparents (paternal). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563415891882-P2C6W6QNF7S3B8TWFPIR/BF+grands+%282%29.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's Paternal Grandparents: Mary Jane Silver and Charles Howe Francis “Our Francis grandparents never discussed their families. They were kind but always very remote. Grandpa and Nana had two children, Aunt Dora and my dad, Jim. They moved from Des Moines, Iowa, to Pasadena. Nana was a nurse and many years later when I was in nurse’s training a doctor I worked with said she was an ‘exceptionally fine nurse.’ “As children we never saw them often. Grandpa had a younger brother who with Grandpa’s support became a doctor. We saw him and his wife once in Pasadena. They lived in Neb. and had one son who also became a doctor. [See Sidebars for information about these Neb. relatives.] Nana never spoke of her family.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, notes, c. 2006. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400741563-RRHG22AFD8D14AS216EN/BT+father%27s+birth.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Birth certificate for Bob’s father, James (Jim) William Francis (Dec. 4, 1893, Seward, Neb.-Nov. 13, 1978, Pasadena, Calif.). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566847597470-VZT5UH3ZP4HJY5TV8HWM/Dora.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://www.findagrave.com/ Lillian Warnock worked in the telephone office in Pasadena. There she met Dora May Francis who introduced her to her brother, William James Francis, who would become her husband, July 31, 1914. Her sisters, Annie and Minnie, were at the wedding. “Mother sent her wedding dress to Aunt Sarah.” For the next five years or so, Lillian and Jim did a great deal of camping in the mountains around Pasadena and were members of the local gun club. “Mother used a 30/30 rifle and was a crack shot. Dad had various guns and was also an expert marksman. He made their bullets and never gave up his love of shooting. At 86 he could hit the target dead center. “For a number of years many of their local trips seem to include Dad’s parents [Mary Jane and Charles Francis] and his sister Dora. They went to Jackson Hole where Dad worked on a ranch and Mom and Dad finally had a honeymoon alone. They were a happy couple and truly enjoyed their life as early photos showed. “The next chapter in their lives involved the advent of three children. They were always caring and loving parents, the very best.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. “Dad and Mother honeymooned in Jackson Hole. It was in 1914. There’s a picture of them in the Model T. They got it and drove to Salt Lake City. They were going across the Mojave Desert when roads were wooden planks. Then they took a train to Jackson Hole and Dad worked on an elk ranch for three months. Then back to Salt Lake City and home again in the car.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. [Lillian and Bill differ on when their parents had a honeymoon and went to Jackson Hole. Her account indicates c. 1918, his indicates 1914 shortly after they married.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566934694790-8D1P0HGLTG4NT1BOVWZP/Blake.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563415775566-6BS3PQHUO2QUDZ28AE1Y/BF+aunt+Blake_Lewis_Dora+%283%29.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://www.findagrave.com/ Bob’s Aunt Dora married Lewis Garner Blake (1885-1944) April 2, 1921. She was born Aug. 9, 1895, and died Jan. 9, 1975. They had no children. She was the sister of James William Francis, Bob’s father. She is buried at Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum, Altadena, Calif., (Meadows East - Lot 3367, Grave 2) where her parents are buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009685446-1IW1XDR39DR6DZT1V6LZ/BF+1910+census+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 U.S. Census 1910, Pasadena Township, Calif. Bob’s paternal grandparents, Mary Jane Silver, 34, and Charles Howe Francis, 36; his father, James William (Jim), 16 (born Dec. 4, 1893), and his aunt, Dora May, 14. Listed on lines 63-66. Charles born in Ill.; Jim and Dora born in Neb. Charles had his own shoe repair shop; Jim was a factory laborer (name of factory unclear). Charles, 1872-1939, died when Bob was nine. Mary, 1875-1958, died three years after Bob. Dora, 1895-1975, married Lewis G. Blake, 1885-1944. No children. Most of the people listed here evidently lived on Cypress Avenue in Pasadena. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400891011-DJYGNP0OFP3KQWVO8RBI/Francis%2C+Norman+Lewis.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Norton Lewis Francis (July 4, 1853, Oquawka, Ill.-Sept. 9, 1924? or June 1922?, Pasadena, Calif.) was the brother of Bob’s grandfather, Charles Howe Francis. Thus, he was an uncle to Bob’s father, James William Francis, and a great-uncle to Bob and his siblings. His father James and his mother Elizabeth were both 22 when he was born. He married Luna C. Purcell and fathered a daughter. He then married Ora ? in 1894. He became a doctor and lived in Wichita, Kan. See birth certificate for James William Francis, Bob’s father. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065955848-VDPCI09IVO35G0QFCBVV/PCC+2002.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Information about Pasadena, Calif., from Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. This publication provides historical information about the college and the city in which it resides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566155322808-2XX0JIQF3HPKFILUHYKF/PCC+2002+A+%283%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017676014-JNN1HMVBTJV3IB5QO386/RF+1920+census.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 U.S. Census 1920, Pasadena Township, Los Angeles, Calif. Bob’s grandfather Charles, 47, continues as a shoemaker. He, Mary, 44, and Dora, 24, now a telephone operator, live at the same address. Jim, Bob’s father, has by now married Lillian Frances Warnock (July 31, 1914) and established his own home and is the father of a daughter, Lillian Jean, June 3, 1919-Sept. 19, 2018. Their son, James William Francis, Jr., was born Oct. 6, 1920, died Nov. 15, 2010. “Lillian June Francis (the June was changed to Jean) was born June 3, 1919. All three births were very difficult for Mother and her life was precarious on two occasions. I apparently was not expected to survive…Grandmother Francis (Nana) was a nurse so she was a big help. Bill made his debut Oct. 6, 1920. “As babies Dad and Mom took us camping and Sundays were spent at Santa Monica Beach. Dad put up the tepee-type tent where we could nap. We loved playing in the surf, building sand castles, and walks along the beach…in those early years (the beach) was quite deserted. On many occasions Uncle Tommy came with us. Happy years. He was a wonderful, fun uncle.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, notes, c. 2006 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065949853-TL41KHO3KWYHKNPDVPIP/PCC+1920s.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009989297-OP0VV0KIPH02Q0AQSGQ7/BF+birth+certificate.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - Robert Charles Francis born Feb. 26, 1930 When Bob was born, his parents and siblings, Lillian and Bill, lived at 220 E. Kenneth Road, Glendale, Calif., not far from their relatives in Pasadena. Bob’s mother’s age is listed as 34 which is incorrect. She was born April 12, 1888, making her five years older than her husband. She hid her real birth date from her children for many years. Her birthplace is listed as Mass., but she was born in Ireland. Her father was from England and her mother was from Scotland. Based on comments from her daughter, the pregnancy and birth were difficult. She was almost 42 years of age and Bob was most likely a surprise baby. Daughter Lillian recalled her mother’s postpartum health issues keeping her in bed and weak for some time; she may have suffered postpartum depression. Lillian, almost 11, helped her mother with Bob a good deal; in some ways, she was not just a big sister, but also a mother and Bob’s first friend. “We have some old things like marriage certificates. I will have to find them, but she (Lillian Warnock Francis) has changed the date. It was very obvious to look at it. Later, after having lived with this deception for so many years, it caught up with her on Social Security. That put her in a decline. She was never the same after that. It was because she washed her mind of it. She made herself that age.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010134298-8SMVE4K5W8EQENRER285/BF+census+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 U.S. Census 1930, Pasadena, Calif.. Jim, now 34 (35 on Bob’s birth certificate), is an electrical engineer. Bob is 6 months old, his sister is 10, and his brother is 9. His mother’s age is listed as 34 (36 on Bob’s birth certificate); neither is correct, nor is her listed birthplace. She was born April 12, 1888, and was 41 when Bob was born. Bob’s father worked at the Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale, Los Angeles’ main airport in the 1920s. Today the airport is part of the Disney Grand Central Creative Campus, which includes Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Interactive, among other divisions — and has been restored to capture Architect Henry L. Gogerty’s original design for the airport and control tower. He combined Spanish Colonial Revival with Art Deco and Streamline Moderne influences. Bob’s plane crash occurred at the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank. That airport which opened on Memorial Day weekend, 1930, has had several names over the years: United Airport (1930–1934), Union Air Terminal (1934–1940), Lockheed Air Terminal (1940–1967), Hollywood-Burbank Airport (1967–1978), Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (1978–2003), Bob Hope Airport (since 2003 as the legal name), and in 2017 was rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport due to the lack of recognition of Bob Hope Airport's geographic region. “Dad had a job at Grand Central Air Terminal. [c. 1929-1930] They finished that and he went over to Lockheed Air Terminal which became United Air Terminal. It was almost a year that we lived in a motel. “I can remember the night we moved back to Pasadena. Bob cried. Mother could not figure out what was the matter with him. I will never forget that screaming and hollering.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400186483-LNYXGD45D9EH3NYO9VY0/BF+220+S.+Kenneth+Road%2C+Burbank.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's first home Above and Below: 220 S. Kenneth Road, Burbank, Calif. Two photos c. 2012. “We lived in Burbank a year and Dad was an electrician working in L.A. until 1929. Then he got a job at Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale. Then, when that was finished, he went over to United Air Terminal in Burbank in 1930. “They built the house (at 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. in Pasadena), then they rented it. We lived up on Casita St. I went to kindergarten there [c. 1925], then we moved to another house they bought prior to the Depression and we lived in a small house. I went to elementary school at Willard for the second, third, and fourth grades. “We moved back there (212) in the summer of 1930, so Bob was just an infant, two or three months old. He cried all the way.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. [Bill’s information about where the family lived in the 1920s and when they moved from one house to another is somewhat different from his sister Lillian’s recollections. Also, Bill says the move to 212 was in 1930; Lillian says the move was c. 1933.] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400185439-7GYXNYZP45W0UVZW1ZAU/BF+220+S.+Kenneth+Road%2C+Burbank+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194356770-92VNH8QMQRAKXFJO6IPW/54+7+p3+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+3+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065958018-EO4BPTRC524MVD4AOIH4/PCC+1930s.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416597062-2IRWT5I83X61RXQXCY3O/Bill+Fran+Daddy+Long+Legs+2.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Lillian Jean Francis (Robins) and James William Francis, Jr. Bob and his siblings were active at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena. Lillian and Bill participated in various theatrical activities sponsored by the church. Their father, Jim, was the leader of the Boy Scouts troop at the church. Bill and Bob were both Scouts. Bob did not participate in any dramatic activities until he began working with Botomi Schneider (and her husband Benno) in 1949-1950. Lillian’s husband, Alexander (Sandy) Robins, called her “Fran” after their marriage to distinguish her from her mother, Lillian. Newspaper clippings may be from the Pasadena Star-News. The Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567998833529-I6BUO2E9HNV1I9YV4C2O/Bap+PAs+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob’s father, Jim, joined First Baptist Church on June 24, 1925. He was a member at the time of his death Nov. 13, 1978. Many years later, someone who remembered Jim at the church said, “It was his fierce handshake. You had to be very careful shaking hands with Jim Francis or you would find yourself going to the doctor the next day.” “Dad never smoked, never swore, never took a drink. He was a deacon at the Baptist Church. “I was still going to the Boy Scout meetings when I was seventeen.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. “I don’t think Bob was subjected to as much of that as Bill was. He didn’t have to go to the First Baptist Church all the time or anything. It was kind of different.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416596360-FLVYWRFYLPS7U0P06MK9/Bill+Fran+Daddy+Long+Legs+1.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Date of production, c. early 1930s Lillian looks to be about 12 and Billy (Bill) looks to be about 11. They were born 16 months apart in 1919 and 1920. Lillian, June 3, 1919-Sept. 19, 2018; Bill, Oct. 6, 1920-Nov. 15, 2008. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416557277-QNXK4YPCOZEUMTPKBCH5/Bill+Fran+DAddy+Long+Legs+3.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565122349327-PVYQZ6SX5K9Q0AZWNZ0D/54+7+p4+A+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010689946-BMN7CJJ7ZZEGYMBY3SZG/BF+house+3.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Where Bob grew up: 212 Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena, Calif. Bob, his parents, and his siblings lived here from early 1930s. Bob lived here until a few months before his death when he leased an apartment in West Hollywood. The house was sold in the 1980s, after his mother’s death. This and two additional photos, c. 2017. The side street is East Del Mar Blvd. The street was widened after the Francis family lived there; earlier, there was more of a side yard on the Del Mar side. In an interview with Bob’s brother in 1991, Bill said his father built the house on S. Grand Oaks Ave. in 1919, but lived in a house farther east in Pasadena until losing his job in the early years of the Depression. They needed to move and then occupied 212. “While Bill and I were small we lived on the corner of Grand Oaks and Blanche (now Del Mar) with orange groves all around. Bill and I used to wander through the orchards and I don’t know how many little white hats we buried — that Mom wanted us to wear to protect our faces. (She was wise beyond her years.) We never remembered where we buried the hats. “Dad and Mom owned another home in East Pasadena and in the next few years as the Depression took effect we moved from the Grand Oaks house to the smaller house on Alameda St. [Note Lillian’s narrative differs from Bill’s re the houses they lived in during this time period.] “This Alameda St. house was in a fairly new area with vineyards nearby and a wonderful wild area with cliffs that Bill and I played on. We weren’t supposed to be there, but Mom always knew because our clothes smelled of sage brush. “Times were tight and Mom had a part time job as assistant manager of a furniture store on Fair Oaks. Dad was a very fine electrician and in that era you went where there was work. [The memories of the Alameda St. house seem more appropriate to the 1920s rather than in the Depression years in the 1930s. The narrative thread in other accounts indicates a move from Glendale to 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. c. 1933 when Bob was about three-years old. Bill thinks they moved in 1930 when Bob was a few months old.] “Mom was a wonderful gardener and she kept a beautiful yard complete with a fish pond, small trees and flowers. I remember from the nearby vineyard, we got the large juicy purple grapes and Mother made grape juice. One batch became quite potent and Bill and I sat on the back step and giggled a lot. “We moved from this house (on Alameda St.) to a house in the west end of Pasadena and near our school. At this time Dad had to have a mastoid operation which probably affected his hearing in later life. “One night a huge warehouse about a mile from our house burned and it made everything bright red. Flames shooting high, sirens screaming - it was a scary, impressive sight. “Dad’s work took us to Burbank where he worked at the building of the new Burbank airport where 26 years later Bob’s plane would crash. [This is c. 1929-1930 before Bob’s birth.] On Sundays we would leave Mother in the waiting room to ‘people watch’ while Dad took us to the hangers to see the planes closeup. [This would have been post-1930.] My dream of piloting a plane became a reality during the WWII years when Sandy was stationed in Jacksonville, Fla. “During this Burbank time we made a trip to San Francisco to visit Aunt Annie and meet Uncle Jim (McClure). We drove up and at one point Dad needed to sleep so we pulled off the road and parked. Suddenly, a bright light lit up all around us and a train thundered by. We had parked only yards from the tracks. It was a real WOW experience. “On this visit Aunt Annie and Mom received a telegram telling them their mother had died in Armagh [this would place her death in 1929, not 1925]. They were devastated. Dad took Bill and me out for a ferry boat ride, so they could be alone. It was a shock for them and, as I recall hearing at a later date, their father had died only a year or so later. [He died in 1930.] “While in Burbank Mom became pregnant with Bobby. She was terribly ill all the time and then she received news that Aunt Annie was very ill in the hospital. We again took off for San Francisco. It was freezing cold. We only felt warm when we could see the smudge pots burning under the miles and miles of orange trees to keep the trees from freezing. Aunt Annie died some months before Bobby was born. A very difficult time for all as Mom almost died. A few months later we moved back to our original home in Pasadena [this places the move in 1930, not 1933]. “Our schooling for the most part was in Pasadena from kindergarten through high school. Our school was near our house. I remember playing baseball there. Dad was the manager of a baseball team and on Sundays we would go to Brookside Park where the Rose Bowl now stands and watch the games. Dad was really into baseball all his life.” Sources: Bill Francis, interview, 1991. Lillian Francis Robins, notes, c. 2006 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010690339-9UH7QUNK9QZQOQIMGFW5/BF+house+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400637742-RYZRZ40CQ19V8W1L9LT9/BF+map+og+addresses.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400040987-RLJHANA24MS98F28GXEC/Addresses+1940.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's World, 1930-1949 Addresses based on 1940 U.S. Census. The map is c. 2019. Before 1940 there were no freeways*. Pasadena was a “small town” in the San Gabriel Valley, about 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The population between 1930 and 1950 grew from about 75,000 people to a little more than 100,000. Members of the Francis and Warnock families lived relatively close to 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. The reference to Audrey Pearl Schneider and her children will be explored later in this Biography section. *The Arroyo Seco Parkway, also known as the Pasadena Freeway, is the first freeway to be built in the United States. It connects Los Angeles with Pasadena alongside the Arroyo Seco seasonal river. It is notable not only for being the first, mostly opened in 1940, but for representing the transitional phase between early parkways and modern freeways...it now carries the designation State Route 110, not historic U.S. Route 66. - https://www.wikipedia.org/ (In recent years its original name, Arroyo Seco Parkway, has been reclaimed.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400325031-D3D0Y0YME2LV1S98P95T/BF+Census+1940.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 U.S. Census 1940, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Calif. Bob was 10, brother Bill was 19, sister Lillian was 20. Mother Lillian’s age is incorrect; she turned 52 in 1940. By this time Bob’s father had started a long career as a mailman in an area not far from Pasadena, San Marino, Calif., for the U.S. Postal Service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400297084-FWNDJ1YUIH8W9PGOR5WP/BF+Census+1940+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400297241-LXK5MR58BLXNPSYMFKJA/BF+Census+1940+3.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566073414097-17SH26VBHO5WIC6XHTFK/54+5+Glendale+1+%284%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “Glendale Lad Makes Good Hard-Headed ‘Cinderella' Boy’’ by Terry Shannon, The Southern California Forum, Friday, May 21, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076321868-N4BW788XIQ7Q0JQ5YTNM/HAmilton.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - Hamilton Elementary School, c. 2019 Bob attended 1-6 grades here (c. 1936-1942), just a few blocks west of 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. on Del Mar Blvd. and Craig. His sister Lillian’s memories: “There was a house across the street from the school where there were two goats. Bill and I thought they ate cans. We didn’t feed them, but we got to pet them. “I remember the principal was Mr. Hall and my sixth grade teacher was Miss Toy…the next school I would be going to would be John Marshall Junior High School up on Allen Ave. Bill was still in grammar school, about a year behind me. ..The principal was very old to my very young eyes and his dentures clicked as he talked. One of my teachers here remembered having Dad as a student. Classes then were fantastic (I realize now): history, civics, a planned gym curriculum, math, geography, etc. My school years were really learning ones and as I always planned to be a doctor — changed to being a nurse — my program was laid out for me. “Dad and Aunt Dora went to Pasadena High School which became Pasadena City College. We went to Pasadena City College for the eleventh and twelfth grades, and then two years of college for the thirteenth and fourteenth years. “Graduation from junior high was in the Rose Bowl. The Bulldog Band played and students from all four junior highs participated. “We were growing up into a new way of life. Wonderful, wonderful years…WW II changed our lives.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, notes, c. 2006 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076317699-6H42SALOHZA6SV947L6B/Hamilton+map.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob was educated in the years when Pasadena used the 6-4-4 structure for its educational programs: 1-6 grades/elementary, 7-10 grades, junior high school; 11 and 12 grades, high school; 13 and 14 grades, junior college (=freshman/sophomore years) before attending four-year institutions for junior and senior years. Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065915873-0N9GTC15CPJDQ3NWJACT/6-4-4+A.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065911585-Q6X1UY7LXTIBK98GKRUQ/6-4-4+B.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065912780-B0ERAG6H54KDHYMMZVTM/6-4-4+C.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076374968-XWAT4PNGO2UN3CCZSSU4/Wilson.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - Wilson Middle School/Junior High, c. 2016 Bob attended Wilson for grades 7-10 (c. 1942-1946). It was several blocks east of 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave., one block off Del Mar Blvd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076370908-LIGWXZF1Z3PBMFK5PW7N/Wilson+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - Wilson Middle School/Junior High School, c. 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076369497-F8KOYLHB104MR02EIEY7/Wilson+map.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565386184469-NZWPTJ22H64CEDYWU8KX/54+5+Glendale+1+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “Glendale Lad Makes Good Hard-Headed ‘Cinderella' Boy’’ by Terry Shannon, The Southern California Forum, Friday, May 21, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416618277-57VVE5TSN690BZTBGJTH/BF+Scout+c+1942.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Early 1940s Probably a “gag” photo made by Bob’s father or his brother, Bill. Bob seems to be contemplating chopping down this large tree with his axe while on a camping trip. Location: Perhaps San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena. The Robins Family Collection. Sister Lillian recalls having family breakfasts at Oak Grove Park near the Jet Propulsion Lab*. Her father made pancakes and taught her how to flip them over. “I put mine on a tree limb. The birds enjoyed it.” *”JPL's beginnings can be traced to the mid-1930s, when a few Caltech students and amateur rocket enthusiasts started tinkering with rockets. After an unintended explosion occurred on campus, the group and its experiments relocated to an isolated area next to the San Gabriel Mountains, the present-day site of JPL. In the following decade, as an anxious country sought to respond to the menacing challenge of German V-2 rockets, the fledgling Jet Propulsion Laboratory (officially named in 1944, some 14 years before NASA was formed) was sponsored by the U.S. Army to develop rocket technology and the Corporal and Sergeant missile systems.” https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about/history.php Bob’s girlfriend, Dot Ross, worked at JPL, c. 1953. When he called to tell her he needed to go to Columbia to talk with Stanley Kramer about The Caine Mutiny, she left work and drove him to Hollywood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565895704210-WF0RO43KTEUQEDTF0EGU/puppy.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Late 1930s/Early 1940s Bob’s family had several dogs, often collies, over the years. Most of them were named “Chummy.” His sister, Lillian, also had one or more dogs with this name. Perhaps named “Chum” which became “Chummy.” The Robins Family Collection. “We used to go to the movies almost every Saturday in Pasadena and walked there. It was almost four miles from home. We went to the Colorado Theater at Colorado and Lake. On the first round of movies Bobby was very alert and would ask questions and on the second round he went to sleep. “Bobby was artistic. In the summer in Pasadena they would have programs led by a teacher who was very good in crafts. Bobby was very good in drawing. I don’t mean like in ‘art,’ but if he wanted you to understand something, he could sketch it out so you would understand what he was talking about. He was very quiet but real good company.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566055212249-T8FS6TQAMVUR413MPCWB/Bob+12.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 c. 1940 Note Bob’s longer hair with natural wave. The Robins Family Collection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065974413-VTOWL39QJ6X6XI0ZX238/PCC+WWII.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. Bob’s sister Lillian remembers: “During my years at Pasadena City College, the newspapers, radios, and the news reels at movie theaters followed Hitler’s murderous take over of countries and his insane desire to destroy the Jewish race. Time and again, we would say, Why doesn’t France or England do something? Then when something was being done, Hitler had already conquered a good part of Europe. “In Pasadena the Santa Anita Racetrack became an Army camp, a place where tanks roared up and down in practice maneuvers. Once when a tank was moving down Colorado St. in Pasadena, it went briefly out of control and squished several cars. No more tanks on main streets. “In those days the area around the race track was all orange orchards and no freeways. I was in nurse’s training at Huntington Memorial Hospital. I vividly recall when the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor came on the news. I was working in Central Supply as part of my training and at that moment my life changed in many ways. Students were asked to act as hostesses at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Athletic Club, and the Methodist Church on Friday and Saturday nights. At the auditorium, those were dance nights complete with chaperones. The soldiers could come to dance, sit and talk and be away from the bases. Bands such as Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, and Phil Harris appeared. On those occasions I listened to many soldiers talk of their families, looked at reams of pictures, and realized how lonely these young men had become so far from their homes and families. We were all so young and had no idea of the disasters of the war there were yet to come in the South Pacific and in Europe. “Several of our doctors and nurses left for the war areas as surgical team members, Student nurses continued our training and thought about our futures. Several of us aimed for the Navy; quite a number aimed for the Army. As we finished the few months left in our training, many times our thoughts were on the soldiers we had met and could only pray they would come home. We continued our times at the different entertainment areas. To this day I can remember many faces of the boys I met. “This was a time of gas and sugar rationing, re-tread tires and blackouts at night. Block watchers checked that all windows were dark. All this kept us well aware we were at war. ”At this time internment camps were set up for any one of Oriental heritage. One of my classmates, a lovely Korean girl, and her family were shipped off to one of these camps. These were bad times for these people, many had been born here and were citizens. Fear does many things to people; many lives were dreadfully disrupted.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, notes, c. 2006 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566055588001-JHIC7J5QWU5WPZ1R04HW/SKi+c44.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Early 1940s Bob’s brother Bill taught him how to ski when Bob was about 11 (1941). Here he is with older sister, Lillian. Location: Perhaps Mount Baldy, formerly Camp Baynham and Camp Baldy, an unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Mountains, in San Bernardino County near the eastern border of Los Angeles County, in Southern California. The Robins Family Collection. (No photos of Bob skiing when he was actively pursuing an Olympics berth seem to have survived.) Lillian, Bob's sister, received her nursing degree from Pasadena Junior College in 1943. Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065975960-7K6WPNDSYMYG43UEI0Q2/PCC+Nursing.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416722350-3UPDP9JFG0ZVEUBT3QAO/Apartment+BF%2C+FRan+55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob with sister, Lillian, c. 1955 Photo taken in Spring 1955 as part of a “Bob’s new apartment” photo story, e.g., Bob’s sister teaches him how to make his own coffee. Evidently, she came by his apartment on her way to or from her nursing job and found him doing a photo shoot. Perhaps one of the last photos of the two siblings made before his death. Never published as far as is known. The Robins Family Collection. Lillian recalls Bob driving his red Lincoln up to China Lake where her husband Sandy was stationed at the Naval Ordnance Test Station, c. 1952-1953. Their second son, Steve, was born there in 1951. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567985497205-25GYRLXD0LQCGGO4573A/smog.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Wired, July 26, 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563415966081-ZHJTYCBNRBA7GV454WJF/EF+Fran+and+Sandy+marriage+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Certificate of Marriage for Lillian Francis and Alexander Robins Lillian and Sandy married Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1943. Because of Sandy’s Navy obligations, they married about a month earlier than they had planned, more or less swapping wedding dates with Lillian’s brother Bill and his bride-to-be Betty Jeans Gross. Betty was a witness for Lillian and Sandy. They were married at the First Baptist Church where David J. Evans was the minister. Bob was 13 at the time of both marriages. “I still have my wedding dress. The way things turned out, Sandy’s father was the best man, and one of the medical students and Bill were ushers. We had to change our plans suddenly with Sandy going overseas.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416355299-XK3YI5MI7FUTDB09P8VX/Robins%2C+Sandy.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Alexander (Sandy) Robins, Lillian's husband https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416030807-FIP9WY6OALI6N2ZBPUXT/RF+Bill+%26+Betty+marriage+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Certificate of Marriage for James William (Bill) Francis, Jr., and Betty Jeans Gross Betty and Bill married on Friday, Nov. 19, 1943. Betty had had a brief earlier marriage to a man named Gross and had a son, Brian, by that marriage. Jeans was her maiden name. Because of that earlier marriage, they could not marry in the First Baptist Church. They were wed at a chapel in Pasadena by John Cobb Worley, a minister of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Howard W. Christopher witnessed the marriage; he was perhaps a friend of Bill’s. Bill adopted Brian, Betty’s son. He became Brian Stanley Francis (Jan. 31, 1941-June. 10, 2012). At the time of his death, he lived in Williams, Ariz. His obituary lists Janet Gatzke as a sister who survives him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416554938-PUHBWIBFGY51D11IFS9W/Bill%2C+Betty+wed+11-43.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Betty and Bill Francis, Nov. 19, 1943 The Robins Family Collection “Our weddings were supposed to be the other way around [Betty and Bill to marry in Oct. 1943; Lillian and Sandy to marry in Nov. 1943.]. But Sandy had to leave and I had the mumps, so it would have been a mess. When Lillian got married, the swelling was barely going down on my face.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. Betty: “My maiden name is Jeans. My Dad said it was Jean and he added the S due to many people asking about the name over the years. It was a French name. I don’t know if Dad was kidding or serious. He said we were related to French Cajun. That was the closest we ever came to being Southern. “We are from Ohio on his mother’s side of the family. I guess a lot of them were French and English, but Dad was British and he kidded a lot. His brother was a well-known doctor who wrote books. “I always wanted to be in a big family. We (Betty and Bill) had a family of five. I was born in California and grew up in Long Beach.” Bill: “Her father retired as a Captain in the Navy in 1949. He was recalled and was in charge of the Panama Canal during WW II. He retired as a Commodore.” Source: Betty and Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. In this 1992 interview, Betty talked about a Pete Smith short she appeared in. She said the story was about obedience work at dog shows. This information has not been verified independently. Pete Smith Specialties - Smith produced and narrated 150 short movie subjects for MGM from the 1930s to 1955. His distinctive tenor voice and nasal tone were very recognizable and a trade-mark of the series. Several were nominated for Oscars in the short films category; he received an honorary Academy Award in the 1950s. Bill: “We were coming back from the mountains skiing and we always stopped at a place called The Lamplighter in Upland for dinner. This was in 1948. This guy came over to the table and said to Betty, ‘Can I speak with you for a minute?’ He was with Universal Studios. Betty: “If they signed you up, you had to go through their acting school. I went for a few weeks and could not stand it, because of what goes on. Plus that, the other young women going there were paying for it and they were giving it to me free. I did not want to be an actress and one day I walked into the director’s office and resigned.” Source: Betty and Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416594954-FITEZROJJZLSQMV9KISY/Bill+BF+c1945.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bill Francis and Bob Francis, c. 1943 Bob appears to be about 12 or 13. Perhaps taken around the time of Bill’s marriage to Betty Jeans Gross. Location: The Del Mar Blvd. side of the house at 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. in Pasadena. The Robins Family Collection. Because of a ski injury and his nearsightedness (like Bob’s), Bill could not get into the Army, Navy or Marines, so he joined the Merchant Marines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565895740912-1RVUSJ3N4UANMF1VQQH9/cooking.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Mid-1940s Bob preparing food perhaps during a camping trip or family event. Bob’s hair is longer again. He looks to be about 15 or 16, when he was finishing high school. The Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207840010-U08UWS9T1PS6RWHXZZ8T/54+7+p4+A+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 Bob received his driver’s license on April 2, 1947, when he was completing his first year at Pasadena City College. He drove the family’s 1938 Chevrolet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566076352045-FX9MCD48UVWM4P0VLVRO/PCC+map.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Pasadena City College Bob attended Pasadena City College 1946-1948, after completing the tenth grade at Wilson Junior High School. These years would have been junior and senior years in a traditional high school structure, but because of the 6-4-4 plan, 1946-1947 was his freshman college year. He graduated in 1948 with a “junior college degree.” He could have then gone on to a four-year institute for two years and a bachelor of science degree or similar. He went into the ski shop business with his brother Bill, c. 1947-1949 (two winters when little snow fell in the Southern California mountains). Several fan magazine stories indicate that Bob studied accounting, business law, and psychology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1559407352501-84TIHGG4NC4JPB4D6PAU/47+or++Delta+Sigma+Rho%2C+Pasadena+Community+College+.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Delta Sigma Rho, Pasadena City College, c. 1947 Bob is seated at the far left in the first row in this photo from the 1947 Campus yearbook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207876796-4DAEAQI84S5OMJD43LAJ/54+7+p4+AB+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207819552-1C35PA9L9Y65YRACL0MZ/54+7+p4++Debac+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565292212786-FN3SKXM3TFTIG3S934LG/Bill%2C+Jim%2C+BF+c+50+%282%29.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Brother Bill, Father Jim, and Bob, c. 1948-1949 Photo taken perhaps during the time (1947-1949) Bill and Bob operated a ski shop, “The Ski Cellar,” in Pasadena, and also at Mount Waterman and Big Pines ski resorts. The businesses closed after two winters with little snow. Location: Back or side yard at 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. in Pasadena. The Robins Family Collection. “(The Ski Cellar) was under [Leon] Vibert Sporting Goods Store. He let us turn the cellar into a ski shop. Then I had a chance to move it to another spot, so Mr. Vibert just closed it up and never used it again. He was getting older. “The shop was only a few blocks from school (Pasadena City College) so Bob would come in the afternoon and work.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992 After the ski shops closed, Bill joined Anheuser-Busch and worked in San Francisco; he was there when Bob was on location with The Caine Mutiny in June 1953. Around 1954 Bill took a district manager job with Anheuser-Busch and moved to Phoenix, Ariz. Bob visited there while touring in early Aug. 1954. “He had no definite plans. He was just going along and enjoying life. No plans for the future.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566262267090-4PCLUJ3RXIS22976W50X/Larry.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob and his nephew, Larry Robins, c. 1948-49. Lillian and Sandy’s first son, Lawrence Robins, was born in Portland, Ore., 1946. Bob may have been available for babysitting because he was trying to find his place in the world after the ski shops closed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566065953564-A1SUYHG39H2O138079JX/PCC+1950s.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Pasadena in the 1950s Source: Pasadena City College A History Commissioned on the Occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary, 2002. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194377561-PNOCBM6U2NSUANO7L73M/54+7+p2+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+2+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 After Nanette Burris’ car tag was traced, but before Bob had been located, someone phoned Bill asking for Bob. “I said, ‘You don’t want me, you want my brother.’ Then they called Mom’s house.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194410381-VYY6NS30DJLBEDBMU7XH/54+7+p3+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+3+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Hollywood talent scout mentioned in this story was David L. Johnston. He was murdered in his home several years after he spotted Bob and sent him to Universal-International. His killers were caught and given life sentences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927172116-4XPDZOBLA7XICJP9IRCQ/50+51++B%2C+Nanette+Baris%2C+Jerry+Lewis.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob with Nanette Burris and Jerry Lewis, c. 1950 Man standing at left unidentified. Taken at Lewis’ home when Nanette was an assistant/secretary to him. Lewis and Dean Martin at this time were having their first great successes in nightclubs and in movies (My Friend Irma, 1949; My Friend Irma Goes West, 1950). Bob’s sister, Lillian, remembers going with her husband Sandy, Bob and Nanette to a performance by Lewis and Martin in Hollywood, c. 1950. She recalls being introduced to a mostly unknown Tony Curtis on that occasion. The Robins Family Collection. How Bob met Nanette is unknown, but the meeting probably occurred in the 1948-1949 time period. “Bob and Nanette were invited to parties because of her connection to Jerry Lewis. He was a very friendly person and liked people regardless of their station in life. Bob was over there quite a bit. At the time his hair was quite thick and tended to wave. I think he just ran a comb through it and some hair tonic to keep it in place.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622054165976-7BJVULRVWXCJLLGASNA5/BF+1950.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, c early 1950s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565669062614-LR1BE7VVEPJJ9K8Z4MEM/Nanette+marriage.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Certificate of Marriage for Nanette Burris and Richard T. Pickens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555011124504-EJ3WH5H5AK27AJAD37EE/BF+Nanette+%2756+husband+%26+daughters.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Nanette Burris Pickens with her husband, Dick, and two daughters, c. mid/late 1950s Nanette lived at 3360 Blair Dr. in the Hollywood Hills near Universal-International Studio when she worked for Jerry Lewis and met Bob. She was an assistant/secretary to Lewis, and she was with Bob at Santa Monica Beach when he was spotted by a talent agent. The agent traced her car tag to locate Bob. Nanette married a widower, Richard (Dick) Theodore Pickens (1918-1995), Oct. 29, 1952, at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church , 505 N. Rodeo Dr. His first wife was Virginia Doris Carr (May 21, 1919, Brighton, Colo.-Sept. 3, 1951, Los Angeles); they married Sept. 3, 1941. He was a lighting director for Jerry Lewis and for many TV shows. (Nanette’s sister, Bette Jane, was a witness at the marriage.) They lived in the Sherman Oaks section of the Hollywood Hills, and were married until Nanette’s death on Jan. 27, 1962. Per their daughter, Lisa Lewis, Nanette developed a lump in her breast, but did not tell anyone until she went to the hospital. Nanette is buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Culver City, Calif. (Richard then married Mary Howell, a sister to Hoke Howell, an actor.) *See caption for next photo.. Nanette’s daughter, Lisa Pickens Lewis, provided these photos of Nanette with Lisa, her sister, and Richard, c. mid-1950s. A son was born later. Lisa’s full name is Bette Liza Pickens Lewis; she was named for Nanette’s sister, Bette Jane. Nanette’s parents: Edward Henderson Burris from Ohio and Mildred Bloom from New York. Older sister: Bette Jane Burris. The family lived in Chicago in 1930 per census. The 1940 census shows only Nanette, her sister, her mother, and a cousin in Chicago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555011123881-JEQYU26TDDO5RUZHMUKE/BF+Nanette+c+60.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Nanette Burris Pickens with unidentified child, c. early 1960s Nanette’s daughter, Lisa Lewis, says the child is neither her nor her sister. “It is the 'oldest ' pic of her before she passed.” * See caption for previous photo and the next photo. Mary Marjorie "Marjie" (Howell) Pickens (Aug. 17, 1932, Anderson, S.C.-Nov. 28, 1999, Los Angeles County, Calif.) married widower Richard Theodore Pickens on Feb. 8, 1963, Clark County, Nev.; they had no issue. Richard Theodore "Dick" Pickens was the son of James Willard Pickens and Gladys Ione Potter, born May 25, 1918, Chelan County, Wash.; died Dec. 28, 1995, Los Angeles County, Calif. Richard T. Pickens married on Oct. 29, 1952, Los Angeles County, California, Nanette (Burris) Pickens, daughter of Edward Henderson Burris and Mildred Bloom, born June 6, 1928, Ill. -Jan. 27, 1962, Calif. They had two daughters and one son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565917812525-RY14DCMXQX2LVW0F6SS9/Hoke+Howell.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Hoke Howell, actor, was the brother of Richard Pickens’ third wife. From Find A Grave website: https://www.findagrave.com/ John Hoke "Hoke" Howell, Jr., actor, Broadway and Hollywood/TV and movies, Aug. 27, 1929, Sumner, Ga. He died of complications from liver cancer May 9, 1997, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, Burbank, Los Angeles, Calif. He. served in the U.S. Navy from Sept. 2, 1950, through June 15, 1954. Memorial Service: May 13, 1997, Church of the Hills, Los Angeles. Officiating: The Rev. Bob Watson; Soloist: Randy Travis; Organist: Brian Archambault; Internment: Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. He made his Broadway debut in Make a Million and from that day forward, his credits read like a list of all-time favorites including: “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Jack Benny Show,” “Bonanza,” “The Brady Bunch,” “Dennis the Menace,” “General Hospital,” “Knot's Landing,” “Happy Days,” “Lost in Space,” “The Munsters,” “Wonder Years,” “High Incident,” “Promised Land,” “Jag,” and over 200 other titles. He was also a series regular on “Here Come the Brides.” Recent film credits include: Another 48 Hours, Far and Away, Geronimo and Merchants of Death (which he wrote and produced with close friends, Ross and Claire Hagen). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565918401606-H7ZP7KJJPDBWTAJ4GA8J/BF+12-54+1+modernscreen49unse_0064+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Botomi Schneider, c. mid-1950s From 1949 until 1955, Bob studied at the Botomi Schneider Drama Workshop. Her husband, Benno Schneider, was a drama coach at Columbia Pictures. “Sound of Thunder” by Toni Noel, Modern Screen, Dec. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565126055669-Y9KLVM0ICGVMW6ZRLYEE/Schneider%2C+BAtomi.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Botomi Schneider, c. 1955-1956 “He did not even have six months of solid training with Botomi. But whenever he was back in Hollywood, he would call her and she would make time for him.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194459680-UWAX96RKSLJLZJFUFUVQ/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194503008-UONBL425X9I5IYOP0RK8/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4.jpg+D.jpg+grins.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207911145-HX6T2T5KGEEG8XXP7CEH/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%284%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “Dad only had the one car for work. He gave the car to Bob to go to his acting school. Of course, we kidded Bob all the time about ‘Lollywood.’ He said, ’I am just going to keep going and see what happens.’ When he went to Camp Roberts, he was real nearsighted, so he did not get sent into combat. They kept him as an instructor. “Then, when he got out, I asked him what he was going to do. He said he would stick with it for about another six months, go to school with Botomi and study. If nothing happened in six months then that was it.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568066144600-6BPYCGD4W5ARA63FULJD/Roberts.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416615610-W94JFVE3VNYDXK9RMCJC/BF+Roberts+51-52.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob at Camp Roberts, Calif., 1951-1952 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207940212-ZOF3R6AVVYL9LGFU0H86/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4+%285%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565207997154-OSF6CYMB6AVONEETMXPZ/54+7+p5+A+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416390549-9ZJV1W1QVWEG5FR4CIH8/Mom+BF+Roberts+51-52.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob at Camp Roberts, Calif., with his mother, Lillian, c. 1951-1952. Lillian attended the Lowell, Mass. Business College. Graduated June 23, 1908? At one point during her marriage, she worked at The Broadway department store in downtown Los Angeles. “When we were in Ireland (1956), my Mother was 5’2” — even at age 93 she still had a touch of auburn streaks in her hair — she would stand with her feet slightly apart, hand on her hips when she was talking to her brother and his family. She was so cute.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416515186-1I89UYW670US2Z87V8WW/Dad+Jim%2C+BF+Roberts+51-52.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob at Camp Roberts, Calif., with his father, Jim, c. 1951-1952 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416615163-CDZFI3X947MV2QIFCCMX/BF+Roberts+51-52+2.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob at Camp Roberts, Calif., c. 1951-1952 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194503153-71N99ZA59QVERFG632QX/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4.jpg+D.jpg+He+calls.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927172059-1EEJD0IKSOR5JECVAGMS/52++Camp+Roberts.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Camp Roberts, Calif., c. 1951-1952. This photo MAY have appeared in The Camp Roberts Parade, Vol. 3 #1, Thursday, Oct. 16, 1952. Corporal Norman McCloud (center) was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by Secretary of the Army Frank Pace, Jr., during his tour of the camp at the leader’s course. [McCloud may have had actual combat experience, perhaps in Korea]. At this review parade, McCloud is with his skiing buddies, Corporal Robert S. Francis and Corporal John J. Lane both of Pasadena, Calif.. Sept. 16, 1952. Photos of Bob wearing eyeglasses are rare. This is one of the few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565194589625-AVAK9860VC71DWC1TZGL/54+7+p5Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5.jpg+4+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569359185113-D7A9P2J02HYKTBC63E1R/Oreck.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Actor Don Oreck died in Los Angeles of a degenerative brain disease on March 5, 2006. He was 75. Oreck was born in Los Angeles on Aug. 31, 1930. He began acting in the mid-1950s, appearing in the film Target Zero (1955). He was also seen on television in episodes of “Studio 57,” “West Point,” “State Trooper,” ”Frontier Doctor,” “Sea Hunt,” “Men into Space,” “M Squad,” “Checkmate,” and “Bonanza.” Oreck retired from the screen in the early 1960s to operate a small business. In 1955, he married 20-year-old Joanna Moore who, after their divorce in 1957, became a well-known movie and TV actress and, following her later marriage to Ryan O'Neal, the mother of Griffin O'Neal and Tatum O'Neal. His second marriage, to Tulsa-born Mary Ann Powell (born August 19, 1930), lasted from 1958 to 1971 and produced two children, Kevin Robert and Elizabeth Diane. In addition to Don Oreck, Bob’s other Army friends included Jack Lane, Norman MacLeod, and George Maruyama with whom he traveled to and from Camp Roberts and Pasadena. Oreck’s family owned Lake Florist on S. Lake Ave. Later, they sold it to the Maruyama’s family, according to Bill, Bob’s brother. George Maruyama may have graduated from Pasadena City College in 1949. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565279301443-08MHKZS0Z2LHDAU8WRG8/BF+Military+Record.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's military record He served at Camp Roberts (located on both sides of the Salinas River in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties about 200+ miles from Pasadena). In recent years, the camp has undergone major renovations, including demolition of World War II-era barracks where Bob and Don Oreck lived. He achieved the rank of corporal and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was discharged from Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, Calif., now a part of the Port of Los Angeles. Many articles about Bob mention that he appears in military uniforms in all four of his films. Below: Dorothy (Dot) Ann Ross enters Bob’s life, c. 1952 “Sound of Thunder” by Toni Noel, Modern Screen, Dec. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565986062968-6OCIRTQRQFA2ATCKF1NP/Thunder+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565986062991-CZI5X3QH0A015FIJ89CA/Thunder+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416469601-B2Q13YAZXIGB1W9REPT3/Dot+Ross+53+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob and Dorothy Ross, c. 1953 This photo and the next one seem to be professional photographs, perhaps taken by someone at Columbia Pictures. Location unknown. Their chance meeting following a car accident, c. 1951-1952, developed into a serious romantic relationship. But given Bob’s movie-making and personal appearance tours during 1953-1955, all relationships, romantic or otherwise, took a backseat to his pursuit of a place in the star and studio systems. Bob is wearing a silver identification bracelet on his right wrist. These were popular male accessories in the 1950s. Whether he bought it or received it as a gift is unknown. He wears it throughout The Caine Mutiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416464506-6UTLPM73T4GAJ4NG7F5L/Dot+Ross+53.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400712852-NQU8POF1O5NSKVSP1NP6/BF%2C+Dot+Ross.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Photo: “Sound of Thunder” by Toni Noel, Modern Screen, Dec. 1954 “Dot’s parents moved to Laguna. We went to visit them once. She was about 4’11’ against his 6’3”. I think if he had not been into the movies, that might have been something.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. Below: Dorothy Ann Ross Bradley 1930-2011 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565983308827-4BAYYJUDW568L4BOZ4RV/Dot+Ross+obit+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Below: Albert Bradley, 1927-2013, husband of Dorothy Ross Unlisted survivor: Dot Ross also had a sister, Barbara Watson, of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565984270020-OG6146YOFS9F4RJ8KXQH/Dot+Ross+husband+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565210177353-OM3M51OPW5Q9SRLD7O1H/54+7+p5+F+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010742184-5CKJRI5NB98OGLSNCCYN/BF+Kramer+signing.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob signing Columbia Pictures contract, c. March 1953 Stanley Kramer, Producer, and Edward Dymtryk, Director, The Caine Mutiny. Columbia Pictures. “The people Bobby had around him — Benno, Botomi, and Stanley Kramer — these were people Bobby spoke of like they were talking very friendly and very interested in each other. It didn’t sound like a businesslike kind of thing.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. “I don’t think Bob had any intention of being in the movies. Maybe I am wrong. He just happened to be picked up. No one in the family cared about him being in the movies.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. Below: "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565210117522-3780Q8FMTN5SS4Z1PUJV/54+7+p5+B+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskett, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565208049050-MDGT0FT652KBGHICIHON/54+7+p5+C+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565208134023-7272VFKMYQ9NMLAU1NHG/54+7+p5+D+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565208133953-KJC3WBFVTJJB67J497Q8/54+7+p5+E+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob’s sister, Lillian, says the writer has confused Bob with his character, Willie. Bob was not afraid of heights, she said. Otherwise, he could not have been a serious snow skier competing on high California mountains. In the crow’s nest scene in The Caine Mutiny, Ensign Harding (played by Jerry Paris) vomits into Willie’s hat. Willie appears to be nauseated. According to the story, Bob vomited when the scene was over and he was back on the ship deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416081934-RAQJ0G4QH41MSCP3R1PU/53+3+B+contract+Pasadena+Star+News+53.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Photo: Pasadena Star-News, April 23, 1953. Bob would be under the wings of Kramer and Dymtryk, but his real boss was Harry Cohn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1581369015102-2CWD5PPH5DMN5K4LVJPH/BF+Cohen+Columbia.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Harry Cohn (July 23, 1891-Feb. 27, 1958) was the co-founder, president, and production director of Columbia Pictures Corporation for more than 30 years. “He was crude, uneducated, foul and, even on his best behavior, abrasive. No major studio executive of the so-called ‘Golden Age’ was more loathed (although at times the dictatorial Samuel Goldwyn and the hard-nosed Jack L. Warner came close) than Harry Cohn.” https://www.imdb.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565895788683-JIJQWKJE90IJ9QQ47UV1/Skelton.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 No matter how many times a studio’s sound stages and back lots change ownership or get new coatings of paint and various upgrades in equipment, the basic components remain the same. Columbia did not change ownership until several years after Cohn’s death, so the Columbia Pictures lot in 1953 and 1954 when Bob worked there was not much different from its earlier days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565988277628-1LLMX8A9W7E4N1SG1RA2/Col+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Historic Columbia Pictures photos, c. 1920s and 1930s Founded in 1918 by Harry and Jack Cohn and Joe Brandt, Columbia Pictures occupied space on Hollywood’s “Poverty Row” (home of low-budget film studios) at Sunset Boulevard/Gower Street in Hollywood. The term, “Gower Gutch,” refers to the cowboy extras who walked the street to Columbia, Paramount, and RKO studios to appear in low-budget westerns. Today the original Columbia Pictures studio is the Sunset Gower Studio. Sony purchased Columbia Pictures in 1989. Sony Pictures Entertainment now occupies the former Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot in Culver City, Calif.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583700773440-X0HLPS2LG68RX9T5743X/columbia3+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566268053534-RQXOV2F9VQESL94MXF86/BF+53+early.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob, Spring 1953 Hair has been cut for The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701003086-2W0A3JYZXNV1P0NYM4E1/BF+early+53+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565279488261-9RN64DQNBYLLQMFGWQJ0/CM+Bob+1st+scene.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Caine Mutiny Filming: June 3-Aug. 24, 1953 New York Opening: June 24, 1954 Released: Sept. 1954 Bob’s first scene in film was shot at Royce Hall, University of Calif.-Los Angeles. Below: Three photos made by Columbia Pictures, c. Fall 1953 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566268711872-ZZI8CHG42B08L1K56ONI/53+10++pose+.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566268711872-LO830D1WY38FDRRG0917/53+10+++pose%2C+golf+club+.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566268713284-62MP9LXS1JVZ9RUN8677/53+10++pose%2C+cigarette+.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The cuff links Bob wears in the photo above may have been given to him by Dot Ross. They appear to have two small balls, a reference to Humphrey Bogart’s memorable prop of two steel balls in The Caine Mutiny. The cuff links were made for Bob and given to him after the filming of the movie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565279528854-1ZXG4NE07DUZ15OC1D6N/20190424_052.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 They Rode West Filming: Nov. 17-Dec. 7, 1953 Opening: Los Angeles, Nov. 10, 1954 Promotional photo of Bob, Donna Reed, Phil Carey, May Wynn on location. Columbia Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565279689527-WQUQFLGUKAADWYUOX4YB/BF+BP+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Bamboo Prison Filming: Late Feb.-Early March 1954 Released: Jan. 1955 Scene from film: Dianne Foster, Bob, and Murray Matheson, Columbia Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566269244212-RWSTECQNKUPC0Q0RCYYG/BF+West+Point+54.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob, c. Winter/Spring 1954 Photo made while Bob was on location at West Point, N.Y., for The Long Gray Line. Producer Jerry Wald who originally owned the “property” — Marty Maher’s book — gave Bob a bound copy of the script for The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565279639825-YZPVU34K7LUYD1K8AQ4X/BF+Line+candid+1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 ABOVE: The Long Gray Line Filming: March 15-May 17, 1954 Opening: New York, Feb. 10, 1955 Released: Feb. 1955 Promotional photo made on location at West Point, N.Y. Columbia Pictures “We always thought all the parts he played were exactly Bob. It was Bob. They found parts for him.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. BELOW: David L. Johnston, Talent Scout The talent scout who first spotted Bob in 1949 was murdered in Feb. 1954. His killers were captured and received life sentences. The link to Bob was not noted in press coverage, as far as is known, perhaps because at the time of the murder, Bob had received little publicity and his films had not been released. None of Johnston’s “discoveries” or clients are mentioned in the press coverage. See Sidebars for addition information about this event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566262244805-KPLTLWF595050X3AP4W0/LA+Times+2-11-55.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 David Lynn Johnston was the talent scout who “discovered” Bob on July 4, 1949, at Santa Monica Beach. He sent him to Universal-International to meet the studio’s drama coach. From there, he ended up with Botomi Schnedier at her drama school and eventually into The Caine Mutiny. Los Angeles Times, Thursday, Feb. 11, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565400697270-YB03T9RUYYUYHMFE3U71/BF+Johnston+Lima.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 David Lynn Johnston, Talent Scout, Murdered Lima (Ohio) News, Thursday, Feb. 11, 1954 As far as is known, Bob and Johnston did not remain in touch. At the time of Johnston’s death, Bob was filming The Bamboo Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573679072518-WYH6OE4GGB030XR8SYIJ/JOhnston+%283%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 David Lynn Johnston, Aug. 10, 1923-Feb. 10, 1954 Source: Find A Grave website https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565236264395-71DL9RW68ZQNWQK1M9XQ/Johnston+2+%283%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: David Lynn Johnston Information from Ancestry. Johnston is not credited on the Turner Classic Movies website as an associate film producer for either Wings of the Hawk (1953) or The Glenn Miller Story (1954). Johnston’s killers were caught and sentenced to life imprisonment. Additional information about this murder case is in the Sidebars section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565921918860-MD6RJNIK12EJY8XWM87Z/BF+g.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 June 5, 1954, Pasadena, Calif. Earl Leaf, photographer. Michael Ochs Collection. Getty Images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622054008469-HTNMDWB7VCOK1W180ELZ/BF+auth+auto.PNG Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567887212609-QLGB9QYT9XKRMJGJ13EY/deadlock.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 David L. Johnston jury deadlocked San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., June 13, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565922045133-GDEN7G4JZH11902BV9H1/BFbobmaylga+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 June 24, 1954, LaGuardia Airport, New York City. Photo: American Airlines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565922045059-IGLPCJWF1S7S70BJ8V2B/BFbobmaylga+%283%29+back+6-25-54.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565922142380-9I0JXMVV90EGV8YYCC6R/May+kids+park.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Early July 1954, Atlantic City, N.J. “They (Bobby and May) had a very fun relationship. Not sister-brother, but they laughed a lot and enjoyed whatever it was that they were doing. I think they helped each other, too, by reading lines off camera to one another in place of the actor that appeared in the scene.” “Joe (Hyams) wrote to Bobby regarding his coming cross-country trip in his (Bob’s) Cadillac. Joe said this was one hell of a PR stunt. You couldn’t have hit it any better or something like that. “I don’t know where Joe came in though, because I don’t think Bobby hired anybody from Columbia or anywhere (to be his manager).” Joe Hyams was assigned to be Bob’s “minder/handler” on two of Bob’s personal appearance tours. The one to New England for They Rode West in Dec. 1954, and the one for The Long Gray Line in Feb./March 1955. Hyams was a Columbia publicity man in the New York Office. The letter from Hyams to Bob probably was related to Bob’s tour for The Caine Mutiny in the summer and early fall of 1954. On that tour he purchased a new Cadillac. He drove to many of the 19 cities as he worked his way west, stopping in Phoenix, Ariz., for example, to visit with Bill, his brother. Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565232299281-WYMO3GBZX9DCKMV79VIT/LA+Times+July+8%2C+54.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 David L. Johnston's killers get life terms Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif., July 8, 1954 Additional information about this murder case is in the Sidebars section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565213422237-KZLYAIW3OVTERQR6XLYN/Caine+Mutiny+vertical+poster+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Advertisements for and promotion of The Caine Mutiny began in Spring 1954. The film received substantial media attention, including a deluge of stories, photos, etc., focused on Bob. He rose from near obscurity in early 1954 to monthly coverage in fan magazines by the end of the year. His first promotional tours in the summer and fall of 1954 kept his name and image in newspapers across the country. The Summer 1954 tour took Bob to Phoenix, Ariz., where his brother Bill and his family lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566327803762-EBIV5QS1UPDVJSK5VWPW/Arizona+Republic+8-6-54.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Arizona Republic, Aug. 6, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565213252429-47T7CSWJJY4MMSUGKYII/53+4+or+5++B+Photo+for+Fans+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob as Ensign Willie Keith, c. Spring 1953 Bob autographed and sent this photo in response to his first fan mail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009822523-4GZYV7FO1T0LK3CAZVNZ/BF+auto+COA+info.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566270558017-FLBD1TBG2S8CEZZD78OW/53+3+or+4+++B+Fan+Photo+54+%28authenic+auto%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 This is the photo Bob sent to fans from late 1954 until his death. Columbia Pictures. This is an authentic signature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566270573931-JXHNCGRDEW30V4IUDDJZ/54++1++Note-Photo+for+Fans+%28original%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 An authentic signature and note to a fan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416994947-KH1P51Y6KV4GEZAHNZI6/MS+8-54+1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Bob Francis" by Kirtley Baskette, Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 Bob began appearing in fan magazines and other publications in early 1954, usually in small photos and “gossip” items. This was the first lengthy story about him. It draws heavily on his official Columbia biography, but the writer also had access to Bob and others. This same issue of Modern Screen also had a photo story featuring Bob, Kim Novak, May Wynn, and Scott Brady, “Salt Water Dillies.” Unusual to have two major articles focused on a single actor in one issue of a magazine. Modern Screen was Bob’s biggest booster; as a result, he may have had less coverage initially in Photoplay and Motion Picture, two other large-circulation, quality fan magazines, until later in 1954 and in 1955. Excerpts from the story are printed above. Below is the full story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565989463472-AGITPIYKPNVU9X1WWNEQ/MS+8-54.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416998760-UXD22KUH1ZLO8M8PA9NG/MS+8-54+3.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416997023-CJPO2ENMVOLF0JJK8S5V/MS+8-54+4.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563417091751-ZO7E9B8V9RGHF2PN5IKS/BF+MS+8-54+7.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565285351825-ODRB7NFAV733YK1B1VRH/BF+Salt+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "Salt Water Dillies," Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 Bob, May Wynn, Kim Novak, Scott Brady photographed Fall 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565213757375-ZDKBQCE4L5BI7HVXZQFJ/BF+TRW+poster+2+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Promotional tours and public appearances Bob and May Wynn traveled extensively for The Caine Mutiny and They Rode West in summer and fall of 1954. Caine was released nationally in September; They Rode West in November. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565989734593-WNUUMBY1NERI8GQGJ2BB/Silver+Cups.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Modern Screen ballot for readers to vote for 1954 favorites https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400634998-BULPUUJ2KU1TWVZA2932/BF+MS+2-55.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob received a large sterling silver cup for the newcomer award winner (male). The cup remains with his sister’s family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565922250663-42FBTWW43KA7RACFEUXN/BF+horse+2+12-54.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Dec. 29, 1954, Southern California https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563425486547-GTX65DZBNDQHQFQZ32YR/Bermuda+Sunset+2019+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's first apartment Late 1954/Early 1955 Bob finally had enough time in Hollywood to look for an apartment closer to Columbia than his parent’s home. The move was worthy of fan magazine coverage; see The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Part Two on this website. The Sunset Bermuda was almost new in 1955; its exterior still looks very much as it did when Bob moved into his one-bedroom place, Unit #2. Below: Bob in the entrance area of the Sunset Bermuda where the mailboxes are located. The view is east toward the front steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572806385718-XM3TCWVQYU534Q63DI4K/55+1+or+2+B+mail+box+Sunset+Bermuda.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565214601106-OY16Z3OU74UUHMQPF15P/BF+BP+poster+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Bamboo Prison released Jan. 1955 Bob’s touring in Winter and Spring 1955 was tied more to The Long Gray Line (released in Feb.) than to The Bamboo Prison . The latter received press attention because of efforts in various cities to censor or ban it for its political content. See The Hollywood Star and Studio System page on this website for additional evidence of Bob’s publicity build up in 1954 and 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565922208113-32XX7R3YCXEXQVADGEEF/BF+newsstand+Cokes+1-28-55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Jan. 28, 1955, Pasadena, Calif. Photo by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos. May have appeared in Screenland, July 1955, as part of “Weekend with the Folks” photo story (also titled “A Day to Loaf” prior to publication). The location was a grocery store on a corner near 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565921812251-RRQCZUWFWMK7B0JOV5VR/55+1+or+2+B+cards+Sunset+Bermuda+55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Spring 1955, Hollywood, Calif., probably in Bob’s apartment. “He was living at home and quite content, but the studio was getting excited about such a valuable property riding the freeway at all hours of the day and night. “It was a very modest apartment that he had — a very beautiful apartment. “I like that he was ‘cheating’ at cards in that photo. When Dad was in the hospital, it was fun coming to the apartment and watching them take pictures. They would ask Bob to do this or that and he would do it instantly. I didn’t know my brother could act.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565214566575-WTYFK0G61SPN6E0G91IR/LGL+poster.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Long Gray Line released Feb. 1955 Bob toured extensively for this film in Feb. and March 1955 including the premieres in Washington, D.C., and New York City. Below: “Screen snips” from the Feb. 6, 1955, Ed Sullivan show broadcast provided by SOFA Entertainment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017873229-G6E08VS922A68BG66HV0/Robert+Francis+and+Co.+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show_01+3.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "The Ed Sullivan Show," New York City, Feb. 6, 1955, featured a salute to Columbia Pictures on its 30th anniversary. Program outline (no corrections made): 7.20 [346] Ed Sullivan: Toast Of The Town: THE COLUMBIA PICTURES STORY b: 06-Feb-1955 Scheduled Guests: --Maureen O'Hara (actress) - talks to Ed about her movie "The Long Grey Line" followed by a clip from the film. (Film also stars Tyrone Power.) --Eddie Fisher - "April Showers," "Mammy" & "A Man Chases A Girl" (backed up by an unseen Debbie Reynolds) --Teresa Brewer - sings "I've Got A Crush On You" & "How Come You Do Me Like You Do" --Marge & Gower Champion (dancers) - "Let's Dance" & "Meetin' Time" (song & dance) --Actors appearing together on stage: Dianne Foster, Robert Francis, Kim Novak, Donald Crisp, Maureen O'Hara & Marty Maher. (Note: Jack Lemmon, Betsy Palmer, Harry Carey Jr., and Gloria Krieger were also scheduled to appear but they are not mentioned on the transcript.) --General Jacob L. Devers & Marty Maher (writer of the book "Bring Up The Brass") are brought on stage with O'Hara. General Devers makes a patriotic speech. --The West Point Glee Club - "America The Beautiful" --Audience bows: Rod Steiger; Jack Cohn (Columbia Pictures president); Carol Haney Film clips: --"It Happened One Night" clip with Claudette Colbert & Clark Gable where Gable undresses --"Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" clip with Gary Cooper & Jean Arthur --"Gilda" clip with Rita Hayworth singing and dancing --"Born Yesterday" clip with Judy Holliday & Broderick Crawford --"From Here To Eternity" clip where Burt Lancaster & Deborah Kerr roll in the surf. Also: Montgomery Clift & Frank Sinatra --"The Caine Mutiny" clip with Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson --"On The Waterfront" clip with Marlon Brando & Rod Steiger Bob appeared with to his right: Marty Maher (whose autobiography provided the narrative of The Long Gray Line), Dianne Foster (Bob’s co-star in The Bamboo Prison). To his left: Kim Novak, Donald Crisp (co-star in The Long Gray Line), and Ed Sullivan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017872731-8M9BGYZ7TEPKEXO9WEMZ/Robert+Francis+and+Co.+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 "The Ed Sullivan Show," New York City, Feb. 6, 1955 To Bob’s left: Kim Novak, Donald Crisp (co-star in The Long Gray Line), and Ed Sullivan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017876363-SPL4A97J75L7OVQLMDZL/Robert+Francis+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “The Ed Sullivan Show” featured a salute to Columbia Pictures on its 30th anniversary, Feb. 6, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565921729932-POQVHXOHD9NU84EQIJRL/54+4++B%2C+unknown+girl+FLA+54+55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: Feb./March 1955, Cypress Gardens, Fla. “Not only do I have fond memories of Bob Francis but I have fonder memories of the weekend with Bob and the girls at Cypress Gardens in Florida.” Source: Joe Hyams, letter, June 8, 1992 Below: St. Petersburg Times, Tuesday, March 1, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566959147978-QF2PATIXXJMSC4HR2KNW/St.+Pete+2+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566959101169-TGZABQIXQXA26VVNLESJ/St.+Pete+1+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 He can’t help but be proud of his record, which gave him stardom with his first (“The Caine Mutiny”) picture and a part in four more films. Of his parents, living in Pasadena, he says, “They’re (continue to second column) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565292160173-AEEJVUE7VMY68BZNJP78/Las+Vegas+55+contacts+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Las Vegas, Nevada - Winter/Spring 1955 Bob vacationed in Las Vegas for two weeks after his discharge from the Army in Feb. 1953. These photos at The Sands Hotel were made in Winter/Spring 1955 for a photo story that was never published, as far as is known. Photos by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. The swim trucks are familiar from other photos, as are the trousers and shirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565911621484-BUMFKIE6CDPKXZ9SMCWO/55+1+or+2++B+by+pool%2C+Sunset+Bermuda+55+%28Larry+Barbier%2C+Jr.-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Las Vegas, Nev.- Winter/Spring 1955 Location: The Sands Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev. Photographer: Larry Barberi, Globe Photo, New York City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568469743301-ILG04DCPTSGJ3HMX8H1D/Sands+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob may have stayed at The Sands because of May Wynn’s connection to Jack Entratter, the general manager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565917808435-8A0MHEFJAJ1BG63ZS70C/Fremont+St.+LV+55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, c. 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565292161290-URT35HX83RWFU7G5KGJH/Las+Vegas+55+contacts.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566090295411-R3OI7FO7ODIHY8LAPV99/577835096.751014.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob's brother Bill may have gone with him to Las Vegas. Bill (eyes closed) and Bob appear to be seated at a stage-side table in a nightclub (probably The Sands), and possibly with people they did not know. No others in photo identified. The Robins Family Collection. “I was with Bob for about three weeks over at the Hollywood apartment. When he came back from Colorado, he would go out to dinner almost every night to take pictures. He would be home by ten PM. That Friday (July 29, 1955) we had planned that weekend to fly to Palm Springs. I guess it was to have dinner. My boss said, ‘Why don’t you go over and work Phoenix for a week and see the family?’ So I left money with Bob to get something for our parent’s anniversary. “And then Sunday night Sis (Lillian) called.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568469776820-E7NI6UJE838FYPDN0PYW/Sands+Hotel.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Sands Hotel, c. 1955 From left: Humphrey Bogart, Sid Luff (Judy Garland’s husband), Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland, unknown woman, Jack Entratter (General Manager, The Sands), unknown man, Frank Sinatra, unknown woman, David Niven, and his wife, Hjördis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927249351-B6T06D8TKO6KIC3LZEFD/55+5+or+6+JoEd+Nelson+%28Taylor%29%2C+Tribute+set%2C+beauty+contest%2C+1955.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Montrose, Colo., June 1955 After his Winter and Spring tours, Bob returned to Hollywood to prepare for his first “loan out” (to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for Tribute to a Bad Man). He arrived in Montrose for location shooting around June 1, 1955. Here he is in costume making a personal appearance at a beauty contest. See the Films: Tribute to a Bad Man page on this website for more information about this ill-fated production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565990518950-WU9I3EVE9TP9F0F6CSAU/highlight.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” by Alice Finletter, Modern Screen, Nov. 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554927248559-KQ535VIR43DWXU2ACRN2/55+5+or+6+June+Mihalach%2C+Montrose%2C+CO+TBM+May-June+55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “The girl in the white cowboy hat, June Mihelcich,“ Montrose, Colo., June 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010594921-6AWJV87A8YBY2NNBI2IB/BF+June+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566271912333-BXG9H16A2256X7HOWAHR/BF+June+1+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010598483-RUICQKMW8LC3K9MNUVAG/BF+June+3.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565991061863-2GG5AHJNTFNSAMZLJUXQ/June+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010598966-P8YJH26LLQADR2KN06H2/BF+June+5.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1570720512005-HKVZTD9ZE2SOJ52AIOAW/BF+Weldon+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob returned from Montrose, Colo., on Monday, June 27. The next night, June 28 (or soon afterwards), he attended the premiere benefit party for Not As A Stranger. He may have attended with Joan Weldon, a young contract player at Warner Brothers. Although a talented singer, she is best known for her role in the science fiction film, Them! She later appeared on Broadway and toured nationally in The Music Man and other musicals. If Joan and Bob were not on an arranged publicity “date,” then this may have been one of many candid photos made at the event. This is one of the few photos made of Bob with his Tribute to a Badman haircut (or lack thereof). Not published as far as is known. Photographer: Jack Albin (1913–1985). He was one of the most successful photographers in Hollywood whose work spanned the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. He took photos of actors like Spencer Tracy, Gene Tierney, Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. A large portion of his work was associated with Warner Brothers films and contract players. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622049407972-F6KQMBVPANO5U2VRJU0S/BF%2BWeldon%2BA.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Joan Weldon Podell died Feb. 11, 2021. Additional information about her is in the Sidebars section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573532616369-YSSSI4ZABNAWZGTTLV9V/Towers+1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 July 20, 1955 - Bob attended a party given by songwriter Jimmy McHugh. He may have known Constance Towers from Columbia where she was a contract player; they may have had a publicity “date” on the occasion. Or this may be one of many candid photos made that evening. She had a long and successful stage and television career. She married actor John Gavin who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico during the Reagan Administration. Additional information about her appears in the Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two section. This photo was offered by HistoricImages on eBay in 2019. Photographer: Nat Dallinger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566011169565-882YV0IFR48Q1KUY0E2Z/LA+Times+C.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Los Angeles Times, Monday, Aug. 1, 1955 On Sunday morning, July 31, 1955, Robert Francis went flying with George Irving Meyer, 38, and Audrey Ann Schneider [sometimes spelled Snyder; Schneider appears in 1940 US Census] Dosch, 24, in a Beechcraft Bonanza 35 single-engine airplane owned by actor and professional PGA golfer, Joe Kirkwood, star of the Joe Palooka movies and television series. Meyer, a commercial pilot and Air Force veteran who may have flown B-29s during World War II, was a Hollywood agent and/or Kirkwood’s business partner in the development of golf courses. Bob’s co-star May Wynn knew Kirkwood and/or George Meyer, had taken some flying lessons with one or both, and introduced Bob to Meyer. (Kirkwood was also a licensed and proficient pilot who had purchased the Beechcraft several months earlier from the young, wealthy race-car driver and pilot, Lance Reventlow, the only son of Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton.) Audrey Dosch was a budding film actress (as Ann Russell) who may have had minor parts in films, c. 1947-1949. The mother of three young children — Michael, 5; Ruby (Debra), 4; Scotty, 3 — she was recently separated from her husband, Air Force First Lieutenant Edmond Dosch, stationed at Lowry Field in Colo. Audrey was the guest of either Bob or George or both. She was visiting Jeanne Edwards, 13045 Judith St., Baldwin Park; Edwards has been identified as a friend and as Ann Russell’s sister. The latter is not likely as census records show Audrey having only one sibling, a brother. Bob’s brother, Bill, says he stayed with Bob for two or three weeks in July 1955. He thinks there may have been a July 4th picnic that included Audrey, as well as a dinner with her a few days before July 31 at Bob’s apartment. He was in L.A. and with Bob on Friday evening, July 29, 1955. Bob’s sister, Lillian, says she and her husband, Sandy, played miniature golf with Bob and a young woman (probably Audrey), then visited at Bob’s apartment where they counted a lot of pennies Bob had saved on Saturday night. They may have been together on Friday night, also. *(After the plane crash, Bill and his wife Betty cleared out Bob’s apartment and found a few items which they believed belonged to Audrey. They also received a phone call from Audrey’s husband asking about her engagement and wedding rings, but those items were not at Bob’s apartment.) *Bill’s recollection differs from Lillian’s. “Lillian and Sandy weren’t out with him Friday night, because I left Saturday morning and we spent Friday evening together.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992.] Audrey had lived in Pasadena when she was in elementary school; she and Bob may have known each other then as classmates. Later, they might have met in Hollywood, but that is less likely as Bob was not regularly there until after July 4, 1949; Audrey and Dosch married April 1, 1949. Perhaps she might have known Joe Kirkwood and/or George Meyer during her Hollywood time as Ann Russell. Or she may have met Bob through Kirkwood and/or Meyer in June or July 1955 when Bob returned to Hollywood from Colo. Meyer checked the four-seat airplane out of Santa Monica Airport, then the threesome spent the day flying around the Los Angeles area, perhaps as far as Santa Barbara to the northwest and Long Beach to the south. No record exists of their destinations; they may have flown to Santa Barbara for lunch. Bob was learning to fly and practiced takeoffs and landings throughout the day. Late in the afternoon they landed at Lockheed Air Terminal/Hollywood Burbank Airport. According to eyewitnesses, including Jerry Pairis, at one point Meyer got out of the airplane to make a phone call. Bob was in the pilot’s seat and kept the plane idling on the tarmac. When Meyer returned, he joined Russell on the second bench. He evidently did not think about the idling as a possible safety error and Bob perhaps was unaware of it. Witnesses said the plane made a wobbly take off on Runway 15 southbound and began to sputter as it rose. It crossed over Vanowen St. at the end of the runway and then flew directly over Valhalla Cemetery across the street from the airport. The cemetery had a number of people visiting grave sites and/or attending a service. When the engine failed, Bob appeared to turn toward an empty abandoned Lockheed parking area next to the cemetery. The plane stalled, went into a dive, and crashed in the parking lot. It exploded on impact with all three killed instantly just before five-thirty p.m. The long idle time on the tarmac is one explanation for the crash; the engine filled with fuel which caused the plane to “choke” as it reached an altitude of approximately 150 feet. The crash site is just south of the 3700 block of Vanowen St. in Burbank. A crowd rushed to the burning plane. The local fire department doused the flames with water and foam. Investigator L.N. Lightbody of the Civil Aeronautics Administration (forerunner of the Federal Aviation Administration) said the three bodies had been removed before he arrived on the scene. He had been told Bob’s body was strapped to the pilot’s seat. (The ownership connections to Kirkwood and Reventlow caused some initial confusion about Bob’s identity. See Sidebars for more information.) Bob’s sister, Lillian, and her family were visiting from China Lake that weekend to celebrate her parents’ forty-first anniversary. They had spent part of the day at the beach. Lillian says around five-thirty in the afternoon, her mother became upset and insisted they return to Pasadena immediately. She felt something was wrong there. Bob’s brother, Bill, later shared his mother’s reaction when the police came to 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. “She ran out of the house and ran up and down the street, screaming, ‘No, no, no. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to hear that. No, no, it can’t be true,’” Bill and Betty were now living in Phoenix, Ariz., and Betty answered the phone when the younger Lillian phoned. They flew to Los Angeles. Years later, Betty says, she remembered the news coverage. “The worst thing was when we came the next night from Phoenix. On every paper in the airport, of course, was a picture on the front page. I’ve never forgotten the photo of the plane all covered with foam and a person’s arm lifted as it trying to get out.” (That photo is included below.) She says the newspaper gave them a copy of that photo, but they decided they could not keep it. Bob’s father identified Bob’s badly burned body. His remains may have been cremated prior to being placed in a casket.. Bob’s parents never celebrated another anniversary. They had been married more than 60 years when Bob’s father died in 1978. Lillian died, aged 93, in 1981. They are buried beside Bob at Forest Lawn. Additional information about Bob’s funeral and burial is below. DW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565999545151-EHGPEQ9S9B2LOQT3OL8G/burapt+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Burbank Airport, c. 2000 Bob did not have a pilot’s certificate or rating. Whether or not Meyer was a certified pilot trainer is unknown. Learning to fly a plane in such an informal way was not unusual in the 1950s. Individual ownership of small planes was a post-WW II development; some people felt learning to fly a plane was not unlike “practicing” driving a car before a young person got a driver’s license. However, for Bob, flying a plane was a violation of his Columbia contract which stipulated he was not to engage in any activities that might cause injury or death while a film was in production. Technically, although the Tribute to a Bad Man company had been sent home, cast members were still restricted while the film was in hiatus. (James Dean’s death occurred one day after his last day of Giant shooting when he was no longer forbidden to drive his sports car.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565999527635-3W2Z93GDANZHGXOS9VQ8/bubankcrashsite+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Crash site of Bob's airplane July 31, 1955 The plane crashed in the parking area on the left side of this photo just below the rows of trees. Earlier on July 31, 1955, Bob made a high approach in landings and had to complete two circles to reduce altitude, but still had a “hot” landing on a 2,000 foot strip. One of his takeoffs was considered “poor” by people on the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017419703-SYLNO9P76YTAVS7YXNAO/Francis+-+The_San_Bernardino_County_Sun_Mon__Aug_1__1955_.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., Monday, Aug. 1, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010215948-2OGW8WNQ4M9S1EHYC2A5/BF+crash+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “The whole thing is kind of like a nightmare, of course.” Bill had been in Hollywood and with Bob until Saturday morning, July 30, 1955, then he left to go to Phoenix where he and Betty and their family had moved in 1954. He was in Phoenix on Saturday night and Sunday. “I took the call (from sister Lillian) in the house. She told me what had happened and I ran into the garage. I was hysterical and I told you Bob had been killed. I couldn’t believe it.” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566009113042-YHF19QUVCBERUQKUANAE/3700+Vanowen+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 3700 Vanowen Blvd., Burbank, Calif., c. 2010 In recent times, the crash site has been redeveloped. ”The last time I remember talking to Bob was when we were in Phoenix. We saw a play with Arlene Dahl and Fernando Lamas. Bob introduced me as ‘Mrs. Francis’ to some of the people sitting there and all the eyebrows went up. He was funny. We were talking about flying. He had gotten interested in flying. He said, ‘It is more dangerous for you to stay at home where you could slip and fall in the bathtub.’ I said, ‘I think they don’t take care of those private planes like they should.’” Source: Betty Jeans Francis, interview, Aug. 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400348141-VCK4XCANEEXQBD3M2A4X/BF+crash+area.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 3700 Vanowen Blvd., Burbank, Calif., c. 2019 Arnold & Richter Cine Technik (ARRI) is a global company within the motion picture media industry. The company consists of five business units: Camera Systems, Lighting, Media, Rental, and Medical. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI with 19 scientific and technical awards. It now occupies the street address closest to the crash site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017777212-H1H0UYRQDS7MAAKGB1V1/RF+Valhalla+Cemetery+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery, Burbank, Calif., c. 1969 Based on eyewitness accounts, Bob piloted the plane away from an in-progress funeral in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery and toward the parking lot shown in photos above. This photo and the one following show a 1969 plane crash. The cemetery has a special section called the Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation that is the final resting place for a number of aviation pioneers — barnstormers, daredevils and sundry architects of aviation. There is a memorial to Amelia Earhart and others, honoring their accomplishments. Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery is located at 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif., and Burbank, Calif. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555017777227-P55Z1KUUFG5154Q5TQLE/RF+Valhalla+Cemetery+-+plane+crash+%2769.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery, Burbank, Calif., c. 1969 Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “I decided to learn to fly the same time as Bob. When we talked about it, he was taking lessons and still a student pilot…the Bonanza is a very hot plane, an advanced plane, and I was curious as to why he was flying it. I am still a student pilot because that plane takes hundreds of hours to (learn to) fly…It may have overheated, and then when they tried to take off they lost it.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. Below: Aviation Safety Network report on the crash https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566094633274-1HDQW75MINEXRIW0HSQC/Plane.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Below: Los Angeles Times, Monday, Aug. 1, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566095196415-AOYHKCINGX2OG0C123WJ/LA+Times+A.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566086526600-LD017LFPFSV363JS453S/LA+Times+8-1-55+2+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622052060748-C2C43Q8TRIMAGHR1JMQG/BF%2BLA%2BTimes%2B8-2-55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The Los Angeles Times, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622052660106-BIDYM1SIE9138MXBOQ4H/BF+Lightbody+Var+8-3-55.PNG Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 L.N. Lightbody was the initial investigator of the plane crash. Variety, Aug. 3, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955851532-F26824MTG209GR76MHDN/55-8-3+Memorial+Service+8-3-55.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “Jack Allen, the soloist at Bob’s funeral, called our home after Bob was gone. He was very broken up. This man was a friend of Bob’s and, if I remember rightly, they met at a party or some function at which Jack had been singing. Bob had complimented him on his singing. They sat down and found out they had some things in common. They both liked boats. Their paths crossed several times and Jack once said they could be co-owners of a boat and share it as needed. Jack later said that was all at an end. “His voice was absolutely beautiful and he sang at Bob’s funeral. We chose ‘In The Garden,’ a favorite of my brother and me and also of my mother who had a lovely voice. Another hymn sung was ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus,’ my mother’s choice. “One time I was invited to an Episcopal church and we sang ‘In The Garden, but it was different from the Baptist version I had known.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. Another musical selection included in the service was “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Pallbearers included skiing friends and others: Mark Coates, a stockbroker in later years; Dean Kiner, a DJ in Antelope Valley; Norman McCloud, and Jack Lane. Attendees at the funeral included actors and friends May Wynn, Jack Lemmon, Vince Edwards, Jeff Donnell, Constance Towers, and William Leslie. The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Bell, First Baptist Church of Pasadena, officiated with Dr. W.J.R. Quigley, a minister who had contacted Bob about a young girl in Hawaii who was ill. Bob and Dr. Quigley became friends. Quigley served at the Hyde Park Congregational Church, 1950-1964, at 65th Street and Crenshaw in Los Angeles. That structure was torn down in 1964. Bob’s military flag was used in the service. “I met Father Quigley one time. He was a very down to earth person. He was not preachy and very interested in people. He was interested in helping those in trouble. His health was not very good and I think that was one of the reasons he did not drive. “I wish I had a copy of the letter that Bobby had written to the little girl in Hawaii who was ill. Bob and Father Quigley handed the letter back and forth. The family had called Father Quigley and said they thought the girl had several months, but it was several weeks.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. Bob’s remains were cremated prior to being placed in a casket and buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, in the Hillside area, L-4535 G2. His grave marker reads: Robert C. Francis, Our Beloved Son, 1930-1955. His father, James William Francis, Beloved Husband, 1893-1978, is buried on one side of Bob, and his mother, Lillian Warnock Francis, Beloved Mother, is buried on the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569296017351-XDF3C75VYKMJ40RJRK2J/BF+funeral.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Publication unknown, Aug. 4, 1955 Below: The Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn, c. 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566262176084-5V3R0PP6BQOX5QPO6HEZ/LittleChurchOfTheFlowers.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 A one-year scholarship for the Botomi Schneider Drama Workshop was established in Bob’s memory. The first recipients were Joby Baker and Rod McKuen. Baker was active in films and television until the 1980s; he was an abstract painter and married Dory Previn, a songwriter whose first husband was Andre Previn, composer and symphony conductor. McKuen was under contract at Universal-International in the mid-1950s, but became better known later for his poetry and music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555010266428-R4RWOKX24R09Y639286O/BF+death+cert.jpeg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “We used to get huge stacks of mail after Bob’s accident. One letter came from a teen-age girl and the sympathy she expressed was beautiful and so real. The way it was worded, it was so sincere. “We got letters asking for pieces of Bob’s clothes. Gruesome things. One person wrote and asked for a piece of his hair. “When we (Sandy, Lillian, Larry, Steve) were in Iran (1976-1978), Steve who was close to Bob’s size had the last of Bob’s things. Sandy got some of the clothing. Then after Sandy, Steve was the next closest in size. Bob loved relaxed clothes. “The people in Iran could take a suit — they are absolutely fabulous, they don’t have patterns or anything. They just take something and cut it, fit it, and sew it, and that’s it.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. Below: George Meyer, June 18, 1918-July 31, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566012638802-R1YW875B2M2244T28TXL/BF+George+Meyer.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Irving George Meyer in the U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566086944274-Z32S11Y7FVXYNXRR76XV/Meyer+draft+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 From FAA records: Meyer held a commercial pilot certificate issued June 25, 1947. His ratings within that category were Airplane Single Engine Land and Airplane Multiengine Land. No verification for his having been trained as a flying instructor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566089098458-BEG09NG9TALQ4C4BAUNS/Lind.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 This story by Bob Lind brought several responses. One was from Charles Lillibridge who knew George Meyer's family. The other was from George Meyer’s nephew, Dave Wallis, and then a conversation with his mother, Grace Meyer Wallis. Bob Lind also followed up: OPINION Mysteries solved about ND man killed in California plane crash Written By: Bob Lind | Aug 22nd 2017 - 7am. Bob Lind, Neighbors columnist Last June, Neighbors carried a note from a California man seeking information about Irving Meyer, a native of Wahpeton, N.D., who was killed in a single engine plane crash in California in 1955. Well, it turned out the information was right under Neighbor's nose. Irving was an uncle of Forum photographer Dave Wallis. The man inquiring about Irving had been told that he was a commercial pilot who had flown B-29s during World War II. He and his friend, Joe Kirkwood, had just bought the Beechcraft plane and were taking it on a flight with two friends who were actors, Robert Francis and Ann Russell, as passengers. But the plane crashed on a Burbank parking lot. What was strange was that Ann, who had no formal flight training, was found at the controls. (ERROR: No evidence that Russell was piloting the plane. She and Meyer were in second seat behind Francis who was piloting.) That's what the man told Neighbors. But Charles Lillibridge, Fargo, who knew Irving's family, writes that some of this is not true. "Irv did join the Air Force and learned to fly there," Charles writes Neighbors, "but to my knowledge he never was a commercial pilot nor did he fly B-29s. "Joe Kirkwood, the co-owner of the plane in which Irv was killed, was the person who played the part of the comic book character Joe Palooka in the movies. "Irv had flown that plane to Wahpeton and he took his parents for a ride in it. "Irv," Charles says, "was a tall handsome fellow. He never attended college. He was a real 'wheeler-dealer.' I think he could sell iceboxes to Eskimos. "He was always doing something in California. Dating female actresses for him wasn't unusual. "He would send letters home and we would read about his exploits, such as golfing with (comedy team) Abbott and Costello and had to tip the caddie $20 because they did." As to that fatal airplane flight, Charles says, "I can't imagine that Irv would allow anyone else to be at the controls of this plane. "Irv was instrumental in building a golf course (in Hollywood)," he says. "He was going to show his passengers the project from the air, but they never made it. His family "Nick Meyer, Irv's father, was a barber in Wahpeton," Charles says. "Other family members were Jerry, Grace, Mary Ann, Lawrence and another son I can't recall. They all lived in a small house less than a block north of the Wahpeton High School. "The family was very musical, except for Irv. Jerry played trombone; Grace, the piano; Lawrence, the trumpet. Lawrence had a doctor's degree in music, was with the Pacific Lutheran University music department and played with Doc Severinson's band." Doc was the orchestra leader on the old Johnny Carson TV show. Charles himself used to play with Lem Hawkins, a local orchestra leader. He also played in bands with Nick, Jerry and Lawrence of the Meyer family and with Grace's husband Dale. Finally, Charles notes that Grace married Dale Wallis and had a son. That would be The Forum's Dave Wallis, as reported above. Friend of actors Janet Gagelin, who works for the Fairview Cemetery Association in Wahpeton, did some research and found Irv's obituary from the Aug. 5, 1955, Richland County Farmer-Globe. The obituary says Irv was born in Wahpeton in 1918, grew up and graduated from high school there and was employed around Wahpeton until 1937 when he got a job with the Lockheed Aircraft Co. in California. He was discharged from the military as a captain and became a first lieutenant in the Reserve Corps. He was employed in Hollywood working on movie sets and made friends with several movie actors. Irv never married. His sister Now Dave Wallis tells about Irv's sister Mary Ann. She had a musical career at WDAY Radio, Fargo, where that station's Ken Kennedy gave her the stage name of Marjorie Moore. Marjorie once sang in a ritzy private club in Dallas. Among those hearing her perform were then- Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, actor-musician Danny Kaye, Judy Garland (who sang "Over the Rainbow" in a duet with Marjorie), the owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team and many other celebrities. And there you have some family information stirred up by a man in California seeking information about a man from North Dakota. If you have an item of interest for this column, mail it to Neighbors, The Forum, Box 2020, Fargo, ND 58107, fax it to 241-5487 or email blind@forumcomm.com. Information from a follow-up phone call with Charles Lillibridge: • George went to California, but he had no job so he took a job washing dishes. Although WWII had not started yet, he signed up for the Army Air Force. An officer asked if anyone had experience supervising a big group of men such as this. Meyer had not but he said he had. They put him in charge, made him a lieutenant, and gave him flying lessons. • Later, Meyer was supposedly a manager of the Harry James Orchestra. (No confirmation of this.) • He knew many Hollywood people, including his friend and neighbor actor Frank Faylen (1905-1985) who was in It’s A Wonderful Life and Gunfight at the OK Corral. Faylen wrote a letter of condolence to the Meyers after Meyer died. • Singer Kay Starr (1922-2016) dated Meyer. • Meyer once golfed with Abbott and Costelllo and another man. He had to leave a $20 tip as if he were the other man, so he would not look like a tight wad. • Meyer wrote (his family) about plans fly over his golf course (built in partnership with actor Joe Kirkwood) using Joe’s plane, but this never happened. An addition from Dave Wallis: Jennifer Flowers, who was linked by the tabloids with Bill Clinton, sang in the restaurant side of the club in Dallas. She and Marjorie became good friends; when Marjorie died in 2003, Flowers was the executor of her estate. Wallis says his mother Grace, her brother Larry/Lawrence, and Big Band leader Tommy Newsom (Doc Sevinsen’s band) created the half-time show at the first Super Bowl on Jan. 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. According to Wikipedia, “The 1st Super Bowl's entertainment consisted of college marching bands from the University of Arizona and Grambling State University, instead of featuring popular singers and musicians as in later Super Bowls.” Wallis believes the University of Arkansas marching band also performed. (Clarification is needed for this information.) Wallis’ mother, Grace, was the last of six Meyer siblings when she spoke about her brother. She was living in her grandparents’ house a block from where she was born in Wahpeton, N.D. When interviewed at age 92, Grace still clearly recalled the events of July 31, 1955. She said she and her sisters heard of the plane crash on the radio in Wahpeton. They went to tell their parents of Georges death the next day. On July 31, 1955, Meyer borrowed a plane belonging to Joe Kirkwood, an actor and his business partner. Information about Kirkwood’s ownership surfaced quickly at the crash site. For a brief time, emergency personnel thought perhaps Kirkwood was one of the victims. Likewise, because of items found in the plane, Bob’s body was thought to be that of Lance Reventlow, son of Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress. (He was in fact a previous owner of the plane.) The rumor spread quickly and, according to his first wife, actress Jill St. John, when Reventlow arrived at his home later that night his neighbors, Margo and Eddie Albert, rushed across to him in tears and hugged him while saying, “You’re alive! You’re alive!” Reventlow was stunned to learn of the accident and his “death.” His life was filled with money and romance and dangerous hobbies. He died in a plane crash in 1972. For more information about Lance Reventlow, see New York Times article in Sidebars. For more information about Joe Kirkwood, see Sidebars section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566093987997-3Z6KDNTADA8H8FDFBMBK/BF+Russell.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566094604495-NGVAL2XAA7V7LCEQMTG5/Francis+-+Ann+Russell+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Audrey Ann Schneider/Ann Russell/Audrey Ann Schneider Dosch Although this photograph is documented as one of Ann Russell, there is no documentation that this Ann Russell is definitely Audrey Ann Schneider. However, a good deal of circumstantial information supports the assumption.. At the time of the plane crash and in the years since, no clarity has come to questions about Audrey Ann Schneider Dosch/Ann Russell and her relationship, if any, with Bob or George Meyer. Many possibilities. She and Bob may have known each other from elementary or junior high. In the 1940 U.S. Census for Pasadena, she (age 9) lived with her mother, Audrey Pearle Schneider who was divorced from her husband (Michael W. Schneider), her brother, Walter, age 6, and her mother’s father, Arthur Broadhead (born in England). They lived at 830 Merrett Dr. in the Olive Heights section of Pasadena. While the two attending Hamilton Elementary and/or Wilson Junior High at the same time is possible, the distances between those schools and Merrett Drive make such a coincidence improbable. She evidently became Ann Russell, c. 1947-1949, and began to seek movie roles. She was represented by the international talent-booking agency General Artists Corporation which (through a series of acquisitions and mergers) evolved first into a larger agency called Creative Management Associates, and then, in 1974, into ICM Partners. GAC was founded in the early 1930s as a partnership between Thomas G. Rockwell (–1958) and Francis "Cork" O'Keefe (1900–1990). It was called the Rockwell-O'Keefe Theatrical Agency; their clients, then, included Bing Crosby. In the 1940s, the only larger booking firm was Music Corporation of America (MCA). Other clients at one time or another included Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, and the Beatles. Despite having this powerful management company behind her, Ann evidently did not achieve much success. References to “minor picture roles” cannot be verified. News accounts at the time of her death said she had been signed for a supporting role in the film version of Our Miss Brooks with Eve Arden. Because Bob did not become part of the Hollywood scene of hopeful young actors until after July 4, 1949, their knowing each other in Hollywood is also not likely. (She married Edmond Dosch on April 1, 1949, moved to San Diego where her first child, Michael, was born in 1950, and, eventually, to Denver.) However, George Meyer as a talent agent may have met her during this period. When she came back to Hollywood in the summer of 1955, she may have sought his help in securing roles and restarting her acting career. Also possible: she met Bob in Hollywood in the spring of 1955 or when he returned from Colorado in late June. But there is no verification of such a meeting. On July 31, 1955, she may have been Bob’s guest or Meyer’s guest. Lillian, Bob’s sister, says she and her husband Sandy had dinner, played miniature golf, and counted Bob’s collection of pennies with Bob and a young woman on Friday or Saturday night, July 29 or 30, 1955, at his apartment. Lillian and Sandy were in Pasadena for a long week-end, celebrating at some point her parents’ forty-first anniversary. The young woman with Bob on Friday or Saturday night MAY have been Ann Russell, according to Lillian, but she was not sure when recalling that week-end some 40 years later. Bob’s brother Bill said he and Bob and Ann had dinner at Bob’s apartment several days before the crash. Speculation, not facts, surround Ann’s being in the plane on July 31, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566101058892-KZHBQCXYP3W9KZ7UBI3B/830+Merrett+Dr..png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 830 Merrett Dr., Pasadena, c. 2015 Audrey Ann Schneider lived here with her mother, brother, and grandfather, according to the 1940 U.S. Census. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1749332810387-CQLDQUV7O6TLUAPSBQB2/BF%2Bdoschmarriage.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Certificate of Marriage for Audrey Ann Schneider (note spelling; not Snyder) and Edmond William Dosch At the time of their marriage, Ann, 18, appears to be living in San Fernando Valley in military housing (see photo below) and was employed as a telephone operator. Edmond, 22, was an aircraft mechanic. They were married by the rector of All Saints (Episcopal) Chapel in Pasadena. Ann’s husband evidently joined the Air Force soon after their marriage. When Ann died, Dosch was a lieutenant in the Air Force, and they were separated. Ann and their three children — Michael, 5; Ruby, 4; Scotty, 3 — were staying with family friends in Baldwin Park, Los Angeles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1749332460826-WD5E959FDARLJFJT8K2W/BF%2BDorch%2Bhome%2B49%2B%25282%2529.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Below: Scott Dosch, the younger son of Audrey Ann and Edmond Dosch Scott Dosch is a talented West Coast visual artist whose medium is most often beach sand. Except for references in the obituary of Brian Boru Dosch (see below), no current information is available on Scott’s older brother, Michael, and sister, Ruby (Debra Susan). His stepbrother is Brian Boru Dosch who was the son of Evelyn Haver and Jim McNamara. She married Edmond Dosch in 1955. (Tucson, Ariz,, newspaper birth announcement, 1948: “Mr. and Mrs. Jim McNamara, of Hollywood, have named their recently born male child, Brian Boru. Mrs. McNamara, the former cinema actress Evelyn Haver, is a sister of June Haver.”) Michael Erich Dosch was born May 21, 1950, in San Diego, Calif. Debra Susan Dosch (known as Ruby in 1955) was born Dec. 3, 1951, in Texas. Scott was born June 9, 1953, at an Army hospital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1571460506991-2IOM2D9VHZJXJT164KXO/Scott+1+%282%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1571460628746-NVGS8CYE88UTV6REX682/Scott+1+%283%29.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566327424001-677KEOJBLTPPQI6P9EZZ/Scott+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566102422039-85MACYPYXI6F6V3CQ9FF/HAver.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Evelyn Ruth Haver, second wife of Edmond Dosch Los Angeles Times, June 7, 2000 Brian is her son by Jim McNamara. He was adopted by Edmond Dosch. The other children listed are his children with Audrey Ann Schneider Dosch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275555476-NB4AL90DTJ4R872P9EQ9/Haver+4.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: June and Evelyn Haver, c. 1940s Below: From Find a Grave website https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566155244905-EAYIO40JUFG3VI25Q5P3/HAver+2.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: Evelyn Ruth Haver, sister of June Haver, was Edmond Dosch's second wife Los Angeles Times, June 7, 2000 Below: Brian Boru Dosch, adopted son of Edmond Dosch, whose father was Jim McNamara. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566153849057-6EFOEYGJZTI32BW6BEUZ/Dosch+Brian.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400669232-K1MKHI2A5CM0UFLLQY5Y/BF+Neb+ancestors.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bellevue, Neb. Sept. 19, 1954 Personal appearance tour for The Caine Mutiny https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416211361-FCUEE2K08FNE2TXYG47Z/54-9-19+Belleview+Neb+9-19-54+%28Bennie+Anderson+Studio.+604+W.+Mission%29.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Photo: Bennie Anderson Studio, Bellevue, Neb. “Bobby said that Indian headdress was worth a fortune and only chiefs had it. “When he was in Lincoln, Neb., [Bellevue, Neb.] he was in a parade sitting up on the back of the convertible. The car took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead end street. One of the pictures shows Bobby laughing his head off because the parade has gone on, but he is sitting in the alleyway.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563416389994-JQZZ2ND5EW0383WIJ586/Nebraska+54.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob, Bellevue, Neb., Sept.1954 Personal appearance tour for The Caine Mutiny Bob participated in an event/ceremony in which he donned “traditional” Native American headdress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400223253-5P92IMI5TZKVM9V5P1F8/BF+Arizona+Rep+8-2-55.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 - Bob's grave is between his parents, both of whom outlived him https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563425400111-6OVYQXDNTSUA8C2MSHHO/55+12+Grave+-+Bob.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566274919333-M4HPWEFWTG8EMOHL1JDU/Find+a+Grave.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 From Find a Grave website https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400555895-HLDNGPH6I9RDWV6LMXBQ/BF+grave+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566274919754-74YO8XGHZXXXBD0AVUWY/Forest+Lawn.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563400556988-ZEFOPIVY0M3SKNBUNGLO/BF+grave+1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Bob is remembered and continues to receive tributes from fans at his grave and on the Find a Grave website. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009523782-U7JSM0OG8WY81KHK5CCC/BF+10-55+1+modernscreen49unse_0865.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Above: Modern Screen, Oct. 1955 Below: Modern Screen, Nov. 1955 The full text of “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” appears below. “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” by Alice Finletter, Modern Screen, Nov. 1955. Fifteen months earlier Modern Screen, Aug. 1954, had introduced Bob to its readers with the lengthy article, “Bob Francis,” and a photo story, “Salt Water Dillies.” “Bob Francis” and “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” serve as bookends for Modern Screen’s generous coverage of Bob’s soaring career. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009569383-Z9PB4HDMQ63WSQDF5VE8/BF+11-55+2modernscreen49unse_1006.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The full text of “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” appears below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009569871-1PSZBEJJTS8TDT03HI91/BF+11-55+3+modernscreen49unse_1007.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009570137-OITVDSRDBZ8NALR1ZARE/BF+11-55+4+modernscreen49unse_1008.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1555009570605-766EHY7F1JOZ7BMTW8E2/BF+11-55+5modernscreen49unse_1009.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955904765-NDPLGSLOEAQALDD0XBRK/55+10+MS+6+1.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955904838-3244KYLU4H3CPR9HAQXY/55+10+MS+6+2.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955943303-95NXS63N7IQX95VMXVU4/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+4.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955905214-TTF4GQ9P4NW1V9IUJQ74/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+3.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955943305-7BWOX4ZHA50LBG9EK97L/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+5.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1554955943708-0XUCX21NGX5GHAW2G1OQ/55+10+MS+7+%282%29+6.jpg Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 A one-year scholarship for the Botomi Schneider Drama Workshop was established in Bob’s honor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566012703263-KMDF9E3JPS8FPWIAKCGE/BF+Screen+World+1956.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 The date of death in this Screen World 1956 obituary is incorrect. Bob died July 31, 1955, not July 3. An early title for The Bamboo Prison was I Was a Prisoner in Korea. Below: The Navy noted Bob’s death several years later in one of its publications. This appears to be similar to a photo made in late June 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1565895608335-KWLH6R7DFNQ0SCQ2QMX1/Amer+Airlines+Bob+and+May.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 Below: Information from CemeteryGuide.com http://www.cemeteryguide.com/ Corrections: Bob never appeared in a production at the Pasadena Playhouse. Audrey Ann Dosch’s maiden name is Schneider, not Snyder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275645169-89UUVEQRR4BTYLM7PIF5/cermetery+guide+1.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275618072-D0D3RT9E5JVS9A9S26JV/cemetery+guide+2+A.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275594225-T8QH49B9SHP4URJF5PBS/cemetery+guide+5.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 “He never did anything he didn’t want to do at all. “Hollywood was very artificial. He never got into the Hollywood hassle. He was all clean. In fact Betty and I have often discussed that I don’t think he would have stayed in. “As he went along I wonder how long he might have hung in there because of his sense of values. I remember some of those discussions. There were things that really bothered my brother because of his sense of values.” Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275595719-9LP0TI5YE5L0C271OKN8/cemetery+guide+6.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566275597326-KMRJS75YXZGX1U6R5564/cemetery+guide+7.png Biography: Part One - Before 1930 to Fall 1955 https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2022-02-03 https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-4 daily 0.75 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563472594722-8UWBUD03O5Y5W4GQMXXQ/Cohn.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Above: Harry Cohn (July 23, 1891–Feb. 27, 1958), Co-Founder, President, and Production Director, Columbia Pictures Below: Two historical photographs made at Columbia Pictures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566697863676-C71KO0T7MIKB6JL0I4VC/Col+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566697863384-XCNTOT01AHZR22JB503R/Col+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563472567877-IPNWH2871OLFX9BSNCZ8/Cohn+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: When Bob was born in 1930, the HOLLYWOODLAND sign was seven years old. Erected in 1923, its purpose was to advertise the name of a new segregated housing development in the hills above the Hollywood district of Los Angeles. Real estate developers Woodruff and Shoults called their development "Hollywoodland" and advertised it as a "superb environment without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills." They contracted the Crescent Sign Company to erect thirteen south-facing letters on the hillside. The sign company owner, Thomas Fisk Goff (1890–1984), designed the sign. Each letter was 30 ft (9.1 m) wide and 50 ft (15.2 m) high, and the whole sign was studded with around 4,000 light bulbs. The sign flashed in segments: "HOLLY," "WOOD," and "LAND" lit up individually, and then as a whole. Below the Hollywoodland sign was a searchlight to attract more attention. The poles that supported the sign were hauled to the site by mules. The project cost $21,000, equivalent to $320,000 in 2019. Over the course of more than half a century, the sign, designed to stand for only 18 months, sustained extensive damage and deterioration. By 1949, when Bob first became a regular visitor in Hollywood, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce began a contract with the City of Los Angeles Parks Department to repair and rebuild the sign. The contract stipulated that "LAND" be removed to spell "Hollywood" and reflect the district, not the "Hollywoodland" housing development. The Parks Department dictated that all subsequent illumination would be at the Chamber's expense, so the Chamber opted not to replace the lightbulbs. The 1949 effort gave it new life, but the sign's unprotected wood-and-sheet-metal structure continued to deteriorate. By the 1970s, the first O had splintered and broken, resembling a lowercase u, and the third O had fallen down completely, leaving the severely dilapidated sign reading "HuLLYWO D." In 1978, in large part because of the public campaign to restore the landmark by Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, the Chamber set out to replace the severely deteriorated sign with a more permanent structure. Nine donors gave $27,778 each (totaling $250,000) to sponsor replacement letters, made of steel supported by steel columns on a concrete foundation. The new letters were 45 ft (13.7 m) tall and ranged from 31 to 39 ft (9.4 to 11.9 m) wide. The new version of the sign was unveiled on November 11, 1978, as the culmination of a live CBS television special commemorating the 75th anniversary of Hollywood's incorporation as a city. Refurbishment, donated by Bay Cal Commercial Painting, began again in November 2005, as workers stripped the letters back to their metal base and repainted them white. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Sign offers a detailed account of the history of the iconic sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613441743745-895WV9TF9AH1RNSK5Z8J/BF+Hollywoodland+5.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: As Bob traveled to Columbia Pictures at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street for the first time in 1953, he could see the newly refurbished HOLLYWOOD sign. This photograph is c. 2014. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613443010479-5WSYSH6AP5RRA3C6VAU1/BF+Hollywood+sign+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: During the two years Bob’s career was developing, he almost daily traveled from Pasadena to Columbia Pictures in Hollywood. In the last months of his life, after moving into an apartment on Hayworth Street just a few miles west of the studio, he also saw familiar Hollywood landmarks. Most of the following photographs were made during those years. Brown Derby https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Derby The first restaurant opened in February 1926 at 3427 Wilshire Boulevard in a building built in the distinctive shape of a derby hat. Despite its less distinctive Spanish Mission style facade, the second Brown Derby, which opened on Valentine’s Day 1929 at 1628 North Vine Street in Hollywood, was the branch that played the greater part in Hollywood history. Due to its proximity to movie studios, it became the place to do deals and be seen. Clark Gable is said to have proposed to Carole Lombard there. Rival gossip columnists Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper are recorded as regular patrons. The Hollywood Brown Derby is the purported birthplace of the Cobb salad, which was said to have been hastily arranged from leftovers by owner Bob Cobb for showman and theater owner Sid Grauman. It was chopped fine, because Grauman had just had dental work done, and couldn't chew well. According to Shirley Temple, the non-alcoholic drink bearing her name was invented at the Brown Derby in the mid-1930s. Temple herself never liked the drink and noted her personality rights had been used without permission. The Hollywood Brown Derby closed for the last time at its original site on April 3, 1985, as a result of a lease dispute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425489252-XSUW14X2M18T0A78XF86/Brown+Derby+Restaurant.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: The Capitol Records Building, also known as the Capitol Records Tower, was under construction at the time of Bob’s death. It is a 13-story tower building designed by Louis Naidorf of Welton Becket Associates, one of the city's landmarks. Construction began soon after British music company EMI acquired Capitol Records in 1955, and was completed in April 1956. Located just north of the Hollywood and Vine intersection, the Capitol Records Tower houses the consolidation of Capitol Records' West Coast operations and is home to the recording studios and echo chambers of Capitol Studios. The building is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and sits in the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District. It has been described as the "world's first circular office building." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Records_Building https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613445515824-TU8847S9ST3EQ9AC9GRD/Capitol+Records.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Grauman's Chinese Theatre is a movie palace on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6925 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood. The original Chinese Theatre was commissioned following the success of the nearby Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1922. Both are in Exotic Revival style architecture. Built by a partnership headed by Sid Grauman over 18 months starting in January 1926, the theater opened May 18, 1927, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's The King of Kings. It has since been home to many premieres, as well as birthday parties, corporate junkets, and three Academy Awards ceremonies. Among the theatre's most distinctive features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular motion picture personalities from the 1920s to the present day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425631634-PIO7N6TWG3ST3RKXN9RU/Gau+Chinese+Theater.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, 1952 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425579696-H0TJMZ6S4ZDNKV43XJTK/Hollywood+and+Vine+1952.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a historic hotel located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, across the street from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. It opened on May 15, 1927, and is the oldest continually operating hotel in Los Angeles. The hotel was built in 1926, in what is known as the Golden Era of Los Angeles architecture, and was named after the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. It was financed by a group that included Louis B. Mayer, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Sid Grauman. It cost $2.5 million ($36.8 million today) to complete and opened on May 15, 1927. The first Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on May 16, 1929, inside the Blossom Ballroom. A private ceremony open only to Academy members, it was hosted by Academy president Douglas Fairbanks and held three months after the winners were announced, with 270 people in attendance. At the time, the "Oscar" nickname for the award had not yet been invented (the nickname would be introduced four years later).[ The Gable-Lombard penthouse, a 3,200 square-foot duplex with an outdoor deck with views of the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood sign, is named for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who used to stay in the room for five dollars a night. The Marilyn Monroe suite is named for the actress, who lived at the hotel for two years early in her career. Photo c. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425647767-KTIX6KQAZQH7X0DHB1WK/Hollywood+Blvd+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Street, 1952, looking east from area near Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Roosevelt Hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425668154-88V4WBB6W7XBX1T5CC6R/Hollywood+Blvd+and+Orange+1952.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: NBC at intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street, early 1950s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613446496527-RWS6QY8EU8DY8IEORG0M/Vine+and+Sunset+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613446539498-VEKYESMAMK2I07V36XMO/Warners+Bldg.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Ciro's opened in January 1940 by entrepreneur William Wilkerson at 8433 Sunset Boulevard. Wilkerson also opened Cafe Trocadero, in 1934, and the restaurant La Rue, both on the Strip, and later originated The Flamingo in Las Vegas, only to have control of the resort wrested from him by mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. Herman Hover took over management of Ciro's in 1942 until it closed its doors in 1957. Hover filed for bankruptcy in 1959, and Ciro's was sold at public auction for $350,000. Ciro's combined a luxe baroque interior and an unadorned exterior and became a famous hangout for movie people of the 1940s and 1950s. It was one of the places to be seen and guaranteed being written about in the gossip columns of Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons, and Florabel Muir. Among the galaxy of celebrities who frequented Ciro's were Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Ava Gardner, Sidney Poitier, Anita Ekberg, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Joan Crawford, Betty Grable, Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Ronald Reagan, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Mickey Rooney, Cary Grant, George Raft, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Judy Garland, June Allyson and Dick Powell, Mamie Van Doren, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Benny, Peter Lawford, and Lana Turner (who often said Ciro's was her favorite nightspot) among many others. During his first visit to Hollywood in the late 1940s, future President John F. Kennedy dined at Ciro's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425536501-KRS0UBT7XDVRIGZ4300T/Ciro%27s+Nightclub.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Coffee Dan’s at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Street. In Bob’s time Coffee Dan’s was open 24 hours, seven days per week. Now it is a McDonald’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425555042-5XTWBYWHIVL9J76KIFDV/Hollywood+and+Highland+Coffee+Dan%27s.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Hody’s Family Restaurant at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613425617304-QM5ZL7043AZDR5DVFIF1/Hollywood+and+Vine+Hody%27s.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Saharan Motel Sunset Boulevard and Alta Vista Boulevard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613446463017-75M8ZFOI082ZJM79BRNY/Sunset+and+Alta+Vista.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613446486442-S71T34AJUVZMJSGA9ATQ/Sunset+and+Vine.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613446511551-ZE8AFCON2OUKCLXIG0XK/Vine+and+Sunset.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563485541883-YRA0VX1HOQU28TNMG6LG/It+Happened+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems In addition to its many serials and series (The Three Stooges, “Gower Gulch” Westerns, Boston Blackie, Gene Autry Westerns, Blondie, Jungle Jim), Columbia also produced major artistic and box office hits: Lady for a Day (1933), It Happened One Night (Best Film Oscar, 1934), One Night of Love (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Lost Horizon (1937), The Awful Truth (1937), You Can’t Take It With You (Best Film Oscar, 1938), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), The Invaders (1942), The Talk of the Town (1942), The More the Merrier (1943), All the King’s Men (Best Film Oscar, 1949), Born Yesterday (1951), The Happy Time (1952), From Here to Eternity (Best Film Oscar, 1953), The Caine Mutiny (1954), On the Waterfront (Best Film Oscar, 1954), Picnic (1956), The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956), Pal Joey (1957), The Bridge On the River Kwai (Best Film Oscar, 1957)…. In slim artistic years, Columbia had box office success with its roster of stars: Rita Hayworth (its biggest star), Glenn Ford, William Holden, Judy Holliday, Kim Novak, as well as The Three Stooges, Ann Miller, Evelyn Keyes, Jack Lemmon, Barbara Hale, Larry Parks, and Lucille Ball. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563477098524-7XQD0MJ6KLFV8W37RN00/You+Can%27t.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563476932126-07J8W58Z99DR2APF4UTC/All+the+King%27s.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573532148429-TD11E4DKX8SELG9YZ0YF/Eternity+7.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563477096848-8TN5DP99FYLPN6N8LLU1/Waterfront.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563476954540-PAPWA52SMA2ZGK6YNVBI/Bridge.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563476982032-QR7CED0EUJNPUVL5NKQH/Glenn.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Glenn Ford, c. late 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563484817704-GHSURLS2BCJ5XI9JEGS0/Rita+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Rita Hayworth, c. 1946 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563477000523-CNMR6FFGM7EE468DDVFX/Holden.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems William Holden, c. late 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563477000295-YMKMHXVN6IKC6E466WPX/Judy.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Judy Holliday, c. 1950 (Best Actress Oscar for Born Yesterday, 1950) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563485340966-ILHE4E2MDCM4GTONB2FQ/Lemmon+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Jack Lemmon, c. 1950s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569460434462-HN3BVEL65ST2FOWOXGWR/Lemmon+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Janet McCauley, Vice President, Jalem Productions, letter, Sept. 2, 1993. Jalem Productions was Lemmon’s own company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563477058749-0VQMFV8CQ6SC9NB7GT7V/Kim.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Kim Novak, c. early 1950s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563486441810-REOXYOFUZOXPA0FT6QNL/RF+ad+MPH+12-25-54.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob was in a group of young actors in Columbia’s “class of 1954-1955,” contract players that Columbia hoped over time would join the ranks of movie stars and accomplished actors created by the Star System. During 1954 and 1955 Columbia promoted its future stars in full-page, back cover ads in Motion Picture Herald, a weekly trade magazine focused mostly on marketing activities and achievements by movie exhibitors. Bob was featured twice, once in blue and once in orange. The success of these actors varied — Bancroft left Hollywood for Broadway and then returned to score an Oscar, Carey and Keith achieved fame in long-run television shows, Lemmon received two acting Oscars, Novak was enormously popular for several years and appeared in hit movies but then became somewhat elusive personally and professionally. Foster, Marlow, and Wynn found some success and longevity in films and television, but did not become major film stars. Bob and Wynn were featured in photo stories in fan magazines. He and Marlow also had at least one photo story shoot (documented on this website). Columbia also promoted Aldo Ray and Cleo Moore during this time period. Bob and Ray did a photo story that also featured Lemmon. Bob “dated” Moore to at least one major Hollywood function in early 1955. “…The studio system could be emotionally difficult, because I wasn’t the only hopeful juvenile leading man being groomed for a career. There were dozens at each studio, all starting out at $75 a week, all more or less good looking, all more or less types who could conceivably replace an older leading man who was already at the studio…One of the small tortures of the way the studios operated was that there were plenty of other people who were something like you. Every time you looked around, you saw someone who was a living, breathing implication that you were replaceable. And the sad fact was that you were.” (Wagner, pp. 48-49) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494996805-F62Y5WXZ1HN9R94EEIEL/Herald.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Motion Picture Herald, published from 1931 to December 1972, by Quigley Publishing Company owned by Martin Quigley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563495074774-DJHHDG4K3MY2GK13P2IA/Bancroft.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563495036071-266FDQYKZ3VXU7OVWO75/Carey.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Phil Carey appeared with Bob in They Rode West and The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563495055200-2GXVRYSZYIZG2YN4EZJD/Bob+ad.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563495019991-INZXSEF55XCYNZ66ASV7/Foster.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Dianne Foster appeared with Bob in The Bamboo Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563495059547-S98FXDW0SQFJQTDGZBAY/Brian.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Brian Keith appeared with Bob in The Bamboo Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494979016-FYUIVI5WCCY3CSYJB2R4/Jack+Lemmon.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494918091-GRM9A0DFW5NWTQJ1MOSW/MArlow.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494897614-6UMPFQ9RR7JGI7HV8WKH/Novak+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494898619-E6FYSRFLZ9I83FX3WNKE/Palmer.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Betsy Palmer appeared with Bob in The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563494867602-PGKJQA7DYBA128TM1GFX/May.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems May Wynn appeared with Bob in The Caine Mutiny and They Rode West. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563546701543-O5SXAS18ET46ALMW6H29/Hunter+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Hunter “…I’d get my first inkling of how the publicity machine worked. I hadn’t even finished making my first movie (Island of Desire), but already fans were lining up in front of the building. They’d ask for an autograph or to have a picture taken with me. Sometimes they’d sneak snapshots of me coming and going. United Artists, it seemed, was staging a big buildup in advance of the movie’s release.” (p. 58) “From the time I got out of bed until I crawled back to my hotel room after midnight, I did interviews and grinned for the camera until my jaws ached. It was more exhausting than making the movie…The promotion thing was about wearing the happy face – all the time.” (p. 60) “Back in Hollywood, the PR started spinning even faster. I was interviewed and photographed countless times for movie magazines. ..Most of the stories these magazines cranked out were fabricated pieces of fluff, but it seemed to be what people wanted to read, and I was told that it was a surefire way of getting “the powers that be” to take notice of up-and-coming talent.” (pp. 62-63) “Credit, or blame, for imprinting the image of Tab Hunter in the public’s consciousness can’t go to Henry Willson (Hunter’s agent). By all rights, it goes to the fan magazines…It was these magazines that concocted my celebrity, completely out of proportion to my actual on-screen status.” (p. 67) “…Why did so many people want to see me in these absurdly fake situations? Tab Hunter tries on a sport coat! Tab Hunter goes on a picnic! Tab Hunter water skis!” “My popularity was spurred by magazine editors who recognized, and tapped into, a completely new readership – teenage girls. In the past, Hollywood made movies primarily for adults. Kids never really had movie stars of their own age to moon over, unless you want to count Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland as teenage sex objects…When a young girl developed a crush, hell or high water couldn’t sway her loyalty…Apparently editors, and, more important, their advertisers, discovered there was a mint to be made force-feeding desirable young celebrity bachelors to starry-eyed girls across America. It was those shrewd businessmen – not me – who were cashing in on the boy-next-door appeal of this Tab Hunter character.” (p. 69) “I became a fixture in the Hollywood circuit, offering newspapers and magazines the perfect image of a rising star with the world by the tail. My picking and choosing from a Whitman’s Sampler of gorgeous starlets was dutifully recorded, month by month, allowing teenage girls around the world to track my love life. “All a ruse, of course. Most of the young actresses I dated were, like me, gamely fostering the impression that they were “hot,” even if they hadn’t worked in months…Pat Crowley…Terry Moore…Having ourselves described as “an item” or “deeply involved” was a small price to pay for access to lavish parties overflowing with delicacies otherwise unavailable to actors living on saltines, sardines, and soda pop….” “These high-life snapshots fueled the fantasies of young girls…. “There was an underlying pattern to this conspiracy of wishful thinking. Tab Hunter, and other young, handsome actors like him, were only useful as bachelors. America’s nubile class needed to believe they actually had a chance! But what was the theme of virtually every story? Marriage! In order for lustful adolescent urges to have the culture’s seal of approval, every feature story, every interview, had to conclude with the actor’s wistful admission that, beneath the glitz and glamour, all he truly craved was a simple life of wedded bliss.” (p. 74) Hunter, Tab, and Eddie Muller, Tab Hunter Confidential The Making of a Movie Star, Chapel Hill, N.C.: Algonquin Books, 2005 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566698955055-3LR64KL8597UZTB5I4DA/Wagner.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “…The studio system could be emotionally difficult, because I wasn’t the only hopeful juvenile leading man being groomed for a career. There were dozens at each studio, all starting out at $75 a week, all more or less good looking, all more or less types who could conceivably replace an older leading man who was already at the studio…One of the small tortures of the way the studios operated was that there were plenty of other people who were something like you. Every time you looked around, you saw someone who was a living, breathing implication that you were replaceable. And the sad fact was that you were.” (pp. 48-49) “…They wanted to promote the image of a carefree young stud – never my style – so I had publicity dates with young actresses around town like Lori Nelson and Debra Paget. This was a relic of the days when the studio system was in its prime. The studio would arrange for two young stars-in-waiting to go out to dinner and a dance and assign a photographer to accompany them. The result would be placed in a fan magazine. It was a totally artificial story documenting a nonexistent relationship, but it served to keep the names of young talents in front of the public. As far as I was concerned, it was part of the job, and usually pleasant enough.” (p. 62) “…Fox was very interested in me in terms of generating publicity, but it had a very limited interest in what was best for me as a human being…The studio was looking for a saleable commodity….” (p. 73) “…The mood on the lot was different because the people who had been there in 1949 weren’t around much anymore…There was a certain esprit de corps; everybody worked together to make the film. We worked a full day on Saturday, and if a picture was supposed to be shot in thirty-five days, you better believe that it was finished on that thirty-fifth day, no more, no less. Overtime? Forget about it.” (pp. 144-145) “..that increased independence also means that it’s everybody for himself – there’s no studio watching out for young actors, trying to build a career step by step. The only people with a vested interest in young talent are managers and agents, and there aren’t many who possess a developmental skill set….” (p.319) Wagner, Robert J., and Scott Eyman, Pieces of My Heart A Life, New York: It Books, HarperCollins Publishers, 2008 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567473984826-4N9PRQ6030XZB4QQA13Q/Benno+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Variety?, September 1, 1949 Bob was “discovered” July 4, 1949. He tested at Universal-International; from there, Sophie Rosenstein sent him to Botomi Schneider’s drama school. Her husband, Benno, in that same time period, became Columbia’s drama coach. Bob studied with Botomi for the next few years and became close to Botomi and Benno and their children. When Columbia was looking for a young actor to play Willie Keith in The Caine Mutiny, Benno recommended Bob be considered. Thus, “overnight successes” and “Cinderellas” happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563910504326-RJJSBH6EQ726X8SGX4RO/BF+Kramer+signing.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring 1953 The Caine Mutiny Producer Stanley Kramer (left) and Director Edward Dymtryk flank Bob as he signs his Columbia contract. No indication of this photograph ever being published. Columbia Pictures photographer assumed. Probably made in Kramer’s office; boxer statue may have been a gift from Kirk Douglas who starred in Kramer’s Champion. A personal item, an identification bracelet on his right wrist — popular with young people in the 1950s — shows up here and in many photos made in the 1953-1954 time frame, as well as in The Caine Mutiny. Dymtyrk was married to Jean Porter, a starlet at MGM in the 1940s. They met when MGM loaned her to RKO to replace Shirley Temple in Till the End of Time (1946). They married in May 1948. He died in 1999. She was born Dec. 8, 1922, and died Jan. 13, 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563910444502-B4L3HJF8KCXD2YZOTDBP/53+3+B+contract+Pasadena+Star+News+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring 1953 Bob with his Columbia contract. Appeared in Pasadena Star-News, April 23, 1953. No caption or story available. Bob’s first contract probably started him at $75 per week with studio options every six months and a slight salary boost when each option was picked up. Bob’s $75 per week could become $150 per week after six months…if picked up for an entire year, 40 weeks of salary were guaranteed. (Bob had a new contract after The Long Gray Line paying him double his previous salary which may have already been increased from the initial $75/week.) During those 40 weeks, the studio could schedule publicity tours, photo shoots — whatever might help an actor become “known” by movie fans — as well as drama classes, riding lessons, fencing lessons, singing lessons, etc.— whatever it felt would help the player be prepared for any role in any film. Bob’s schedule was filled with photo shoots, including a generous amount of “beefcake”/shirtless photos, drama classes, and publicity tours during the two-plus years he was under contract. In this respect, he was like most other new contract players, male and female, who were being groomed for stardom: Robert Wagner by 20th Century Fox, Tab Hunter first by United Artists and then by Warner Brothers, Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis by Universal, and scores of others whose names and faces were familiar to fan magazine readers, if not to the general public in their first months/years as a new contract player. A distinction Bob enjoyed among most of these others was he did not work his way through a series of one-line and minor roles, then into second- and third-lead roles, then into lead roles in “B” movies, then supporting and lead roles in “A” movies. Bob began in the latter: the major supporting role in an “A” movie, The Caine Mutiny. He then played the leading male roles in two “B+” movies, They Road West and The Bamboo Prison, before playing another supporting tole in an “A” movie, The Long Gray Line. Had he lived to complete Tribute to a Bad Man with Spencer Tracy or James Cagnery, his role would have been a supporting/lead hybrid in an “A” movie — with more of the same and lead roles ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564029332719-1C5EWQPO4B2VS9LDLWKB/BF+face.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564020824910-H0HV65SC2IK2AUZE24NV/BFwhtshirt+%28002%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Winter/Spring 1953 (based on haircut) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563910786660-IU5M2QBQKXPAFMLCAZU7/BF+newspaper+clipping+1953.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Los Angeles Times, c. April 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563911167587-4C6QUWOY0QS9APDTOF9N/BF+g1+%28002%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring 1953 Probably one of Bob’s first publicity photos. On request it was sent (usually signed or with a note and signature) to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fans who wrote to him in 1954 and 1955. Bob’s sister, Lillian Robins, helped with some of his fan mail and, on occasion, signed his name. An example of an authentic signature is shown in the Home section. Note similar hairstyle to “contract photos.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563914129109-COS514XMKU7ZNDIT5DLJ/54++1++Note-Photo+for+Fans+%28original%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916199702-PFUVF5W1AYUJTQZC8CVV/BF+autograph+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916192155-BVP0GKYMTDLE5TPEBO90/BF+auto+COA+info.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring 1953 photos “I have always been fascinated by how celebrity is created—not by the current stable of reality personalities, whose stardom is possible without talent or reason, but rather by the classical idea of a Movie Star. I had an early realization that the people we fawn over in the movies had childhoods just like the rest of us, as I watched a few of my classmates find their way onto the big screen. But I also came to observe that much of the mystique and glamour came from the marketing machines of Hollywood, where an ordinary Kansas-born kid was transformed into something more in a photograph, through makeup, wardrobe, a striking pose, or a flattering angle of light. Over the years, I’ve pored over hundreds of photographs of Hollywood hopefuls in books that celebrate the efforts of studio photographers such as Clarence Sinclair Bull, George Hurrell, Frank Powolny, and Jack Albin. All of them had the ability to exploit the visual markers of success and produce images that turned a Norma Jeane Baker into a Marilyn Monroe.” - Aline Smithson. “Homemade Hollywood Portraits,” New Yorker, Sept. 11, 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982379947-RD5LNPOHA7Z7U66BMJ0F/BF+plaid+shirt+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916305080-J7WR1TZL3KL228KE1S37/BF+plaid.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985569865-TWODE2C69AIQDA9VZHHA/BF+polo+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob’s official studio biography — this one probably from late 1953-1954 when The Bamboo Prison was still titled I Was a Prisoner in Korea — establishes the main themes of Columbia’s star-making publicity machine at work on Bob’s behalf: his All-American boy background within a warm, loving family (with whom he still lived); his passion for sports and his abilities in that area; his commitment to becoming a good actor as demonstrated by his work with dramatic coaches over several years, even when serving in the Army — preparing him for what might seem to be an “overnight success,” and his remarkable maturity for one so young. These themes would appear again and again in fan magazine stories in 1954 and 1955. Many stories used phrases and sentences straight from the biography. The happy circumstance for all was that the biography was true. Bob lived up to the hype because it was not manufactured, not filled with “wide-eye exaggerations, casual polishings, careful erosion of inconvenient fact.” (“Astro Mad Men: NASA’s 1960s Campaign to Win America’s Heart,” The Atlantic Monthly, July 2013.) Another happy circumstance for Bob was the shift in how Hollywood portrayed many of its stars in the post-WW II era. In earlier days some stars had personas that depicted them as not only glamorous, but exotic, rarefied, other worldly — Valentino, Garbo, even Katharine Hepburn — with daily lives filled with lunches at the Brown Derby, evenings at the Coconut Grove, horse races at Santa Anita, polo and pool parties on Sundays, and secluded mansions set among palm trees and bougainvillea. To be sure stars like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were promoted as wholesome, all-American kids and as boys-and-girls-next-door given just as much as their peers in Kansas and Carvel to worshiping the cinematic gods and goddesses. Garland’s “Please, Mr. Gable” version of “You Made Me Love You” is a good example of the blending of Hollywood magic and the dreams of millions of girls and young women. Although there would be other gods and goddesses in post-WW II Hollywood — Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe — fan magazine coverage favored a “the stars are just like you and me” approach. Thus, stars were often captured in full 1950s mode with barbecue grills and photos made in their very-nice-but -really-just-average-homes with spouses and children or “dates” engaged in family-oriented and every day, typically All-American activities — shopping for clothes, bowling, golfing, camping, buying homes, having babies. In many ways this shift also reflected the post-war desire for peace and home and stability and security and achieving the American Dream. Savvy consumerism, establishing nuclear families, domesticity — these were important to many Americans and they liked having famous movie stars with similar interests and values. Bob’s life experiences and the key aspects of his publicity also reflected this side of life in the 1950s. He was certainly someone many young people could relate to, and certainly someone to introduce to parents and friends. Although parents and siblings sometimes figured into a star’s publicity work, Bob had a significant number of photo stories in which his parents appeared; most were shot in his and their Pasadena, Calif., home. That Pasadena was close to Hollywood and Bob was still living at home allowed this “up close and personal” approach more than for most other young stars. An obvious contrast was James Dean, the brilliant young actor killed in a car accident Sept. 30, 1955, whose childhood and young adulthood were filled with traumatic childhood experiences (his mother’s death, his father’s remarriage, his being left with elderly relatives, a sense of abandonment, probable sexual abuse). Rebellion, anger, hostility, rudeness — these were often the theme of stories about Dean in late 1954 and 1955. Far from Bob Francis and his supportive family in Pasadena. (Dean’s life experiences and his publicity — much of which he participated in unwillingly — reflected the other side of post-WW II American life. “The 1950s is often viewed as a period of conformity, when both men and women observed strict gender roles and complied with society’s expectations. After the devastation of the Great Depression and World War II, many Americans sought to build a peaceful and prosperous society. However, even though certain gender roles and norms were socially enforced, the 1950s was not as conformist as is sometimes portrayed, and discontent with the status quo bubbled just beneath the surface of the placid peacetime society. Although women were expected to identify primarily as wives and mothers and to eschew work outside of the home, women continued to make up a significant proportion of the postwar labor force. Moreover, the 1950s witnessed significant changes in patterns of sexual behavior, which would ultimately lead to the ‘sexual revolution’ of the 1960s.” https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/postwarera/1950s-america/a/women-in-the-1950s) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563911405678-8RS8MS67377K6HWCC07H/55+1+bio+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems According to Bob’s Columbia Studios biography, he was Scottish which is largely true on his father’s side. In addition, he had ancestors from England and Ireland/Northern Ireland, all in the United Kingdom. Plus a few people from Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Switzerland. All of these people came to America in the Colonial Era before this was a country as far back as the 1600s. These ancestors included many farmers, a planter and tanner, a few large landowners, a judge, and a justice of the peace. John Silver, Bob’s Third Great Grandfather, was a blacksmith and wagon maker who also owned a tavern. He was a deacon in the local Baptist Church as was Bob’s father, Jim, in Pasadena, Calif., many years later. During the Colonial Era several distant ancestors were in the Revolutionary War. One such person was Bob’s Fourth Great Grandfather William A. Norton (1716-1779), a captain in the British Navy, who signed the Oath of Allegiance to America on June 5, 1778. He and five of his sons fought in the Revolutionary War. Some of Bob’s ancestors were Quakers including his Sixth Great Grandmother Abigail Fayle Garnet (1702-1780) who married her husband, Samuel Fayle, in Ireland. Then, they came to the colonies. Abigail was disowned or expelled from the Church for continual use of strong liquor, drunkenness, and scandalous behavior in 1722. Citation: Abigail Fayle Garnet - Ireland, Society of Friends (Quaker) disownments, image, FindMyPast, accessed Oct. 12, 2019. Disowned for continual use of strong liquour 16d 2m (April) 1722; citing Dublin disownments. 1662-1756, Religious Society of Friends in Ireland Archives. Virginia-native Lewis Francis, Bob’s Second Great Grandfather, moved with his wife, Elvira, and a few sons to Kentucky where he owned and operated a steamboat on the Ohio River. He was killed by an explosion on the boat on June 14, 1839, at age 37. Another relative died after falling through the ice in a river back east. A nephew of Lewis and Bob’s Second Great Grandmother Elvira Norton Francis was killed in the Civil War during the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, at Manassas, Va. Famous Ancestors The Vanderbilts Bob’s Sixth Great Grandparents, Nehemiah (1700-1776) and Lydia Lum Hand (1701-1776), lived in N.J. and had many children. One of them was Private Hezekiah Hand, Bob’s Fifth Great Grandfather. Another was Captain Samuel Hand (1728-1817) who had ownership in a shipping line when the Revolutionary War broke out. Samuel Hand’s daughter, Phoebe Hand (1767-1854), married Cornelius Vanderbilt (1764-1832). Their son was the wealthy Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1794-1877) aka “The Commodore.” Cornelius II and Phoebe are both interred at the Vanderbilt Mausoleum in N.Y. This makes Bob and his siblings distant cousins of the Vanderbilt Family. Citation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/48703877/Phebe-Vanderbilt and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelius_Vanderbilt See photo of Phoebe Hand Vanderbilt (below) Richard Nixon Bob’s Seventh Great Grandparents on his Grandmother Mary Silver’s side in Colonial America were Mordecai (1660-1717) and Mary Parsons Price (1661-1718), both born in Maryland. Mordecai’s Great Grandfather came to Jamestown, Va., in 1610 from Wales on the Ark or Dove merchant ships. Mary’s ancestors came from England. Mordecai Price is also the Sixth Great Grandfather, through a different son, of the 37th President of the United States Richard Milhous Nixon (1913-1994) on his mother Hannah Milhous’s side. This means Bob was the Seventh Cousin Once Removed of Richard Nixon. Citation: www.NixonLibrary.gov The Duchess of Windsor/David B. Merryman Bob has a distant “connection” by marriage to David Buchanan Merryman (1856-1900), the uncle of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor (1896-1986). In 1894 David Merryman married Bessie Love Montague (1864-1964), the sister of Wallis’s mother, Alice Montague. The Merrymans were a very old Baltimore family going back hundreds of years. In the time period 1934-1936, “Aunt Bessie” was the well-known chaperone of her niece, Wallis, and Edward, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, during their travels and romance and the abdication crisis in England. One of David Merryman’s ancestors, Rebecca Merryman, married a different son of the same Mordecai Price listed above who was related to Bob and President Nixon. Therefore, the relationship to the Duchess of Windsor is only by marriage. Citation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18332743/david-buchanan-merryman Aunt Bessie lived the good life up until her death at age 100. The New York Times published a complete account of her 100th birthday party given by a relative in Huntly, Va. Citation: www.nyt.com The Biography section of this website and the Sidebars section have extensive information about Bob’s ancestry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1575225604387-UHXXUTYGIL1OD7F6UUWE/BF+Phoebe+Hand+Vanderbilt.jpeg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Phoebe Hand Vanderbilt, one of Bob’s famous distant relatives https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563911404955-CO9MS10SQ7U3Z2NJREDN/55+1+bio+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563911406044-E3DTXM8Q90OA1CBK1CLY/55+1+bio+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob’s official Columbia Pictures biography. It references all of his movies; therefore, c. 1954. Note the earlier connection via the not-yet Mrs. Stanley Kramer (Ann Pearce). They were married 1950-1964. In 1966 Kramer married Karen Sharpe who may be best remembered in a supporting role in The High and The Mighty (1954). Bob’s playing of the Hammond organ has not been documented elsewhere or by his siblings. He may have studied piano when a youngster. In summer, fall, and winter of 1953, Bob continued his drama classes and took advantage of other classes provided to contract players — and began appearing on the Hollywood social circuit, posing for photo stories, “dating” attractive young actresses, etc., all in front of the release of The Caine Mutiny in July 1954. By May 1954, Bob had completed four films, but did not yet have a released film. Still, the publicity drums were being prepared for and with him. After completing The Long Gray Line, Bob entered another phase of “the making of a star” focused primarily on personal appearance tours. During June, July, and Aug. 1954, he (and often, May Wynn) traveled to promote The Caine Mutiny. He did a “solo” loop mostly by car (his newly purchased Cadillac). A stop in Salt Lake City around July 24, 1954, produced a Salt Lake City newspaper story, “Film Star ‘Shaloms’ Into S.L. For ‘Caine Mutiny’ Boost.” “…to climax a transcontinental publicity shalom….” He “…left New York two months ago and 19 cities ago, and has been ‘on a dead run ever since.’ He has an “…abundance of clean-cut personality and blue-eyed sincerity that project themselves so easily to a film audience.” That tour ended in Phoenix, Ariz., in early Aug. 1954 where he visited with his brother Bill and his family. A second major personal appearance tour began in Sept. and took him to, among other cities, Bellevue, Neb., where he had Francis relatives. In Dec. 1954, he and May Wynn did a New England tour for They Rode West, Following the release of The Long Gray Line in Feb. 1955, he attended the Washington and New York City premieres and then traveled throughout Fla. “From the time I got out of bed until I crawled back to my hotel room after midnight, I did interviews and grinned for the camera until my jaws ached. It was more exhausting than making the movie…The promotion thing was about wearing the happy face – all the time.” (Hunter, p. 60) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563910958745-MGF64BIXYGHA98MA0C6M/MS+8-54+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Aug. 1954 By the time this issue of Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 (on newsstands in early July 1954), appeared, Bob had received national press attention and had started a significant personal appearance tour for The Caine Mutiny. Note that this article makes extensive use of the official Columbia biography, extending and elaborating on it with interviews with Bob, his mother, his friends, and others. The amount of space allocated to a newcomer is unusual, but reveals the enormous effort by Columbia to create a new star with the help of fan magazines, especially Modern Screen. The photo features Bob in his Caine Mutiny haircut, c. Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567393019202-ZAJO1LI37AL45YBSGV8I/BF+8054+MS.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567393549053-HN3P4HD30EJS5Q3M6CQH/54+7+p3+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567395269663-KA1LZWATS69I1PX4OU8X/confident+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567393248604-Y77M99J4UNKQ2W1F1K30/54+7+p4+Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+4.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567393290831-0FZZT5VFF41LH8Y8V5F0/54+7+p5Aug+54+B+article%2C+Modern+Screen+54+5.jpg+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563915218703-DD4QEZIEHZ6PZJLMLN43/BF+53+early.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring/Summer 1953 Bob sports his Caine Mutiny haircut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916258802-EMB3SN81EHZF4MJ6LJ5F/BF+early+CM.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring/Summer 1953 Appears as if Bob has just gotten his Caine Mutiny hair cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613518457659-NQBXVEUCZ73B436IQD8C/BF+shave+%282%29.PNG The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916256667-RL2MFFBMFOU29B1HY09M/BF+early+53+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring/Summer 1953 This shirt appears in a number of photos including the photo with “Bob Francis,” Modern Screen, Aug. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916374740-AVZCR3DXUZC6K55ZIY7M/53+4+or+5++B+phone+bed+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Summer 1953 This photo appears in print in July 1954. Location: Bob’s bedroom at his parents’ home in Pasadena. Columbia Pictures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916377891-19QDEPPIF3NGL2J0S052/53+5++yard+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Summer 1953 This photo appears in print in July 1954. Location: The back yard at his parents’ home in Pasadena. That’s his Lincoln in the background. (He purchased a Cadillac while on a personal appearance tour, then drove it across part of the U.S.A. while touring.) Bob’s sister Lillian says this is the last of trees in the yard at 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. “It was a walnut tree and we spent a lot of time up in the tree and threw shells all over the ground. When my Dad came home, he made us pick them all up.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. The Gallery: January-June 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916452293-Z171I2LNFP0FR5FYP1K0/54+-1+Screen+World+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563919270713-H79W2AX50F7UHVSGXEAQ/53+7+B+VJ+Screen+World+1-54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Jan. 1954 Perhaps Bob’s earliest appearance in a fan magazine, Screen World, Jan. 1954 (on newsstands in early Dec. 1953), when Bob was just finishing They Rode West. Photo of Bob and Van Johnson dates from Summer 1953 during Caine filming. Johnson had had his own fast rise to stardom at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the early and mid-1940s. He said, “(The Studio System at MGM) was one big happy family and a little kingdom. Everything was provided for us, from singing lessons to barbells. All we had to do was inhale, exhale and be charming. I used to dread leaving the studio to go out into the real world, because to me the studio was the real world.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563914200335-HF5IU38B5M0DA9S5OV2P/54+4+Movie+Spotlight+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems April 1954 Movie Spotlight, April 1954 (available on newsstands in early March 1954). Photo: c. Spring 1953 before Caine Mutiny haircut. “What is a movie star? It may be more appropriate to phrase the question in the past tense, as an acknowledgement that the old breed is dying out and also as a valedictory tribute to one its finest specimens. Because whatever the definition — a great performer; a larger-than-life personality; a sex symbol — the picture next to the dictionary entry might as well be of Tony Curtis in his prime, with his dark eyes, full lips and lush head of hair. “Mr. Curtis…was among the purest and most authentic examples of what a movie star meant in postwar Hollywood…Which is also to say, of course, that he fundamentally — brazenly — impure and inauthentic, an artificial, hybrid creature synthesized out of ambition, good looks and canny publicity. Tony Curtis was a marvelous invention, right down to the name, which replaced Bernard Schwartz, the one he was born with. …” A.O. Scott, “Marvelous Invention of Movie Make-Believe,” New York Times, Oct. 2, 2010. [Bob’s story is not the same. No name change. Some ambition and good looks. Uncanny luck. Definitely not “…impure and inauthentic, an artificial, hybrid creature synthesized out of ambition, good looks and canny publicity.”] “Mr. Curtis belonged to the last generation of stars discovered and developed under the studio system. ..began working his way up from bit roles in small films, allowing the studio to shape his image and manage his appearances in the fan magazines.” Dave Kehr, New York Times, Oct. 3, 2010 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563914194889-YMV97FVT5L3SHF51W0BG/54+4+Movie+Spotlight+Bob+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Spring 1953 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563914198540-T1FN8ZE0V4YH20M7FH35/54+4+Movie+Spotlight+story.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982070089-RY9PKFSR48TJC2L12NFY/54+5+Glendale+1+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems The Southern California Forum, Friday, May 21, 1954. Note extensive use of the official Columbia biography. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982095928-ZJNL9C0I4WTWQGBNSNYW/54+5+Glendale+2+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob did have an agent at the time of his death in 1955, “Jack” Bolton of (Music Corporation of America (MCA) It published music, booked acts, ran a record company, represented film, television, and radio stars, and eventually produced and sold television programs to the three major networks. Maureen O’Hara and John Ford, star and director of The Long Gray Line, were Bolton’s clients; they may have suggested him to Bob or vice versa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566961294003-TUUEQMFP5Y56SUMM0QW4/Bolton+4.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566961079055-2CHDAJIE5OLP4ZOFMUIB/Bolton+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566961079307-FBNFM9N8FNZUIE4Q9YGX/Bolton+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564021237954-8URGGNFC5D70FCMM62N6/BF+New+York+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Winter/Spring 1954 Screen Life, publication date unknown, perhaps a fall 1954 issue. Bob’s first trip to New York City was probably in Spring 1954 when he was filming The Long Gray Line at West Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564021265109-XXKY5XLDEVYX8JXTF605/BF+New+York+%283%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703050977-JILQXR5019BZLFHTB19V/Life+A.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob’s first national exposure*. Life, May 31, 1954. Photo made in Winter/Spring 1954 when Bob was working on The Bamboo Prison and The Long Gray Line. In their autobiographies both Robert Wagner and Tab Hunter mention this May 31, 1954, Life magazine article. While Life often covered movies and movie stars, the attention to Hollywood’s younger actors was an important step up the ladder in that Life as a national, general circulation publication introduced these young men to a much larger audience, the parents and grandparents of the teenagers who read movie fan magazines. “…Life published a big featured called ‘The Stronger Sex,’ spotlighting Hollywood’s next generation of leading men. Christened the Big Three heartthrobs for the bobbysoxer set were Tony Curtis, Robert Wagner, and Rock Hudson…On the following page was the next rank of contenders, in a footrace up a flight of stairs: Robert Francis, Cameron Mitchell, John Ericson, Steve Forrest — and Tab Hunter…This kind of publicity, in a mainstream magazine with Life’s huge circulation….” (Hunter, p. 101) [The actual layout presented William Holden and Burt Lancaster and then the “contenders.” The last page of the feature shows Hudson, Curtis, and Wagner on a fire escape.] *The Caine Mutiny had been the focus of an article in Collier’s magazine in Nov. 1953, but Bob was not highlighted as he was by Life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703051717-SP33DKN0XA808L15OP4V/Life+AA.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567474588014-0KFWPLQEQHJOLVHQB4VU/Life+4.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “…I’d get my first inkling of how the publicity machine worked. I hadn’t even finished making my first movie (Island of Desire), but already fans were lining up in front of the building. They’d ask for an autograph or to have a picture taken with me. Sometimes they’d sneak snapshots of me coming and going. United Artists, it seemed, was staging a big buildup in advance of the movie’s release.” (Hunter, p. 58) Bob’s caption: “Picked by experts as Hollywood’s most promising future teen-agers’ idol, Robert Francis will exhibit his innocent, clean-shaven face and lithe 6 feet 3 inches to the girls for the first time as Ensign Willie in Caine Mutiny.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703052314-AC5KAXMXQAWKTO0DDNQY/Life+C.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703054083-6ZQFZB0VWWPTRPR9MRJC/Life+D.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703526598-QI7OUIW6DM2MAK3QYDZ8/54++1+or+2+Movie+Annual+cover+%284%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566703527989-UUFAC3RRHPG8TH0J307Y/54++1+or+2+Movie+Annual+cover+%283%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Movie Annual 1954, probably on newsstands in April or May 1954. Perhaps Bob’s first magazine cover. Note his image to the left of Debbie Reynold’s right eye. Photos taken Summer 1953. One of first photo stories featuring Bob and May Wynn, “It’s a Lovely Day Today.” Text references both The Caine Mutiny and They Road West, though neither was in release at time of publication. The issue also features an “outdoor guy” photo story on Aldo Ray. Bob’s “outdoor guy” photo appeared in Screen, Aug. 1954. Photos for both stories were taken Fall 1953; the shoot also included Jack Lemmon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916428947-RVPHETD850TCIXBYGD4P/54+1+or+2+Movie+Annual+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Early 1954 Note “Love Time” heading for the photo story with Bob and May Wynn. From this, came much of the interest in them and speculation about a romance. Both denied that at the time. May did likewise in recent years, too. Just publicity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916377083-NDNNJQ2IVXLAZYJEQ2TU/54+1+or+2+Lovely+Day+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916427667-BZXBL47NPKHJ4BTK01T4/54+1+or+2+Lovely+Day+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916427910-9B3N5IKA1SBQGADHEKSR/54+1+or+2+Lovely+Day+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916429541-WU8LCI5AT9QBZIL40U88/54+1+or+2+Lovely+Day+4.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563933646577-EZ76GIQ9UNRJ18KYWSQ5/RAY+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563933646257-0CM1A26BDU7EPND814CP/RAY+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567449845688-M05IQ9YH95TH0VU51RRI/BF+54+8+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob had a photo session with Earl Leaf on or about June 5, 1954. The photos were made in Pasadena at home and in the Hollywood Hills near Leaf’s home. See Sidebars for more information about Leaf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563916431134-AJ182QU7XFYJYCPY95SX/54+1+or+2+Movie+Screen+Yearbook+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Summer 1954 Movie Screen Yearbook 1954 includes references to and photographs of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s wedding in Jan. 1954 and Audrey Hepburn’s winning 0scar and Tony awards in Spring 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563918921845-HIZLQ1LNIOGDUUFKXJQK/54+1+or+2+Movie+Screen+Yearbook+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Photo probably taken Fall 1953 (based on hair cut with curl for They Rode West). This jacket appears in many photographs, e.g., in “It’s a Lovely Day Today.” (above) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928302534-IKI1GG7NF9AI6AYLH7TY/54+6+Holly+Men+2+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Hollywood Men No. 2, June 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928298754-2AH2AZ0NW26L4VVJUASC/54+6+Holly+Men+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928563643-XWLL7XWMEDEKEIJOBNRY/54+6+Holly+Men+2+B+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Hollywood Men No. 2, June 1954. Photo made in Spring 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928301346-6ZOZRKBFAGE6YYFI3QZW/54+6+Movie+Pix+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Movie Pix, June 1954, on newsstands in early May 1954. Photo of Bob made when on location in Hawaii, Summer 1953. Columbia Pictures photographer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928299661-3ACWBZ51K33PQVXI0ISV/54+6+Movie+Pix+B+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563995068075-DZ3VRYTIABPZNS15SYJZ/BFbobmaylga+%28002%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems June 25, 1954 Bob and May Wynn boarding American Airlines plane from New York City to Boston for their The Caine Mutiny tour. Columbia Pictures may have had a promotional partnership with American Airlines as there are other photos of Bob and/or May on American. Slater, photographer for American Airlines. Bob’s crew cut is similar to his hairstyle in The Long Gray Line filmed earlier in the year. Joe Hyams, Columbia Pictures, Publicity Department, New York City: “Caine Mutiny was an important film and I was with Columbia in New York in the Publicity Department (1953). “Bob and that picture was assigned to me. It may have been his first trip back East. I don’t know if he had ever been to New York. It would have been prior to the release date of The Caine Mutiny. The other actors [Bogart, Ferrer, Johnson, MacMurray], you were not going to get on the road. ”I worked with Kim Novak and Jack Lemmon, because there were one or two of us (in publicity department in New York) who were the ‘Star Handlers.’ We would get them scheduled for press and interviews. Including Bob, they all had a terrific time in New York. They worked for a monster studio and that monster boss. They worked for Harry Cohn. They were owned by these guys. They came to New York and were living at suites at The Plaza Hotel. None of them had homes at their age. That’s when I would get in trouble. The bills with caviar listed would get back to the studio. They never had caviar in their lives.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563995060466-1QSXQSGVAXRD96KZI145/BFbobmaylga+%283%29+back+6-25-54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Radio Interview by Tod Williams with Robert Francis, Providence, R.I., Tuesday, July 13, 1954 (Transcribed by DW) [Station unknown, perhaps WHIM.] TW - One of the most exciting pictures of the year is going to open Saturday at the Strand Theater in Providence. It is The Caine Mutiny and the main character in the book is Willie Keith. This morning we are fortunate to have with us Mr. Robert Francis who plays the role of Willie Keith in the picture. Bob, yours is a Cinderella career, isn’t it? RF – A little bit actually when it comes down to it. I was very fortunate to be given a break that people wait for years to find. TW – Now, how did you start? You and your brother were in some other kind of business, weren’t you? RF – That’s right. From 1946 to 1949 we ran a ski business. I had a few years of college when I was 16 and I had always wanted to get into the ski business. I started skiing when I was 11. TW – Skiing in Southern California — now wait a minute, Bob. RF – It does sound funny, though we do have snow and mountains. We had two shops in the mountains and one in Pasadena. We had those for three years and suddenly in 1949, we had to terminate the business because we ran out of snow one year. When you are in a seasonal business, it can be very unhealthy if you don’t make some money. So, as a matter of fact, that date was July 4th that year — a day that kind of changed my life. Someone saw me on the beach from a studio. TW – Which studio was that? Columbia? RF – No, it was Universal at the time. And they called me the next day and said they traced the license on the car and wanted to talk to me. I thought it was very funny, but I was intrigued so I went out to see them. Well, in short order it became obvious to both of us that I was in no condition to work at that time, because I had no background. But they were interested enough that they sent me to a woman Botomi Schneider. And I worked with a group — Botomi Schneider’s Drama Workshop — in Hollywood at night and I worked with Botomi for a month. And she said, if I was sincere, I should keep working with her, and she felt that in due time something could be done. I felt that by this time, it was kind of a challenge and I should stick it out. So, I listened to Botomi and I didn’t go near anyone and I didn’t see anyone for a year. In 1950 her husband, Benno, took me to Columbia. At the same time I was kind of offered a contract without options from the Army. TW – (laughter) Oh yeah, for how long? RF - It was for two years and I came out February of last year [1953] and signed a term deal with Columbia pictures. [An unclear reference to his contract, perhaps a new contract for the standard seven years.] TW – I think that’s kind of cute. You were a sergeant, weren’t you? RF – I was a corporal. TW - You exchanged your corporal’s stripes for a Navy uniform, and then landed the starring role in The Caine Mutiny. Did you get a bit of a sinking feeling when you found out you were really going to play Willie? RF – Yes. It’s kind of a sensation you cannot describe because things happen so fast and the realization this would be one of the biggest pictures of the year and my suddenly finding myself in the middle of it after having read the book in the service and not even knowing I would have anything to do with it. So actually the realization didn’t hit me until after we had finished the picture, and that was three-and-a- half wonderful months. TW – Well, is there anyone in your family that has done any dramatic work that would lead you into that type of thing? RF – That’s the surprising part of it. Actually, no one in my family has ever been associated with the theatrical world. I stepped out, away from the family and here we are in motion pictures. TW – It’s a wonderful thing to get a chance like that when so many fine people just work their hearts out to try and just get into pictures and suddenly you are a star overnight. RF – Well, that’s one of the things, too. I mentioned to you it makes you feel a little bit chagrined even if you got the breaks and so forth, you watch these very talented people — very good friends of mine — who worked for years, who just haven’t quit. TW – How is this man Kramer? He has done so many wonderful things in pictures. RF – Stanley Kramer is probably one of the finest men you could ever meet. He has a great belief and sincere interest in everything he does, and that’s why all his motion pictures — some are thought to be a little bit arty. I know Stanley cannot be ashamed of any picture he has ever made. TW – Oh, absolutely every picture that has come out under the Kramer signature has been a marvelous picture. You know there is just one thing. You are an awfully big boy, aren’t you? RF – Yes, a little bit. I am 6’ 3” and I weigh 194. TW – That makes you wonder. You can do a lot of things in pictures. But in my reading of The Caine Mutiny, I always thought Willie was of medium height and sort of chubby? RF – Well, that’s the way he was physically described in the book. But the casting of course — in the picture Stanley felt that things like that — physical necessity and so forth — were not necessary to portray this on the screen. That’s why in the case of Van Johnson’s character as Maryk — and everybody said I cannot see this man as Maryk — he does a great job — one of the finest performances he gives in his life. TW – I have often heard that while Mr. Bogart is a marvelous actor, he is a little difficult to work with? RF – Well, I didn’t find it as such, but, let me tell you, he’s got a great bark, but this man’s premise in life is honesty. He is one of the most honest guys you can meet, and accepts his job as a profession and approaches it this way. This is actually one of the few stories that comes along once every five or ten years where all of the characters are clearly defined, and you can actually sink your teeth in and do something with this part. A lot of them, you know as well as I do, that you go to pictures and some of the characters are actually wishy-washy. Well, every one of them here are clearly defined and these four people — Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, and Fred MacMurray — all of them just threw themselves into this thing and it is my feeling — of course I am biased working on this picture — but I think it is a fine film. TW - Well, I don’t see how it could help but be because in his [Wouk] book every character is completely, clearly defined. I understand the Navy took a dim view of this, when it first started out. RF – Well, the Navy — after reading the book, they were a little bit concerned about what would happen if this was put on the screen. Well, after talking to Stanley Kramer, he went to Washington and met with the Secretary of the Navy, and they finally accepted Stanley’s viewpoint on the motion picture, and realized that the film concerns just three or four men and how they meet the crises of their lives. This is, of course, defined in the picture — and now from the Navy’s standpoint it is nothing but an asset to the Navy. TW – Well, now aside from The Caine Mutiny you have completed several other pictures, haven’t you? RF – Yes, there have been three after Caine. TW – I think I should tell our friends at home, Bob, that you remind me considerably of Van Johnson himself — but it is just about time we had another young handsome man come along. How does it feel to get the star treatment? RF – Well, of course, as I say, this all came at once and I was thrown in the middle of this — it is something that I have not even had the chance in the last year to stop and think about it. I have made four pictures and now I am out on the road. And, all of this, of course, is wonderful to me. It is all new and exciting. By the same token, I am immersed in my work and I have been concentrating on that more than anything else. TW – Well, there, friends, is Mr. Robert Francis. Well, I know you are going to see this because everybody within this whole area is going to go right over to the Strand Theater and see this marvelous picture The Caine Mutiny which is opening on Saturday the 17th [of July]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564029484269-1N6BH8VM6WM6TKVQVSUD/BF+Joe+autographs+%283%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems A candid photo by a fan is stamped JUN 54 indicating it was taken and/or developed that month, later sent to Bob to autograph to “Joe,” and then returned to Joe. The Bershire is believed to be (or to have been) a New England hotel where Bob stayed during a personal appearance tour. Bob was in Boston briefly in late June 1954; he also had a 15-day New England tour in Dec. 1954. The suit he is wearing in the above photo seems to be the same one he is wearing in the American Airlines photo with May Wynn. Two similar photos autographed to “Joe” probably were taken in June 1954, also, based on Bob’s haircut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564029484575-MLBZM11IMNPGLT6TZ1XH/BF+Joe+autographs+%284%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564029484773-NE1O4MT79UBVWS1Y6BTR/BF+Joe+autographs+%285%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564162577584-V9H9MTDVB1XW3KCNE955/BF+May+N.J.+7-1-54+.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “Bob was good (on promotional tours). I remember having a very pleasant time with him and getting a lot of work done. He was a very agreeable type of guy. “They (Bob and May Wynn) were good friends, because they both went through that studio system together. We called her May, but her name was Donna. I remember picking her up in Forest Hills. She was staying with her mother who was just down the street from my house. Her mother would come to screenings in New York and ask how May was.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564162574872-RCHRHT16R6USH8G2CBEW/BF+May+N.J.+7-1-54+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Bob and May Wynn promoted The Caine Mutiny in July and Aug. 1954. These photographs were taken at Atlantic City, N.J., where Steeplechase Pier had a roller coaster, a monorail that stretched out over the ocean, and numerous other fun and exciting rides. The Steel Pier was known as The Funny Place. They were made honorary citizens of New Orleans, c. July 9, 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564075860012-ND8HHMWZI1ZOLVOUBFM8/20190424_020.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161329344-YRL29OPGF2NA49XMBD22/May+barrell+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564075859751-6M6C55K4VU0AHBS8LKJ7/20190424_018.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161326184-89BHGQDO77U41JPCN0VZ/May+kids+ice+c+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928952109-LGSE65NNIBRDN269BM6V/54+7+Movie+Play+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems July 1954 - The beginning of the deluge of fan magazine articles and photo stories — all carefully created and placed by Columbia’s publicity department. Movie Play, July 1954, on newsstands in early June 1954. Photo of Bob in They Road West costume taken Fall 1953. Columbia Pictures photographer. Bob holds this issue in a photo taken by Earl Leaf on or around June 5, 1954 (see above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928951072-JXFW3JHC7DDOFQX20K8V/54+7+Movie+Play+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928949943-EL7UDXSFLQF1WWKUSTZ4/54+7+Movie+Play+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563928951828-MHHC2DEGELA7QEMBABVE/54+7+Movie+Play+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929224516-T7OMLBJSX0S54EIFVXQN/54+7+Salt+Lake+City.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems July 24, 1954 Salt Lake City was one stop on Bob’s two-months, 19 cities “transcontinental publicity slalom” personal appearance tour to promote The Caine Mutiny.. He usually appeared prior to the opening date for the film and did advance phone interviews with press members, as well as one-on-one interviews in each city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563981994165-62QYXPX984QTQVKIZTMI/6+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems The Pasadena Independent, Aug. 12, 1954. “Just for Girls” by Jackie Russell was written from a one-on-one interview with Bob at his parents’ home in Pasadena. His mother, Lillian, makes an appearance; he was “Bobby” in the family circle. Dorothy Ross is mentioned as is his new Cadillac, acquired when he was on tour earlier in 1954, and his search for an apartment of his own. Columbia Pictures photo taken Spring/Summer 1953. After Bob’s death, his parents wanted to keep his 1955 Coupe De Ville Cadillac. It was cream colored with gold upholstery. They had no space for it in Pasadena. Bob’s brother Bill took it to Bisbee, Ariz., where he was living. Eventually, he sold it to a man from Canada. Source: Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929916361-244FCW7CCKWAQ5PN6HPC/54+8+Just+for+Girls+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563981988247-X1DUXMOO87YX9R6EKKKS/6A.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929918246-42IJSK59QN2D0RI1PRY5/54+8+Movies+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Movies, Aug. 1954, was on newsstands in early July 1954. Most of the photographs for this story were taken a year earlier, Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929917165-3HREICTMFE9EX1A7NRIK/54+8+Movies+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929928418-ZOZ751H457F15VC6HT22/54+8+Movies+Sign+Guy+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob purchased a new Cadillac in 1954 to replace his Lincoln. There is a reference to his being “a competent pianist” and organ player. The Hawaiian shirt appears in other photographs, as does the shirt with horizontal elements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929920694-N77MPHDMHMBPETSVN0MT/54+8+Movies+Sign+Guy+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929926351-FNNW5LSMIVV4WIHNAAK4/54+8+Screen+mag.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Screen, Aug. 1954. Photos taken Fall 1953. Several of the photos will appear in other “outdoor” photo stories including one with Columbia contract players Jack Lemmon and Aldo Ray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929924362-JF8CS34RJ8T6S23OJZEN/54+8+Screen+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929921316-R3AVU2LBUNKEZ0V8QTYJ/54+8+Screen+43.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929922298-81HSBN6KEC3GE817K6DK/54+8+Screen+44.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563929922978-F9UFQ6LHPVED488O8L0H/54+8+Screen+45.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931436280-CC7AEZF0QS3YLP5U2YBP/54+3++BF+fishing+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931925176-GDB6ITLLXOHBQO471F6P/BF+back+of+fishing.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613518746829-1IPOLO4NG9C1UFH3G2AC/BF+frying+pan+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613518758087-0Y4YC3SZMO7Q8OS1K090/BF+frying+pan+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613518758124-6APH05K46HPPRZ4S98JC/BF+frying+pan.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931436663-B3AJI2VPPU40G9XJJMZO/54+3++BF+dog%2C+gun+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Below: Screen World, Aug. 1954, on newsstands in early July 1954, includes reprint of “It’s a Lovely Day Today” photo story from Movie Annual (see above) from earlier in 1954. It also includes Aldo Ray’s “version” of the hunting/swimming/dog story that appeared in Screen, Aug. 1954. (See above.) Photos for both stories probably taken at the same time, Fall 1953. See photos of Bob, Ray, and Jack Lemmon. A photo story featuring all three or just Lemmon may have been published. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985378203-G4U98J9SPBSLFRMYN4KZ/54+1+or+2+Lovely+Day+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563996338200-HF0FLSS7L7WKRVBVHLN5/BF+Aldo+Jack+2+%283%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931436772-DB700JB01WW3DNRXSQGI/54+3+BF%2C+Lemmon%2C+Ray+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “Bob in particular I had a deep affection for. He was a very sweet guy. I remember he worked very hard. He was very personable. People liked him. No problems at all. Jack (Lemmon) was much more sophisticated. He came from back East. You know, he knew New York.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931438211-895U6EH0J2LCEU04AQ4I/54+3+Lemmon%2C+Ray%2C+B+53.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931925071-HS7DD2ETXXF2UKYHGEJL/BF+beach+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563932030661-LW5A9PN9LBO014GHOANV/BF+surf+.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems An outtake from the photo shoot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982440991-991JIS51RQSGT0H6HYHN/MS+Salt+Water+8-54++1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems The Aug. 1954 issue of Modern Screen featured two Bob Francis stories: The long biographically oriented story (reprinted in full in this section, above) and “Salt Water Dillies” which may have been photographed in Fall 1953. Scott Brady appeared in a number of films released by Columbia and may have been under contract there; he also often appeared in films released by Universal-International and other studios. Novak and May were, like Bob, Columbia contract players. The issue also contained a ballot for the annual awards for favorite stars and top new stars of 1954. Bob won the “new star” award, along with Grace Kelly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982442289-6FYIBND9J57TU99QJ7CN/MS+Salt+Water+8-54+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “Kim (Novak) was kind of guarded. The guys (on personal appearance tours) did much more work. You don’t have to sleep at that age. You go out and party all night. They all looked good. They didn’t have to worry about their looks.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982441663-HM7SBW4MJ5S0Z5YRWUMI/MS+Salt+Water+8-54+4+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982441481-4N5LOPFKAFCA9D743YGI/MS+Salt+Water+8-54+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982442220-FCNBDFQ6H6B2FDQRDGXK/MS+Salt+Water+8-54+5.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985486836-T2YNQNYMGAV6S9P5TFFE/BF+MS+8-54+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 (Complete story above.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1768707694800-1BW1LB1NKA5GO05FTRI0/BF%252BMS%252B8-54%252Bsilver%252Bcup.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Above: Modern Screen, Aug. 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1768707678524-Z5K6DSWYL9IYPZSGXWRF/BF%2BMod%2BSc%2Baward%2B19541.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Readers of Modern Screen voted for their favorite stars, including new stars. Bob received the most popular new star (male) award in December 1954 in Hollywood. Additional information will be found at the top of The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567461959614-ILANEWR5TEYM0H8XSM8W/Sept+54+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567461968924-ISKQYNBETLMN8PRBFVKN/Spet+54+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Above: Modern Screen, Sept. 1954. Photo of Bob waterskiing was made in 1953; it appears in several different issues of fan magazines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563996169469-6A8A0FHZEP1A1MVRBUDO/54+Spring+B+Chase-Park+Plaza+Hotel%2C+St.+Louis+54+%28Sidney+W.+Braff%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems One of Bob’s tours in 1954 took him to St. Louis, Mo., where he stayed at the Chase Hotel in the Central West End section of the city, among other cities. On the tour he purchased a Cadillac (probably in Detroit) which he then drove to many of the tour cities, including Phoenix in early Aug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567462704165-A9ML7W8DKH57IIWL4W6T/Arizona+Republic+8-6-54.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563931625220-ZVP0IF7G988AF1JIBFKV/54-9-19+Belleview+Neb+9-19-54+%28Bennie+Anderson+Studio.+604+W.+Mission%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Sept. 19, 1954 Bob’s fall tour to promote The Caine Mutiny and They Rode West included a stop in Bellevue, Neb., where he had Francis and Warnock relatives. (See Biography section.) He participated in a parade and was photographed by Bennie Anderson Studios. Bob’s “F” tie appears in several other photographs. Below: While in Neb., Bob participated in an event in which he wore a “traditional” Native American headdress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564031203276-2M3J9XTTRQYNM2C8G3EG/Nebraska+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982164877-R7HUSE8NTB1Q0I0HYQGX/54+Spring+AA+++Lucy+Marlow+contacts+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Fall 1954 Contact sheet from photo shoot with Lucy Marlow, also a Columbia contract player. Photographer: Gene Kornman. Location: Santa Inez Inn, Santa Monica, Calif. Many of these photos appear to be outtakes. Bob’s swim trunks appear in photos made in Hawaii in 1953 and later. See The Caine Mutiny section under Films. “…They wanted to promote the image of a carefree young stud – never my style – so I had publicity dates with your actresses around town like Lori Nelson and Debra Paget. This was a relic of the days when the studio system was in its prime. The studio would arrange for two young stars-in-waiting to go out to dinner and a dance and assign a photographer to accompany them. The result would be placed in a fan magazine. It was a totally artificial story documenting a nonexistent relationship, but it served to keep the names of young talents in front of the public. As far as I was concerned, it was part of the job, and usually pleasant enough.” (Wagner, p. 62) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563920451741-DX2452ZVDBTJYQ5112KK/54+Spring+AAAAA+++Lucy+Marlow%2C+Santa+Inez+Inn%2C+Santa+Monica.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563920452098-4L9AH1M5B2TS873DA9MK/54+Spring+AAAAAA+Bob+and+Lucy+Marlow%2C+Santa+Inez+Inn+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982163589-O20P8LXCWO850Z491UHH/54+Spring+AAA++Lucy+Marlow%2C+Santa+Inez+Inn+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564417140112-20Y3QBETQ40OQDTNRBC6/Full+Speed+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Photoplay, Oct. 1954. Bob’s official biography provided basic information for Bob’s first coverage in Photoplay. Photo: Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564417162313-G86Y0IPWEOS4CW27GUNT/Full+Speed+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564417182707-3J242T6B5FO7G5QTNJSO/Full+Speed+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564417205223-Y47IUIVGZ2GIVU8X6ZGW/Full+Speed+4.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564162617194-8231M6OCWTIMIPJECJAT/B+at+mic+Kramer+Mitchum+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Early Fall 1954 Columbia began to use Bob in various “big moments” at the studio and in Hollywood. This appears to be a luncheon event welcoming foreign dignitaries, perhaps foreign press people, to the studio. Stanley Kramer sits to Bob’s right, and Robert Mitchum to his left. The woman is unidentified. Kramer and Mitchum may have come from the set of Not As A Stranger in production, Sept. 28-mid-Dec. 1954, at Columbia (actually Kling Studios, the old Chaplin Studios on La Brea in Los Angeles). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563932312298-0PHVZ1SIDW2WFON1V666/BF+Pervurian.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems In addition to personal appearance assignments, Bob and other contract players like May Wynn attended meetings and social functions with various VIPs both in Hollywood and when touring. In Nov. 1954 Columbia hosted a meeting of foreign press representatives, including Luis Alfonso Garatea from Peru. May is holding a Peru flag. Gereghty, Columbia Pictures photographer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563982341588-BKP983UDVOY50STHH9IQ/BF+Peruvian+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563932472317-ZWC8CGN9RAAWT7MKVG6S/BF+Greek+Nov.+54.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Nov. 1954 Bob with Spyros Sellinas, a newspaperman from Greece. Van Pelt is Columbia Pictures photographer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563932474704-IKCIM72RNQOQ23JBSHTY/BF+Greek+Nov.+54+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985877848-30SJ2ZBDR4FHEHAHPXR4/BF+12-54+1+modernscreen49unse_0064.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Modern Screen, Dec. 1954. Based on his haircut, most of these photos were made in Summer 1953 and/or early 1954 when he was filming The Bamboo Curtain and The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563995123893-E56EV58DUWPQIR55VV01/BF+MS+12-54+Thunder+2.jpeg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563995150258-I72EEFMMIVD1MAN0HFBE/BF+MS+12-54+Thunder+3.jpeg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985877794-AL1CHH5WL5XS3PGJBIDH/BF+12-54++2+modernscreen49unse_0081.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985882637-Q3GF5RBMO4VJPRTONVG5/BF+12-54+3+modernscreen49unse_0082.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563985879487-IGVWL2HWXH1AI8AVCIY1/BF+12-54+4+modernscreen49unse_0083.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563996293933-6XH80TAYACAQRTH2NH32/BF+AA+54.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Dec. 1, 1954 Bob was probably in Hollywood in Oct. and Nov., 1954, before starting on another tour. Bob and May Wynn in promotional photograph for American Airlines. Location: Idlewild Airport (later JFK Airport), New York City, at beginning of 15-cities in 15 days tour of New England for They Rode West. Photographer: Young for American Airlines. Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York.: “Bob and I went to the weirdest towns. I remember Bangor, Maine — was so cold there. We went by Lincoln on a car trip all over New England. I remember 15 cities and we had a big tough guy driver in a big Lincoln. May Wynn was with us at the time. [Because of her work at the Copacabana Club in New York City in the late 1940s/early 1950s, she knew Jack Entratter* (“Mr. Entertainment”) who had been at the Copa before becoming the general manager of the Sand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1952. He took a personal interest in May’s career and often provided her with extra security when she was on the road.] “…a very generous man. So, Mr. Entratter used to call me and say, ‘Joe, how is May?’ I’d say, ‘She is fine, Mr. Entratter. Do you need anything?’ ‘No, the studio is taking care of everything.’ Anytime we came to a town, some guy would approach us. ‘Mr. Entratter asked if you need anything.’ They were very gracious and very nice. They made jokes like, ‘Your boss [Harry Cohn] may not be giving you money.’ May was embarrassed by this.” *Jack Entratter (Feb. 28, 1914–March 11, 1971), nicknamed "Mr. Entertainment," was an American business executive. He is best known for management positions at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City in the 1940s and early 1950s, and at the iconic Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from the early 1950s. He is closely associated with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. - Wikipedia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161465685-12A6ZNK7G5F1XMUMEZYA/Mass.+BF+May+Hyams+.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161462294-GN8PSVTDEL9M4MOY4170/Mass+BF+May+HYams+12-54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564031241220-RGRP9NO1N9K4FTODHAYB/Mass.+tour+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161462625-VEHSMV0ESW490EERJNDF/Mass.+tour+54+caption.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “I remember stories of girls and drinking and bumming around like that and getting up in the morning and into that car with that driver [a tough guy who drove the loaned Lincoln for the 15 Cities/15 Days tour in New England]. “May, of course, did not join in the parties. Nor did we invite her. Poor May. She had someone in each city watching her (as a result of her relationship with Jack Entratter, general manager of The Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and her former boss at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City). “She would say to me, ‘Joe, please, can I come out to dinner?’ And I would say, ‘Yes.’ And she would say, ‘What are you guys doing after dinner?’ And I said, ‘May, you are going back to your room.’ “After the tour I remember getting a call from Jack Entratter, and he said, ‘I would like to show my appreciation (for taking care of May on the tour). He said, ‘I am sending some airline tickets and you will stay at The Sands Hotel.’ He said, ‘You will do it.’ I cleared it with the studio. I went out there, and I was so glad I did a good job for him. Not that I had a choice.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568471710191-N89OUO3WR6CURC47M7BG/Tratter.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Jack Entratter, General Manager, The Sands Hotel and Casino; Judy Garland, and Lauren Bacall in Las Vegas, c. 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161462187-JPW3KW67CDK33E7SU5EU/Maine+press+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564161457430-KHQSIDN4EWR8UXY9EM1D/Maine+press+54+caption.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Bob broke his schedule was when he was in New England. He took a side trip over to Lawrence Hospital in Mass. to visit the pediatric ward. His sister Lillian later worked there and somebody gave her the photograph that was made when he did that impromptu visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564029484540-V752ZP1OVH03YF8Y5BQA/BF+Joe+autographs+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Although this candid photo by a fan is stamped JAN 55, it was probably taken in Dec. 1954 during Bob’s New England tour and later sent to Bob to autograph to “Joe,” and then returned to Joe. Bob was in New England briefly in late June 1954; he also had a 15-day tour there in Dec. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563997525126-9H6U43WCNARL22CRC4WK/54-12-29+B+horse+pub+crew+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Dec. 29, 1954 Four (4) photographs of Bob with (1) cameraman (movie) and others (unidentified) from, probably, Columbia Pictures, (2) and (3) riding the Palomino, and (4) outtake of Bob swished by horse’s tail. All photographs labeled 12-29-54, One story states Bob was home on Dec. 23, 1954. He may have found his West Hollywood apartment during this break; he was back on the road in early Feb. to attend The Long Gray Line premieres and to promote the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563997526061-1WG879IUW3H108GUOSCR/54-12-29+B+on+Palomina+close+shot+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems “On one of the studio ranches he went to, there was a baby skunk. The owner sent the skunk to Bobby and said skunks would only eat raw eggs. He gave it to a friend’s son who had wild animals.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563997526905-ACZDZ7KZSGXBCX9UZ47X/54-12-29+B+on+Palomina+long+shot+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1563997527374-GE7VX15WQME5J8N2B5QV/54-12-29+B+horse+outtake+12-29-54+%28Arnold+Johnson%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566852824572-K0IBWWNWQG6EGJG14BUG/Who%27s+Who+in+Hollywood+1955.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Winter 1954-1955 Hollywood Who’s Who 1955. Probably on newsstands in Dec. 1954/Jan. 1955. Photo taken Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564014718831-MEZ0US1JMQ38LPHNRFPP/Whos+Who+55+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems Go to The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-5 daily 0.75 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701242861-3Q904XMHCECN5DLTNE1Y/Francis+Gen+A.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701356806-OFOTKIIMGFGU4ROV8IL9/Francis+Gen+1.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701356832-VPX373HPN28SBVI0MLSL/Francis+Gen+2.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701359783-I12JVB8ZKNSJ2ANML97G/Francis+Gen+3.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701359090-62L8NC8TG48H6MB99SSN/Francis+Gen+4.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701359774-FJ8Q5LLR4S0I8BPRMMO5/Francis+Gen+5.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701361841-NAOWBO3KZ75COGYI4P6F/Francis+Gen+6.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701241016-BHB3GTO3QOQ99ZBV5CU8/Francis+Gen+7.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1583701241207-QR2JDPE3PUUI8MJFKOJJ/Francis+Gen+8.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573833283342-MP03YO6OKBK090JL2Q4T/BF+Holliday+3.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Above and Below: Bob’s Fifth Great Grandparents Joshua and Patience Brown Hadley. They are part of his paternal grandmother’s (Mary Jane Silver) line. Location: Spring Monthly Meeting Cemetery, Snow Camp, Alamance County. N.C. (USA Cam, Alamance County, N.C., USA line) Joshua Hadley, 1703, Ireland-1760, N.C. Patience Brown, 1712, Chester, Penn.-1783, N.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573833282554-G7E6D1JJB38YWSBJYURF/BF+Holliday+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846503670-XKYRT5YUVR8UQDD99SPS/Silver+J+and+A.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Bob’s great-grandparents on his grandmother’s side — the parents of Mary Jane Silver, wife of Charles Howe Francis https://www.findagrave.com/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846502400-NPZ412Q8DNDVLMIRHPRZ/Silver%2C+John.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1570296795158-FUKXDU19UC2KLCDAINA4/bottstwins+%28002%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The grandfather of Mary Jane Silver was Joseph Joshua Botts who married Martha Wheeler. He had a twin brother, Jefferson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573833284653-1HLSFQRZ7AJT3DHT5VQ5/BF+Holliday+Botts.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Bob’s Third Great Grandmother Malinda Holliday Botts; his Paternal Grandmother Mary Jane Silver's line. She was the wife of Joshua Botts, 1778-1863. Malinda Holliday Botts was born 1786, Orange County, N.C. and died Oct. 27, 1873, Jackson, Mo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1570296782107-UEJHMG1BOLGI9K3VQQGW/jmbotts+%28002%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Joseph Joshua Botts and his wife, Martha Wheeler, in front of their home in New Philadelphia, McDonough County, Ill. c. 1895-1900. They were the grandparents of Mary Jane Silver, the mother of James William Francis (Bob’s father). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846606535-TOEOGS006FV4ADACQA6B/Botts+Silver.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846502521-ZMAEX2DX8YYJQAQMM2X4/Silver.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Mary Jane Silver Francis, Bob’s paternal grandmother, was the daughter of Anna Cinderella Botts and John Crawford Silver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846520050-24NI12C2OLQW4QDURTEY/Ida+May+Trackwell.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Mary Jane Silver’s sister, Ida May Silver, married James Trackwell. One of their children was Earl Trackwell. Bob may have visited some of these relatives when he was in that state in Sept. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846518171-TQBC57EG9FQMMEUU1LGR/James+Trckwell.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846502853-FI3OPAPD26JJ7PHOAYFG/Trackwell+children.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846556853-O161HBKWBACCJUKC25HW/Earl+Trackewell+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566922098730-W1MUIZUVE4LZGP3VED0U/Trackwell+grave+stone.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Below: Bob’s paternal grandparents, parents of his father, and his aunt, Dora May Francis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846593093-ZQDCTP1VUDIASE4DTAM8/CH+Francis.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566846568763-3PYMXRVOH26QCOCUKGA1/Dora.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567565556933-GSITZRFEBBSY95DGSKG4/BF+Neb+ancestors.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The father of Charles Howe Francis was James Franklin Francis. See below. Charles Howe Francis was the father of James William Francis, Bob’s father. William B. Francis appears below as both a sibling of James Franklin Francis and as a child of his, perhaps named for his uncle. Bob may have visited with Dr. Marvyn Bliss Francis mentioned in the above news article when he was in Bellevue in Sept. 1954, as well as his son, Gordon Dean Francis, who was also born in 1930. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567565687612-SJY1POKEXKUZ0H6WD7CD/James+F.+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567565687428-VIBZ5OLB5HOSFA5OS244/James+F.+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Bob’s great uncle, Harry W. Francis, was one of James Franklin Francis’s sons and the brother of Charles Howe Francis (not listed above as one of the sons). He was the father of Marvyn Bliss Francis who was the father of Gordon Dean Francis. Marvyn Bliss Francis would have been Bob’s first cousin once removed; Gordon Dean Francis was Bob’s second cousin twice removed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567566659474-0G4VAEC4ACY1HJY7Z188/NEb%2C+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567566659334-IJQJIR1VHUKI2RGZVDWR/Neb.+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567566659699-CPHRISHHL0FGMNUCOW41/Neb.+3.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567566659911-8WDO5GF14FU0OOUPEALZ/Neb.+4.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628476374622-Y6LG7TNHG6QR1CNPMQ4K/BF+Fran+6-3-1919.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Lillian Jean Francis, born June 3, 1919, was the oldest child of Lillian Warnock and James (Jim) Francis. Her husband, Alexander (Sandy) Robins, called her “Fran” to distinguish her from her mother. Her brothers, Bill and Bob, called her “Lillian.” She called herself “Fran” to friends and others after Sandy entered her life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628476686602-3MHSTLF28720OEI54M57/BF+Fran+toddler+1920-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Fran as a toddler and young child. Captions are in her handwriting. Note Fran with her mother (bottom row, second from left) and father (bottom photo on right side), c 1919-1920. Camping out and going to the beach (most often Santa Monica) were favorite activities for the family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477410513-1BLWS3GYR2IDE6DUSPMP/BF+Fran+baby+1919.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Lillian Jean Francis, c 1919 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477414672-3HVVKUHO4AM72UFEZ0KI/BF+Fran%26Bill+c+1924.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Fran and brother Bill, born in 1920, c 1922-1923. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477413752-24EWZLHIYKO9W1766XYX/BF+Fran%26Bill+c+1920-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477415491-1U9WUSTMTPXPF045KYGY/BF+Fran%26Bill+c+1920-22.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Photos c 1920-1923. “Grandpa Francis” was Charles Howe Francis (4/23/1872-8/3/1939), for whom Bob was named, Robert Charles Francis. (Uncle) Thomas (Tommy) Warnock was a brother of Fran’s mother, Lillian Warnock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628804866428-KGWV2ZYNB2GTYW8MJ01R/BF+Fran+6th+grade.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Fran attended, as did her brothers, Alexander Hamilton Grammar School, not far from their home at 212 Grand Oaks Blvd.. She would have been in the sixth grade c 1925-1926. In the Egyptian dance photo, she is on the left side of the photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628558203395-NU1OLDOM7E2WQZBEI47A/BF+Fran+1940s.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806346418-V9MN2N7H4Y2QEZKBHXVU/BF+Fran+grad+nurse+Tommy.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628633924395-OY82N4PX028C0E8KOAAT/577837290.967610.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information “I met Sandy in May 1943 at a party at my house. He was an engineering graduate from Bucknell College (University) and in his senior year he was an ensign in the U.S. Navy. After graduation, he was stationed at Cal Tech in Pasadena. Sandy’s home was in Plainfield, N.J., and mine was in Pasadena, Calif. A case of East meets West. “From that moment on, we spent as much time as possible together. [Though] he was with his classes and I was a student in my last few months of nurse’s training. [Gas rationing was part of our lives then,] “so we walked and talked and learned about each other’s family and got to know each other and thought about a future together. Time passed so fast. “It was perfect from the first meeting and in a very short time we became engaged. In late May and before my graduation in June, he (received) orders first to Pasco, Wash., and later, to Seattle, Wash. In October he was reassigned to overseas duty.” Fran and Sandy had planned to marry in November, but they moved the date up to October 26, 1943, which had been set originally as the date for her brother Bill’s marriage to Betty Jeans Gross. Sandy’s orders and a case of the mumps (Betty’s) made the two couples switch their wedding dates. Betty and Bill married on November 19 , 1943.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806346906-VJLAGKHKJWOT9J57470N/BF+Fran+grad+1943.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806379221-JC1OYF8C6OX5WJM6LVV7/BF+Fran+RN+1943.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806292878-RBWMQXW6LH0XM964UWEI/BF+Fran+6-19-1943.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806292619-DG664HGV3NSU5F7DN1ML/BF+Fran+6-19-43.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806381879-CLG2QY2Y8CMLQCX8LCMN/BF+Fran+sports+c+1943-1944.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information A great love of the outdoors and sports was encouraged in the Francis family. Father Jim enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. Fran, Bill, and Bob excelled in many sports. (The boy, Brian, in the lower left corner photo is the son of Betty Jeans Gross from an earlier marriage. Bill adopted him. He was about three years old when Betty and Bill married.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806348107-AHF5X8YF6Z38X45BJ8EB/BF+Fran+nurse%2C+wed.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The news article about Fran and Sandy’s wedding says the ceremony was at 8:30 PM, not at 7:30 PM as Fran’s note (below) says. Fran is seventh from the left in the photo of the nurses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477415912-JY2IYAEJEDWZ0YXB0UWJ/BF+Fran%2C+Sandy+10-26-43+A.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information October 26, 1943 “Sandy flew down from Seattle, while at the same time his parents took the train out from their home in N.J…so nce to have our parents meet and to know each other. “We were married at 7:30 PM in the First Baptist Church in Pasadena…with family, friends, and classmates.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802473926-CGOWLA2K74Y5T3K4U5AU/Parents+Sandy+Robins.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy’s parents, Harold Sniftan (?) Robins and Janet Lynett Robins, c 1916 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802567377-VX8TZCK4C9KKJONL9TC2/Sandy.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy as young boy, c early 1920s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802533118-2XL7QNJIJ9SHM3U2VTC6/Sandy+and+brother.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy and his brother, David. c 1925-1928 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802532867-VH3YOAH4ZYWKVA8RTD7G/Sandy+and+parents.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy and his parents https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802759621-VK51C568H0TD1YZB6Y2K/David+Sandy+Mother.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy, David, and their mother, c early 1930s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628803625376-Q92BNTI80YAE5D5N6Q52/BF+Sandy%27s+parents+%282%29.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy’s parents, 25th Anniversary, c 1940 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628802566919-I8JH8HJRJI00HH4V475N/Sandy%27s+parents.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Sandy’s parents, date unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878923294-NIK7JXF5G1OBF6VHXYRB/BF+F+29+Palms+1943.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information As referenced in the news article about their wedding, Fran and Sandy had “a beautiful honeymoon at a friend’s home in 29 Palms., a small city out in the California desert. At that time there was an Army training base in 29 Palms where we were invited to a base party. Sandy was the only Navy officer there. (Our) honeymoon is still a very treasured memory. “Then up to San Francisco for a wonderful month together…we spent many happy hours sightseeing, riding the cable cars, taking long walks along the San Francisco cliffs where we could watch the seals far below on the rocks, and visiting Fisherman’s Wharf. We talked of what we would like to do in our future and wondered that that future would hold for us. For a moment in time, there was no war, just the two of us. “We celebrated our one-month anniversary as Ensign Alexander and Mrs. Robins with dinner at the Top of the Mark Hotel. The view was over the city of San Francisco and was spectacular. Sandy gave me a beautiful orchid corsage. A true fairyland evening. “All too soon this special time was over. “In November Sandy and I took the train from San Francisco to Pasadena for Betty and Bill’s wedding…in the lovely small Pasadena wedding chapel. Betty’s mother ‘gave her away’ as her father, a commodore in the Navy was stationed in Panama at that time. The next morning we took the train back to San Francisco while Betty and Bill took a later train for a honeymoon at a western resort. “In December 1943 Ensign Alexander Robins was sent to the tiny island of Sterling in the South Pacific as an assembly and repair officer for the Navy panes. So, for a period of time, both Sandy and Bill were in parts of the South Pacific at the same time.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806315653-6IL64RYS1TI3OOVEU089/BF+Fran+1943-1944.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The fingers in this and a few other scanned photo album pages belong to Fran and Sandy’s younger son, Stephen, who has now digitized hundreds of Francis and Robins photographs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628806381429-JXGEJY91TNHSAOEDYRG2/BF+Fran+school+10-1944.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information “In December 1944 Ensign Alexander Robins returned to San Diego and was reassigned to the Navy air station in Jacksonville, Fla. “We left by train from Pasadena for the East Coast and Sandy’s home in N.J. A month of rest and relaxation. “This was my first experience coping with ice and snow every day. It was an exciting adventure. In California we went yp to the mountains for snow and skiing. In Plainfield, I had the pleasure of meeting many relatives. I was made most welcome. “While there we toured New York City taking in all the sights and enjoying a number of fine restaurants, plays, and, of course, shopping. New York is unique. In Plainsville we enjoyed parties in our honor. “We left for Split Rock in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania for two weeks of skiing, bob sledding, and even tried snow shoes. The resort at this time had guests from all branches of the armed forces. A treasured experience. For a moment in time, the war ceased to exist. “After a beautiful family Christmas in Sandy’s home, we left for his next assignment.” The steps at the backdoor of the Francis home was a favorite place for photos. Several of Bob for fan magazines were made here. During 1944, while Sandy was away, Fran lived at home (with her parents and Bob), began her nursing career, and continued her education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878925984-B2X6ERN26XDWM0B37XVY/BF+F+early+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Cousin Bob is the son of one of Lillian’s Warnock brothers, also named Bob. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878927696-DMPPBDXJLBA8NQF8SX30/BF+F%26S+c+1944-45.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878925727-HN46782PQ5B35ZAXCLTI/BF+F%26S+1944.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878929135-H5CPZCH2WLF8W8F9Y100/BF+F%26S+family+c+45-46.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878931499-NCN8CO74U6FTOZGHIM3O/BF+F%26S+Fla+c+45-46+B.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information “In December 1944 Ensign Alexander Robins returned to San Diego and was reassigned to the Navy air station in Jacksonville, Fla. “We left by train from Pasadena for the East Coast and Sandy’s home in N.J. A month of rest and relaxation. “This was my first experience coping with ice and snow every day. It was an exciting adventure. In California we went yup to the mountains for snow and skiing. In Plainfield, I had the pleasure of meeting many relatives. I was made most welcome. “While there we toured New York City taking in all the sights and enjoying a number of fine restaurants, plays, and, of course, shopping. New York is unique. In Plainville we enjoyed parties in our honor. “We left for Split Rock in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania for two weeks of skiing, bob sledding, and even tried snow shoes. The resort at this time had guests from all branches of the armed forces. A treasured experience. For a moment in time, the war ceased to exist. “After a beautiful family Christmas in Sandy’s home, we left for his next assignment.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628558187264-M2QHHRZS4QKKQ1IG2YH5/BF+Chummy+Fla+45.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628558203084-RZNAIU5D766IR9C5D8AK/BF+Chummy+puppy+Fla+1945.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628558203764-QGW0H2MW0RF6DIFPGF9T/BF+Fran+in+Fla+1945.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878929274-EQQSXQE91SVEW329L46W/BF+F%26S+family+c+45-46+D.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878928414-NR2QYUWXNNC81BZ0914S/BF+F%26S+c+1946.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628477410373-Z0UWAYOPL05ZBVF2XUBA/BF+Fran+c+1990s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878923893-3KX9TBVYSC0FMS29XU6T/BF+F+S+L+S+early+1950s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878931890-Y32OJ6F428QEBY9LUP24/BF+F%26S+Fla+c+45-46+C.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878933391-SGBS8HJBPCZY7NM00HV5/BF+F%26S+Fla+c+45-46+E.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878933854-L2RT2T6HH3A6BXY8NHD5/BF+F%26S+Fla+c+45-46.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878935498-G7DJ15NMXPBT9EE9EFV6/BF+F%26S+Larry+1947+B.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878936187-Q1M0M68AJZ2DS039HB49/BF+F%26S+Larry+1947.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878937506-P52GSPLVPZEVI31V51CO/BF+F%26S+Larry+c+1947-49.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878938301-WUNJF3AM7ST8DPI1BM8Q/BF+F%26S+Larry+c+1948-49.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878939888-2J30CKVFYAZDNVNXLEME/BF+F%26S+Larry+c+1950.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878940259-3MTTDP6LVR0J2FLK4XA4/BF+F%26S+Larry+c+1950-51.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878942028-K8ND5AOZHCTKBLGD5XJR/BF+F%26S+Larry+Steve+c+1951.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878942428-EE6KI33EO7DU0SL24ET7/BF+F%26S+winter+1946.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628878944676-3JBBY3S5HX9LS9HZ28VD/BF+F%2C+Bob%2C+Brian.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963689550-D2MH23BPQSSY3MREW1UZ/Bill+Fran+Daddy+Long+Legs+2.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Bill was active as a Scout at Pasadena First Baptist Church — and appeared with Lillian in a production of “Daddy Long Legs,” c. early 1930s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963687167-SDCDSWVBNY4XXRSBEVC3/Bill+Fran+DAddy+Long+Legs+3.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963721230-E9RLM70YKLMZW02WD3CM/Bill+Fran+Daddy+Long+Legs+1.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Below: Bill and Bob, c. 1943, perhaps about the time Bill married Betty Jeans Gross. Photo location is right side of Francis house, 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena. Bill’s sister Lillian recalls his WW II adventure began in April 1941. He met Betty Jeans Gross at a party. They both worked at Lockheed Aircraft where the P38s [Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a two-engines fighter-bomber] were being built for WW II. Bill worked there Oct. 1940-April 1944. In May 1944, he joined the Merchant Marines and went to sea as an engineer in the engine room on the Sea Barb, a cargo and troop ship carrying 3,000 troops and four filled cargo holds. Bill and the ship traveled to the South Pacific and Australia. He came home in 1945. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963724339-6BALQRX6C38MMEK4TLTL/Bill+BF+c1945.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963964336-V0I0D6M1TKDJ8FTBRFNV/RF+Bill+%26+Betty+marriage+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Certificate of Marriage for Bill and Betty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963687892-R2K60EAE76H6Y5OP3PZD/Bill%2C+Betty+wed+11-43.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Nov. 19, 1943, Pasadena, Calif. Betty’s mother “gave her away” as her father was a commodore in the Navy and was stationed in Panama. They honeymooned at a Western resort. Lillian and Sandy came down by train from San Francisco for the wedding. Below: Bill, his father Jim Francis, and Bob, c. 1948-1949, perhaps when Bob and Bill were operating the ski shops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963689969-62IYR5Y0SKTG1FBAKHBK/Bill%2C+Jim%2C+BF+c+50+%282%29.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963799965-SSVPNSQV59TVOFN9KUR8/Arizona+Republic+8-6-54.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Aug. 6, 1954 - Bob’s 1954 tour of 19 cities took him to Phoenix, Ariz., where Betty and Bill’s family lived. Below: Date unknown, possibly Spring 1955 when Bob made a trip to Las Vegas, Nev. Bill has his eyes closed; others in photograph not identified. Location: Perhaps Sands Hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963635825-3G840C1AO69OXS4ZZIDF/LAs+Vegas+unIDed+Bill+Francis.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963816808-116YXC4LMNRJAKSHX12Z/BF+Ariz+paper.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The Arizona Republic, Aug. 2, 1955. Note reference to Bill, and Bob’s trip to Phoenix a year earlier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566963849361-PIR17ZLL9WIOCCHGUKMJ/BF+Bill+obit.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information When Betty and Bill married, she had a young son from a brief earlier marriage. Bill adopted Brian who outlived Bill by about four years. Bill’s obituary lists their other children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566964719280-KUEWYQTRMNSWZ9OOU1AG/Brian+Francis+Gross+3+%282%29.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566964039752-R3GNDTMJKSI1CN1LCJFO/Brian+Francis+Gross+4.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566964037975-F9IVE2AUVXAZYGTBC22A/Brian+Francis+Gross+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566964057828-U4WD37JV2R4ZDQJYTKDJ/Brian+Francis+Gross+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871404304-OKX0YWUWWR1KDV5N6H50/LA+Times+2-11-55.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Los Angeles Times, Thursday, Feb. 11, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871194451-WWVFDEZNHQXXGZDENVVJ/BF+Johnston+Lima.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David Lynn Johnston, Talent Scout, Murdered Lima (Ohio) News, Thursday, Feb. 11, 1954 Johnston was the talent scout who spotted Bob on the beach at Santa Monica, Calif., on July 4, 1949. He sent him to Universal-International as a possible “find.” From there Bob went on to begin studying with Botomi Schneider. As far as is known, Bob and Johnston did not remain in touch. At the time of Johnston’s death, Bob was filming The Bamboo Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871194416-D2N380UZ6X8EYPCIEIZE/BF+Johnston.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David L. Johnston, Talent Scout, murdered Feb. 10, 1954 Ada Evening News, Ada, Ok., Thursday, Feb. 11, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871081110-HF9C4594T37QYUULI3CP/Bakersfield+Californian%2C+Saturday%2C+Feb.+13%2C+1954+.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David L. Johnston's accused killers captured in El Reno, Ok. The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 13, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566872735422-TTWIQIQABG9JGM5TRHOL/BF+Lowell+MA+2-15-54.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Lowell Sun, Lowell, Mass., Sunday, Feb. 14, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871257328-74D4HSPFTTLBK4W7UYEY/BF+San+Ber+2-14-54++A.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information One accused killer confesses San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., Monday, Feb. 15, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871257309-C80C664T66FKJ1OOGMVY/BF+San+Ber+2-14-54++B.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871258774-D0FPIIBE1DWXHO18TDIZ/BF+San+Bern+2-14-54++C.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871258627-NSZJ6D2G3J397T9Q66YV/BF+San+Bern+2-14-54+D.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871259365-6T0L1QWW1NZJM8NYNAIT/BF+San+Bern+2-15-54+A.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., Monday, Feb. 15, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871260560-RYGK5MAU2ZGKSNSDM2MX/BF+San+Bern+2-15-54+B.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871341317-J87WN2K2P5KQZ80X62BZ/Johnson+prisoners+%282%29.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David L. Johnston preliminary hearing for accused killers Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif., Wednesday, March 17, 1954 The accused killers, Ronald J. Maurer and Jimmy Bettini, were returned from Oklahoma to Los Angeles for trial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871261620-XNBAPD4QK3JB1GOP644M/BF+San+Bern+2-17-54+A.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871317158-XRXSVBDV69JP6S8E36H6/Johnson+trial+jury.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David L. Johnston jury deadlocked San Bernardino Sun, San Bernardino, Calif., June 13, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566871317525-AHH3SS1BD0W3XOCKED1L/Johnson+trial.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information David L. Johnston's killers get life terms Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif., July 8, 1954 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573680964175-3BOJF89CH8Q0LIO8MOPZ/Johnston+2+%282%29.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573680963996-U6NTMB1OI955WTF1HA50/Johnston+2+%283%29.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Information from Ancestry. Johnston is not credited on the Turner Classic Movies website as an associate film producer for either Wings of the Hawk (1953) or The Glenn Miller Story (1954). Johnston’s killers were caught and sentenced to life imprisonment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439675775-KO46LFULZ09RLXQVEZJ1/BF+Oreck+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439705050-V056J3IFSHT6AKNHVU5P/BF+Oreck+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439704873-7YCQLDATSEQ4O0SUIXWF/BF+Oreck+3.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439705105-YCGVJ2MEII477HGY23KS/BF+Oreck+4.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439705177-O72BWIX2T0H5NMOA4AH6/BF+Oreck+5+%282%29.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566439705224-FT5Q5B8UF6UJE0OXC55M/BF+Oreck+5.png Sidebars - 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His biography, A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story by Linda Alexander, was published in 2011. https://medium.com/@jeremylr/more-than-bret-mavericks-brother-remembering-jack-kelly-a-proud-father-nice-guy-and-darn-fine-b3a0df9514c6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564165238505-IZXCEOH1N1JYDZE6AD88/May+14.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564165246258-2UW21CDYM7NWM0MORXSZ/May+35.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564165250341-5X784874XAO8D5M1F43Z/May+46.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564165250771-KT50XZ5URJ89IR6DBDE5/May+47.jpeg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564165243682-U3Q70NGOY6ML7WDMSFOY/May+28.jpeg Sidebars - 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Below: Joe Kirkwood with Marilyn Monroe, c. probably late 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1572818332399-EDZLODVOG5BM829DLDDS/Kirkwood.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613423800248-F7JVG8XBDAINGDBU9KAA/BF+Kirkwood+wife.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622050931018-RTUGGJ61WH0DJ2EUQ88F/Weldon+1.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622050977518-4RPESWURZAXRHRQUXHGW/Weldon+2.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622307061673-2959JUAILLFFUBTUFWJL/BF+weldon%2C+Shore+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622307299697-RRQFOTNQF24O49NANZNF/BF+Weldon+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051054439-TW8K91AHHBHO9DMLFYAM/BF+Weldon+E.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051090856-YQDNG04NKXVJHU5TJW3B/BF+Weldon+F.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051135028-THR35AU8ZJ4MPU16WZB6/BF+Weldon+A.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051165772-0X0654EV8WAGZAVY34P5/BF+Weldon+B.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051201617-Y31GLG5UUDBN6UYFXFBH/BF+Weldon+C.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1622051245567-MFYU574ADHNPGQ2OPU01/BF+Weldon+D.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/67c0aa1b-bfc9-44e8-9021-7bc33503c74a/BF+Podell%2C+David+2025.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567022340558-LB2WDO2UNEDL9AX78ZWH/Jill+and+Lance.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Jill St. John and Lance Reventlow, c. 1960-1963, when they were married. Reventlow’s death as reported by The New York Times: ASPEN, Colo., July 25 (UPI) —Lance Reventlow, heir to the Woolworth fortune and son of Barbara Hutton, one of the world's richest women, was killed with three other persons yesterday in the crash of a small plane in the Colorado Rockies. He was 36 years old. Mr. Reventlow, a sports car racer who was called “the world's richest baby” at birth, was killed in the crash during a heavy thunderstorm near this resort. He had been surveying a tract of land he wanted to buy, officials said. Killed with him were Gifford Hooker, 29, Robert Wulf and Barbara Baker, all of Aspen. The craft, a single‐engine Cessna 206, slammed into a wooded mountainside eight miles from the nearest road. Sheriff Caroll Whitmire said the wreckage was spotted by another plane. A rescue crew reached the site last night and confirmed that all aboard were dead. A ‘Convenient’ Life “I guess you might say I'm a playboy,” Lance Reventlow told an interviewer some years ago after he had become noted for his taste in beautiful women and fast cars. The heir to one of the world's great fortunes, he would tell his friends, “So you were born with brown eyes. I was born with money. It just makes life convenient.” On his 21st birthday he inherited $25‐million, and estimates of his personal wealth ran as high as $100‐million. Mr. Reventlow had a serious interest in sports cars. He spurned college to learn race driving, bought the hottest cars he could find and lied about his age to get into races. He was not much over 21 when he hired 14 experts and set up shop in Los Angeles to make an American sports car that would outrace Europe's best. The result was the Scarab, a beetle‐like car named after an Egyptian good luck charm. In 1958, Mr. Reventlow and two teammates driving the Scarabs consistently beat the vaunted Ferraris and Maseratis. Stayed in Shape Mr. Reventlow, whose father, Count Court Haugwitz Hardenberg Reventlow, was the second of Barbara Hutton's seven husbands, did not allow money to interfere with his austere training for race driving. To stay in shape for the grueling competition, he watched his diet, drank sparingly and slept 11 hours a night. One of his first important victories came on Dec. 5, 1958, at Nassau, in the Bahamas, when he drove his Chevrolet‐powered Scarab to an easy win in the 112.5‐mile Governor's Cup race. It was the first time since 1924 that an American car and driver had won an international road race. To win that race, Mr. Reventlow, who was 22, drove the 25 laps over the 4.5‐mile course with its 16 turns at an average speed of 88.642 miles an hour. However, Mr. Reventlow's success on the race course had an unfortunate effect on his marriage to Jill St. John, the actress. The couple married in a civil ceremony in San Francisco in 1960. The marriage ended in divorce three years later, with Miss St. John blaming his interest in sports cars for the breakup. Married Mouseketeer In 1964, Mr. Reventlow married Cheryl Holdridge, a 19‐year‐old former Walt Disney Mouseketeer. Some 600 invited guests, including Cary Grant, the actor, attended the Methodist church ceremony, in Hollywood. Mr. Reventlow had long considered Mr. Grant his foster father. Mr. Grant was Miss Hutton's third husband. After his marriage to Miss Holdridge, Mr. Reventlow became less active in racing, turning his interests to polo, then skiing. He spent much of his time at Aspen, the famed skiing center. Mr. Reventlow was born in London on Feb. 24, 1936. His mother was the granddaughter of F. W. Woolworth. In 1935, she married Count Haugwitz Reventlow, a Danish nobleman, who later became a United States citizen. Below: A researcher working on the development of this website arranged to see a 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza — very similar to the one Bob was flying July 31, 1955 — when it was for sale in 2018. His report: “The owner opened everything up and let me get in by standing on the wing to get inside. I sat in the pilot seat. My main impression of the plane was there was not very much room inside to move around. I am 6'4" or so, a little taller than Bob, and I was very close to the controls when seated. Didn't look like there was any way to get out in a hurry from front or back seats. “There were two fuel tanks, one in each wing, and an auxiliary tank behind the passenger seat. We discussed Bob’s crash briefly and I asked what a pilot should do in the situation Bob faced. He replied, “Put the nose down.” This was the third person to say that to me. “I asked about the theory that George Meyer and/or Bob Francis let the plane Idle when Meyer went inside the hangar to make a phone call. Then, returned, got in the plane, and Bob took off with the engine flooded with fuel. His reply was the same as what I had heard before also. A pilot would/should not do that because of the propeller spinning, and because the plane would be in motion meaning it could roll/move forward. He seemed to think that letting the plane idle was not good procedure. “So, I was in the pilot seat in front of the stick (steering wheel) and he went over the controls/dash with me. It seemed very cramped and I could imagine someone with little experience not knowing what to do in an emergency except operate the stick which was right smack in front of me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567023494137-BLALCUV3Z2LCACLIGXMN/plane+1+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567023877378-B5PXZKOI7MUXCPZYD1W5/plane+2+%285%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567023769298-V9IR5APQ8XVIOLVLQSEG/plane+2+%284%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567023534580-M649EABR78OOP2WV18CA/plane+3+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567023547374-J60P5BGWJHIUW9C1BDL0/plane++4+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567106710714-366342UR16Y5F8RTGF04/BF+54+5+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information These two photos of Bob and then one of Eva Lind show the residential area of the Hollywood Hills from near Leaf’s home. The Hollywood Hills straddle the Cahuenga Pass within the Santa Monica Mountains, and touch Studio City, Universal City, and Burbank on the north, Griffith Park on the north and east, Los Feliz on the southeast, Hollywood on the south, and Hollywood Hills West on the west. It includes Forest Lawn Memorial Park, the Hollywood Reservoir, the Hollywood sign, and the Hollywood Bowl. U.S. 101 bisects the Hollywood Hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567106708008-H6Y5K2FVCII11Y1DB854/BF+54+5+%283%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567108893332-M3T8JKN023TTD8JR9KQ9/Lind+5.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567108778605-2EBGGKFNCUKDBTLCVG8Z/Lind+4.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information Leaf used this old tree stump as a prop for many photo sessions, including those with Eva Lind and Bob. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567106748596-R92HLFDEB6XKSUF98KJ0/BF+54+10+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567106770750-3KLPPYFNXSY7ZWF654PC/BF+54+12+%282%29.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information The house in the background is probably where Leaf lived in the Hollywood Hills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662938916956-YLW1CVQN17L5Y1T35OXS/BF+Above+Pasadena.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Above Pasadena. long, long ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943966736-FJLFN7LZ9E0ZCL9DRVYG/BF+Pasadena+early.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. 1920s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939289705-PY0BKAUU7LOP80GTBD8E/BF+JimLilFran+1919.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out In forefront: Jim, Lillian holding Fran, unknown, c. 1919. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940232722-X6W3TM0QT8JY2KBZ7TV2/BF+Fran+early+20s.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran, c., early 1920s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941450053-IKLRIL47BGXAFAPCYWR5/BF+MtcampFran.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran, camping trip, c., early 1920s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943042327-9DFRHFXD84158PKH5YYY/BF+FranBill+SanMon+20s.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran and Bill, Santa Monica Beach, c. 1925 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944158872-4M0RGFQ0P3F2K8ZFL86J/BF+Lil+20s+hair+down.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran, c. late 1920s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939625220-9TRQ33IYMVYJ6TOSR6T8/BF+various+1930s+%282%29.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c., 1933-36. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939747766-QGGMSPKQW3YGC33LVB53/BF+various+1930s+%284%29.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c., 1933-36. Bobby and a friend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939811789-IQ5KGEXQC9ZDI5QXI8PG/BF+various+1930s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c., early to late 1930s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939931598-Z2738HZCEFKPR329XC96/BF+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. early 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940309977-MNZNNKTVYGRYPK8UFDVK/BF+camp+c+early+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c., early 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940369666-6VOKT11H7YUD1PEBYM9N/BF+camp+Crystal+Lake+early+1940w.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. early 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940595320-OD7QI576OI5ZQW5OUO71/BF+camp+Scout+c+1940-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. late 1930s-early 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940886293-DI5A1PLVIQ8EC9NJ22WU/BF+always+eating+2+c+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. early 1940s “always eating” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662940937090-DNP7U2E6QRTHX12DDHFE/BF+always+eating+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. early 1940s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941108342-EVVD4M6OM5T400VUU06O/BF+Waterman+ski+1943.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Sandy? and Fran, 1943 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941230403-A0TUZCRJFC4B03L2P8Z9/BF+Uncle+Bob%2C+Jim%2C+Bob+1944.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Cousin Bob, Jim, Bob, c. 1944 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941713738-XKAZ1SF1K52IR7222RK6/BF+F%2C+Bob%2C+Brian.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran, Bob, and Brain (Bill’s adopted son), c. 1941, 1943, 1944 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941883875-ZMSHIW4GNMR2UZ9Q6B25/BF+Bill+1945+-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Bill, Bob’s older brother, c. 1945 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662941943091-K9O43JMDSKMK63YVPWYK/BF+Bobby+2%2C+4-+Jim%26Bill+%284%29.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Jim and Bill, c. 1944 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662942903962-FLJ0AQ7AW59D0E57M4TT/BF+skiing+Mt.+Waterman+late+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Bob, Mt. Waterman, c. 1949-1951 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662942459905-6VORFT2A4LFH5PMRJJJR/BF+Nanette+c+1950.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Larry, son of Fran and Sandy, Sandy, Fran, Nanette Burris, and Bob, 1950 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943128764-TTEDLSTK4AS9SR72X5PF/BF+Scout%2C+army%2C+Hollywood.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. 1940, 1951-1953, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662942569727-24RVXOPCX30Y79EYSUBL/BF+Nana%2C+Bob+1951.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Bob’s paternal grandmother, “Nana,” Fran, Larry, Jim, Bob with “Army haircut,” unidentified woman, 1951 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943238136-EAVADWIQUIUVOBW1PZBL/BF+army+-+ski+1951-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. 1951, 1952 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943356955-JNC1WLBDJSIPWXF7DZQ0/BF+Bob%2C+Bill+Braian.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out c. 1944, Brian; Bob and Bill, 1950-51 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943782579-MEAZ46ECAQUBONVW79GS/BF+fish+c+1950+%282%29.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Bill and Bob, c. 1950 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662943536643-GK37GUVW6MA1YZISPHQH/BF+Camp+Roberts+1951-1953.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Camp Roberts, c., 1951-1953 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944342452-C98O6MVFQ8RN2HYOONF5/BF+Fran+53.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran and Bob, c. 1952-1953 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944426322-6MT59LR6J7ZI7J12AC1I/BF+Haw+shirts.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Jim, Bob, Bill, c. 1953 (after shooting “Caine” in Hawaii)?. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662939206384-U30CH0U1XUIXFVSTOCMW/BF+Holly+Sign.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Hollywood, c. 1950s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944639978-WTUBAASG5VR8O9ZS52UI/BF+Caddy+Mother+1955-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Lillian, Bob’s Cadillac, c. 1954-1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944749122-QROMC6W8NTNKJFY77SZ3/BF+Caddy+Mother+1956-.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Lillian, Bob’s Cadillac, c. 1955-1956 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944823640-DNJ6IZJ8KUJXMG4F79PR/BF+Lil+cad+56.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Lillian, Bob’s Cadillac, c. 1955-1956 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662944948522-V1AAERRAWUAI2Z6D4EJ2/BF+FranSteve+56.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Fran and her son, Steve, c. 1955-1956 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662945014318-WJIYKIHVF0R3Q6HZKOIP/BF+Jim+77.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Jim at 212 Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena, c. 1977 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1662945078415-TTRTEEDQ6I2AS0B377E9/BF+Lillian+77.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Lillian at 212 Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena, c. 1977 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/054c76d9-adf1-4f70-8a1d-dd235a498e59/BF+Derby.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out This map (date unclear but probably post-WWII before several major freeways added) indicates locations of four of the five-plus Brown Derby restaurants. (Wikipedia’s “Brown Derby” entry provides details of when and where the chain was built.) Starting in the upper right quadrant and moving west: Glendale (where Bob was born) is directly west of Pasadena. Note that many places are mentioned often throughout this website in the context of Bob’s life, e.g., Lockheed Air Terminal and Burbank (where he died), Griffith Park and its Planetarium (featured in many movies including “Rebel Without a Cause”), San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Bowl. The references to radio studios suggest this is a map from the days before television dominated the entertainment world. The first Brown Derby, built in the distinctive shape of a derby hat, at 3427 Wilshire Blvd. was across the street from the Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel. It opened in 1926 and was demolished in 1936 in part because it had terrible acoustics. Despite its less distinctive Spanish Mission style facade, the second Brown Derby (aka the Hollywood Brown Derby), which opened in 1929 at 1628 N. Vine St., was the branch that played the greater part in Hollywood history (and was the originator of the Cobb Salad and the Shirley Temple non-alcoholic drink). Due to its proximity to movie studios, it became the place to do deals and be seen. It closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1994. The third Brown Derby opened in 1931 at 9537 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills, across from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Decorated in an Old English style early in its history, it closed in 1986 and was demolished. The fourth Brown Derby at 3377 Wilshire Blvd. and Alexandria Ave. opened in 1936. It closed in 1980 and was demolished but the derby hat structure was incorporated into subsequent buildings on the site. Another Brown Derby at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. opened in 1940. It was designated an official Historic Cultural Monument of the City of Los Angeles in 2006. Now the Los Feliz Brown Derby space is occupied by a gastropub and a Chase bank; its dome is divided in half between the two businesses. The interior framing details of the dome construction have been exposed and are now visible from inside the restaurant. There were and are a number of other Brown Derby restaurants in the Los Angeles area and beyond, including a fifth one that opened the year, 1955, Bob died. The Brown Derby Crenshaw Center in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood was a 24-hour coffee at 3625 Stocker Ave. Whether Bob ever had a drink or meal at any of the Brown Derbys is unknown, but he had proximity to the Brown Derby at 3377 Wilshire Blvd. and Alexandria Ave. once he was at Columbia, and to the Hollywood and Beverly Hills restaurants. The middle of the map shows several still-there landmarks: Pantages Theater and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd., a “Big Five” studio, Paramount, and two smaller studios (Columbia, Bob’s home studio, and RKO), all between Sunset Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. (Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/d1b86990-a591-4667-aa5c-b15400ab4b39/BF+LA+map+1930s.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out This is a 1930s map of the Greater Los Angeles area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/10ccc745-790d-4d04-88be-fd6275ec3976/BF+LA+1948.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out The horrendous Los Angeles traffic began before WW II and then really increased afterwards. This is a 1948 photo of the “new” Arroyo Seco Parkway, also known as the Pasadena Freeway, one of the oldest freeways built in the United States. The parkway connects Los Angeles with Pasadena alongside the Arroyo Seco seasonal river. It is notable not only for being an early freeway, mostly opened in 1940, but for representing the transitional phase between early parkways and later freeways. It conformed to modern standards when it was built, but is now regarded as a narrow, outdated roadway. A 1953 extension brought the south end to the Four Level Interchange in downtown Los Angeles and a connection with the rest of the freeway system. (Wikipedia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/3bba0550-e8af-4f6c-8f1b-6e85cfdb9318/BF+Hollywood+Bowl+1940s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out The Hollywood Bowl, c. 1940s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/08672869-11a3-4e48-a781-61a0a86ccc3d/BF+early+1950s.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Christmas in Hollywood, c. early 1950s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/ea890051-88cc-4471-a1c9-09794300c80d/BF+Mocambo+A.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/162644c5-bebe-40ab-bd96-c0f80315467a/BF+Mocambo+B.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Mocambo in its early days, c. 1942 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/cb2e8b63-ae46-497f-b8be-55586c70f4fb/BF+hotel.jpg Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Many years before Bob’s time in Pasadena. He and his sister Fran often walked from their home on Grand Oaks Ave. to movie theaters on Colorado Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/b35b57c9-6373-41f1-a6a4-71f503304624/BF+Pasadena+Wrigley.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out One of many grand, elegant homes built in Pasadena. Surely Bob would have seen this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/d5b3dfcb-1ca7-485d-9d71-05257a08fefa/BF+110+Freeway+1951.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/532ee8ff-8212-4a06-aea2-0b29310c0702/BF+Brown+Derby+1950s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/8a08db88-7129-419b-8e81-00d193de799c/BF+Capitol+Records+55.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/cadcd6d9-f94b-43fe-a916-e14ee86122f6/BF+Colo+Blvd+Pasadena+1967.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/92bcfbe4-e257-4bc2-8e23-aff5764b4099/BF+Columbia+1939.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/4c4fa9ed-104f-4308-ba18-d2a20c8f3b0a/BF+Disneyland+1955.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/0f7f1f56-33ff-4e34-9a3f-a0f9b70b3cfd/BF+Figueroa+St.+Tunnels+1950s.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/e6e7bc57-40d2-4729-b181-9baf2be985e9/BF+Freeway+1940+1.PNG Sidebars - 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Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/b0d47a55-643e-4550-a762-c4b0ccdcfd56/BF+Rose+Bowl+1-1-55.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out The Rose Bowl Parade was close enough to the Francis home in Pasadena for the Francis Family to walk to Colorado Boulevard and watch the parades begin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/b37dd525-9919-4766-aa1d-ab81dadbf8da/BF+Vine+St.+1940s.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/694f9f8d-9296-4697-b5d9-c58660a0dba9/BF+Pasadena+City+Hall+date+unk.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/84accae8-cfc0-43f8-af0d-7fb31ac52409/BF+Pantages+1953.png Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/a819dffc-bdef-4010-b3ba-637d01c9c863/BF+Wilshire%26SMon+1954+1.PNG Sidebars - Galleries and Other Information - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-68 daily 0.75 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/edf42062-7c7f-453b-ba79-160f39c88f8c/BF+Mod+Screen+Kelly+1954.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two - Make it stand out 1954 ended on a high note for Bob when he received the Modern Screen Most Popular New Star of 1954 award in December. Grace Kelly received the most popular new star award also. In 2016 her award was auctioned by Bonham on behalf of Turner Classic Movies for more than $6.000. Bob’s award remains with his family and is treasured. Although his award would be valuable, too, it does not have the enhanced value of Kelly’s as a result of her Academy Award performance in “The Country Girl” (which she received in March 1955) and her decades-long reign as Princess Grace of Monaco. In additional to being honored with as the most popular new star awards in 1954, they share the tragedy of dying too young in accidents. Photos of Bob’s award are seen on this website’s first page and in The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part One. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112519157-WJJMYZQYHU6C737ZHGZ8/BF+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Early 1955 Ivy Crane Wilson was a British film columnist who annually published Hollywood Album. The hardcover 1955 edition — containing articles “written by the stars themselves” — probably was published early in 1955. Bob’s story, “One Fateful Day,” recounts the events of July 4, 1949, when he was “discovered,” and the subsequent events of his first year as a film actor. After Bob’s death, Ms. Wilson sent his parents a copy of the book inscribed, “To Mr. and Mrs. Francis - in memory of their wonderful son - I’m very proud to have Bob’s story in this - my ninth album - Sincerely, Ivy Crane Wilson.” Photo made by Gene Kornman, Fall 1954, as part of a photo shoot at St. Inez Motel in Santa Monica, Calif. See photos in Part One of The Star and Studio Systems. Lucy Marlow appeared in small roles in several mid-1950s films: A Star is Born, Queen Bee, Tight Spot, My Sister Eileen and on television shows of that time. See profile at www.tcm.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110110812-SG9VZ9NVY7OWDJGIB1VL/55+2+Hollywood+Album+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110111099-8QJR5XTUWYRS7ZB9USOI/55+2+Hollywood+Album+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Émile Allais Obit from The New York Times Émile Allais, Hailed as the Father of Modern Skiing, Dies at 100 By DOUGLAS MARTIN OCT. 20, 2012 Émile Allais, a daring champion French skier who helped shape his sport by developing and popularizing a new style of skiing in the 1930s — keeping the skis parallel — as well as by coaching Olympic teams and designing ski equipment, died on Wednesday in Sallanches, in the French Alps. He was 100. The French Skiing Federation announced his death, prompting Jean-Claude Killy, the French skier who dominated the sport in the late 1960s, to hail Allais as “the father of modern skiing.” For all his many victories on the slopes, Allais failed in perhaps his final challenge: his bet that on his 100th birthday he would beat his cardiologist down Valle Blanche in Chamonix, one of the great Alps ski runs. He stopped skiing a few years ago. In 1934, Allais became the first French skier to win a major event, placing first in the combined event — a downhill run and two slalom runs — at Hahnenkamm at Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps. In the 1937 world championships, he won gold medals in the downhill, slalom and combined, becoming the first man to win both downhill and slalom races in a major championship. That year and the next, he was the world’s all-around champion skier, the first man to hold the title in successive years. His daring, almost reckless-seeming style of skiing was legend. He once did a somersault in an event and landed on his skis without losing time. The New York Times once described him as “a congenital candidate for the suicide club” and marveled at how he often seemed out of control before miraculously recovering. He awed competitors. A German skier was quoted by The Times in 1937 calling Allais “the greatest all-around skier the world has ever known.” Killy said Allais had taught him to take risks. In the 1930s, Allais popularized a new style of skiing, with the skis parallel. He also coached Olympic teams and designed equipment. His most far-reaching contribution to the sport came in the late 1930s, when he helped develop and popularize the new method of skiing with skis parallel to each other rather than angled inward in a V shape. The French Skiing Federation soon adopted that as its official style. In the 1940s and ’50s, Allais coached the French Olympic team for seven years, and the Canadian and American teams for one year each. He helped found the École Française du Ski, which became one of the world’s largest ski schools. Allais made a business career out of skiing as well, opening a resort in Chile and helping to develop others in France, including Courchevel. He designed skis, goggles, aerodynamic pants and some of the first ski boots to fasten to the skis. His goal, he once said, was to help skiers experience the “sense of speed and the sense of freedom” that had so captivated him as a youth. He spent considerable time in the United States, as the first ski school instructor at Squaw Valley in California and a teacher in Sun Valley, Idaho, where one pupil was the movie producer Darryl F. Zanuck. Brigitte Bardot and Cary Grant were also among his pupils. Émile Allais was born on Feb. 25, 1912, in Megève, in the Mont Blanc region of the French Alps. His father, a baker, was killed in World War I. His mother remarried and went into the hotel business. An uncle who was a mountain guide made skis for him, and by 8 he was an adept skier. At 17, in 1929, he competed in his first race. In 1932, Allais’s racing career was interrupted by compulsory military service, which he accomplished by serving with the French ski corps. Returning to the slopes, he finished second in the downhill and the combined event in the 1935 world championships. In 1936, at the Olympics in Germany, Allais won a bronze medal in the slalom with a dramatic run that provoked clamorous cheering. Hitler went to congratulate him personally. “He looked harmless enough,” Allais recalled years later. World War II and a broken ankle ended his ski racing career. Allais’s first wife, Georgette, died in 1970. He is survived by his second wife, Mireille, and his daughters, Karen and Kathleen, both of whom skied for the French national team. At 90, Allais broke his shoulder in a collision with a snowboarder. But he returned to the slopes after recovering, and kept skiing into his late 90s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566765873667-T5NHGIH88Y6M1J420ZOK/Allais.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Émile Allais in January 2010 in Megève, France. In the 1930s, Allais popularized a new style of skiing, with the skis parallel. He also coached Olympic teams and designed equipment. Photo: Philippe Desmazes/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112753810-741979MMCXM0P9SCBKW7/BF+MS+6-55+Marlowe.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Lucy Marlow, Columbia contract player Modern Screen, June 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786123283-11GOQKYC9P4WIH460OPT/BF+Picture+SHow+Annual+55.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Early 1955 Picture Show Annual 1955, a British publication, covers the year in film on both sides of the Atlantic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786179023-AHJJZLJCZNBOT8FWKVQ7/BF+PSA+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786184086-1GVR9CYE17JI77AKTYOU/BF+PSA+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786179835-DHPQ3QV8KNKUECKHLR48/BF+PSA+4.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Below: Modern Screen, Feb. 1955. Photos taken Fall 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567445895266-3DR2ZDIC6XAENGKS4D3K/2-55++1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “I became a fixture in the Hollywood circuit, offering newspapers and magazines the perfect image of a rising star with the world by the tail. My picking and choosing from a Whitman’s Sampler of gorgeous starlets was dutifully recorded, month by month, allowing teenage girls around the world to track my love life. “All a ruse, of course. Most of the young actresses I dated were, like me, gamely fostering the impression that they were “hot,” even if they hadn’t worked in months…Pat Crowley…Terry Moore…Having ourselves described as “an item” or “deeply involved” was a small price to pay for access to lavish parties overflowing with delicacies otherwise unavailable to actors living on saltines, sardines, and soda pop….” “These high-life snapshots fueled the fantasies of young girls…. (Hunter) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567445897470-DLA998B1GFYKSA2NVG85/2-55+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567445896700-UEJ6FS4MV10UNW7G73IW/2-55++3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567445896982-9R7UYKYG3PVQQFRHMWIB/2-55+++4.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109919848-WJM2YBTXHLX1JJ1CDW6C/54+11+or+12++B%2C+dog%2C+Pasadena+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Winter 1955 Bob and Chummy This photo and the one below (with his mother Lillian) may have been taken for a photo story in a fan magazine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109921885-YZBFIT5HTIE15NZ1J2FI/54+11+or+12+B%2C+Mother%2C+coffee%2C+kitchen+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109959649-UI3ZRWBH48ULIBF6UYC4/54+11+or+12+B+wanted+posters++Ideal+Pub+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Winter 1955? Part of a photo story, perhaps. Shirt is one Bob wore often. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111940517-L7YXIKEFZE6CEJAQ3UZ7/BF+MoPic+2-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Motion Picture, Feb. 1955, on newsstands in early January 1955. Photo taken Fall 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566766762068-UCJBZWLGGEFRNXSL71PG/Pfff.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Modern Screen, Feb. 1955, on newsstands in early Jan. 1955. Phffft opened in Nov. 1954; photos made at that time in Hollywood. Many Columbia contract players in the film and at the Hollywood opening. (Joanne Gilbert was someone else’s date.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567370717999-78BNODQIHKMA17RS3AKX/sundae.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114988872-77Y0QQVJB9FP4L4X6W0J/BF+newsstand+Cokes+1-28-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Jan. 28, 1955 One of many photos of Bob taken by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City, on or about this date for “Weekend with the Folks,” Screenland, July 1955. (See Biography and contact sheets below.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566767238079-FHWPV9A5XVFPSVPVCVBQ/55+3+or+4++Spring+Screenland+July+55+Contact+Sheet+Pasadena+53-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Contact sheet of photos by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City, for”Weekend with the Folks,” Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566767508726-O60I13NH93BYF890MTV5/Contact+sheet+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Color photo is of Bob’s mother, Lillian Francis, taken perhaps in the 1960s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110542313-QQBGNLJ7ZHLKXYGOVM0Z/55-2+Hollywood+Playtime+Annual+cover+back.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Early 1955. Photos taken early Fall 1954. Hollywood Playtime Annual 1955. Photos by Don Ornitz, Globe Photos, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110455163-X4MJ8S747U9GVN2YMKY5/55-2+Holly+Play+He+Likes+Everything+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Rosemary Bowe also studied with Benno Schneider at Columbia. She and Robert Stack married in 1956. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110530547-S3DQMNLCJ1VYN4D9J2S2/55-2+Holly+Play+He+Likes+Everything+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110529340-4RN6ASEXAV50MVOP4AR0/55-2+Holly+Play+He+Likes+Everything+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110532235-5742VOUUKQRJK7SNJR18/55-2+Holly+Play+He+Likes+Everything+4.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110536087-C68R0JS7ORUKTE43OHLI/55-2+Holly+Play+He+Likes+Everything+6.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110108798-4RKBA73N5YD4K85PCZKQ/55+2+B%2C+Robert+Stack+skiing%2C+54+55+%28Ornitz%2C+Globe%2C+NYC+for+Hollywood+Playtime%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110108453-D5SBGGQFY19C9QTQ6P5I/55+2+B+skiing+plaid+trunks+54+55+%28Don+Ornitz%2C+Globe+Photos%2C+152+W.+54th+St.%2C+NYC+19%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110108006-VXQ24SD3U5SAAFU6N408/55+2++B%2C+young+girl+skiing+CA+54+55+%28John+M.+Stephens%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “Bobby skied with this young skiing champion when he visited us at the naval station at China Lake where Sandy was stationed in the mid-1950s.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110113529-VCO541D8E1M22LXEQK1I/55+3+or+4+B+open+car+trunk+%28Ornitz-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Fall 1954, possibly by Don Ornitz, Globe Photos, New York City, at same time as “He Likes Everything Under the Sun” photos were made. in Long Beach. Bob’s clothing and car are the same as those in first photo of that story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111398288-32QCAK824JN8IEEXOMHT/Robert+Francis+and+Co.+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show_01+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Feb. 6, 1955 7.20 [346] Ed Sullivan: Toast Of The Town: THE COLUMBIA PICTURES STORY b: 06-Feb-1955 Scheduled Guests: --Maureen O'Hara (actress) - talks to Ed about her movie "The Long Grey Line" followed by a clip from the film. (Film also stars Tyrone Power.) --Eddie Fisher - "April Showers," "Mammy" & "A Man Chases A Girl" (backed up by an unseen Debbie Reynolds) --Teresa Brewer - sings "I've Got A Crush On You" & "How Come You Do Me Like You Do" --Marge & Gower Champion (dancers) - "Let's Dance" & "Meetin' Time" (song & dance) --Actors appearing together on stage: Diane Foster, Robert Francis, Kim Novak, Donald Crisp, Maureen O'Hara & Merty Maher. (Note: Jack Lemmon, Betsy Palmer, Harry Carey Jr., and Gloria Krieger were also scheduled to appear but they are not mentioned on the transcript.) --General Jacob L. Devers & Merty Maher (writer of the book "Bring Up The Brass") are brought on stage with O'Hara. General Devers makes a patriotic speech. --The West Point Glee Club - "America The Beautiful" --Audience bows: Rod Steiger; Jack Cohn (Columbia Pictures president); Carol Haney Film clips: --"It Happened One Night" clip with Claudette Colbert & Clark Gable where Gable undresses --"Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" clip with Gary Cooper & Jean Arthur --"Gilda" clip with Rita Hayworth singing and dancing --"Born Yesterday" clip with Judy Holliday & Broderick Crawford --"From Here To Eternity" clip where Burt Lancaster & Deborah Kerr roll in the surf. Also: Montgomery Clift & Frank Sinatra --"The Caine Mutiny" clip with Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson --"On The Waterfront" clip with Marlon Brando & Rod Steiger Above: (left to right) Marty Meher, Diane Foster, Robert Francis, Kim Novak, Donald Crisp, and Ed Sullivan. Below: Robert Francis, Kim Novak, Donald Crisp, and Ed Sullivan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111402578-1EYF1DUQ3TRCK07F46E1/Robert+Francis+and+Co.+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111402366-L2A3WNNFTJHJP0875M5D/Robert+Francis+on+The+Ed+Sullivan+Show+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114327182-PXY1WL6D5UEE6X2ITI9J/LGL+Wash+opening+2-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Feb. 8?, 1955 Washington, D.C., premiere of The Long Gray Line. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower attended this event. (See next photo.) Above: Bob, unidentified man, Maureen O’Hara, William (Bill) Leslie (also in The Long Gray Line), and unidentified man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566770261884-W3VZ79VTLXO2PZJ42Q72/BF+LGL+prem+DC+55+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1589817956234-VYRK3CCA84DXBYI20NMC/BF+LGL.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1589817977839-MPA6M76RYA65LD36KDXU/BF+LGL+2+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567369805215-J4TV4YAXCN2HC0FIY7LW/LGL.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Below: In Winter (Feb. and March) 1955 as part of Bob’s personal appearance tour for The Long Gray Line, he was in Florida for several days. These photos were made at Lake Eloise, Fla., near Winterhaven, Cypress Gardens. Others in the photos are assumed to be performers in the Cypress Garden water skiing spectaculars. Among the movies made in this area is Esther Williams’ Easy to Wed, 1953, with Van Johnson. Carroll Baker had a small role in the film, as did King Donovan who appeared in The Bamboo Prison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109550702-TEQ1NQZST9NJ3WU01O2N/54+4++B+water+skiing+FLA+54+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “We were in Miami Beach, Fla., at the Algiers Hotel*, the newest and nicest. A plane came by pulling a banner and it said, ‘Welcome to Miami Bob.’ There were girls all sitting around the pool and I remember how pleased Bob was to see his name on a banner. “Also, one time we were on a bridge between Tampa and St. Petersburg in a small two-seater car with a young lady squeezed in between us. It was during the day, so I don’t know if we were drunk or what, but we were speeding. A cop spotted us but was smart enough not to follow us. He radioed ahead. I was driving and there was a cop car at the end of the bridge. And I jammed on the brakes and swerved and I fell out of the car. The girl wound up behind the steering wheel and Bob started to yell at her, ‘I told you not to drive! Are you crazy?’ We laughed but the cops were not amused.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. * The Algiers Hotel is in many ways an exemplar work of architect Morris Lapidus, that once-New Yorker famous for speckling Miami with the Neo-baroque hotels that have since defined the city's brand of modernism. Sadly, Algiers Hotel no longer exists, but luckily the Library of Congress' Gottscho-Schleisner Collection has got the photo evidence to prove how brilliantly Lapidus could blend old-school glamour ("if you create the stage setting and it's grand, everyone who enters will play their part," he once said) and the modular minimalism that defined design in the '50s and '60s. https://www.curbed.com/2014/8/1/10065366/algiers-hotel-miami-morris-lapidus-photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569795229775-SGDAOPIJ4RF4QYZSI7F5/Algiers+Hotel.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109548153-QA7AGWYODB1EKA3S53IM/54+4++B%2C+unknown+girl+skiing+FLA+54+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109578927-XAHJUJFPDAR0H1DD9X3T/54+4++B%2C+unknown+girl+FLA+54+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “Florida was a great place to be. I remember Bob and I with our shirts off getting sun. My boss was pleasant and he liked Bob, too, and as long as we did our work, he didn’t care. Bob was fine, always prompt for his schedules. One of the best things that could happen was for my boss to send a letter to Harry Cohn (head of Columbia Pictures) saying Bob was a delight to have here, he worked very hard, we’d take him back anytime. And Bob getting a copy of that letter. That we didn’t do for anybody. Someone gave us one minute of shit — they didn’t get the letter. But I remember Bob was called in by his boss who said, ‘That’s very nice.’ I guess they were all terrified at the studio. I never knew this man, Harry Cohn.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109586527-V2RQJRFF8INM2V35PB2Z/54+4++B%2C+unknown+man+skiing%2C+FLA+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Bob skiing with Dick Pope, Jr. Dick Pope, Jr., (Dec. 12, 1930–Nov. 8, 2007), was a World Champion water skier and an important business leader in Central Florida. An important innovator in the sport of water skiing, Pope developed barefoot skiing in 1947. He was the son of Dick Pope, Sr., the founder of Cypress Gardens theme park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Pope_Jr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109580909-WKF56GXOIZ49G1NFGGU2/54+4+B%2C+water+ski+stunt+FLA+54+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Possible that Bob also stopped in Silver Springs, Fla., and again performed with the water skiers in the water shows there (in different swim trunks). But his sister Lillian may not have the correct location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109548986-P7QA18VBOBBQN8LL24OL/54+4++Joe+Hyams+skiing+FLA+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two With Bob on the Florida/East Coast personal appearance tour for The Long Gray Line was his “minder/keeper” Joe Hyams from Columbia’s New York publicity office. He also was with Bob and May Wynn on the 15 days/15 cities New England tour in Dec. 1954. Hyams eventually became a major player in the marketing of films, including several starring and/or directed by Clint Eastwood, e.g., The Unforgiven. The note on the photo: “To Bob, if you keep your nose clean and behave, I’ll teach you how to do this some day. Notice my hands never leave my arms. Sincerely, Joe Hyams” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566853289958-ZJ4FQXN9IM505G08AWZJ/Hyams.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566853303576-XXCNNU6T72AH0J4XHKCK/Scan+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “Theses actors would come back to New York, and you would travel with them, and get close to them, and then they would go back (to Hollywood). I did not get to California in those days. It is like making a movie somewhere and everybody is real tight for 10 to 12 weeks, then it breaks up and everybody goes on their way. I would write to Bob, but I don’t think I ever saw him out here. I came out one time and I remember calling him and his mother knew my name. He was away somewhere. He lived at home until the spring of 1955, then got an apartment and was immediately loaned out to MGM and went to Colorado. You never know how he would have developed.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111323789-YON061G4HUVU84LIAT0E/Robert_Francis_New_York_Sunday_News_1955+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Placing their clients on the cover of the New York News’ “Coloroto” magazine section was coveted by all Hollywood publicists. Bob was featured on Feb. 20, 1955. Photo was taken probably early in 1954 when he was filming The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112361199-U7T75774FXTE0HCLY4SL/BF+mag+cover+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Below: St. Petersburg Times, Tuesday, March 1, 1955 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566960534527-AIVNEZ0DBXJ6DXXLH76B/St.+Pete+2+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566960555304-1QYN1EP5LRUWH1CEB2WH/St.+Pete+1+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two He can’t help but be proud of his record, which gave him stardom with his first (“The Caine Mutiny”) picture and a part in four more films. Of his parents, living in Pasadena, he says, “They’re Continue to second column of story above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567361745678-KT5WS54FQH8MZT251E58/55-3+Movie+Annual+cover+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two The photo stories and personal appearance tours were increasingly important in 1955 because after Bob’s smaller role in The Long Gray Line, he had no more films “in the can.” Whether this absence from the screen was a deliberate strategy or not is unknown, but Bob would not be in front of movie cameras again until June 1955. That film, Tribute to a Bad Man, would not have been on movie theater screens until early 1956. (The film with Don Dubbins in Bob’s role premiered March 30, 1956, and went into release April 13, 1956.) Spring 1955 Movie Annual 1955. Photos taken Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110539625-W0A6FXQEQ2P7AOT2K5KF/55-2+Movie+Annual+Young+Beautiful+photo.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111209840-UBPLXQFU2MZXULKGCXF9/BF+Cleo+Moore+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Winter/Spring 1955. Bob attended an event with Cleo Moore, also a young Columbia contract player. Cleouna Moore (Oct. 31, 1924–Oct. 25, 1973) was usually featured in the role of a blonde bombshell in “bad girl” Hollywood films of the 1950s. She never obtained stardom, but is now a cult fan favorite. She was one of several blondes that followed Marilyn Monroe's rise to stardom. Others were Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren, Diana Dors, Sheree North, Anita Ekberg, Barbara Lang, Barbara Nichols, Joi Lansing, and Greta Thyssen. She retired in 1957, married a wealthy real estate mogul, and lived well in Coldwater Canyon, Beverly Hills, until her death. Joe Hyams, Publicity Department, Columbia Pictures, New York City: “One of the problems the studios had was they were very sensitive to anything. They were afraid of their actors going out alone, because you would be branded as being gay. That was always a problem. There was a story about a blond and a brunette actress who were in a movie and the studio had put them up at a women’s home or someplace. No men would try to go out with them because they thought they were unavailable. So they sat at night with nothing to do unless the studio called and said, ‘We are sending a car and a couple of nice young men…your dates.’ That is the only time they went out.” Source: Joe Hyams, interview, Aug. 11, 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564367998635-F8FOYO07NWCQMRDRUQ6F/MS+4-55+cover.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Modern Screen, April 1955, on newsstands in early March 1955. Photos shot Fall 1954/Winter 1955. Story provides details related to “making a movie star.” Some details, e.g., order in which Bob’s films were made, are incorrect as is information about when his various personal appearance tours took place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112519625-RHRWGB6ICT6HCFT9IYJJ/BF+3-55+1+modernscreen49unse_0322.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112520145-RCEU4AU5N6Q91E89OY4G/BF+3-55+2+modernscreen49unse_0323.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567446619520-7TKFL111OEDPEH8QIUES/time+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567446616384-BFMAYU8612WYTA4N7ZUU/Time+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567446617113-TCEJIU7EIJF8U7UB4U1X/Time+3.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564158374625-3IUX39EL3R3JX8MZ0J5H/4-55+Movie+Secrets+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Movie Secrets, April 1955, on newsstands in early March 1955. Photo of May Wynn and Bob, c. Summer 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110114558-L0HH12CXYW95Q00C4V8D/55+4+Secrets+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “There was an underlying pattern to this conspiracy of wishful thinking. Tab Hunter, and other young, handsome actors like him, were only useful as bachelors. America’s nubile class needed to believe they actually had a chance! But what was the theme of virtually every story? Marriage! In order for lustful adolescent urges to have the culture’s seal of approval, every feature story, every interview, had to conclude with the actor’s wistful admission that, beneath the glitz and glamour, all he truly craved was a simple life of wedded bliss.” (Hunter, p. 74) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564158376748-V05RW0988LFF2OK3MVGI/4-55+Movie+Secrets+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110114710-5W46PLTUKT0YZZZV7LV6/55+4+Secrets+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112906421-TFNJAASIPS963KYFEBU8/BF+Rough+and+Ready+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Movie Screen Star Romance Yearbook 1955 on newsstands in Spring/Summer 1955. Photos appear to have been taken Fall 1954/Winter 1955 based on haircut. The six-week tour occurred February/March 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112904729-O2BKZK4PEVAWGLC28IRE/BF+Rough+and+Ready+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112905543-2TLZLEJAW3SMBYLKXJCQ/BF+Rough+and+Ready+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110544928-LO3P0ZBPBTERQQH2JMWR/55-4+Movies+cover+and+back.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Movies, April 1955, on newsstands in early March 1955. Below: Fall 1954. Bob was not yet “big” enough to be offered endorsement opportunities such as this one with Rock Hudson. Many such endorsements were developed by the studio publicity departments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111026763-PCOE1WRUU2V9F3CYVBH6/55-4+Movies+ranch.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111692804-TS9UG05IFDNEZJJHYN31/BF+Photoplay+5-55+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photoplay, May 1955, on newsstands in early April 1955. Photo taken Summer 1953. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111694213-K1NUOP8BHOU9LF4CRA9T/BF+Photoplay+5-55+%283%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567369803898-Z23VN0O01A7378ACVXCY/Photo+5-55.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567368587401-44TD5Q0B40750LYVVS1V/Oops+A.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112059308-MDKE538PQOOX1M3LB5GE/BF+Photoplay+May+55+%283%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photoplay, May 1955, on newsstands in early April 1955. Photo taken Fall 1954/Winter 1955 at the Palm Springs Racquet Club. Photos in “So Little Time,” Modern Screen, April 1955, may have been taken at Palm Springs Racquet Club at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564112064758-OP5CBR73G4243V6MY5FJ/BF+Photoplay+May+55+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567369803384-O3R7273N3SJ3RW6XHR9I/Palm+Springs.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114436797-PLM7IU12799N4HZA9PY7/Las+Vegas+55+contacts+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Spring 1955. Bob visited Las Vegas. These contact sheets probably were for a projected photo story about his trip, but they were never used for that or printed elsewhere as far as is known. Photos by Larry Barberi, Globe Photos, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110105153-900EUA2ZDLQVQLNO1FC3/55+1+or+2++B+by+pool%2C+Sunset+Bermuda+55+%28Larry+Barbier%2C+Jr.-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two When and where any of these Las Vegas photographs were published is unknown. The proposed caption for this photo: Bob dries off near the pool before calling it a day. Photo: Larry Barberi, Globe Photo, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114434071-Y8TJIV9BMNAB8FY0LQK2/Las+Vegas+55+contacts.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564367923696-MEPZQKAXR7V2HFAW3F48/Screenland+7-55+cover.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Screenland, July 1955, on newsstands in early June 1955. The photo story listed on the contents page, “Weekend with the Folks,” unavailable. Some of the photos made for that story may have also been intended for a photo story, “A Day to Loaf,” scheduled for Screenland, Sept. 1955. See captions and other information on photos for that edition; however, that photo story did not appear in the Sept. 1955 issue of Screenland and has not been located. Assumption is photos made for “A Day to Loaf” were used for “Weekend with the Folks.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564367958553-UVQVMZF5BSMYPONY9LTS/Screenland+7-55+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “Back in Hollywood, the PR started spinning even faster. I was interviewed and photographed countless times for movie magazines. ..Most of the stories these magazines cranked out were fabricated pieces of fluff, but it seemed to be what people wanted to read, and I was told that it was a surefire way of getting ‘the powers that be’ to take notice of up-and-coming talent.” (Hunter, pp. 62-63) “Credit, or blame, for imprinting the image of Tab Hunter in the public’s consciousness can’t go to Henry Willson [Hunter’s agent]. By all rights, it goes to the fan magazines…It was these magazines that concocted my celebrity, completely out of proportion to my actual on-screen status.” (Hunter, p. 67) “…Why did so many people want to see me in these absurdly fake situations? Tab Hunter tries on a sport coat! Tab Hunter goes on a picnic! Tab Hunter water skis!” “My popularity was spurred by magazine editors who recognized, and tapped into, a completely new readership – teenage girls. In the past, Hollywood made movies primarily for adults. Kids never really had movie stars of their own age to moon over, unless you want to count Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland as teenage sex objects…When a young girl developed a crush, hell or high water couldn’t sway her loyalty…Apparently editors, and, more important, their advertisers, discovered there was a mint to be made force-feeding desirable young celebrity bachelors to starry-eyed girls across America. It was those shrewd businessmen – not me – who were cashing in on the boy-next-door appeal of this Tab Hunter character.” (Hunter, p. 69) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114867258-IS402MRXVRF6CJBOH1O0/Contact+sheet+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Many of the photographs on this contact sheet were shot by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. They were taken c. January 1955, and appeared in various publications during 1955. The candid photo appears to be Bob’s mother, Lillian Francis. The photos of Bob with a bow and arrow may have been taken at the Palm Springs Racquet Club (based on his clothing). A second contact sheet appears earlier in this section. . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109919770-VS7JE203AM7SWPGYTCOS/54+11+or+12++B%2C+father+fishing+pole+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110111871-YW17S0LXDQVCB2UAEJTG/55+3+or+4++mother+kitchen+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566772511603-NW88V3QPV89SO1GM4QR3/Mom+BF+dishes+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110112590-6ZLL9ZMST59MFJNLVHXR/55+3+or+4++Spring+B+pose+kitchen+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114960806-0VMYXRXYKBS8L4BR5NVA/BF+on+wall+212+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114958048-QT8JMELR5K67YKQ3ECNJ/BF+on+wall+212+54+cap%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110113216-Z6L0QR9PE0FTS6H6H73C/55+3+or+4++Spring+Screenland+July+55+Contact+Sheet+Pasadena+53-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Some or all of the photographs on this contact sheet were shot on or about Jan. 28, 1955. Photographer: Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. The name of the photo story was “A Day to Loaf” and was scheduled to appear in the Screenland, Sept. 1955. But they evidently were used for Screenland, July 1955, in a photo story, “Weekend with the Folks.” Don Ornitz, Globe Photos, New York City also photographed Bob on several occasions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114958749-4THPBZXH0R5GQJFQS197/BF+phone+54+credit.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115059995-OR7W3QIB1KR3CYGJHYTG/BF+212+front+yard+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114892697-02KZU8W4YAFTHDV0HBBY/Bob%2C+paper%2C+porch+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114890987-9MG9ZH2PKZ9KI4PFAQTZ/Bob%2C+paper%2C+porch+54+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114929734-B34GQUR3KNT56T9M447V/BF+skis+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114928211-34Z2P5SSSQ8KVG5TW0I0/BF+skis+54+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114561031-6BJ72ZAGYDHI11JW3PRI/Ski+boots+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114576218-1EXJTYCYGMZV6RD7C803/Ski+boots+54+caption.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114537628-0KUU7P19I0HHVVGEEAMW/Dad+Jim+and+Bob.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “Bob never shot a bird or shotgun in his life. “Didn’t go horseback riding — not that he could not do it — it wasn’t something that he did.” Source: Betty and Bill Francis, interview, Aug. 1992 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567047162884-LZEA10A3AR5F83NVYY1I/Dad+Jim+and+Bob+gun+%283%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114536822-UTTFJJBE5LMMPQ74E7DS/Dad+Jim+gun+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567047120570-FSDTNDI5JC7685O9WL0S/Dad+Jim+gun+cap+54+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115087172-ZJS3V7NDG1KO09DWDSEK/Apartment+cufflinks.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Dot Ross (see Part One of The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems) gave Bob a pair of cuff links when he completed The Caine Mutiny. Each had two small balls to remind him of the stress-relieving steel balls Humphrey Bogart used in Caine, according to Dot’s sister, Barbara Watson. She also shared that Dot was Bob’s date when he went to dinner at the home of Linda Christian and Tyrone Power (when they were still married) after the filming of The Long Gray Line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115086252-YHUGGKHRATBGIFE6LB2Y/Apartment+cufflinks+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110114408-GM7F3ZM4YEOD1QGDR78M/55+3+or+4+mother+Pasadena+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564116186577-BG9E7T4I3CCHQU4SS5SL/BF+newsstand+Cokes+1-28-55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114957918-2W17RSN9EHYH5E1PYBP1/BF+newstand+Cokes+54+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107136253-A8MLIE3ZRL66P3MNMWIO/55-7+Screen+Album+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Screen Album, Aug.-Oct. 1955 on newsstands July. All photos by Don Ornitz/Globe Photos, New York. Most taken Winter/Spring 1955. Some of the text for this story appeared in a slightly different form in “Too Little Time,” Modern Screen, April 1955. Bob did not tour after competing each of his movies. He went from movie to movie between June 1953 and May 1954. THEN he began touring for The Caine Mutiny, Summer/Fall 1954, then for They Rode West, Fall 1954. Evidently he did not tour for The Bamboo Prison, but its release coincided with the first promotional work for The Long Gray Line, Winter/Spring 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107136337-YAEY3EHH7Q91VXT10HES/55-7+Screen+Album+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107137704-T9GGCS9ZJY5X0TQE1UTN/55-7+Screen+Album+Starring+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107123876-7VG0EK8XKNKHNQZCJ7UM/55-7+Screen+Album+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107125019-3AHT233E4186MATWPMJX/55-7+Screen+Album+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107127474-BO9UU4Q2EE8U45RGOKUW/55-7+Screen+Album+4.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564108040287-ZXXE0Y9VSMY0Q3ML45XS/55-7+Screen+Album+5.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107131149-E7AY9ALEYMYBAFYOZACW/55-7+Screen+Album+6.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107132125-9AURNXTPJ40D0DJUIJAX/55-7+Screen+Album+7.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107133485-T509UCV9LLZ31SIDW55N/55-7+Screen+Album+8.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107134820-WVDU2C579Z4YSHFI3PQW/55-7+Screen+Album+9.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110112022-0RR4QNNPMSOX5NVL5AZ4/55+3+or+4++A+++twin+bed+Screenland+July+55+%28Ornitz-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photo by Don Ornitz, Globe Photos, New York City. Location: Bob’s bedroom at 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. These maple twin beds eventually ended up in the home of Lillian’s son, Larry, and used by his sons. Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109957162-UASG85DEEPUDEM8NUAD5/54+11+or+12++B%2C+father+%28mailman%29%2C+dog+Screenland+1955+%28Ornitz-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photo by Don Ornitz, Globe Photos, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107264119-BU004B0P1HPXC5QR01K6/BF+handstand+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107264079-B9X9V6JKF5YGAHGK0YV0/BF+handstand+back+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “Hollywood Party Line,” Photoplay, Aug. 1955 Ice Capades performance, Los Angeles, Spring 1955. “Lori Nelson in a blue Chinese evening gown was with Bob Francis….” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564109042185-T42MUW3A0DH0NX1KGHAE/BF+mag+cover+8-55.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Movie Life, Aug. 1955 on newsstands in early July. Bob’s story is promoted on cover, a sign that publishers felt his name and image could sell copies of the magazine. Story unavailable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102304589-N7K5HYEOD5CXAQQ6AJLU/55-8+Movie+Album+Lori+Nelson+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Movie Album, Fall 1955, probably on newsstands in early Aug. 1955, not long after Bob’s death. Photos: Spring 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102307282-PTQQFSESH40F6A1W43OM/55-8+Movie+Album+contents.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102307522-82ZX8W7IF17ISDUVVVNI/55-8+Movie+Album+Nelson+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102309035-24C5NL9X8AJIEIVEYTTG/55-8+Movie+Album+Nelson+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102310499-Q7SHFXO3IN6EPW6ZTIJJ/55-8+Movie+Album+Nelson+3.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102310911-6WD5LJ11PGYALHO6BG2S/55-8+Movie+Album+Nelson+4.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102342751-5LQWW5Z9JT05NZQ0LU1C/55+1+B%2C+Lori+Nelson+Hawaian+54+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Spring 1955. Not for “Romance with a Foreign Accent,” but perhaps for another photo story. Lori Nelson was a contract player at Universal-International Studios in the 1950s. She appeared in a number of films and was a fan magazine favorite. See https.//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Nelson Bob was photographed dozens of times in the company of young contract actresses like Lori Nelson. Photo stories. Arranged dates. Candid photos at premieres and social events. According to his brother Bill, Bob also attracted the attention of an older actress, a major star in years past. He told Bill, “She was all over me like a circus tent.” The lady in question was known for her interest in handsome younger men; Robert Wagner recounts his own encounter with her in Pieces of My Heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564111585690-XSR3387HSFSCZUWKUAVI/BF+Screenland+8-55+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Screenland, Aug. 1955, on newsstands in early July 1955. Photo taken late 1954/early 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564114960260-BNJO0HH53KGJHOP60RAJ/BF+phone+54.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two “He could pick up a phone and talk into it like someone was on the other end. Then, he’s say, ‘It was good talking to you,’ and hang up.” Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101948817-S8U56HMQ7R9RPP3S5ZZT/BF+Photoplay+9-55+1+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photoplay, Sept. 1955, on newsstands in early Aug. 1955, just a few days after Bob’s death. Photo taken Winter/Spring 1955. May Wynn has no recollection of posing for this photo with a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, the location or why they were wearing ”motoralls”/jump suits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102007361-IEQR9COISK0T35G5E9G9/54+11+Thunderbird.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101944971-48UXMVTEXITG2XBH9ROO/BF+Photoplay+9-55+1+%283%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101625996-ZFVEEZWD5A8NSM3HG6XL/BF+9-55+1+modernscreen49unse_0804.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Modern Screen, Sept. 1955. Photos taken Spring 1955 in West Hollywood at Bob’s apartment by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101626775-2PZ6UOWCPWGLONYJ5GJ2/BF+9-55+2modernscreen49unse_0805.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115089055-6DKH3V5NL5X6S32HSX6Z/Apartment+moving.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115088301-X584EQVNHRYIJHQ0Q0HF/Apartment+moving+55+cap.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115089467-UR1DLPPRM02WKBSQS6FL/Apartment+BF%2C+May.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115088084-ZLNBSJ9CI0IG059AJW4R/Apartment+May+picture+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564102377642-400YD2JB6FFXZDEYJTHP/55+1+or+2+B%2C+MW+kitchen+Sunset+Bermuda+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Photo: Larry Barberi, Globe Photos, New York City. Location: Bob’s apartment in West Hollywood. After Bob’s death, his sister Lillian took the ceramic Scottish mugs on the shelf. One went to Betty and Bill, their brother, and Lillian kept the other one. Source: Lillian Francis Robins, interview, May 11, 1991. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110105857-5QHM5EBLOG96KMAKM5ZF/55+1+or+2+B+mail+box+Sunset+Bermuda.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Motion Picture magazine also had a photo story about Bob’s new apartment. These photos may have been for that; not all appeared in the story, however. Below: May Wynn surprises Bob with a housewarming gift. His sister Lillian shows him how to make coffee. (See Biography for additional information about her.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110107771-PZT6ERHU8U020U7M3LR7/55+1+or+2+B%2C+MW+plant+Sunset+Bermuda.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564115109686-QHQ8BV9DCE0BXI19H38U/Apartment+BF%2C+FRan+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564110107009-Q13KXGITZQ2N0Q69HBZZ/55+1+or+2+B+cards+Sunset+Bermuda+55.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Spring 1955 Bob “cheats” at a card game. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1570720316149-AWUKB6CH9WXMTBZKODDQ/BF+Weldon+%282%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Bob returned from Montrose, Colo., on Monday, June 27. The next night, June 28 (or soon afterwards), he attended the premiere benefit party for Not As A Stranger. He may have attended with Joan Weldon, a young contract player at Warner Brothers. Although a talented singer, she is best known for her role in the science fiction film, Them! She later appeared on Broadway and toured nationally in The Music Man and other musicals. If Joan and Bob were not on an arranged publicity “date,” then this may have been one of many candid photos made at the event. This is one of the few photos made of Bob with his Tribute to a Badman haircut (or lack thereof). Not published as far as is known. Photographer: Jack Albin (1913–1985). He was one of the most successful photographers in Hollywood whose work spanned the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. He took photos of actors like Spencer Tracy, Gene Tierney, Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. A large portion of his work was associated with Warner Brothers films and contract players. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1613531785966-UT22X3W1P7PSISUM473T/BF+Weldon.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1595010224423-F7618VMXLHLHQFGX7ZRD/BF+Weldon+Shore+JUne+55+%284%29.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Dinah Shore was also at the event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573495067314-2MSKU79V6INB9Y21FZWR/Towers+1.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Wednesday, July 20, 1955 - Bob attended a party given by the prolific (more than 500 songs for Broadway and movies) and much honored (five Oscar-nominated songs) American songwriter Jimmy McHugh (July 10, 1894–May 23, 1969). McHugh’s songs include “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “I’m in the Mood for Love,” “Lovely to Look At,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “It’s a Most Unusual Day,” “Too Young to Go Steady,” and the song May Wynn sang in The Caine Mutiny, “I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me.”) Gossip columnist Louella Parsons often co-hosted the event. Therefore, the annual party was star-studded. Among those in attendance in 1955 was Constance Towers, also a Columbia contract player who had recently appeared in Bring Your Smile Along which featured Lucy Marlow (Bob’s photo story partner in photos made in the fall of 1954) and William Leslie (who appeared with Bob in The Long Gray Line). Bob and Towers, who may have known each other from the Columbia lot, may have had an arranged photo-op date for the McHugh party. This photo, like the one with Joan Weldon (above) shows Bob with his Colorado tan and Tribute to a Badman haircut. It is perhaps Bob’s last “movie star” photos and never appeared in print as far as is known. The information on the back of the photo indicates it was released just after Bob’s death. The photo was offered for sale on e-Bay in 2019 by HistoricImages, Memphis, Tenn. (note watermark on photo). Towers is listed in newspaper accounts as an attendee at Bob’s funeral on Aug. 3, 1955 — two weeks after the McHugh party. Constance Towers eventually appeared on Broadway in a revival of The King and I with Yul Brynner. She had a long and successful career as a musical theater performer and on the tv soap opera, “General Hospital,” as Helena Cassadine, a role originated by Elizabeth Taylor in 1981. Towers’ first marriage was to Eugene McGrath, a wealthy Panamanian insurance broker who had previously been married to actress Terry Moore*. They had two children. Her second marriage was to actor John Gaviin who had been married to actress Cicely Evans (1957-1965). They also had two children. At a party in 1957, Gavin’s godfather, Jimmy McHugh, introduced Gavin to Towers, but they did not become romantically involved until the 1970s. They were married from 1974 until his death in 2018. Gavin was cultural adviser to the Organization of American States from 1961 to 1965, and he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. A Republican, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico in June 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and served until June 1986. Gavin was of Latin American descent. http://www.glamourgirlsofthesilverscreen.com/show/475/Constance+Towers/index.html Gavin also has a link to Bob Francis. C. 1955 after serving on the USS Princeton in the Navy, Gavin offered himself as a technical adviser to family friend and film producer Bryan Foy, who was making a movie about the Princeton. Instead, Foy arranged a screen test with Universal-International. Gavin turned down the offer but his father urged him to try it. The test was successful and Gavin signed with the studio. "They offered me so much money I couldn't resist," he said later. Bryan Foy produced The Bamboo Prison for Columbia in 1954. *Terry Moore - After Howard Hughes died, she claimed the pair had secretly married on a yacht in international waters off the coast of Mexico in 1949 and never divorced. Despite marrying two other men while she was "married" to Hughes, his estate paid her an undisclosed settlement in 1984. The other two men were All-American football hero, Glenn Davis (Elizabeth Taylor’s first highly publicized “romance”) and Eugene McGrath, Constance Towers’ first husband. Moore’s six husbands also include Texas oilman Stuart Warren Cramer IV who, prior to marrying Moore, was married to actress Jean Peters who, following their divorce, renewed her long romantic relationship with Howard Hughes and married him (1957-1971). Photo: Nat Gallinger, “Inside Hollywood,” King Features Syndicate, Inc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573495067374-TXS7R77DWLPQ8CFDMVRM/Towers+2.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564107179539-TWY4YG4VGJCRIIH7ZZ6O/Modern+Screen%2C+Oct.+55+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Modern Screen, Oct. 1955, available on newsstands in early Sept., about a month after Bob’s death. Modern Screen, Nov. 1955, “Bob Francis’ Last Interview” by Alice Finletter provides a significant amount of information about Bob’s time in June 1955 in Montrose, Colo., when he was filming Tribute to a Bad Man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101634808-KTIDP7X2CO3JM19VHIOO/BF+10-55+1+modernscreen49unse_0865.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567444283775-1YTG6QFTLR9PL0ZPKFBN/Louella+1.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567444713199-01MG79KY94U8G4CYX731/Louella+2+%282%29.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567445232972-YS4MDTBHR1T3XASZ6ZIT/Nov.+55.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101468395-1FJOOO5BHXL6EFLM2Z4L/BF+11-55+1modernscreen49unse_1003.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101468517-2TI42GN3RT15M2QNAAUA/BF+11-55+2modernscreen49unse_1006.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101468775-FA6O1DY14A4KQYKM2L81/BF+11-55+3+modernscreen49unse_1007.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101476578-8BS11HH5PEKOJTNVUMBS/BF+11-55+4+modernscreen49unse_1008.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101475682-F0LJ4ACMEIL2HBH2KTRH/BF+11-55+5modernscreen49unse_1009.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567444266239-L52MO9F9MCZ3VXEREDYS/LAst+2.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1567441581928-0AQTRLSNHURBPTZMI1VN/11E.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101558622-D585QG84QK2IL4LX89CJ/56-3+Who%27s+Who+cover.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Who’s Who in Hollywood 1956, published early in that year. Photo of Bob was made Late 1954/Early 1955, probably at Palm Spring Racquet Cklub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1564101553388-ROKJ5URVQ8EPZCT580U2/56-3+Who%27s+Who+B+and+Dean.jpg The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Celebrity plays out differently in each famous person’s life — and death. Though they had some things in common, including the span of their Hollywood careers, Bob and James Dean were polar opposites in life and death. Bob’s fame ended with his death; many people discover him now through showings of The Caine Mutiny on Turner Classic Movies and wonder what happened to him. Dean — an extraordinarily gifted young actor with a troubled past and a need to rebel on screen and off — died Sept. 30, 1955, two months after Bob’s death, and is, not unlike Marilyn Monroe, more famous in death than in life. This was especially so in the years immediately after Dean’s death, in part because only one of his films, East of Eden, had been released when he was alive. Rebel Without a Cause opened in Nov. 1955 and Giant in the fall of 1956. Bob had no unreleased films when he died. Bob is not forgotten, but Dean is remembered as are his three films. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786183116-B6QCV5S432PUI5JII21E/BF+PSA+56+7.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two Early 1956 Picture Show Annual 1956, a British publication, covers the previous year from both sides of the Atlantic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786181384-QTBCXU1E21Y7M27YBD80/BF+PSA+6.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786180520-A84JZYFHJS4PB057NO7D/BF+PSA+5.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566786184230-ZNP69LZSGWNI6EPGPYEA/BF+PSA+56+8.png The Hollywood Star and Studio Systems - Part Two https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/other-credits daily 0.75 2020-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1569861577656-NKZI4PF65XJHQKEGMAY5/We.png Other Credits https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/new-page-65 daily 0.75 2021-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566357453234-LI127CIR3CUA0EHYS4G0/212+S.+Grand+Oaks+Ave.+3.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Street map, showing location of 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena, Calif., at corner of Grand Oaks Ave. and Del Mar Blvd. House faces west toward downtown Pasadena. South of Colorado Blvd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566358020138-2ZG2FRGPWBENZXQ5550R/floor+plan+212.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Floor plan for 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave., Pasadena, Calif. House built in 1919, according to Bob’s brother, Bill. Sold by Francis children, Lillian and Bill, in 1980s. Exterior spaces, including garage at rear of house not shown. Not to scale. Drawn before 2018-2019 renovation. Created by DW, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365228109-DXN6QE4LKUJRSF1HYG46/BF+51-Grandpa+Francis+Bob+and+Sandy+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Jim Francis, father of Bob and father-in-law of Sandy Robins, and Chummy, c early 1950s. Possible this and similar photos were made in 1951 or 1952 or even early 1953 when Bob was home on a weekend pass. This haircut covers much of those years, except when he may have had more of a crewcut courtesy of the U.S. Army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365773680-D2D0VVS8PHRRQEFJON2B/BF+51-Grandpa+Francis+Bob+and+Sandy+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628362459576-Z7TOVCWYZUUXUGGSF0TX/BF+44-Grandpa+Francis+Bob+Sandy+and+Chummy+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628361162798-9OJK60NN8UBG512D67FO/BF+50-Bob+and+Fran+in+Pasadena+%28004%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob with sister, Lillian “Fran” Francis Robins. Early 1950s - possibly as early as late 1951 or as late as early 1953. Bob may have been on a weekend pass from Camp Roberts to visit with his parents and sister, Fran, and brother-in-law, Sandy Robins. Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365228135-KJL2PSVG0P4GXOVFEJSY/BF+50-Bob+and+Fran+in+Pasadena+%28004%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566354499731-EU7W0XB8P38MFCMC9R2U/BF+212+front+yard+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob in front of 212, c. Jan. 1955 Photo: Larry Barbier for Global Photos, New York City. May have been used in Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342793671-Y2WWGOV9WPG8JU7CXG0H/BF+house+1.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, c. 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342821128-09703V1K4301T5RVGSC4/BF+house+3.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, c. 2017 View is from S. Grand Oaks Ave./Del Mar Blvd. intersection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342546303-JO389MYACFLMVJ2578UF/212+A.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. - 212 after renovation/restoration, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566355192055-0F02JYQR9Z3IRE68MA1I/BF%2C+Larry+Robins%2C+49-52+.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob with his nephew, Larry Robins, c. 1948-1949, on front porch of 212. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402269567-Z73ZYGCHGXYF5CSULORN/Bob%2C+paper%2C+porch+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob on front porch of 212, c. Jan. 1955 Photo by Larry Barbier for Globe Photos, New York City. Part of “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf” photo story for Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566355233736-JG3W60QXA2Q7GHNK8J7B/Bob%2C+paper%2C+porch+54+cap.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342674166-EZ3CWRYOBI2IE14XY3WY/BF+212+M.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from street to front porch, c. 2017. Significant vegetation and wrought iron railings added. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673050-0HTDGLKYC7LEF6E1Q06N/BF+212+B.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from front porch to street, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673000-M638R808V0NWHFNO1NXS/BF+212+A.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, front porch view to street, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343188141-LZDG6NUCC2X8M3TTDN2Q/54+11+or+12++B%2C+father+%28mailman%29%2C+dog+Screenland+1955+%28Ornitz-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, Bob with his father and one of the dogs named Chummy, c. Jan. 1955. Photo shows the right side of the house along Del Mar Blvd. Don Ornitz of Globe Photos, New York City, made this photo and several others in which Bob wears these trousers and a plain Lacoste tennis shirt with a crocodile logo embroidered on the chest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566431300503-K2XYFRXHAWTR1N781OZB/Dad+Jim+%2C+dog+54+no+cap+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342591697-LN1IQVVFKM3P4RKF9GS9/212+S.+Grand+Oaks+Ave.+1.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, Most of the side yard between the house and Del Mar Blvd. was lost when Del Mar Blvd. was widened in the 1980s?, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566356580431-7P4AQZH9Y33EPNJL3ZWN/BF+on+wall+212+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, c. Jan. 1955. Bob “relaxing" on wall/fence on left side of house leading from front yard to area outside two bedrooms . Photo: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566356579500-LREKPTX60PA64EGMRHIM/BF+on+wall+212+54+cap%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566354165740-XC2SC8VXUNYX3TKCC8AR/BF+d+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, June 5, 1954. Photo by Earl Leaf. Bob sitting by retainer wall on left side of house outside the bedrooms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342674055-0XE9U84YT84UBQ8MCWCF/BF+212+N.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, left side of house with additional wall and walkway, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566356643783-RP8SR3EU2GNFWMQB0WMF/Contact+sheet+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Contact sheet of photos made at 212, c. Jan. 1955. A few, including the color photo of Bob’s mother, were not taken at that time. That candid photo was made a number of years later and not at 212. Photos of Bob with a bow and arrow and an unidentified woman may have been made, c. Jan. 1955, but probably not for the “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf” story. Photos: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566357625021-GQ0OVG5ELVEOT56BDDL9/55+3+or+4++Spring+Screenland+July+55+Contact+Sheet+Pasadena+53-55.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Contact sheet of photos made at 212, c. Jan. 1955. Photos: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. Woman in photos of Bob with bow and arrow unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343302289-V9IA9S6B1S0OTDE98SIT/55+3+or+4+mother+Pasadena+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob and his mother in living room at 212, c. Jan. 1955 Photo: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589447-LJ4O9BSA2703EYN5Q4YN/212+D.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from front wall of living room toward front door on left and dining room on right, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589716-H8A428ICDR3AN4M6R2DZ/212+E.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from fireplace back to living room and front door, c. 2018-2019. Windows look out onto front porch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673176-5SC5Z3A2H6HI6DJIA8V5/BF+212+C.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, living room fireplace, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342546602-EQXGOBDWLC6C8IMRE8MB/212+B.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. - 212, living room, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589446-MR9MT37D088D81RPZVO8/212+C.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view is from dining room into living room, c. 2018-2019. Windows look out onto Del Mar Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342546851-HATB8MJUX7VAHMAWMHJE/212+F.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, dining room looking into kitchen, c. 2018-2019. Built-in cabinets are original to the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343233615-962QDPTSK0BN2JQTGFAV/55+3+or+4++mother+kitchen+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Lillian Francis and Bob, c. Jan. 1955 Photo: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402747186-92SN6B9W1YNTS6ING231/Mom+BF+dishes+cap.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566356510272-Z3OY48A176DCG4W33MTZ/Mom+and+Bob+kit+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob and his mother, c. Jan. 1955? Don Ornitz of Globe Photos, New York City, made this photo and several others in which Bob wears these trousers and a plain Lacoste tennis shirt with a crocodile logo embroidered on the chest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673345-DZF9YRB2O9BEFT090DA2/BF+212+H.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen, windows look out onto Del Mar Blvd., c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342547692-U9PRF2G4PMGNIH2L98TB/212+M.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen, windows look out onto Del Mar Blvd., c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343282035-JRXQA8QVV91890W7E952/55+3+or+4++Spring+B+pose+kitchen+Screenland+July+55+%28Barbier-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob, c. Jan. 1955 Photo: Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City. “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenplay, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343163053-9UU3TWYZSENBQRTMBPRX/54+11+or+12+B%2C+Mother%2C+coffee%2C+kitchen+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob and his mother, c. Jan. 1955? Unclear if this photo was made by Larry Barberi or Don Ornitz of Globe Photos, New York City. Bob wearing different shirt, belt, and trousers from apparel in other photos made by Larry Babier or Don Ornitz early in 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673548-FRYZZ6Q8UE4LCU1PJ2ZD/BF+212+I.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen and built-in ironing board (in the wall), c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342699707-RP29VQT6YT38EYBWTRJJ/BF+212+P.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, built-in ironing board, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342699069-FLJT5BLWBW0H7JH4AU79/BF+212+J.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen and utility room, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342699978-UWLV1B2R45HLKY8G1HL5/BF+212+Q.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, utility room, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342547485-6A58COS2PCW3GQRT2PYC/212+L.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen looking into utility room, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589967-87UV5C62KX66AP9IXHW0/212+K.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen, door into utility room, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342674227-3HPUGFOFATQYSVF7DKN9/BF+212+O.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342590190-EHIKXS2O9AWRRI3T19IE/212+P.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, kitchen, door goes into backyard, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343082567-UXJQI5NAIBCEAAKWJG4F/53+4+or+5++B+phone+bed+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob in his bedroom (back bedroom) at 212, c. 1953. Photo appears in “Sigh Guy,” Movies, Aug. 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343234156-X54860ZDRBNXV042S7JQ/55+3+or+4++A+++twin+bed+Screenland+July+55+%28Ornitz-Globe%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob in his bedroom, c. Jan 1955? Don Ornitz of Globe Photos, New York City, made this photo and several others in which Bob wears these trousers and a plain Lacoste tennis shirt with a crocodile logo embroidered on the chest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402700898-J1H38K1R8QSQ7BXQMW2B/Dad+Jim+and+Bob.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Jim Francis and Bob in what appears to be a bedroom at 212, c. Jan. 1955. This and next photo made by Larry Barberi for Globe Photos, New York City, for “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf,” Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402666343-Y8CI6KR6GZ4JTACIESH7/Dad+Jim+and+Bob+gun+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402700781-QLVU14W09HHFGVZHEUFY/Dad+Jim+gun+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402701143-PVP2L5B1SO65X6Q8YNLU/Dad+Jim+gun+cap+54+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342547245-8HI83OINK8GEH3YRM7DY/212+H.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, back bedroom, c. 2018-2019. Windows look out onto left side of house. Bob usually had this room to himself when Bill was out in the world and married. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342547076-6AENEOPB6CH7PHPOCVIO/212+G.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, back bedroom, door opens into hallway to bath and kitchen, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342673288-HDUOITHO6I3JAEIVKXRK/BF+212+G.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, bath, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589730-CNQC3PZWN56YKW4Q2LCZ/212+I.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, bath, door opens into hallway and to bedrooms, c. 2018-2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342589946-3B79HLZO6YDDWART4KFP/212+J.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, bath, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342590113-RM3PENVSIG46INTPJ48J/212+O.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, front bedroom, c. 2018-2019. Windows look out onto S. Grand Oaks Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342547905-MW44VD6GNNUT2ID1VDW8/212+N.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, front bedroom, door for closet and door into hallway for bath (to left) and living room, c. 2018-2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342698845-30G1YNIXEK8KB3KR7EM5/BF+212+D.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from living room towards bath and back bedroom, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342698892-NXWSEXSAXYZB4SFZM170/BF+212+E.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, view from living room into dining room and on into kitchen, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342698964-Q235AK8D6NWT802AX1HL/BF+212+F.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, hallway from living room to bedrooms and bath, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342821597-6VT5O2CYO9KH2GEGG5D5/BF+house+2.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, backyard/driveway, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628361157764-532L3UGFULIVXFYCFJIU/BF+49-Bob+and+Chummy+in+Pasadena+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob and Chummy. Backyard of 212. Early 1950s - possibly as early as late 1950. In these photos are Bob’s sister, Fran, and brother-in-law, Sandy Robins. His brother Bill also was present and seen with Fran. Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628361157190-7F0ZFNI1L1MI4BNPOLXY/BF+49-Bob+and+Chummy+in+Pasadena+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365869951-I6EJ8AY9XZ9D2UJ74HP7/BF+60-Bob+Fran+and+Bill+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob with sister Fran and brother Bill. Backyard of 212. Early 1950s - possibly as early as late 1950. Owner of car unclear, but Bill is in the driver’s seat. Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365867190-N2XHFV9BKPHBTRZV0G6O/BF+57-Bill+and+Fran+Fall+1951+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365866934-HIE04B5Q1SEBL327YCBD/BF+59-Fran+by+Chevy+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365864171-VC4K3AYEGGCZFJ2KIZIB/BF+57-Bill+and+Fran+Fall+1951+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566343082768-JOK9FRFRURLT5WFQ0NRW/53+5++yard+53.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, backyard. This early “beefcake” photo appeared in “Sigh Guy,” Movies, Aug. 1954, c. 1953, before or after The Caine Mutiny shooting. In the background is Bob’s red Lincoln. Another photo in the same story shows Bob washing the whitewall tires on the Lincoln. In the color photo (below), Bob’s steady girlfriend, Dot Ross, washes the car. In the background Bob, perhaps again home on leave from Camp Roberts, appears to be wearing uniform pants and boots. And his glasses). One of the few candid photos of Dot and Bob, c. 1952-1953. Robins Family Collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365872166-4KVB4L9PRN9ME8B7NT88/BF+138-Bob+washing+Lincoln+%28002%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1628365870703-1VFU5T6EYK5OQFYK4IYP/BF+138-Bob+washing+Lincoln+%283%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402215510-5BXEJ64N4X42NQY4A3SL/BF+skis+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob in backyard, garage and Cadillac in background, c. Jan. 55 Photo by Larry Barbier for Globe Photos, New York City. Part of “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf” photo story for Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402250258-Z46MDGPL4WTM33GSYETU/BF+skis+54+cap.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402782872-M5LALGTEPD7WA9VTJX10/Ski+boots+54.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Bob sitting on backdoor steps, c. Jan. 1955 Photo by Larry Barbier for Globe Photos, New York City. Part of “Weekend with the Folks”/”A Day to Loaf” photo story for Screenland, July 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566402782455-HGKVJERHGE6S36A5WNRN/Ski+boots+54+caption.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342699439-0GU3TSSX2MB228TP4WCN/BF+212+K.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, backdoor and steps, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342699973-9162X8NITMTI6HMIUKQU/BF+212+L.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212, overgrown backyard, c. 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566342548702-9Y0XWB9XXIXXT9950LKK/212+ad.jpeg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. 212 sold in early 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566525890832-WZ9JA3CKTU4T503NG5VY/Jim+postman+retire+1+%283%29.jpeg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Jim Francis, Bob’s father, retired from U.S. Postal Service after 25 years of mail delivery, May 1, 1956. News clippings from Pasadena Star-News ? and San Mareno Tribune, c. April 1956. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566525942434-MC69E8BLO0TEPAF2OVXY/Jim+retire+%282%29.jpeg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566525916986-G12OPTHOAKHS4WP4GRHV/Jim+retire+2+%282%29.jpeg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Lillian Jean Francis Robins (June 3, 1919-Sept. 19, 2018) Her memories of Bob were vast in part because she was his big sister/babysitter. She recalled her father becoming a postman in San Marino and the family’s move from Glendale to 212 S. Grand Oaks Ave. in Pasadena when Bob was three. [Her brother Bill says the move was in 1930.] She and her brothers spent time in parks with summer projects; there were hiking and camping trips with their father. She recalled Bob entering Hamilton Elementary School and Wilson Junior High. Her memories included Bob’s first ski experiences with Bill and then with the Pasadena Ski Club. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1573426328996-LRVUCM27O9D1F863GCJB/Robins+Clan.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Christmas 1964 at Francis Home, Pasadena Back Row (l-r): Sandy Robins (husband of “Fran”); Larry Robins (older son of “Fran” and Sandy); Captain Jeans (Betty Jeans Francis’ father); Louis (possibly Luis) Gorostiaga (an exchange student from Paraguay); Gayle and Brian Francis (son of Betty and Bill Francis; Gayle was Brian’s first wife); Betty Jeans Francis; Bill Francis (Bob’s brother); Lillian (Fran) Robins (Bob’s sister) Front Row (l-r): Kathy Francis Simons (daughter of Betty and Bill Francis); Steve Robins (younger son of “Fran” and Sandy Robins); Jim Francis (Bob’s father); Lillian Robins (Bob’s mother), Stephanie Witwer; Janet Francis (Betty and Bill Francis’s daughter); Walter Witwer*. *The Witwers were friends of Betty and Bill Francis. In front: Denny Simons (husband of Kathy Francis) and their daughters, Debbie and Teri Simons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566525789548-BN3B9QUBPDW6IL8GZFSU/Francis%2C+Bill.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. www.findagrave.com is an important resource for those seeking correct data, relationships, and details. The site allows visitors to leave “flowers.” Among the messages on Bob’s site is one from his niece, Pam Lamm: “Hi Robert - Though I never met you - your Brother William my Father spoke of you so highly - he loved you so much - I love watching you in Caine Mutiny. My Dad now can be with you up in Heaven - Your niece - Pam” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566525741103-2FYYXC738P78AMFLSB6Z/BF+Bill+obit.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1568136930694-QO3CDYM9QGWAZBVKBPZM/Fran+obit+%282%29.jpg Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527371475-MSJ05WUUMIII4XXNOJO6/What+if+A.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527440106-VYIWEP1MPKX8INYE7CY0/WHat+if+B.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527391527-IW3IRJ3MDA8JKAEVVU9F/What+if+C.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527394451-2CXZ2YYUTBNY2W65IURN/What+if+D.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527393063-WOKT5Z8MVTOPJ750YI0T/What+if+E.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527394924-87T252LYCO1VC4G3DGYI/What+if+F.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527373496-CKY810L24LANJPMR4N4V/What+if+G.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. Above: The paragraph beginning, “While in New York….” contains an error. The author has mixed events from two different years, 1954 and 1955. Bob filmed The Long Gray Line at West Point, March 15-May 17, 1954. He appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Feb. 6, 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527373344-13ZBHACHKKKG98TT0ZGO/What+if+H.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527408427-BDQJPFMNG9BZW3U1PXTI/What+if+I.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1566527407996-USY58GB761CKKUHOHMBB/What+if+J.png Biography: Part Two - 1955 to 2000…. https://www.robertfrancis1930-1955.net/biography-part-one-supplement-bob-growing-up-family-photo-albums daily 0.75 2022-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643827792398-WPKWWPUMYWJT5IR7NU1K/BF%2Bhair%2Bc%2B1933.jpg Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643859081110-4YE9J1ZRDWNRLIA4BHEP/BF+Burbak+1920s.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643859333555-16TDJI7TP6V4QYJFGMSL/BF+1920s+-+Pasadena.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643830731249-JYKVP43D99PPC4SXF4UP/BF+c+1930-31-.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643831304397-D450BSNDD4VYPLML73UH/BF+Bobby+2%2C+4-+Jim%26Bill+%282%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643859789865-UZ7L5F64INCNITM32RY0/BF+Bobby+2%2C+4-+Jim%26Bill+%283%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643860442911-O7QD6Y2X7FIPV8ZHWSLQ/BF+various+1930s+%285%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643860230900-TSA49Q461NM0296GNHRT/BF+various+1930s+%283%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643860442741-M6J2N7UGSQKGTAY4APO1/BF+various+1930s+%284%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643860800398-8BUFVIPXJX3OTGL56PQM/BF+Bobby+c+mid-1930s+%284%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643861282900-MW8CCR8C5DFY6N5U687E/BF+c+1930s+%282%29.PNG Biography - Part One - Supplement: Bob Growing Up (Family Photo Albums) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae1b78fb18204c84880832/1643861026380-4HV4AHP86POWL7WF1UWJ/BF+Banking+Group+Alex+Ham+c+mid+1930s+%282%29.PNG Biography - 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