RELATED:Psych: Ranking The Main Characters By Intelligence. If the interview did in fact occur, Munn quotes Strode as saying that, on the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Jimmy Stewart was too decent a person to be a hard-case racist, but that Strode believed Jim was uncomfortable around him. Posse (1993) I have watched his films since I was a teenager and hoped that this rumor was untrue. Hi James, thanks for commenting. Jimmys words and actions prove that he was not racist. Released two years before To Kill a Mockingbird, Rutledge is one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to address racism frankly. The spiritual leader of an oriental country is dying. According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. Youd never see them in the big department stores. You could smell the orange blossoms. Jim replied that he thought the costume made Strode look a bit too much like Uncle Remus.. Not many sports historians report, No one is more deserving than Frank Manchel, Emeritus Professor of English and Film at the University of Vermont, to be recognized by Film & History as a pioneer in film studies. After livestock belonging to Rack's friend Walter Colby (Woody Strode, The Italian connection. Watch the video below to hear what Jim and the other stars had to say about brotherhood: Freedom, brotherhood, and equality were issues Jimmy Stewart clearly felt strongly about, for he returned to headline American Brotherhood Week the following year. Weve dissected the fallacies behind the rumor that Jimmy Stewart was a racist. You can unsubscribe at any time. He majored in history and education. Even in his later films, like Vigilante (1982) and Jungle Warriors (1984), the 70 year-old Strode looks While his pro wrestling career lasted two decades from the 1940s to 1960s, his impact not only on the NFL and in Hollywood was a groundbreaker, making him a pioneer in many genres outside of the squared ring. But it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense for him to make his first logical leap either. And I agree, it would be illogical to assume that Jimmy Stewart was racist based on his support of Nixon, Reagan, and US troops in Vietnam. Jim was a good man through and through. Pork Chop Hill (1959) She has a passion for character-driven stories with dynamic but flawed leads, and a special weakness for all things 1980s. Jim and Duke upset distributors of the film for a scene in which the two are seated next to each other on a piano bench, jamming at the piano of a bar filled with dancers. As an actor, Strode is forever tied to John Ford (see our Pepper Martin biography for some stories that involve both Strode and Ford). Born in Los Angeles in 1914, Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode died at age 80 on New Year's Eve 1994. Lust in the Dust (1985) Aug 5: WWE SummerSlam, > Archives Terrible rumors about Jimmy Stewarts beliefs have sprung from an interview that possibly never occurred. (A small role in 1941s Sundown marked his actual debut.) Spartacus is probably Strodes most famous role as the warrior Kirk Douglas refuses to kill. All Rights Reserved. It needed to be done. It was the dark side of the American dream.. The Ravagers, The Professionals) Fall victim to a spider attack, entomologist Diane Ashley (Tiffany Bolling, Wild Party) arrives and tries to help Rack deal with the crisis. Jimmy Stewart voiced his support for this goal in a 16 second radio campaign that played the week of February 16-23, 1947. Jimmy Stewart worked with several black actors and entertainers throughout his career, including Hal Williams, Woody Strode, Lillian Randolph, Jim hit it off particularly well with Duke Ellington during filming of 1959s. Thankfully, the show never subjected Woody - or viewers - to that possibility. In fact I dont think he even likes Negroes.. Watch Jim and Duke at the piano in the scene below: Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. I really cried for days because hes one of my favorite actors and I am African-American. "I was lucky enough this time to have John Ford as my director. And I went on, and it went around the company: Stewart has never, hes always right up there., The day before the movie finished shooting, the cast was preparing to do the funeral scene. Aka: We Are No Angels Storyville (1992) In 1990, Strodes autobiography, Goal Dust, was published. Keoma (1976) Woody Strode, byname of Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode, (born July 28, 1914, Los Angeles, California, U.S.died December 31, 1994, Glendora, California), American character actor who was part of director John Ford's "family" of actors, appearing in nearly a dozen of Ford's films. Im so glad that you decided to do your own research, and that you came across my article. Donald Deweys 1997 biography of Jimmy Stewart, journalist James Bawden between 1971 and 1983, Thanks to the passionate insistence of director Otto Preminger. His words, actions, and moral code prove the fallacy of any rumor to the contrary. Strode is perhaps best remembered as the stoic slave gladiator in Spartacus (1960) who tells Kirk Douglas: I dont want to be your friend. The season seven episode "Office Space" is another memorable episode in the series' run. According to the Munn interview, it took Woody Strode years to realize that it was John Fords cruel maneuverings, not anything Jimmy Stewart actually said, that created the tension Strode felt on the Liberty Valance set: I was too young at the time to realize Ford was using me to get at Stewart. Her brother Peter said that Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Strodes family came from New Orleans and he was Black Indian many Southern Native American tribes had welcomed slaves and free folk into their communities in the 1800s. Or taken out of the script altogether. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Lets not allow an unsubstantiated rumor to tarnish the reputation of one of the few Hollywood stars worthy of our complete respect and admiration. 10 Witty Buddy Comedies To Watch If You Love 'Psych', Psych: Ranking The Main Characters By Intelligence. And I looked at Duke Wayne, and he was beaming like a cat that had just eaten the mouse And Duke came over, and said, Well, welcome to the club. Strode also played the powerful gladiator who does battle with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960)." Played . Woody Strode was born in Los Angeles, CA. Aka:The Violent Breed La mala ordina (1972) Shawn and Gus try to convince Woody to keep quiet, but Woody warns them that he will tell anyone who he comes across. Thank you thank you thank you dear for this story, I am so so grateful for this. Strode was a gladiator in Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) and was in Jungle Man-Eaters (1954), a Jungle . For nearly two decades he remained a pio- neer against racism in the film and television industry. All I heard was Ford saying that Stewart didnt like Negroes, and that made me mad at Stewart, and Stewart was just even more uncomfortable around me.. That means everything, working with a man like that." But Stewart, an Oscar winner known for such timeless hits as The Philadelphia Story, Vertigo and Mr. After handing over ME duties to Alex Richards, he remains a frequent contributor to the site. Holmes. Race is not a factor in the world market, he said in a 1982 interview with the Globe and Mail. But its possible the interview never occurred. So this week, lets resolve to live in harmony with our fellow man.. Released in 1960, when the U.S. was in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement, the film confronted racial injustice head on. The evidence proves that Jim was not racist. Thanks so much for your kind words, and for reading! Michael Munns books are unreliable. He was not racist, and your essay more than demonstrates this. In the absence of evidence to support your various claims about Jimmy Stewart, they cannot be taken as fact. Born July 28, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Woody Strode (Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode) was first of the star football athletes to become a successful film actor. As James Stewart explained it, Woody Strode, the actor who was playing Wayne's character's best friend, was part of the scene. Woody Strode was born in California on July 25, 1914. Among other dubious claims, Munn insists that at age 17, he and Ava Gardner became lovers, not long after George Raft ran Munn over with his Rolls Royce, at which point they became close. But Kanter says that Jimmy mixed up the roles: he explained to Jim that Hal Williams had not been cast as a police officer, but as an FBI agent in a different episode. Whether that labels him a racist or not is irrelevant. > Movies & TV An athlete turned actor, Strode was a top-notch decathlete and a football star at UCLA. From Andre the Giant inThe Princess Brideto Roddy Piper inThey Livesto the expanding resumes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Dave Bautista to John Cena, pro wrestlers have found a way to transition to cinema. The episode "Last Night Gus" isn't just a real highlight for Psych but for Woody's character and his bizarre humor, too. Additionally, the director kept mocking Wayne for not enlisting in World War II, which made the star feel guilty in his later years. I refer you back to my section on The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams. He was always magnificent with a no-nonsense style and quiet intellect that no athlete-turned actor has ever surpassed. Theyre like father and son.. Smith Goes to Washington, did not escape Fords sadism unscathed. Id play a Viking with blue contact lenses and a blond wig if I could. (Proving the point: In Androcles and the Lion, Strode actually dressed as the lion.). Strode was born in Los Angeles on July 25, 1914, the son . That was one of the great days in my life and I can remember it very clearly, Strode told the Toronto Stars George Gamester in 1977. Androcoles and the Lion (1952) Cuba Crossing (1980) Santa Barbara Coroner Woodrow "Woody" Strode may have been a late addition to the world ofPsych, but there's no denying that he's arguably one of the series' weirdest and most memorable characters. I am so glad that I can watch his movies again! Che! Producer Julian Blaustein, who produced Jims 1950 film, Jim spoke of his Hollywood career in a series of interviews with. Michael Munns integrity as a biographer has been questioned. Never had so much fun as I did in Canada. Well written, thank you. An Interview with Woody Strode INTRODUCTION by Frank Manchei interview is with Woody Strode, called by JET magazine, "the Jackie Robinson of cinema." Strode made his film debut in 1941 in Henry Hathaway' s Sundown. Jul 1: Money in the Bank According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father. Jungle Gents (1954) However, cinematographer William H Clothier later said: There was one reason and one reason only Paramount was cutting costs. Over the past several decades, more and more pro wrestlers are capitalizing on their work in pro wrestling to work in Hollywood as bonafide stars in the movie industry. Donald Bogle, Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies & Bucks (New York: Continuum, 1992); Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) title search by key word; Woody Strode,; The Timeout Film Guide, edited by Tom Milne, Penguin Books, 3rd Edition, 1992. But when it came to shooting 1962s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance with Duke and Jimmy Stewart on the Paramount lot, the director opted for black and white instead. Of course, Robinson would go on to break major league baseballs colour barrier in 1947. Thanks for commenting! LUltimo guerriero (1984) We dont know why Jimmy turned down Mockingbird. Strode lived in Italy for five years and made 12 films there. But only Woody could think up this "footwear mullet," and that's what makes it great. > The Artist Canvas According to Peter Fonda, the sheer fact that Jimmy Stewart was best friends with Peters father, Henry Fonda, proves that Jim was not racist. > Music How tall was Woody Strode? Strode was a star in Italy, where he lived between 1969 and 1973. By the late 1960s, he moved to Europe and became a regular in the Italian (Spaghetti) Western genre. The Harder They Fall, the Black Western in theaters now and on Netflix on Nov. 3, owes a tip of the Stetson to Woody Strode, one of the NFLs first Black players (he signed briefly with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946), who later found a niche playing strong, silent types in Westerns. In 1939 Woody, Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington led UCLA to its first undefeated football season. Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Well researched! Ravagers (1979) Its such a disheartening rumor, and Im so glad you did your own research and came across my article. Winterhawk (1975) The Professionals (1966) In comparison, Ford had made combat documentaries for the Office of Strategic Services and had been wounded at the Battle of Midway, while Ranse star Stewart had been a bomber pilot who served with distinction. best of friends ever since they were children, Psych 2: Lassie Come Home: 10 Easter Eggs You Totally Missed. In 1946, Jimmy Stewart led a small group of stars who vocalized their support for brotherhood among all Americans. Apparently, that tendency to over share can get even worse than what viewers are already used to. RELATED:Psych: 10 Best Gus Nicknames, Ranked. Thanks for reading Brian! In this, the last interview Strode ever gave, he expresses only respect for Jimmy Stewart, calling Jim one of the screens greatest actors.. Thanks for reading! Con Jock Mahoney, Woody Strode, Tsu Kobayashi, Earl Cameron. And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Hi Pete, thanks for your comment. Once Upon A Time in the West (1968) (1969) The answer is no. Regarding your claim that Jimmy expressed mildly anti-Semitic views: Ive never found any evidence to support this, either. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. No freeways. Jims plea underscores his belief in peace, freedom, and equality for all: This is Jimmy Stewart reminding you that this is Brotherhood week; a week reminding us all that the world of the future must be built on the recognition of the rights of each individual, whatever his color, creed, or national background. Id do that if I could. The Lion Hunters (1951) Founded in 1969 and hailed by The New York Times as a journal in which the writings of many of todays finest black thinkers may be viewed, THE BLACK SCHOLAR has firmly established itself as the leading journal of black cultural and political thought in the United States and remains under the editorship of Robert Chrisman, Editor-In-Chief, Robert Allen, Senior Editor, and Maize Woodford, Executive Editor. It would be interesting to hear Janes thoughts. Born July 28, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, Woody Strode (Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode) was first of the star football athletes to become a successful film actor. Woody Strode, the square-jawed, muscular former UCLA athlete who became a character actor with supporting roles in films for nearly a half century, has . Ford was so impressed with Strode, he gave him the starring role in 1960s Sergeant Rutledge, a Technicolor Western about a U.S. Cavalry sergeant falsely accused of raping a white woman and killing her father. Thank you for more information for understanding. Regarding your claim that Jimmy made racist remarks about people in Vietnam: in my extensive research, Ive never found any evidence to support this. Deweys book was published early in 1996 when Stewart was still alive. Blacks usually sat at the back of the bus. Next James Bond: Tom Hardy leapfrogged by 007 outsider, Robert Shaw Harrison Ford fury on Force 10 From Navarone 'total bull', John Wayne was really p***ed off: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was miserable shoot, John Wayne was constantly mocked by John Ford and even Jimmy Stewart was attacked too, Rio Bravo: Angie Dickinson on cute John Wayne being so different', Pompey star Woody Strode on John Wayne's left, John Wayne felt he couldn't hit back at John Ford since the director made him a star, John Wayne: The Searchers set revelation that saw John Ford speechless, How the West Was Won: Idiot drunk producer, near-death and more, John Wayne: Why Elvis turned down Dukes offer to co-star in Western, John Wayne: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon set feud that led to best scene, John Waynes final movie was NOT The Shootist Duke was in Star Wars, John Wayne never learnt his lesson over Hollywood roles. Required fields are marked *. And he said loudly, We have an actor here who objects to the costume on Woody Strode. He then proceeded to suggest that Stewart was prejudiced Strode, who also has since died, was African-American and added that he just wanted to share Stewarts objection to Strodes costume with the whole cast. Its why Stewart agreed to campaign strongly for Reagan in 1966, despite feeling the candidate was not conservative enough as he had remained a Democrat until 1962. That never happens in a more hilarious manner than during a conversation with Henry Spencer about his sonwho Woody believes is Gus. Hi Rosemary, Thanks for reading! His fellow Gold Dust Gang member Jackie Robinson would break the color barrier in Major League Baseball a year later in 1947. In 2020, Bob Glauber, a Newsday reporter, wanted to write a book about Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, whose signings to the Los Angeles Rams in 1946 broke an effective ban on Black players. He also did professional wrestling and reportedly tussled with the renowned Gorgeous George. He's a baffling combination of crass and innocent, and all of his interactions with every member of the series' primary cast are always guaranteed to bring a laugh. Its such a demoralizing rumor. He would retire from pro football after that first season. May Mr. Stewart Rest In Peace. Munn says Frank Sinatra made him an honorary member of the Rat Pack after the two sang duets together for a laugh. Munn says he regrets turning down a marriage proposal from the beautiful Lynne Frederick, the tortured widow of Peter Sellers, and that Steve McQueen opened up to him on a secret four day motorcycle off-roading excursion. I can find no evidence to suggest that Jimmys support of Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election was based on Goldwaters civil rights voting record. > Career Records The Black Scholar His recollection of several details that are easily checked is inaccurate. I just started to do it full-time in 1951.. This man was the definition of a renaissance man, keep reading this article and you will understand exactly why. Your email address will not be published. The two became friends, and Ford later gave Wayne his breakthrough role in Stagecoach, the film that launched Wayne to Hollywood stardom. That doesnt sound like a racist! But one anecdote Kanter shared has since been used as evidence that Jimmy Stewart was racist. In fact, Woody was already calling someone on his cell phone: Shawn. Another reliable source for Woody Strodes feelings towards Jimmy Stewart is a 1994 interview with Lee Marvin biographer, Dwayne Epstein. Strode was in City Beneath the Sea (1953) directed by Budd Boetticher, and The Royal African Rifles. Thank you for reading! But Kanter says that Jimmy mixed up the roles: he explained to Jim that Hal Williams had not been cast as a police officer, but as an FBI agent in a different episode. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But I must say I got a little smug about it. I was lucky enough this time to have John Ford as my director. I refer you back to the section in my article about The Jimmy Stewart Show for the facts behind the casting of Hal Williams on the show. Aka: Jungle Warriors Two teammates at UCLA were Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington. Was Jimmy Stewart Racist? Hi Wyman! Pompey actor Woody Strode remembered that Ford kept needling Duke about his failure to make it as afootballplayer, comparing him to Strode who was a former NFL player. He served as a caregiver to Ford in his final years and was at Ford's deathbed in 1973. Aka: Black Kingpin For Jimmy Stewart, Duke Ellington was responsible for the best part of each evening: [Duke] played for us in the dining room at night, until ten, eleven, which was great fun for us.. Freedom, brotherhood, and equality were issues Jimmy Stewart clearly felt strongly about, for he returned to headline American Brotherhood Week the following year. Buruuba (1955) Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. When Strode tried to help him, Duke knocked his co-star away. Was Hal Williams ever contacted regarding the contriversy kanter mentioned? Thanks for your kind words, and for reading! Working with quarterback Keith Spaith, he excelled as a receiver, and did double duty on the defensive side as an end as the Stamps compiled an unbeaten record. He wasnt just an athlete on a scholarship at UCLA, he was an academic. Jim and Duke upset distributors of the film for a scene in which the two are seated next to each other on a piano bench, jamming at the piano of a bar filled with dancers. Find on Wikipedia. City Beneath the Sea (1953) Sharing hotel, meals, and a piano jam session on and off film with Duke Ellington. Then he asked someone to blow a whistle, which they did, and he called out, Everybody, would you please gather around? So they did. His own words and actions, and the words of those who knew him, prove that Jimmy Stewart was not racist. Woody Strode and Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962). Woody eventually becomes a major player in the world ofPsych, but he's also clearly not part of the main friendship group for most of the series' run. A recently posed question casts a shadow on the otherwise pristine legacy of Jimmy Stewart. As a black man I should know better by now, and am glad that I decided to look further into the matter. I'm glad you made it.. Besides Ford, Strode also worked with storied directors Cecil B. Stewart was a political conservative and product of his time and had issues with racial advancement and equality. The Cotton Club (1984) For his book, Dewey interviewed the producer of Jimmys 1971 television show, writer Hal Kanter. He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. Also, his agent Bill Frye, in Jimmy Stewart: A Biography, says that Stewart turned down the role of Atticus Finch in Mockingbird because he was uncomfortable with the liberal racial tone (though without using those words). In a gold-yielding town under a gang's reign of terror, an unusual alliance is forming -- between the townspeople, gunmen, and circus performers.1969 Spaghet. Much in the same vein as Phil Dunphy ofModern Family failing to understand what "WTF" stands for, Woody apparently believes "TMI" means "Tell More Information." Do you find this information helpful? Bill Fryes exact words to biographer Marc Elliot about Jim turning down Mockingbird were: He turned down To Kill a Mockingbird because he felt the racial thing was too controversialtoo liberal really, but he would never say it that way.. WOODY STRODE TRIBUTE SPANISH FILMS 11K views James Caan on John Wayne filmSCHOOLarchive 2.4M views Jimmy Stewart is Delightfully Funny, FULL Interview on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show 1989. Hal Kanter is our only primary source on the alleged conversation. Aka: Black Jesus One of the most memorable episodes ofPsych is "Last Night Gus," which allows the series to payhomage toThe Hangover. Also in the Munn interview, Strode relates an incident in which. link]. I was too young at the time to realize Ford was using me to get at Stewart. He made more than sixty movies including his last film, The Quick and The Dead [1995]. Though he was a conservative unlike his friend Henry Fonda who was a liberal and despised racism, I doubt if their life long friendship wouldve lasted if Fonda discovered he had racist views. Munn insists that he was the confidant of nearly every great Classic Hollywood Star, a declaration he made only after all of these stars passed. If we are to take Michael Munns 1976 interview with Woody Strode as fact, then Munns alleged interview with Lee Marvin, another Liberty Valance star, should also be considered. And he was dressed in blue overalls, a blue work shirt and boots. And why was he cast as Lieutenant Quigley? Thats my take. Washington and Strode? Never thought of them as brothers though. Youre so right, Jims own words and actions prove that he was not racist. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Unfortunately, anger at Jimmy Stewart is also the takeaway of less engaged readers of Michael Munns book. Strode made a successful transition from sports hero to the movie screen, though Hollywood seemed more predisposed to his magnificent physique and gallant stride than his acting ability. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions Apr 1: WWE WrestleMania Actually, I had been rassling in the off-season anyhow, Strode told the late, great Canadian newspaper columnist Jim Proudfoot. The fame he had built through football and movies helped open up wrestling as well, and Strode wrestled white grapplers in Texas in the early 50s. According to Strode, John Ford then called the whole cast and crew over, and twisted the comment into something Jimmy Stewart never said. In response, Ford said: Whats wrong with Uncle Remus? The director then called the crews attention and shouted: One of ourplayersdoesn't like Woody's costume. As the two actors filmed an exterior shot on a horse-drawn cart, Wayne was close to losing control of the horses. The Buccaneer (1958) Hi Cheryl, thanks for reading! Though well into middle-age in films like Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and The Deserter (1971), Strode still looks extraordinarily vital, fitter than most men half his age. To promote Brotherhood Week, Jimmy Stewart opened and closed a 3 minute trailer that played before feature films at theaters across the United States. Sergeant Rutledge is a 1960 American Technicolor Western film directed by John Ford and starring Jeffrey Hunter, Constance Towers, Woody Strode and Billie Burke. The Last Rebel (1971) Western icon John Wayne had a legendary collaboration with director John Ford that lasted five decades and transformed both mens careers. No smog because few people could afford cars in those days. He died the following year at age 80. He shared a story from the set of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Fords 1962 film about an attorney (Stewart) who, robbed and left for dead by a notorious outlaw, is saved by a rancher (Wayne) and has to start over from scratch. And when we lost, we cried like babies.. Im delighted that you took the time too elaborate on its origins. Thanks for reading, Luke. Bride of the Gorilla (1951) For nearly two decades he remained a pioneer against racism in the film and television industry. He was a decathlete and football star who was one of the first Black American players in the National Football League in the postwar era. No Time for Love (1943) Pete Thodos would score shortly thereafter to seal a 12-7 Calgary win. Besides marking Calgarys first Grey Cup championship, the 1948 game proved to be a turning point in Grey Cup lore as well. Thanks for commenting. Aka: The Last Warrior That year, he would head to Canada to work for Stu Hart in his Klondike Wrestling promotion in Calgary, Alberta (later renamed Stampede Wrestling), before returning to the US to work for his hometown NWA Los Angeles.
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