Happy Birthday, John Garfield!!!

Today is the 99th birthday of one of my absolute favorite actors---the sensational John Garfield (March 4, 1913-May 21, 1952).

Born Jacob Julius Garfinkle---and known as Julie---John Garfield was the original brooding rebel.  Before Brando and Dean, even before Montgomery Clift, there was John Garfield.  From the time Mr. Garfield first appeared on screen in the film Four Daughters, he brought with him the cynicism and moodiness which would pretty much follow him throughout his career.  Although he occasionally played a softer, more likeable character, far and away, John Garfield portrayed the difficult to get along with anti-hero.  He excelled in roles like that, and quite honestly, when I have seen him softer and gentler, it just doesn't seem to fit.  I like him best when he has that huge chip on his shoulder.

As sensational an actor as Mr. Garfield was, he only received two Academy Award nominations in his career...a lead actor nomination for Body and Soul and a supporting actor nomination for Four Daughters.  Sadly, he didn't come away with a win either time.  Even more sadly, shortly after the completion of He Ran All the Way, Mr. Garfield found himself blacklisted in Hollywood due to his refusal to provide names in the anti-Communism hearings.  The stress of the blacklist, coupled with the bad heart he'd had all his life, caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack in 1952...a great talent gone too soon, at the age of 39.

While I enjoy nearly every single one of John Garfield's films, my all-time favorite is Dust Be My Destiny (reviewed HERE), a romantic drama which pairs Mr. Garfield with Priscilla Lane.  He and Miss Lane appeared together in three other films (one of them only by inserting footage from the film's prequel).  They had great chemistry together; however, in Dust Be My Destiny, I think their chemistry is at its very best---truly, they are wonderful together.  Incidentally, this is one of the few John Garfield films which brings tears to my eyes.

Rounding out my list of five favorite Garfield films are:

2.  The Postman Always Rings Twice  (with Lana Turner---reviewed HERE)

3.  Pride of the Marines  (with Eleanor Parker---reviewed HERE)

4.  Body and Soul  (with Lili Palmer---reviewed HERE)

5.  He Ran All the Way  (with Shelley Winters---reviewed HERE)

This incredibly wonderful actor comes in somewhere between 4 and 6 on my all-time favorite actor list---which means he definitely has a secure place in my heart.  I am quite crazy about him and fully intend to see all of his films (if possible).

So, Mr. Garfield, I am remembering you on what would be your 99th birthday.  You were a completely fantastic actor who was taken from us much too soon....but, thankfully, you live on through so many wonderful films.