Happy 98th birthday to one of my top 10 favorite actors---the tremendously under-rated, positively gorgeous Tyrone Power (May 5, 1914-November 15, 1958)
Capable in both comedic and dramatic roles, Mr. Power was an actor who never got the praise and recognition he deserved. While he gave wonderful performances in many films, not a single Academy Award nomination ever came his way. I think that is very sad...and a definite oversight on the part of the Academy.
In addition to excelling at both comedy and drama, Ty was also quite adept in adventure/swashbuckling films...Blood and Sand, The Mark of Zorro, Prince of Foxes, to name just a few. Perhaps it was fitting that it was while doing just that, Mr. Power died. While in Spain for the filming of Solomon and Sheba in 1958, Ty succumbed to a sudden heart attack in the midst of a dueling scene with George Sanders. He died enroute to the hospital...an incredibly talented man gone far too soon at the age of 44.
Besides entertaining audiences with a wonderful variety of films, Mr. Power also faithfully served his country as a pilot in the Marine Corp. He saw action in the South Pacific in the Second World War, taking part in "the air supply and evacuation of wounded from Iwo Jima to Okinawa." The California State Military Museum has a page about Mr. Power's service in the Marines HERE.
My all-time favorite Ty Power film is Witness for the Prosecution (reviewed HERE). Besides this being what I deem the very best performance of Mr. Power's career, it is also his final completed film, as he would die while making his next movie.
Rounding out my list of five favorite Tyrone Power films are:
2. Abandon Ship! (with Mai Zetterling and Lloyd Nolan---reviewed HERE)
3. The Eddy Duchin Story (with Kim Novak---reviewed HERE)
4. I'll Never Forget You (with Ann Blyth---reviewed HERE)
5. The Long Gray Line (with Maureen O'Hara)
6. Crash Dive (with Dana Andrews and Anne Baxter)
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(Yes, I have to list six favorite films, because The Long Gray Line and Crash Dive are neck and neck. I really don't prefer one over the other. They're both wonderful and equally enjoyable.)
There is a movement underway to bring about a Tyrone Power postage stamp. HERE is the Facebook page for more information about how to help the dream become a reality. I would definitely love to see Mr. Power honored with a postage stamp, and should that happen, I can assure you, it's the only stamp I will be using for as long as it is available.
So, Mr. Tyrone Power, here's to you on your 98th birthday. You were a wonderful, completely under-rated actor, and you will always be one of my favorites. Thanks for making so many terrific movies!