Jump to content

Alan Ladd

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Aboutmovies (talk | contribs) at 22:26, 18 September 2018 (removed Category:People from Hot Springs, Arkansas; added Category:Actors from Hot Springs, Arkansas using HotCat). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Alan Ladd
Ladd in 1953
Born
Alan Walbridge Ladd

(1913-09-03)September 3, 1913
DiedJanuary 29, 1964(1964-01-29) (aged 50)
Cause of deathCerebral edema caused by accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol[1]
Resting placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
EducationNorth Hollywood High School
Occupation(s)Actor, film and television producer
Years active1932–1964
Spouse(s)
Marjorie Jane Harrold
(m. 1936; div. 1941)

(m. 1942⁠–⁠1964)
ChildrenAlan Ladd Jr. (b. 1937)
Alana Ladd (1943–2014)
David Ladd (b. 1947)
RelativesJordan Ladd (granddaughter)
Shane Ladd (granddaughter)
Websitewww.cmgww.com/stars/ladd/

Alan Walbridge Ladd (September 3, 1913 – January 29, 1964) was an American actor and film and television producer. Ladd found success in film in the 1940s and early 1950s, particularly in Westerns such as Shane (1953) and in films noir. He was often paired with Veronica Lake, in noirish films such as This Gun for Hire (1942), The Glass Key (1942) and The Blue Dahlia (1946).

His other notable credits include Two Years Before the Mast (1946), Whispering Smith, his first Western and color film, (1948) and The Great Gatsby (1949). His popularity diminished in the late 1950s, though he continued to appear in popular films until his accidental death due to a lethal combination of alcohol, a barbiturate, and two tranquilizers.[2]

Biography

Ladd was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on 3 September 1913. He was the only child of Ina Raleigh (also known as Selina Rowley) (25 November 1888 – 1937), and Alan Ladd (1874–1920), a freelance accountant.[3] His mother was English, from County Durham and had migrated to the USA in 1907 when she was nineteen. His father died of a heart attack when Ladd was six. On 3 July 1918 a young Alan accidentally burned down the family home while playing with matches. His mother moved to Oklahoma City, where she married Jim Beavers, a housepainter (d. 1936).[4]

In the early 1920s an economic downturn led to Ladd's family moving to California, a journey which took four months. They lived in a migrant camp in Pasadena at first before moving to the San Fernando Valley where Beavers went to work at FBO Studios as a painter.[5]

Ladd enrolled in North Hollywood High School on 18 February 1930. He became a high school swimming and diving champion and participated in high school dramatics in his senior year, including the role of "Koko" in The Mikado. His diving skills led to his appearance in an aquatic show, Marinella in July 1933.[6]

Early career

Ladd's performance in The Mikado was seen by a talent scout. In August 1933 Ladd was one of a group of young "discoveries" signed to a long-term contract with Universal Pictures.[7] The contract had options which could go for seven years, but they were all in the studio's favor. Ladd appeared unbilled in a film, Once in a Lifetime (1932), but the studio eventually decided Ladd was too blond and too short and dropped him after six months. (All of Ladd's fellow "discoveries" would be dropped, including a young Tyrone Power.)[8][9]

At 20, Ladd graduated from high school on 1 February 1934.[10] He worked in the advertising department of the San Fernando Sun Valley Record, eventually becoming the newspaper's ad manager. When the paper changed hands Ladd lost his job. He sold cash registers and borrowed $150 to open up his own hamburger and malt shop across from his old high school, which he called Tiny's Patio (his nickname at high school was "Tiny"). However he was ultimately unable to make a success of the shop.

In another attempt to break into the film industry, Ladd went to work at Warner Bros. as a grip, and ended up staying two years. He was injured falling off a scaffold and decided to quit.[11]

Ladd managed to save and borrow enough money to attend an acting school run by Ben Bard, who had taught him when he was under contract at Universal. Ladd wound up appearing in several stage productions for Bard.[12][13] Bard later recalled Ladd "was such a shy guy he just wouldn't speak up loud and strong. I had to get him to lower his voice too, it was too high. I also insisted that he get himself a decent set of dentures."[14]

In 1936 Ladd played an unbilled role in Pigskin Parade. He had short term stints at MGM and RKO, but only got regular professional acting work when he turned to radio. Ladd's rich, deep voice was ideal for that medium and in 1936 he ended up being signed by station KFWB as their sole radio actor. He stayed for three years at KFWB doing up to 20 shows a week.[13][15]

Sue Carol

Ladd was playing the roles of a father and son on radio one night when heard by the agent Sue Carol (b 30 October 1903). She was impressed and called the station to talk to the actors and was told it was the one person.[13] She arranged to meet him and impressed by his looks she signed him to her books and enthusiastically promoted her new client in films as well as radio. Ladd's first notable part under Carol's management was the 1939 film Rulers of the Sea (1939), in which he played a character named "Colin Farrell" at $250 a week.[16] He also received attention for a small part in Hitler – Beast of Berlin (1939).

Ladd tested unsuccessfully for the lead in Golden Boy (1939) but obtained many small roles, such as the serial The Green Hornet (1940), Her First Romance (1940), The Black Cat (1941) and the Disney film The Reluctant Dragon (1941). Most notably he had a small uncredited part in Citizen Kane, playing a newspaper reporter towards the end of the film.

Ladd's career gained extra momentum when he was cast in a featured role in a wartime drama made at RKO, Joan of Paris (1942). It was only a small part but it involved a touching death scene which brought him attention within the industry.[13][17] RKO would eventually offer Ladd a contract at $400 a week.[16] However he soon received a better offer over at Paramount.

This Gun for Hire and stardom

Ladd with Brian Donlevy and Esther Fernández in Two Years Before the Mast (1946).

Paramount had owned the film rights to Graham Greene's novel, A Gun for Sale since 1936 but waited until 1941 before making a movie out of it, changing the title to This Gun for Hire. Director Frank Tuttle was struggling to find a new actor to play the role of "Raven", a hitman with a conscience.[13] Ladd auditioned successfully and Paramount signed him to a long-term contract in September 1941 for $300 a week.[18] The New York Times reported shortly afterwards that:

Tuttle and the studio are showing more than a passing enthusiasm for Ladd. He has been trying to get a foothold in pictures for eight years but received no encouragement although he tried every angle known to town—extra work, bit parts, stock contracts, dramatic schools, assault of the casting offices. Sue Carol, the former silent star who is now an agent, undertook to advance the youth's career two years ago and only recently could she locate an attentive ear. Then the breaks began.[19]

"Once Ladd had acquired an unsmiling hardness, he was transformed from an extra to a phenomenon. Ladd's calm slender ferocity make it clear that he was the first American actor to show the killer as a cold angel". – David Thomson (A Biographical Dictionary of Film, 1975) [20]

Both the film and Ladd's performance played an important role in the development of the "gangster" genre: "That the old fashioned motion picture gangster with his ugly face, gaudy cars, and flashy clothes was replaced by a smoother, better looking, and better dressed bad man was largely the work of Mr. Ladd." – New York Times obituary (January 30, 1964).[20]

Ladd was teamed with actress Veronica Lake in this film, and despite the fact that it was Robert Preston who played the romantic lead, the Ladd-Lake pairing captured the public's imagination, and would continue in another three films. (They appeared in a total of seven films together, but three were only guest shots in all-star musical revues.)

Even during the filming of This Gun for Hire Paramount knew they had a potential star and announced Ladd's next film, an adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's story The Glass Key. This had been a successful vehicle for George Raft several years earlier and Paramount wanted "a sure-fire narrative to carry him on his way."[21] (There had been talk Ladd would appear in another story of Hammett's, Red Harvest,[22] but this was never made.)

The movie was Ladd's second pairing with Lake. His cool, unsmiling persona proved popular with wartime audiences, and he was voted by the Motion Picture Herald as one of the ten "stars of tomorrow" for 1942.[23][24][25] His salary was raised to $750 a week.[26] According to critic David Shipman:

Paramount of course were delighted. The majority of stars were earmarked as such when they appeared on the horizon—from Broadway or from wherever they came; if it seemed unlikely that public acceptance would come with one film they were trained and built up: the incubation period was usually between two and five years. As far as Ladd was concerned, he was a small-part actor given a fat part faute de mieux and after his second film for them he had not merely hit the leading-men category, but had gone beyond it to films which were constructed around his personality.[27]

Ladd then appeared in a lighter vehicle, Lucky Jordan (1943), with Helen Walker, playing a gangster who tries to get out of war service and tangles with Nazis. His new status was reflected by the fact he was the only actor billed above the title.[28] He had a cameo spoofing his tough guy image in Star Spangled Rhythm, which featured most of Paramount's stars, then starred in a more serious adventure story, China with Loretta Young for director John Farrow, with whom Ladd would make a number of movies. Young did not like working with Ladd:

I found him petulant... I don't remember hearing him laugh, or ever seeing him laugh. Everything that concerned him was very serious... He had a certain screen personality... but as an actor... I never made any contact with him. He wouldn't look at me. He'd say, "I love you..." he'd be looking out there some place. Finally, I said,"Alan, I'm he-ere!!"... I think he was very conscious of his looks. Alan would not look beyond a certain point in the camera because he didn't think he looked good... Jimmy Cagney was not tall but somehow Jimmy was at terms with himself, always. I don't think Alan Ladd ever came to terms with himself.[29]

Ladd's next film was meant to be opposite Betty Hutton, Incendiary Blonde, but he had to be inducted into the army on 18 January after reprising his performance in This Gun for Hire on radio for Lux Radio Theatre.[30]

Army service

Ladd briefly served in the United States Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit.[31] Ladd was initially classified 4-F unfit for military service because of stomach problems, but began his military service in January 1943. He was posted to the Walla Walla Army Air Base at Walla Walla, Washington, attaining the rank of Corporal. He attended the Oscars in March 1943[32] and in September appeared in a trailer promoting a war loan drive, Letter from a Friend.[33]

While Ladd was in the armed services, a number of films which had been announced for him were either postponed, and/or made with different actors, including Incendiary Blonde, The Story of Dr. Wassell, Ministry of Fear and The Man in Half Moon Street. Paramount started promoting Ladd replacements such as Sonny Tufts and Barry Sullivan.[34] Old Ladd films were reissued with him being given more prominent billing, such as Hitler, Beast of Berlin.[35] He was reportedly receiving 20,000 fan letters a week.[36] The New York Times reported that "Ladd in the brief period of a year and with only four starring pictures to his credit... had built up a following unmatched in film history since Rudolph Valentino skyrocketed to fame."[33] In December 1943 he would be listed as the 15th most popular star in the US.[37]

Ladd fell ill and went to military hospital in Santa Barbara for several weeks in October.[38] On 28 October, he was given an honorable medical discharge because of a stomach disorder complicated by influenza.[39][40]

Return to filmmaking

When Ladd returned from the army, Paramount announced a series of vehicles for him, including And Now Tomorrow[41] and Two Years Before the Mast.[42] And Now Tomorrow was a melodrama starring Loretta Young as a wealthy deaf woman who is treated (and loved) by her doctor, Ladd; Raymond Chandler co-wrote the screenplay and it was filmed in late 1943 and early 1944. According to Shipman:

It was a pitch to sell Ladd to women filmgoers, though he had not changed one iota and he did not have a noticeable romantic aura. But Paramount hoped that women might feel that beneath the rock-like expression there smouldered fires of passion, or something like. His black-lashed eyes, however, gave nothing away; it was 'take me as I am' or 'I'm the boss around here'. He never flirted nor even seemed interested (which is one of the reasons he and Lake were so effective together).[43]

In March 1944 Ladd took another physical and was re-classified 1A. He would have to be re-inducted into the army, but a deferment was given to enable Ladd to make Two Years Before the Mast (the release of which was postponed two years).[44][45][46] He was meant to be re-inducted on 4 September 1944[45] but Paramount succeeded in getting this pushed back again to make Salty O'Rourke.[47] He also found time to make a cameo a big screen version of Duffy's Tavern.[48]

Ladd's re-induction was then set for May 1945. Paramount commissioned Raymond Chandler to write an original screenplay for him, The Blue Dahlia, which was made relatively quickly in case the studio lost Ladd to the army once again.[49][50] However, in May 1945 General Lewis Hershey released all men 30 or over from induction in the army and Ladd was free from the draft. Along with several other film stars released from their draft obligations, Ladd promptly enlisted with the Hollywood Victory Committee for the entertainment industry's overseas arm, volunteering to tour for USO shows.[51]

Ladd next made Calcutta, which reteamed him with John Farrow and William Bendix. Release for this film was also delayed.

Suspension

Ladd was meant to make California with Betty Hutton but he refused to report for work in August 1945. "It wasn't on account of the picture", said Ladd. "There were other issues." Ladd wanted more money, and Paramount responded by suspending him.[52][53] The two parties reconciled in November with Ladd getting a salary increase to $75,000 per film, but without story approval or the right to do outside films, which he had wanted.[43][54][55] Exhibitors voted him the 15th most popular star in the country.[56]

"When a star's off the screen he's 'dead'", Ladd later reflected. "I like my home and my security and I don't intend to jeopardize them by being difficult at work."[57]

Ladd's next film was a wartime thriller, O.S.S.[58] This was produced by Richard Maibaum who convinced Ladd that he should play the title role in an adaptation of The Great Gatsby, to which Paramount held the film rights; Ladd became enthusiastic at the chance to change his image, but the project was delayed by a combination of censorship wrangles and studio reluctance.[59]

The Blue Dahlia was eventually released to great acclaim, quickly followed by O.S.S. and, finally Two Years Before the Mast. The first two films were solid hits, each earning over $2 million in rentals in the US and Canada; Two Years Before the Mast was a blockbuster, earning over $4 million and being one of the ten most popular films of the year.

Ladd earned a reported $88,909 for the 12 months up to June 1946.[60] (The following year he would earn $107,000.[61]) In 1947 he was ranked among the top ten most popular stars in the US. That year saw finally the release of Calcutta along with Wild Harvest, where he reteamed with Robert Preston.

Ladd made a cameo appearance as a detective in the Bob Hope comedy My Favorite Brunette (1947). Ladd made another cameo in an all-star Paramount film, Variety Girl, singing Frank Loesser's "Tallahassee" with Dorothy Lamour. He was reteamed with Lake for the final time in Saigon, then made his first Western since he became a star (and first movie in colour), Whispering Smith (1948). He followed this with a melodrama with Farrow, Beyond Glory (1948), which featured Audie Murphy in his film debut (and was released before Whispering Smith).[62]

Ever since he had become a star, Ladd continued to appear in radio, usually in dramatisations of feature films for such shows as Lux Radio Theatre and Screen Directors Playhouse. He created roles played both by himself, but also other actors, including the part of Rick Blaine in an adaptation of Casablanca. In 1948 he starred and produced a regular weekly series for syndication, Box 13, which ran for 52 episodes.

The Great Gatsby

Ladd's next role was a significant change of pace, playing Jay Gatsby in the 1949 version of The Great Gatsby, written and produced by Richard Maibaum. This film had been planned since 1946, but production was delayed due to a combination of difficulties with the censor, and Paramount's reluctance for Ladd to play such a challenging part. It was not a big success at the box office and its mixed critical and commercial reception caused Ladd to shy away from serious dramatic roles afterwards.

His next films were more typical fare: Chicago Deadline, playing a tough reporter; Captain Carey, U.S.A., as a vengeful ex-OSS agent, for Maibaum; and Appointment with Danger, as a postal inspector investigating a murder with the help of nun Phyllis Calvert (shot in 1949 but not released until 1951).

Paramount purchased the screen rights to the play Detective Story as a possible vehicle for Ladd,[63] and he was keen to do it, but the role ended up going to Kirk Douglas. Instead Ladd was cast in Branded, a Western. In February 1950 Paramount announced that Ladd would star in a film version of the novel Shane.[64] Before he made that film, he appeared in another Western, Red Mountain, produced by Hal Wallis.

In 1950 the Hollywood Women's Press Club voted Ladd the easiest male star to deal with in Hollywood.[65] The following year a poll from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association listed Ladd as the second most popular male film star in the world, after Gregory Peck.[66]

Shane

Jean Arthur and Ladd in Shane (1953)

In 1951 Ladd's contract only had one more year to run. "Paramount is like a home to me", he said, "and I'd like to remain on the lot for one picture a year. But I want to be free to take pictures at other studios if offered to me."[67] The main studio Ladd was in discussion with was Warner Bros. He also received a six-year offer to make a TV series, Adventure Limited.[68]

In May 1951 Ladd announced he had formed his own production company, Ladd Enterprises, to produce films, radio and TV when his Paramount contract ended in November 1952. He optioned the novel Shadow Riders of the Yellowstone by Les Savage.[69] The next month his deal with Warner Bros. was announced: one film a year for five years -[70] however he expressed a desire to continue to work with Paramount.[71]

Ladd's final three movies for Paramount were Thunder in the East, Shane and Botany Bay.[72] Once Ladd finished Botany Bay, in February 1952 it was announced Ladd's contract with Paramount would end early and be amended so that he would make two more movies for the studio at a later date.[73] (In the event, Ladd did not make another film at Paramount until The Carpetbaggers.)

Paramount staggered the release of Ladd's final films for the company, with Shane and Botany Bay not being released until 1953. Ladd later said that leaving Paramount was "a big upset" for him, and that he only left for "business reasons... future security for the children and ourselves".[74]

Shane, in which he played the title character, was particularly popular. It premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in April 1953,[75] grossing over $114,000 in its four weeks there (a large sum at the time),[76] and in all earned $8 million in North America over its initial run,[77] and led to Ladd being voted one of the ten most popular stars in the country in 1953.

Freelance star: Warners, Universal, Warwick

Ladd's deal with Warners was for one film a year for ten years, starting from when his contract with Paramount expired. Warners guaranteed him $150,000 per film against 10% of the gross, making Ladd one of the best paid stars in Hollywood.[78] His first film for Warner Bros was The Iron Mistress (1952), in which Ladd played Jim Bowie.

The arrangement with Warners was not exclusive, enabling Ladd to work for other studios. He made a film at Universal Studios, Desert Legion (1953), playing a member of the French Foreign Legion. Ladd was paid a fee and a percentage of the profits.[79]

Ladd also signed an arrangement with Warwick Films to make two films in Britain, where the actor was very popular: a wartime saga, The Red Beret (1953), with Ladd as a Canadian soldier in a British unit; and a whaling story, Hell Below Zero (1954), based on the Hammond Innes book The White South.[80] Both movies were co-written by Richard Maibaum, with whom Ladd had worked at Paramount.[81] Ladd played a mountie in Saskatchewan for Universal in Canada, and returned to Britain for another with Warwick, a medieval swashbuckler The Black Knight (1954), where Ladd played the title role.[82] This meant Ladd spent 19 months out of the US and did not have to pay tax on his income for that period. It also caused his plans to enter independent production to be deferred.[83] Ladd's fee for his Warwick films was $200,000 as against 10% of the profits, plus living expenses.[84]

Jaguar Productions

When Ladd returned to Hollywood in 1954 he formed a new production company, Jaguar Productions, who would release through Warner Bros. This would be in addition to the films he would make with Warners solely as an actor.

His first film for Jaguar was Drum Beat (1954), a Western directed by Delmer Daves which was reasonably successful at the box office.[85] For Warners themselves he then made The McConnell Story (1955), co-starring June Allyson, which also proved popular. He signed to appear in some episodes of General Electric Theater on TV.[86] The first of these, "Committed", was based on an old episode of Box 13 which Ladd was considering turning into a TV series.[87] However, despite Ladd's presence, a series did not result.

Ladd next made a film for Jaguar, Hell on Frisco Bay (1955), which was co-written by Martin Rackin and directed by his old This Gun for Hire associate, Frank Tuttle. Rackin went on to write and produce Ladd's subsequent film, which he made for Warners, Santiago. For Jaguar, Ladd produced, but did not appear in A Cry in the Night.

Ladd's instincts for choosing material was proving increasingly poor: George Stevens offered him the role of Jett Rink in Giant (1956), which he turned down because it was not the lead; James Dean took the part and the film became one of the biggest hits of the decade. He was meant to return to Paramount to make a Western, The Sons of Katie Elder, but he bought himself out of his Paramount contract for $135,000;[88][89] the film was made a decade later with John Wayne and was a big hit.

Instead, Ladd signed a new four-year contract between Jaguar and Warner Bros, with his company having a budget of $6.5 million. The first film made under it was The Big Land (1957), a Western.[90][91] He made another TV film for General Electric Theater, "Farewell to Kennedy"; he hoped this would lead to become a series but that did not happen.[92]

Ladd then received an offer to star in a film being made in Greece for 20th Century Fox, Boy on a Dolphin (1957). In March 1957, it was announced that Warners and Jaguar had re-negotiated their agreement and now Jaguar would make ten films for the studio, of which Ladd was to appear in at least six, starting with The Deep Six (1958). Warners would provide all the finance and split profits with Jaguar 50:50.[93][94][95] The second film under the contract was Island of Lost Women, which Ladd produced but did not appear in.

Ladd's next film as actor saw him co-star against his son David in The Proud Rebel, made independently for Samuel Goldwyn Jr. According to Shipman, Ladd's "performance is his best work, sincere and likeable (due perhaps to an odd resemblance in long shot to Buster Keaton), but the film did not have the success it deserved: Ladd's own fans missed the bang-bang and [co star] Olivia de Havilland's fans were not persuaded that any film she did with Ladd could be that good.[96] He announced a six-picture deal with Warwick Productions[97] but ultimately did not work for Warwick again. MGM hired Ladd to make The Badlanders, a Western remake of The Asphalt Jungle; like many of Ladd's films around this time, it was a box office disappointment.

Ladd was considered to play the lead in The Angry Hills but Robert Mitchum was eventually cast. Mitchum later told a journalist the producers met Ladd at his home after "he'd just crawled out of his swimming pool and was all shrunken up like a dishwasher's hand. They decided he wouldn't do for the big war correspondent."[98]

Later films

For Walter Mirisch at United Artists Ladd appeared in The Man in the Net. He produced a pilot for a TV series starring William Bendix called Ivy League.[99] That did not go to series; neither did another pilot Ladd produced for Paramount, The Third Platoon, which was written by a young Aaron Spelling.[100] Spelling also wrote Guns of the Timberland for Jaguar and Warners, in which Ladd appeared; it was his last movie for Warners.

As an actor, he made All the Young Men with Sidney Poitier that was released through Columbia. One Foot in Hell (1960) over at 20th Century Fox saw Ladd play an out-and-out villain for the first time since the beginning of his career, but the result was not popular with audiences.

"I'd like to retire from acting", he said in 1960. "I'd produce."[101] Ladd kept busy developing projects, some of which were vehicles for his son, David.

Ladd also kept acting and followed the path of many Hollywood stars on the decline and made a peplum in Italy, Duel of Champions (1961). Back in Hollywood he made 13 West Street as a star and producer, for his new company, Ladd Enterprises.

"I'll go to work again when the right story comes along", said Ladd.[102] He joined the board of 38 Inc, a new film producing company, who announced plans to make a movie out of a Ben Hecht script.[103]

On 2 November 1962, Ladd was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood with a bullet wound near his heart, in what might have been an unsuccessful suicide attempt. The bullet penetrated Ladd's chest around the third and fourth rib, through the lungs and bounced off the rib cage.[8][104][105] At the time, Ladd said he thought he heard a prowler, grabbed a gun, and tripped over, accidentally shooting himself.[106] This was accepted by the police investigating.[107]

In 1963, Ladd's career looked set to make a comeback when he filmed a supporting role in The Carpetbaggers, based on the best selling novel.[108] This was a co-production between Embassy and Paramount, meaning Ladd filmed on the Paramount backlot for the first time in over a decade. He announced plans to turn Box 13 into a feature film script and was hoping for cameos from old friends such as Veronica Lake and William Bendix.[109]

Death

In January 1964, after injuring his knees, Ladd hoped to recuperate at his house in Palm Springs. On 29 January 1964, his butler said he saw Ladd on his bed at 10am; when he returned at 3:30pm Ladd was still there, dead.[110][111]

His death, due to cerebral edema caused by an acute overdose of "alcohol and three other drugs", was ruled accidental.[1] Ladd suffered from chronic insomnia and regularly used sleeping pills and alcohol to induce sleep. While he had not taken a lethal amount of any one drug, the combination apparently caused a synergistic reaction that proved fatal.[8] Suicide was ruled out.[112]

He was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.[113] Ladd's funeral was held on 1 February with Edmond O'Brien giving the eulogy. Fans were allowed to see his coffin. He was buried with his wedding ring and a letter his son David had written him.[114]

Ladd died a wealthy man, his holdings including a 5,000 acre ranch at Hidden Valley and a hardware store in Palm Springs.[115] After he died, The Carpetbaggers was released and became a financial success.

Ladd has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1601 Vine Street.[116] His handprint appears in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood. In 1995, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.[117]

Height

Ladd, late 1950s

Most biographical sources speculate on Ladd's height, which legend contends was slight. Reports of his height vary from 5 ft 5 in to 5 ft 9 in (1.65 m – 1.75 m), with 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) being the most generally accepted today. His U.S. Army enlistment record, however, indicates a height of 5 ft 7 in.[8][118][119]

Ladd and Veronica Lake became a particularly popular pairing because, at 4 ft 11 in, she was one of the few Hollywood actresses substantially shorter than he was.[120] In his memoirs, actor/producer John Houseman wrote of Ladd: "Since he himself was extremely short, he had only one standard by which he judged his fellow players: their height."[121] To compensate for Ladd's height, during the filming of Boy on a Dolphin, co-starring the 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) Sophia Loren, the cinematographer used special low stands to light Ladd and the crew built a ramp system of heavy planks to enable the two actors to stand at equal eye level.[122] In outdoor scenes, trenches were dug for Loren to stand in.[123] For the film Saskatchewan, director Raoul Walsh had a six-inch hole dug for 6 ft 0 in (1.82 m) co-star Hugh O'Brian to stand in, while using the excavated dirt to build a mound for Ladd to stand on, thereby overcoming the disparity in height.[124]

Personal life

Ladd married a high school sweetheart, Marjorie Jane "Midge" Harrold, in October 1936.[125][126] Their only child, a son named Alan Ladd, Jr., was born on October 22, 1937.[127] They divorced in July 1941[128] and she died in 1957, having remarried.[129]

On 29 November 1937 Ladd's mother, who was staying with him following the breakup of a relationship, asked Ladd for some money to buy something at a local store. Ladd gave her the money, thinking it was for alcohol. She purchased some arsenic-based ant paste from a grocer and committed suicide by drinking it in the back seat of Ladd's car.[130]

On March 15, 1942, Ladd married his agent and manager, former film actress Sue Carol in Mexico City. They intended to be remarried in the U.S. in July because Ladd's divorce from his first wife was not final.[131]

Carol had a daughter from a previous marriage, Carol Lee (b 18 July 1932), whom Alan and Sue raised. In addition they had two children of their own, Alana (born 21 April 1943, when Ladd was in the army[132]) and David Alan (1947).[133]

Alan Ladd, Jr., is a film executive and producer and founder of the Ladd Company. Actress Alana Ladd, who co-starred with her father in Guns of the Timberland and Duel of Champions, is married to the veteran talk radio broadcaster Michael Jackson. Actor David Ladd, who co-starred with his father as a child in The Proud Rebel, was married to Charlie's Angels star Cheryl Ladd (née Stoppelmoor), 1973–80. Their daughter is actress Jordan Ladd.[134]

Ladd's name was linked romantically with June Allyson when they made The McConnell Story together.[135]

Select radio credits

Regular series

  • Box 13: 52 episodes (22 August 1948 – 14 August 1949)
  • The Alan Ladd Show[139]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1932 Tom Brown of Culver Cadet
Once in a Lifetime Projectionist
1933 Saturday's Millions Student
1936 Pigskin Parade Student
1937 The Last Train from Madrid Soldier
Souls at Sea Sailor
All Over Town Young Man
Hold 'Em Navy Chief Quartermaster
Born to the West Inspector
1938 The Goldwyn Follies First Auditioning Singer
Come On, Leathernecks! Club Waiter
Freshman Year Student
1939 The Mysterious Miss X Henchman
Rulers of the Sea Colin Farrell
Hitler – Beast of Berlin Karl Bach Also known as Goose Step
1940 American Portrait Young man/Old man Short subject[140]
Blame it on Love Short subject
Uncredited
Meat and Romance Bill Allen Short subject
Unfinished Rainbows Charles Martin Hall Short subject
The Green Hornet Gilpin, Student Pilot Chapter 3
Brother Rat and a Baby Cadet in trouble
In Old Missouri John Pittman, Jr.
The Light of Western Stars Danny, Stillwell Ranch Hand
Gangs of Chicago
Cross-Country Romance Mr. Williams, First Mate
Those Were the Days! Keg Rearick
Captain Caution Newton, Mutinous Sailor
The Howards of Virginia Backwoodsman
Meet the Missus John Williams
Victory Heyst as an 18-year-old
Her First Romance John Gilman
1941 I Look At You Short subject
Petticoat Politics Higgins Daughter's Boyfriend
Citizen Kane Reporter smoking pipe at end Uncredited
The Black Cat Richard Hartley
Paper Bullets Jimmy Kelly aka Bill Dugan
The Reluctant Dragon Al, Baby Weems storyboard artist
They Met in Bombay British Soldier
Great Guns Soldier in Photo Shop
Cadet Girl Harry, Musician
Military Training Lieutenant, Platoon Leader, County Fair Short subject
Uncredited
1942 Joan of Paris "Baby"
This Gun for Hire Philip Raven
The Glass Key Ed Beaumont
Lucky Jordan Lucky Jordan
Star Spangled Rhythm Alan Ladd, Scarface Skit
Letter from a Friend Short subject
1943 China David Jones
Screen Snapshots: Hollywood in Uniform Himself Short subject
1944 Skirmish on the Home Front Harry W. Average Short subject
And Now Tomorrow Doctor Merek Vance
1945 Salty O'Rourke Salty O'Rourke
Duffy's Tavern Himself
Hollywood Victory Caravan Alan Ladd Short subject
1946 Two Years Before the Mast Charles Stewart
The Blue Dahlia Johnny Morrison, Lt.Cmdr., ret.
O.S.S. Philip Masson/John Martin
Screen Snapshots: The Skolsky Party Himself Short subject
1947 My Favorite Brunette Sam McCloud
Calcutta Neale Gordon
Variety Girl Himself
Wild Harvest Joe Madigan
1948 Saigon Maj. Larry Briggs
Beyond Glory Capt. Rockwell "Rocky" Gilman
Whispering Smith Whispering Smith
1949 Eyes of Hollywood Short subject
The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby
Chicago Deadline Ed Adams
1950 Captain Carey, U.S.A. Captain Webster Carey
Branded Choya
1951 Appointment with Danger Al Goddard
Red Mountain Capt. Brett Sherwood
1952 The Iron Mistress Jim Bowie
Thunder in the East Steve Gibbs
A Sporting Oasis Himself Short subject
1953 Botany Bay Hugh Tallant
Desert Legion Paul Lartal
Shane Shane
The Red Beret Steve "Canada" McKendrick
1954 Hell Below Zero Duncan Craig
Saskatchewan Thomas O'Rourke
The Black Knight John
Drum Beat Johnny MacKay Producer
1955 The McConnell Story Capt. Joseph C. "Mac" McConnell, Jr.
Hell on Frisco Bay Steve Rollins Producer
1956 Santiago Caleb "Cash" Adams Producer
A Cry in the Night Opening narrator Producer
1957 The Big Land Chad Morgan Producer
Boy on a Dolphin Dr. James Calder
1958 The Deep Six Alexander "Alec" Austen Producer
The Proud Rebel John Chandler
The Badlanders Peter Van Hoek ("The Dutchman")
1959 The Man in the Net John Hamilton Producer
Island of Lost Women
Executive producer
1960 Guns of the Timberland Jim Hadley Executive producer
All the Young Men Sgt. Kincaid Executive producer
One Foot in Hell Mitch Garrett
1961 Duel of Champions Horatio
1962 13 West Street Walt Sherill Producer
1964 The Carpetbaggers Nevada Smith Released posthumously
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1953 Better Living TV Theatre Himself September 6, 1953, episode
1954 Red Skelton Revue Guest (Old West Sketch) Episode 1.1
1954–1958 General Electric Theater Various roles 3 episodes
Executive producer (2 episodes)
1955 Kings Row Himself Episode: "Lady in Fear"
1957–1958 The Bob Cummings Show Himself 2 episodes
1959 Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Episode: "Ivy League"

Unmade films

This section is being considered for Deletion (see: Talk).
If an editor or editors believe there is a valid reason for its inclusion, then that editor or editors should add an introductory paragraph, here at the beginning of the section, explaining what it is that the list represents -- that is, explaining what exactly constitutes an "unmade film", so as to warrant a list of same in a movie actor's bio. -- as opposed to, say, brief mention of certain key roles that the actor was considered for, but never got, in the text or body of the article (see: Talk).

Alan Ladd was announced for the following movies which were never made:

Alan Ladd was also announced for roles in the following films which ended up being played by other actors:

Awards

  • Photoplay 1953 Gold Medal for his performance in Shane[187]

Box office ranking

For a number of years, film exhibitors voted him amongst the top stars at the box office.

Year USA Britain
1943 15th[188]
1945 15th[189]
1946 14th[190] 8th[191] or 4th[192]
1947 10th 7th[193]
1948 14th[194]
1949 17th[195] 7th[196]
1950 (did not make top 25) 8th
1951 17th 8th[197]
1952 16th[198]
1953 4th[199] 3rd
1954 6th[200] 1st[201]
1955 17th 5th[202]
1956 25th 6th[203]
  • In 1948 a survey was taken of the film-going habits of 4,500 teenagers in Lakewood, Ohio. Their "overwhelming first choice" as film star was Alan Ladd.[204]

Theatre

  • The Mikado (May 1933) – as Koko – at North Hollywood high School
  • Marinella (19 July 1933) – an aquatic pageant in North Hollywood[6]
  • Grey Zone by Martin Mooney (Oct 1936) at Ben Bard Playhouse[205]
  • Susanne by Eloisse Keller (Jan 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse[206]
  • Between Two Women by Carey Wilson (April 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse – with Jack Carson[207]
  • Maniacs in Monocles by Robert Riley Crutcher (July 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse[208][209]

References

  1. ^ a b Alan Ladd Death Ruled Accidental UPI. The Bulletin of Bend and Central Oregon Feb 5, 1964.
  2. ^ Obituary Variety, February 5, 1964, page 63.
  3. ^ "Alan Ladd (1913-1964)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  4. ^ Linet p 4-5
  5. ^ Linet pp. 9–10
  6. ^ a b Bandit Raids Water Office: Clerk in North Hollywood Menaced With Gun Los Angeles Times 20 July 1933: A16.
  7. ^ "Embryo Screen Stars Have Day in Court: New Cinema Cron Appears for Approval of Contracts" Los Angeles Times 12 Aug 1933: A10.
  8. ^ a b c d Linet, Beverly. Ladd: The Life, the Legend, the Legacy of Alan Ladd. New York: Arbor House, 1979. ISBN 0-87795-203-5
  9. ^ "Fine Broth of a Ladd!". Chicago Daily Tribune. 19 September 1943. p. B5.
  10. ^ Linet p 15
  11. ^ "San Fernando Valley Will be Ladd's Home: Ladd's Hedge is a Rancho" The Washington Post 11 May 1947: S5
  12. ^ "Alan Ladd Urges Training for Films", Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 28 May 1950: D1.
  13. ^ a b c d e Franchey, John R. (7 June 1942). ""The Gent is Alan Ladd, the Calculating Trigger-Man in 'This Gun for Hire'"". The New York Times. p. X4.
  14. ^ https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1917&dat=19520414&id=bFI1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=wYAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2789,1942454&hl=en
  15. ^ "Biography of Alan Ladd". The Border Watch. Mount Gambier, SA. 28 November 1942. p. 3. Retrieved 9 December 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ^ a b Linet p 40
  17. ^ "Alan Ladd 8/12". Tcm.com. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  18. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: 'Pied Piper,' Novel by Nevil Shute, Purchased by Fox -- Harold Shuster to Direct Rialto Film is Held Over ' Badlands of Dakota' to Begin a Second Week -- Swedish Program Opens Today" by Douglas W. Churchill By Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 13 Sep 1941: 21.
  19. ^ "Signing on The Lawn: Mr. Selznick Joins United Artists at Pickfair Meet -- More Hollywoodiana" by Douglas W. Churchill. New York Times 12 Oct 1941: X5.
  20. ^ a b Alan Ladd
  21. ^ "Warners Cement Deal for Rogers' Biography: Alan Ladd Build-up Set Stars Named for 'Harvest' 20th Bids for De Fore 'Sunday Punch' Slated Rita Piazza to Do Play" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 31 Oct 1941: A10
  22. ^ a b Screen News Here and in Hollywood: 'Red Harvest' and 'Connie Goes Home' Bought by Paramount for 1942 Production Rise and Shine' for Roxy Jack Oakie in Film Opening on Friday -- Ballet Stars in Two New Pictures by Telephone to The New York Times. New York Times 2 Dec 1941: 29.
  23. ^ Pryor, Thomas M. (August 30, 1942). "Random notes about the film scene". The New York Times. p. X3.
  24. ^ "Alan Ladd – Biography – MSN Movies". Movies.msn.com. 2016-12-16. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  25. ^ City of nets: a portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s by Otto Friedrich
  26. ^ Linet p 72
  27. ^ Shipman p 338
  28. ^ Studio Gives Leading Roles to Newcomers The Washington Post 7 Jan 1943: B7
  29. ^ Funk, Edward (2015). Eavesdropping: Loretta Young Talks about her Movie Years. Bear Manor Media. pp. 235–236.
  30. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: Betty Hutton is Assigned to 'Let's Face It' -- 'Incendiary Blonde' Is Shelved Disney's Musical Feb. 12 'Saludos Amigos' Will Open at Globe -- Preview Tuesday Night of 'Commandos'". The New York Times. 8 Jan 1943. p. 25.
  31. ^ "Paula Walling's Hollywood Film Gossip". Sunday Mail. Brisbane. 19 March 1944. p. 7. Retrieved 9 December 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
  32. ^ "President Praises Cinema Leaders: Executive's Reassuring Message Read at Film Academy Dinner" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 5 Mar 1943: A1.
  33. ^ a b "A Bit of This and That About the Film Scene" by Thomas M. Pryor. The New York Times 29 Aug 1943: X3.
  34. ^ Drama and Film: Sandburg Will Write Epic Story for Metro Paramount Building Up Barry Sullivan With Lead Opposite Dorothy Lamour Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 18 Sep 1943: A7.
  35. ^ "Drama and Film: Stars of Wild Frontier Invading Wild Capital 'Of Human Bondage' Nearing Contingent Stage as Revival; Ladd Reissues Weird" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 7 June 1943: 14.
  36. ^ Hollywood Has Super 6 Months in Every Way" by Louella Parsons. The Washington Post 4 July 1943: L2.
  37. ^ "Drama and Film: Pin-Up Betty Grable Top Box-Office Star Scarcity of Women in 'Best' List Noted; Bob Hope Climbs Steadily, Hits Second" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 25 Dec 1943: A8.
  38. ^ "Drama and Film: Ruth Terry Will Play 'Pistol Packin' Mama' Eric Sinclair, Baritone, to Make Debut in Charles Rogers-United Artists Film" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 19 Oct 1943: 13
  39. ^ "Alan Ladd, Screen Star. Discharged from Army" Chicago Daily Tribune 29 Oct 1943: 7.
  40. ^ "Service Corps Plan Outlined: War Council Group Hears of Community Activity Programs" Los Angeles Times 29 Oct 1943: A1.
  41. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: Alan Ladd Will Have Lead Role in 'And Now Tomorrow' -- 'Sahara' Opens Today Special to The New York Times". The New York Times 11 Nov 1943: 28.
  42. ^ "Screen News here and in Hollywood: Paramount to Film 'Two Years Before Mast' -- 2 Broadway Openings This Week Special to The New York Times". The New York Times 6 Dec 1943: 21
  43. ^ a b Shipman p 339
  44. ^ "Screen News here and in Hollywood: Paramount Plans a Remake of 'The Virginian' -- Two New Films Open Here Today Special to The New York Times". The New York Times 4 Mar 1944: 11.
  45. ^ a b New Induction Call for Ladd Los Angeles Times 16 Aug 1944: A1.
  46. ^ "Alan Ladd Inducted Into Army 2nd Time". Variety. 16 August 1944. p. 3. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  47. ^ "'Latin Quarter' Likely Kiepura-Eggerth Film: Lee Sullivan, Bing Crosby 'Find,' Pens Mystery, 'Murder in B Flat'" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 29 Aug 1944: 10.
  48. ^ Of Local Origin New York Times 4 Nov 1944: 18.
  49. ^ "Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd Teamed Again by Frank Daugherty Special to the Christian Science Monitor." The Christian Science Monitor 11 May 1945: 5.
  50. ^ "Screen News: Evelyn Keyes to Co-Star in Columbia's 'Kansan' Special to The New York Times." The New York Times 19 May 1945: 15.
  51. ^ "Action Taken to Curb Outbreak of Rabies" Los Angeles Times 24 May 1945: A12.
  52. ^ "Paramount Suspends Alan Ladd" Los Angeles Times 23 Aug 1945: A1.
  53. ^ "Celeste Holm Set for Fox Musical: Listed for Featured Part in 'Three Little Girls in Blue'-- 'Pride of Marines' Due of Local Origin Special to The New York Times". The New York Times 24 Aug 1945: 15.
  54. ^ "Warners Yielding 'Task Force' Rights: Studio Relinquishes as Navy Asks Earlier Production-- Other Film Unit Sought Special to The New York Times". The New York Times 9 Nov 1945: 26.
  55. ^ "Variety (November 1945)". Archive.org. 2010-07-21. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  56. ^ "Bing Crosby Again Box-Office Leader: Van Johnson Second in Film Poll of Exhibitors--Rogers Wins for Westerns" New York Times 28 Dec 1945: 21.
  57. ^ "Here's Film Star Who Gives Credit to Fans: Ladd Accords Credit to Fans" Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 22 Aug 1948: D1.
  58. ^ Paramount's 'OSS' to Star Alan Ladd: Film is One of Three by Major Studios on Same Subject-- Four Arrivals in Week of Local Origin Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 7 Jan 1946: 16.
  59. ^ Pat O'Brien to Star in 'The Big Angle': Crime Drama Was Written by Author of 'Bombardier'-- 'Gatsby' to be Remade Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 26 Feb 1946: 31.
  60. ^ M'Carey's Wage of $1,113,035 Year's Highest: Treasury Report Places Film Producer First Chicago Daily Tribune 17 June 1946: 6.
  61. ^ Theater Mogul with $568,143 Top '45 Earner: Betty Grable's $208,000 Leads Women Chicago Daily Tribune 26 Aug 1947: 5
  62. ^ ""Top Grossers of 1947", ''Variety'', 7 January 1948 p 63". Archive.org. 2010-07-21. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  63. ^ 'Detective Story' Deal Confirmed by Ginsberg; Columbia Borrows Gwenn Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) 18 July 1949: A7.
  64. ^ Paramount Gets Option on Novel: To Enact Title Role by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times (1923-Current file) 1 Mar 1950: 42.
  65. ^ "Stars Who Please— and Tease". The Mercury. Hobart, Tasmania. 14 December 1950. p. 2. Retrieved 10 July 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  66. ^ They're the Tops: Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman Winners in International Popularity Poll Scenarists' Demands of Men and Religion Profitable Deal Arctic War by Thomas F. Brady. The New York Times 28 Jan 1951: X5.
  67. ^ Ladd Wears Aladdin Air: Golden Rule Figures in Alan's Rise Two of Top Breaks in Career Sprouted From Kindly Deeds Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times 18 Mar 1951: D1.
  68. ^ Television Radio News and Programs: Alan Ladd Offered Video Adventure Series Lead; Gen. Doolittle's Raid on Radio Ames, Walter. Los Angeles Times 17 Apr 1951: 22.
  69. ^ Columbia Will End Pact With Rossen: Studio Seeks to Call Off Deal With Producer Named in the House Communist Inquiry by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 29 May 1951: 39.
  70. ^ L.B.Mayer Leaving Metro Film Studio: Quitting Film Post by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times.The New York Times. The New York Times 23 June 1951: 9.
  71. ^ Ladd, Paramount Discuss Contract: Actor Seeks Picture-a-Year Deal on Long-Term Basis After Current Pact Ends Youngster Gets Role by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 14 Sep 1951: 22.
  72. ^ a b c "Paramount Signs Ladd to New Pact: Studio and Actor Arrange for Deal Whereby He Will Make One Film a Year on Lot" by Thomas M. Pryor New York Times 29 Feb 1952: 19.
  73. ^ Paramount Signs Ladd to New Pact: Studio and Actor Arrange for Deal Whereby He Will Make One Film a Year on Lot by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 29 Feb 1952: 19.
  74. ^ "This Ladd Stepping out on His Own" Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 6 April 1952: E1.
  75. ^ "Para. Wide-Screen at Music Hall for Premiere of 'Shane'". Motion Picture Daily, April 8, 1953.
  76. ^ "'Wax,' 'Shane' End Sturdy B'Way Runs". Motion Picture Daily, May 20, 1953.
  77. ^ "All Time Domestic Champs", Variety, 6 January 1960 p 34
  78. ^ Brady, Thomas (28 March 1951). "Wald and Krasna in Deal With Anta: R.K.O. Producers to Make 'The Great Moments'--Academy Providing Plays, Actors Film's Title Changed". The New York Times. p. 33.
  79. ^ Kramer Will Film Story of Wrights: Producer Buys Book by Fred Kelly About Air Pioneers as Basis for New Movie by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 2 May 1952: 21.
  80. ^ Studios Planning 2 Alan Ladd Films: Warwick and Columbia to Join in Offering 'The Red Beret' and 'The White South'Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 15 July 1952: 17.
  81. ^ Broccoli, Albert R. & Zec, Donald When the Snow Melts: The Autobiography of Cubby Broccoli Trans-Atlantic Publications 1999
  82. ^ Bryan Forbes, A Divided Life, Mandarin, 1993 p3-4
  83. ^ Alan Ladd Delays His Independent Company Los Angeles Times 8 June 1952: E4.
  84. ^ Scheuer, Philip K. (13 June 1954). "A Town Called Hollywood: Producers Want English Clear--Even in Oklahoma". Los Angeles Times. p. D4.
  85. ^ "Paramount Buys O'Neill Classic: H. L. Davis Will Adapt 'Desire Under the Elms' for Film -- 'Bullfight' Purchased by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times." The New York Times 13 May 1954: 34.
  86. ^ Alan Ladd Signed for TV Debut; Cisco Kid Rides on KTTV Tonight Ames, Walter. Los Angeles Times 9 Oct 1954: A5.
  87. ^ "Alan Ladd to Make First Appearance on TV in 13 Years" Ames, Walter. Los Angeles Times 5 Dec 1954: E11.
  88. ^ "Support Voiced for 'Taboo' Film: 'Man With Golden Arm,' About Narcotics, to be Released Even if Not Approved" by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 9 Nov 1955: 41.
  89. ^ Godbout, Oscar (3 July 1956). "TV, Movie Extras Get Salary Rises". The New York Times. p. 17.
  90. ^ "Gene Kelly Ends One Metro Pact: Actor's Exclusive Service Contract is Replaced by Five-Year Agreement Shaw Screen Play Due of Local Origin" by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 9 Jan 1956: 19.
  91. ^ "Faulkner Novel Bought for Film: 'Pylon,' Story of Stunt Flier Assigned by Universal to Zugsmith, Producer by Oscar Godbout Special to The New York Times." The New York Times 23 Jan 1956: 22.
  92. ^ "Ladd Films Test Show as Video Series; Sulky Veteran Gives Advice Ames", Walter. Los Angeles Times 26 Jan 1956: B10.
  93. ^ "2 Script Writers Win Credit Fight: Poe and Farrow Will Share Billing With Perelman for 'Around the World' Film Warners Expands Ladd's Pact of Local Origin" by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 6 Mar 1957: 34
  94. ^ "By Way of Report: Alan Ladd's Full Slate --Other Screen Items" by A.H. Weiler. The New York Times 26 May 1957: X5.
  95. ^ a b "Alan Ladd Balances Three-Cornered Career" Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 21 July 1957: E3.
  96. ^ Shipman, p. 340
  97. ^ "Alan Ladd Gets Huge England Deal; Hunting Film Stars Prime Trio" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 16 Sep 1957: C11.
  98. ^ "Mitchum: In His Own Words". Retrieved 2017-02-01 – via Google Books.
  99. ^ "N. B. C. Weighs Series of Pilot Films; Polly Bergen May Get Summer Role Special to The New York Times." The New York Times 28 May 1958: 63.
  100. ^ "Paramount Plans to Produce for TV: To Provide Funds and Studio for Filmed Series as First Step -- Extras in Dispute" by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 2 Mar 1959: 32
  101. ^ "The Ladds ARE Hollywood: Daddy Alan, Son David, and Daughter Alana--They're All Making Pictures AND Money" Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 15 May 1960: f34.
  102. ^ Alan Ladd Discusses His 'Unemployment' Vernon, Scott. Los Angeles Times 2 Sep 1961: A6.
  103. ^ "Film Events: Ladd to Join New Company" Los Angeles Times 12 Jan 1962: A10.
  104. ^ "Alan Ladd Recovering From Shot" Los Angeles Times 5 Nov 1962: A1.
  105. ^ "Detectives to Question Ladd on Gun Wounds: Doctor Says Bullet Entered Actor's Chest Between Ribs, Passed Through Left Lung LADD" Los Angeles Times 4 Nov 1962: A.
  106. ^ "'I Thought I Heard a Prowler,' Ladd Explains: Actor Tells of Getting Out of Bed to Investigate, Tripping, Shooting Himself" Los Angeles Times 6 Nov 1962: A2.
  107. ^ "Ladd's Version of Shooting is Accepted" The Washington Post, Times Herald 7 Nov 1962: A4.
  108. ^ 'Carpetbaggers' Signs Alan Ladd: Actor to Play Nevada Smith in Film Version of Novel by A.H. Weiler. The New York Times 27 May 1963: 25.
  109. ^ "Filmland Events: Alan Ladd Plans Filming of 'Box 13'" Los Angeles Times 23 Aug 1963: C8.
  110. ^ "Movie Star Alan Ladd, 50, Found Dead in His Home: Alan Ladd, 50 Movie Actor, Dies in Home Star Won Fame as Film Gunman" Chicago Tribune 30 Jan 1964: 1
  111. ^ "Actor Alan Ladd Dies in Palm Springs Home: Alan Ladd Death" Los Angeles Times 30 Jan 1964: 1.
  112. ^ "Find Alcohol, 3 Drugs Fatal to Alan Ladd: Coroner Rules Death Was Accidental" Chicago Tribune 4 Feb 1964: 5.
  113. ^ Alan Ladd at Find a Grave
  114. ^ "Widow Lets Fans Take Last Look at Alan Ladd: Hundreds Pass by Open Casket After She Learns They Were Gathered Near Church" Los Angeles Times 2 Feb 1964: B.
  115. ^ Wife Given Property in Alan Ladd's Will Los Angeles Times 5 Feb 1964: A3.
  116. ^ Alan Ladd, Awards
  117. ^ Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated
  118. ^ Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938–1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland.
  119. ^ Shipman, David. The Great Movie Stars: The Golden Years. New York: Hill & Wang, 1979. ISBN 0-8090-5170-2
  120. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (2001). Peekaboo: The Story of Veronica Lake. Lincoln NE: iUniverse. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-0595192397.
  121. ^ Houseman, John (1989). Unfinished business: memoirs, 1902–1988. New York: Applause Theatre Books. p. 260. ISBN 978-1557830241.
  122. ^ Udel, James C. (2013). The Film Crew of Hollywood: Profiles of Grips, Cinematographers, Designers, a Gaffer, a Stuntman and a Makeup Artist. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7864-6484-5.
  123. ^ Baldwin, Paul and John Williams Malone (2001). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting. Indianapolis: Alpha. p. 122. ISBN 978-0028641539.
  124. ^ Moss, Marilyn Ann (2011). Raoul Walsh: The True Adventures of Hollywood's Legendary Director. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky. p. 334. ISBN 978-0813133935.
  125. ^ Farber, Stephen; Green, Marc (1984). Hollywood Dynasties. Delilah. p. 182. ISBN 0-887-15000-4.
  126. ^ Henry, Marilyn; DeSourdis, Ron (1984). The Films of Alan Ladd. Citadel Press. p. 24. ISBN 0-806-50736-5.
  127. ^ Henry 1981 p.25
  128. ^ Mennie, James (May 26, 1979). "The Star We Hardly Knew". The Montreal Gazette. p. 32. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  129. ^ "Rites Held for Ex-Wife of Actor Alan Ladd" Los Angeles Times 4 May 1957: A8.
  130. ^ Linet p 23-25
  131. ^ Actor Alan Ladd Marries Sue Carol Near Mexico City Los Angeles Times 8 Apr 1942: 7.
  132. ^ Daughter is Born to Mrs. Alan Ladd; Sue Carol of Films Chicago Daily Tribune 22 April 1943: 4.
  133. ^ Bacon, James (January 29, 1964). "Rugged Screen Career of Alan Ladd Ended by Death". Lodi News-Sentinel. p. 15. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  134. ^ "MSN – Movies: Jordan Ladd". Movies.msn.com. 2016-12-16. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  135. ^ "Confidential Jury Hears Star Gossip Stories: Magazines Read by Prosecutor Confidential Testimony Prosecutor Wears Out Voice on Confidential's Racy Prose Scandal Stories" Smith, Jack. Los Angeles Times 15 Aug 1957: 1.
  136. ^ The Post Radio highlights the Washington Post (1923–1954) [Washington, D.C.] 30 May 1942: 20.
  137. ^ Judy Garland, Alan Ladd to Star in Silver Theater Chicago Daily Tribune 12 Dec 1943: S6.
  138. ^ "Radio Notes for Today". The Washington Post. 6 Jan 1944. p. B11.
  139. ^ "Abc Video Puts Off Eisenhower Story: Network Postpones 'Crusade in Europe' Until April -- Hoover to be Feted" New York Times 9 Mar 1949: 50.
  140. ^ Complete copy of film at Internet Archive
  141. ^ "Screen News here and in Hollywood: 'Gold Runs the River' Bought by Republic as a Starring Vehicle for John Wayne Among the Living' Opens Paramount Melodrama at the Rialto -- Victor Mature Will Replace Ameche in Film" By Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 13 Dec 1941: 24
  142. ^ Metro Buys 'Lucky Number' for Nelson Eddy, Kathryn Grayson -- Buzzell Will Direct: New Picture for Rivoli 'Ships With Wings' Is Due to Arrive Saturday; Clements and Banks in Cast Comedy Role by Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 19 May 1942: 23.
  143. ^ Screen News here and in Hollywood: Warners May Film 'Great Big Doorstep,' to be Produced by Shumlin Here in Fall Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 8 June 1942: 11
  144. ^ Drama: 'Brazilian Bombshell' New Miranda Subject Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 4 Sep 1942: A10.
  145. ^ Screen and Stage: Alan Ladd Will Star as Bandit in 'Rurales' Irene Manning Wins Wisecracking Lead in 'The Doughgirls' at Warner Bros. Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 17 Dec 1943: A8.
  146. ^ Screen and Stage: Hedda Hopper Looking at Hollywood Los Angeles Times 24 Dec 1943: A9.
  147. ^ Screen News here and in Hollywood: Paramount to Star Alan Ladd in Remake of 'Small Miracle' -- 3 Films Due This Week Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 17 Jan 1944: 15.
  148. ^ Joyce Reynolds Set for Role in Warner Drama Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 18 Aug 1944: 16.
  149. ^ "Looking at Hollywood" Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 9 Dec 1944: 14.
  150. ^ Screen News: Paramount to Star Ladd in New Melodrama Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 6 Apr 1945: 20
  151. ^ "Hollywood to Play Host: Fun and Frolic Hollywood Round-Up Friends of Youth Saloon Saga" by Fred Stanley. The New York Times 22 Apr 1945: X1.
  152. ^ Stewart to Star in 'The Magic City': Signs for Robert Riskin Film --Also Will Head the Cast in 'It's a Wonderful Life' Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 17 Jan 1946: 29.
  153. ^ Studio Briefs Los Angeles Times 25 Feb 1946: 8.
  154. ^ Thomas F. Brady (12 Mar 1947). "Montgomery to do Story by Kendrick: Actor Selects 'Lights Out' for First Film as Independent --Will Star and Direct Lead in Tryout". The New York Times. p. 31.
  155. ^ Hopper, Hedda (1 Apr 1947). "The Crosby Influence?". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. p. 5.
  156. ^ RKO to Make Film on John Broderick: Studio Gives Colorful New York Detective $50,000 for Story of Life -- New Ladd Movie by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 20 Mar 1948: 8.
  157. ^ Paramount to do Film on Pellagra: Alan Ladd to Star in 'Under the Gun,' Story of 1915 Work on Cause of the Disease Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 14 Aug 1948: 7.
  158. ^ Paramount Buys Lee Horton Story: Signs Author for Screen Play Of 'An Eye for an Eye' -- Bohem to be Producer by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 7 Oct 1948: 35.
  159. ^ Hedda Hopper: Different Role Goes to Ladd as 'Tracer' Los Angeles Times 30 Nov 1948: A6.
  160. ^ Mankiewicz Cited by Film Directors: Receives Guild's First Award for 'Letter to Three Wives' -- Metro Delays 'Quo Vadis' By Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 23 May 1949: 27.
  161. ^ 'Against All Flags' New Pirate Story Purchase; 'Wolf Pack' Deals Looms Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 6 July 1950: B7
  162. ^ Holden Works out New Pact at Studio: Actor Signs at Paramount for 14 Years, but May Appear in Outside Pictures New Western for Ladd by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 22 Sep 1951: 8
  163. ^ Movieland Briefs Los Angeles Times 30 Oct 1951: A7.
  164. ^ 'Pleasure Island' Sports Three British Finds; Anson Bond With Metro Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 19 Mar 1952: C9.
  165. ^ M-G-M Plans Film on Korea P. O. W.'S: Studio Observing the Return of Liberated Service Men in Preliminary Move by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 7 Sep 1953: 15.
  166. ^ a b Fox Will do Film on Life Of Christ: Studio Purchases Oursler's 'Greatest Story Ever Told' for Estimated $2,000,000 By Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 3 May 1954: 21.
  167. ^ Warners on List of 'Flexible' Lots: Studio, Optimistic on Future, Will Vary Film Techniques, Show Own Process Soon by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 7 May 1953: 37.
  168. ^ Drama: MGM in New Whack at 'Green Mansions;' Small Signs Dick Egan Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 29 Oct 1953: A11.
  169. ^ Film is Planned on Gloucesters: Ladd is Sought for Lead in Story of British Regiment That Fought in Korea By Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 29 Jan 1954: 16.
  170. ^ Bette Davis Favored for Story of Orphans; Mildred Dunnock Signs Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 27 Aug 1956: A9.
  171. ^ "Ladd Working for Kids" by Joe Hyams. The Washington Post and Times Herald 22 Mar 1959: G7.
  172. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Hard Luck Strikes Ladd During Layoff Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 17 Mar 1960: c1.
  173. ^ Alan Ladd Will Portray Cleric: "Jack Warner Very Uninterested, in Flynn Book; Royal Relation Here Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times 2 Mar 1960: A8
  174. ^ Italian Duo Arrive 'Via Madison Ave.': Levine Lures Mastroianni: Moscow, Israel Send Shows Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 5 July 1963: D11.
  175. ^ Of Local Origin New York Times 11 Feb 1942: 27.
  176. ^ Screen News here and in Hollywood: Rosemary Lane to Return to Films in Feminine Lead in Republic's 'Chatterbox' Three Pictures to Open 'Casablanca' Due at Hollywood -- 'White Cargo' at Capitol, 'Ravaged Earth' at Gaiety by Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 26 Nov 1942: 41.
  177. ^ "'Small Miracle' May Become Ladd Feature: 'Sullivans' Called Human Film Document; Baxter, Mitchell and Others Win Praise" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 18 Jan 1944: A8.
  178. ^ Don Ameche Named to Lead in 'Heaven Can Wait,' First Lubitsch Picture at Fox: Soviet Film Due Today 'Fortress on the Volga' Opens at Stanley -- 'Time to Kill' Is Newcomer at Palace by Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 24 Dec 1942: 18.
  179. ^ Screen News here and in Hollywood: Betty Hutton Will Play Texas Guinan in 'Smoothest Gal in Town,' With Alan Ladd 'Desperate Journey' Due Adventure at Strand Today -- Kenneth Macgowan Returns to Fox Studio Soon by Telephone to The New York Times. The New York Times 25 Sep 1942: 24.
  180. ^ Screen News: M-G-M to Star Garson in 'Great Temptation' Of Local Origin Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 14 Mar 1945: 22.
  181. ^ "Looking at Hollywood: 'The Submarine Story' Gives Alan Ladd New Chance to Bare Chest" Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 9 Sep 1950: b2.
  182. ^ Paramount Seeks 'Detective Story': Studio Confirms Effort to Buy Kingsley Play, With Alan Ladd in Line for Leading Role by Thomas F. Brady Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 15 July 1949: 17.
  183. ^ Drama: Crain, Loy Reunion Set in 'Belles;' Alan Ladd Hinted for Comedy Role Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 1 May 1951: B7.
  184. ^ "Hollywood Augury: Production Switch Dooms Dual Feature -- Addenda by Thomas Pryor Hollywood." New York Times 31 May 1953: X3.
  185. ^ "'No Time to Die' Likely for Ladd; Western Film Proposed for Brando" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 30 Mar 1957: B3
  186. ^ "Ladd to Star in Film of Pioneers' Reunion" Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 9 Nov 1955: b6.
  187. ^ "R.K.O. Negotiating to Back 10 Movie: Studio Would Finance Films Completed Within Year by Panoramic Productions" by Thomas M. Pryor Special to The New York Times. The New York Times 3 Mar 1954: 23.
  188. ^ 'Drama And Film: Pin-Up Betty Grable Top Box-Office Star Scarcity of Women in 'Best' List Noted; Bob Hope Climbs Steadily, Hits Second', Los Angeles Times 25 Dec 1943: A8
  189. ^ 'Bing Crosby Again Box-Office Leader: Van Johnson Second in Film Poll of Exhibitors—Rogers Wins for Westerns', The New York Times 28 Dec 1945: 21.
  190. ^ 'Bing Crosby Again Tops Money-Making Star List', Los Angeles Times 27 Dec 1946: A3.
  191. ^ "Film World". The West Australian (Second Edition. ed.). Perth. 28 February 1947. p. 20. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  192. ^ Mason Tops Bing Crosby: English Actor Wins in British Poll--Hope, Ladd Runners Up New York Times 19 Dec 1946: 41.
  193. ^ "Anna Neagle Most Popular Actress". The Sydney Morning Herald. 3 January 1948. p. 3. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  194. ^ Old Guard' Holds Fort With Crosby Leading Big Box-Office Survey Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 31 Dec 1948: 9.
  195. ^ 'Hope Edges Out Crosby as Box-Office Champ; Wayne, Williams', Los Angeles Times 30 Dec 1949: 15
  196. ^ "Tops at Home". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane. 31 December 1949. p. 4. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  197. ^ "Vivien Leigh Actress of the Year". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Qld. 29 December 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  198. ^ "Martin and Lewis Top U.S. Film Poll". The Sydney Morning Herald. 27 December 1952. p. 3. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  199. ^ "Film Fans Fancy Mr. Cooper". The Mercury. Hobart, Tasmania. 1 January 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  200. ^ "Popular in Films". The Barrier Miner. Broken Hill, NSW. 30 December 1954. p. 1. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  201. ^ "John Wayne Heads Box-Office Poll". The Mercury. Hobart, Tasmania. 31 December 1954. p. 6. Retrieved 27 April 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  202. ^ 'Dirk Bogarde favourite film actor', The Irish Times 29 Dec 1955: 9.
  203. ^ "British Film Drew Biggest Audiences: "Reach for the Sky"". The Manchester Guardian. Manchester (UK). 13 Dec 1956. p. 5.
  204. ^ Teen-Age Film Critics The Christian Science Monitor 26 Mar 1948: 20.
  205. ^ "Grey Zone", Tense Drama, Scores Hit in Premiere" von Blon, Katherine T. Los Angeles Times 12 Oct 1936: 10.
  206. ^ "'Susanne' Sprightly Offering" von Blon, Katherine T. Los Angeles Times 1 Feb 1937: A14.
  207. ^ "News of Stage and Screen: Public Likes New Version of Picture Fans Enjoy 'Seventh Heaven While Eastern Critics Deprecate" Lusk, Norbert. Los Angeles Times 4 Apr 1937: C3.
  208. ^ "Comings and Goings Latest Studio and Theater Gossip the Drama World: New Vincent Drama Flays Ways of War Playwright Comes to Hollywood to Produce "Road to the Rainbow", Described as Panoply of Peace" von Blon, Katherine T. Los Angeles Times 11 July 1937: C2.
  209. ^ "Shubert Bewails Lack of Actors for Stage Offerings" Los Angeles Times 31 July 1937: A7.
  • Shipman, David, The Great Movie Stars 1: The Golden Years, 1989