Ten Gentlemen from West Point is a 1942 American Western film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring George Montgomery, Maureen O'Hara and John Sutton. Its cinematography was nominated for an Academy Award in 1943.[3] George Montgomery replaced John Payne who was suffering an emotional upset at the time.[4] The story tell a fictional story of the first class of the United States Military Academy in the early 1800s.
| Ten Gentlemen from West Point | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Henry Hathaway |
| Written by | George Seaton (additional dialogue by) |
| Screenplay by | Richard Maibaum |
| Story by | Malvin Wald (suggested by a story by) |
| Produced by | William Perlberg |
| Starring | George Montgomery Maureen O'Hara John Sutton |
| Cinematography | Leon Shamroy |
| Edited by | James B. Clark |
| Music by | Alfred Newman |
| Color process | Black and white |
Production company | 20th Century Fox |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,174,500[1] |
| Box office | $1 million (US rentals)[2] $1,684,800 (worldwide)[1] |
Plot
editIn the early 19th century, after a congressional debate, the United States Military Academy at West Point opens despite some doubting its worth - including the officer in charge, Major Sam Carter. A number of men enlist in the first class, including rich Howard Shelton and Kentucky backwoodsman Joe Dawson. The men are initially antagonistic towards each other, especially when Joe falls for Howard's fiance, Carolyn Brainbridge.
The men take part in the war against Tecumseh with William Henry Harrison.
Cast
edit- George Montgomery as Joe Dawson
- Maureen O'Hara as Carolyn Brainbridge
- John Sutton as Howard Shelton
- Laird Cregar as Maj. Sam Carter
- Shepperd Strudwick as Henry Clay (as John Shepperd)
- Victor Francen as Florimond Massey
- Harry Davenport as Bane
- Ward Bond as Sgt. Scully
- Douglass Dumbrille as Gen. William Henry Harrison
- Ralph Byrd as Maloney
- Joe Brown Jr. as Benny Havens
- David Bacon as Shippen
- Esther Dale as Mrs. Thompson
- Richard Derr as Chester
- Louis Jean Heydt as Jared Danforth
- Stanley Andrews as Captain Sloane
- James Flavin as Captain Luddy
- Edna Mae Jones as Letty
- Charles Trowbridge as Senate president
- Tully Marshall as Grandpa
- Edwin Maxwell as Sen. John Randolph
- Uno as Old Put (dog)
- Edward Fielding as William Eustis
- Morris Ankrum as Wood
- Selmer Jackson as Sersen
- Noble Johnson as Tecumseh
- Eddie Dunn as O'Toole
- Frank Ferguson as Alden Brown
Production
editThe film was originally called School for Soldiers. It was meant to star Tyrone Power, then was given to Henry Fonda and John Payne. Henry Hathaway signed to direct and Ben Hecht was bought on to rewrite the script.[5] Eventually Fonda and Payne withdrew and were replaced by George Montgomery and Randolph Scott. Maureen O'Hara and Victor Mature were meant to play other roles.[6] Eventually John Payne replaced Randolph Scott - but then John Sutton replaced Payne.
The costumes were designed by Dolly Tree.
Reception
editThe film recorded a loss of $89,000.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Mank, Gregory William (2018). Laird Cregar: A Hollywood Tragedy. McFarland.
- ^ "101 Pix Gross in Millions", Variety, January 6, 1943, p. 58
- ^ "Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942): Awards". IMDb.
- ^ O'Hara, Maureen; Nicoletti, John. Tis Herself: An Autobiography. Simon & Schuster. pp. 80–83.
- ^ "Screen News Here And In Hollywood: Henry Fonda and John Payne Named for 'Ten Gentlemen From West Point' Rivoli To Reopen Sept. 1 ' Unfinished Business' Will Be First Attraction -- 'Charley's Aunt' Sets New Record". New York Times. August 16, 1941. p. 18.
- ^ "Screen News Here And In Hollywood: Fox Buys 'My Friend Flicka' as Roddy MacDowall Vehicle -- Role for Renaldo Russian Film Due Tonight ' Wings of Victory' Arrives at Stanley -- Roxy Holds Over 'Week-End in Havana'". New York Times. November 14, 1941. p. 29.