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Saturday, December 16, 2017

Brian Donlevy, the "Good Bad Guy" - Book Review & Author Interview

Who doesn't love a charismatic villain? The best villains are those who not only steal all the scenes they are in, but make you root for them by exposing their humanity, vulnerability, or sheer likeability.  In one of my favorite examples, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. had a tremendous turn as devilish, dashing  'Rupert of Hentzau' in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937).  (By the way, this movie is terrific beyond just Fairbanks, Jr., so check it out if you haven't already seen it.)

Brian Donlevy, publicity photo from
Destry Rides Again.  (IMDb.com)
I'd seen character actor Brian Donlevy (1901-1972) in a few films from the 1940s before he really registered on my radar, but that all changed when I watched Destry Rides Again (1939).  I wrote about this western, starring James Stewart, here, and had commented on how Donlevy really killed it.  It turns out that playing deeply flawed characters, protagonists or antagonists, was Donlevy's specialty.  Some were straight out villains that were unlikeable but still charismatic (Beau Geste, 1939), villains that were just unlikeable and not particularly charismatic (The Virginian, 1946), misguided tough guys with hearts of gold (McGinty in The Great McGinty1940), or corrupt politicians with a sense of humor (The Glass Key1942).  But his career also saw him assaying strong upstanding guys--two that I enjoyed were: in Two Years Before the Mast (1946), he supported leading man Alan Ladd as the real-life writer who ultimately exposes the poor working conditions aboard sailing vessels in early 19th century; in Kiss of Death (1947) he plays the straight and sympathetic D.A. to Victor Mature's reforming ex-con.  If nothing else, his range was wide and he was reliable, and sometimes breathtaking. 

Late last year, his first full-length biography, titled Brian Donlevy, the Good Bad Guy, was published by McFarland Books, and does justice to this often overlooked actor's life and career.  The author, Derek Sculthorpe, who also wrote the recent bio of Van Heflin that I reviewed here, answered some of my questions about his work, and I intersperse them throughout this post.

Sculthorpe's objective in writing about Donlevy was to "provide a comprehensive and human assessment of his life and career."  As with the Heflin book, it's thoroughly researched.  The primary focus is on the detailed output of Donlevy's career, and because Sculthorpe watched every available film and television show, he is able to draw detailed insights about his work.  It really is a great reference for those interested in film history, as Sculthorpe provides the background of each film's production, a short description, an analysis, and citations from press of the time.

Despite this heavy film focus, Sculthorpe intersperses chronologically those specifics of Donlevy's personal life that he uncovered during his research so that we get a sense of who this man was.  For example, with his study of military records, Sculthorpe was able to debunk some of the more colorful stories of Donlevy's service before and during WWI which were fed to the press during Donlevy's early acting career, and which are still part of the lead bio on IMDb.com.
Donlevy with starlet Rita Cansino, soon to become
mega-star Rita Hayworth, in Human Cargo (1936)
(Photo from: Brian Donlevy, the Good Bad Guy,
McFarland Books 2016)

Q.  How long did it take you to research and write your book on Donlevy?

Sculthorpe:  "It took several months to research. It’s an incredibly time-consuming process. The thing is that once you start writing you begin to find more things. Obviously by the end you have so much.  It took about eight months to write. This is so much less than it took for Heflin of course which was about two years or so in total. I learnt so much writing the first one which meant that I knew what to expect this time."

We learn that, in many ways, Donlevy had a career typical of many Hollywood actors of his generation, working until just a couple of years before he succumbed to cancer in 1972 at the age of 71.  While he had no real formal acting training, he scored successes in film, the Broadway stage, radio and television. He had a private life that wasn't without its bumps and bruises, and battled alcoholism.  He struggled with being typecast as a 'heavy', but often made the best of those roles, and relished those in which he played against type. 

Q.  What film of Donlevy's that is less well-known would you recommend people watch because of Donlevy's presence?
Brian Donlevy and Susan Hayward on
the set of Canyon Passage (IMDb.com)

Sculthorpe:  "It’s hard to name just one. I would say Canyon Passage, which was an interesting role. Among the less well-known ones I especially liked 36 Hours to Kill (1936) in which he showed a lightness of touch; he was romantic and jaunty. The Remarkable Andrew (1942) (where Donlevy played the ghost of President Andrew Jackson) because he worked well with (William) Holden and it was something different.  Incidentally, in one of his early shorts, Ireno (1932) he had a tiny uncredited role as a drunk which was well-observed I thought. It is very short but is now available on YouTube:"

Donlevy first gained star status with his Oscar-nominated turn as the villain in Beau Geste.  But his career reached its apex in the 1940s, where he was under contract with Paramount, and where he made most of the hit films I cited as those catching my attention.  Later, as his career ebbed, he worked for various other studios, such as Republic, and ventured into television.  His hit show Dangerous Assignment in the 1950s was based on the radio show of the same name, that Donlevy himself conceived and wrote.  In it, he's a debonair but tough U.S. special agent dealing with all kinds of cases of intrigue and adventure.  Interestingly to me, he married the widow of Bela Lugosi late in life, after having divorced two wives, and Sculthorpe was in touch with stepson Bela Lugosi Jr., for insights about Donlevy.  One gets the sense that Donlevy had a restless energy all his life that propelled him to success, but also perhaps never allowed him contentment with his choices.  He dabbled in writing poetry and fiction, and investments in mining concerns.

Q.  In reading the book, it struck me that Donlevy’s life and career had parallels to those of Van Heflin, the subject of your earlier book (e.g. talents underused, character actor vs. lead, challenges in personal life such as difficult relationships with children, drinking, etc).  Any thoughts about what made them similar, and perhaps more importantly, what was different about the two? 

Donlevy with Gloria Stuart in 36 Hours to Kill (IMDb.com)
Sculthorpe: "I think Heflin was a far more intense actor; for him acting was a real craft and he put a great deal into his roles, especially on stage. Those parts were physically and emotionally draining. For Donlevy, it was more of a job I would say, a means to an end. Both were a similar generation, both loners and, as you say, had a drinking problem. As to drinking, it is a common theme, and others such as William Holden and Robert Ryan were comparable. I think that generation were encouraged to keep emotion inside. Conversely, I think this made them better actors. Both sought adventure in their early lives, but the crucial difference was that Donlevy wanted to be part of something (the army), whereas Heflin just wanted to escape and do his own thing. Overall, I would say Heflin turned down a great many more roles than Donlevy. Their attitude to television was revealing; Heflin saw it as diminishing the art of acting in some way. Donlevy was practical and enjoyed one of his greatest successes with a TV series."

Q.  If you could play casting director…is there any film role that Donlevy would have been absolutely the best choice for (past or present) that may have showcased his talents better?  

Sculthorpe:  "I would like to have seen him as Frank Elgin in The Country Girl, (1954) which he only ever did on stage in his “straw hat” days. I know Bing Crosby did it well but Donlevy was said to be unexpectedly good in that role so that would have been interesting."

Q. What is your next project?

Sculthorpe:  "My next book is about Claire Trevor, it should be out at the beginning of next year." 
The subjects I have chosen have not been the most obvious ones, or the easiest to write about. I just feel that the big stars - Marilyn, Cary Grant, Bette Davis et al. have been written about a lot. What more can be said about them? A vast number never made it to their level, but nonetheless have a story to tell. It is heartening to see that there have recently been books about Lloyd Nolan, Richard Jaeckel, Dan Duryea and other less feted people for instance."

Sculthorpe added that he would be interested to know which subjects my blog readers would like to see books written about -- feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section.

This post is my entry in the 2017 "What a Character" Blogathon, hosted by Aurora of Once Upon a Screen, Kellee of Outspoken & Freckled, and Paula of Paula's Cinema Club.  Check out all the posts to satisfy your curiosity about actors you've probably seen but may not know their names.  All these actors deserve to have their stories told for what they gave us on the silver screen. 

23 comments:

  1. Informative and entertaining post, Jocelyn. As happens to me often with submissions to the What a Character blogathon, I'd forgotten so many specifics about Donlevy's career. When I see them in one place it really highlights the way he had with "mean."

    As to Mr. Sculthorpe's question - I'm sticking with his theme of generally lesser known actors and would love to read about Eric Blore or William Demarest in particular.

    Aurora

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    1. Thanks so much, Aurora. I love this blogathon because while many of these wonderful actors we enjoy fly under the radar, here we have the chance to get familiar with them essentially from a single location.

      I agree about Eric Blore and William Demarest. We’ll see if Mr. Sculthorpe takes up these ideas!

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  2. A great tribute and a lot of new (to me) film recommendations.

    Your essay is almost like a Bonus Extra on a Blu-ray. So much terrific info here. Thanks!

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    1. Wow, thanks so much! It was a pleasure to write and I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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  3. Terrific post of a terrific actor. My favorite lesser-known movie of his (at least for him) is THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK, where he reprises his role from THE GREAT McGINTY as a supporting character. He was also terrific in the films noir KISS OF DEATH and THE BIG COMBO.

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    1. Thank you! I thought he was very good in KISS OF DEATH, but I have yet to see the other two. I missed seeing THE BIG COMBO when it was part of a noir fest at one of my local cinemas, and regretted it, so I need to watch it soon.

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  4. Fascinating.

    I didn't realize what a huge Donlevy fan I had become until a few years ago when he popped up on an old episode of Family Affair which ran locally during the lunch hour. There was a character of a construction site foreman who was spoken of and I wondered if it might be an actor I was familiar with. When Donlevy appeared, I burst into tears. (WTH!) Then I thought about Remarkable Andrew and The Big Combo and Beau Geste and Canyon Passage, etc. OK, I said, you're allowed a little bit of emotion.

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    1. Wow! I do think we can form attachments to these people who have delighted us with their talents over many films and many years. I love seeing classic actors in TV or movies of the later 20th century. The continuity of life and art is underscored.

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  5. I just saw him in Hangmen Also Die, in which he plays an assassin for the Czech resistance who refuses to turn himself in although the Nazis are executing hostages until he does. Another complex role.

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    1. That sounds fascinating. And Fritz Lang as director, and Bertholt Brecht as writer! I will need to watch this one, soon. Thank you for sharing your recommendation!

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  6. What a great post - very informative. Another great actor we kind of take for granted because he's always there and always good. Thanks for throwing some well-deserved roses his way!

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    1. Thanks so much, Martha. I like how Donlevy could be showy in one film, and understated in another. Seemed like a generous actor, but could be easy to overlook.

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  7. Through watching so many of Alan Ladd's movies, I've come to appreciate Donlevy quite a lot. I used to only know him from Destry Rides Again, and think of him as just another humorous heavy, but he really excelled in other types of roles too! I'll have to see if my library has this book.

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    1. Hi, Hamlette, thanks for stopping by! I think my first experiences with Donlevy were I’m watching Alan’s films, too. It makes sense as they were both under contract with Paramount at the same time. They made a good team in THE GLASS KEY.

      I saw you are hosting a blogathon at the end of the month on inspirational films—it’s tempting although the clock is ticking. I’ll see if I can identify something to include and if so I’ll let you know, if it’s not too late!

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    2. I did really like them together in The Glass Key -- they had a great dynamic in that one. Likewise Two Years Before the Mast.

      YES! The blogathon is going to be a really fun one. I hope you can find time and inspiration to join in!

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    3. Well, it looks like I didn't make it ... :-( I will check out some of the entries before the end of the holiday weekend. If you do another one I will try to get a jump on it! An Alan Ladd blogathon, perhaps?? ;-) All the best for you in 2018.

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    4. Well, it doesn't end until tomorrow ;-) But hey, I'm sure there will be others! I actually hosted an Alan Ladd blogathon back in September for his birthday <3

      Happy new year!

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    5. ...(hits head on computer screen)... Oh well! I need to pay better attention--a New Year's Resolution for sure! <3

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    6. Well, on the plus side, if you visit the blogathon list here, you can find links to all the Alan Ladd posts and have fun stuff to read :-)

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  8. Thanks for this interesting interview. Must get the book. I've always liked Brian Donlevy and one of my favourite films is IMPACT in which he costars with Ella Raines.

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    1. Thank you, Vienna. I haven't watched that one, but Sculthorpe cites it as one of Donlevy's best roles, so I do need to check it out. I don't think we see enough of Ella Raines, so her presence there is surely a bonus.

      Happy New Year to you and happy blogging!

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  9. Jocelyn

    I really enjoyed this write-up about Brian Donlevy. He's in one of my favorite films noir: Kiss of Death (as you point out). Such a good film all around and worth seeing again.

    Marianne
    http://makeminefilmnoir.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks, Marianne. Donlevy excelled in noir as well as other genres. Thank you for stopping by.

      I wish you a happy new year and continued success with your blog!

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