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Rock HudsonPosted Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 9:55 AM
Born Roy Scherer Jr., Rock made his way to Hollywood after his stint in the Navy during WW2. He had to work hard at being an actor, it did not come easy to him, but Rock studied the trade, and took various lessons while working as a truck driver. In his first film, Fighter Squadron, I have heard rumors that it took close to 40 takes for Rock to deliver his one line in the movie. He was a good looking guy, and a kind man, determined to be patient and learn his craft, Rock took whatever small parts that came his way, including playing an Apache Brave in Winchester 73, with another all time great, James Stewart. I always chuckle when I see Rock in that movie because I doubt there ever was anything close to a 6'6" Apache Brave, although Creek Indian Will Sampson (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) was 6'4". Rock's big break came in 1954 in a truly wonderful movie, Magnificent Obsession, with Jane Wyman and Agnes Moorehead. A remarkable movie about a playboy who inadvertently causes the death of a famous doctor, a leading citizen in the community. It is a story about true faith, true healing, and true forgiveness. You can not watch this movie and not see the kind heart of Rock Hudson, or shed a tear. Then came Giant in 1956, with Rock and James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. This actually wasn't of my favorites, but both Rock and James Dean earned Academy Award nominations for the movie. I appreciated Rock Hudson's natural comic genius. By 1959, Hollywood finally figured that out as well. Thus began a period where Rock made some of my all time favorite movies. Pillow Talk (1959) and Lover Come Back (1961) with Doris Day. These movies with Doris day were simply fun, and good natured. In 1964, Hudson made two more enjoyable movies, Send Me No Flowers, again with Doris Day, and my favorite Rock Hudson comedy, Mans Favorite Sport?, with Paula Prentiss. In Man's favorite Sport?, Rock really was able to use his comic genius to make fun of himself, portraying an alledged fishing expert, who had never actually been fishing, forced to participate in a fishing tournament. By today's standards, I am sure some might think it was a cheesy movie, but I truly appreciated the movie, and still do. Ice Station Zebra (1968) was a fine flick, but I so enjoyed Rock with John Wayne and Ben Johnson in The Undefeated (1969). Another admirable movie with great themes of healing, and forgiveness, redemption...and faith in fellow man. Rock Hudson also had a successful television series, McMillian and Wife with Susan Saint James in the 70's. I was sad when Rock died early at age 59. I thought it was a terrible loss. I did not pay attention to Rock's personal demons, we all have them. I chose to remember the man from Magnificent Obsession, The Undefeated or Pillow Talk. A kind man with a warm smile, a man who cared deeply about the profession he loved. After Rock Hudson's' death there was allot of ugliness, lawsuits and such, and I truly regret those events. I think they took away from the man's heart and his passion. Rock was a guy who was at his best when laughing or demonstrating the true heart of man. Thanks Rock, for the great movies, for the laughs, and for the tears. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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I would like to pass along the olive branch that Sam passed to me this past week.
Sometimes for political junkies all we care about is getting a good hit in, and often times we don't really read what the person has written. I know that I have done this many times and to Sam as well and for that I apologize.
Sam and I don't agree on much, in fact, and I'm sure he would agree, the chances on us actully agreeing on something (other than this statement) has less of a chance of happening than the moon actually being made of cheese.
Having said that, this is still the United States of America and we have the greatest document ever written by man (The Constitution) to guide us. Heck it's right up front, we have freedom of speech. And while I may disagree with Sam and he may disagree with me, we both agree that we each have the right to say what we believe in .... we also have the right to tell each other they are wrong and argue like adults on who is right ha ha ha
Here's to you Sam, keep up the good work.
I wonder if Obama included any of Rock's work in the gift basket of DVD's he gave PM Brown on his visit? What a rank amatuer Obama has proven himself to be. Here, PM Brown gives Obama a pen set carved from the timbers of the HMS Gannet, and the best Obama can do is give him some DVD's that he probably confiscated from the White House gift shop! That was a total insult to Britain and her people. That was on top of Obama boxing up the bust of Sir Winston Churchill that was sent to us, via Pres. Bush, showing us their support for us in the wake of 9/11/01, and sending it back to them.
Sorry Libs, your Rookie of the Year will never make the All-Star team!!
Though I would be remiss not to mention that I absolutely love Rock Hudson movies. Man's Favorite Sport is still one of my favorite movies of all time.
Somehow, methinks god ol' MEE doth protest too much.
Selecting official gifts for White House visitors bearing historical and inexpensive gifts while looking for a handout -- has not been a major priority for the new president.
Face reality, the standard Yankee president's insult to the English has been another multi-million dollar handout.
Of course, while being lectured about the Englanders' perceived preference for U.S. conduct.
He received several gifts from the departing pretender.
For Example:
Two woefully mismanaged wars, which have dragged along for more than a half decade;
The worst economic meltdown in 78 years;
The greatest budget deficits since Daddy Bush leftr office;
The greatest national debt ever;
Plus a whole raft of Executive Orders requiring study based upon constitutional law --- and not the past or present officeholders' religious beliefs.
The constitution GUARANTEES separation of state and church. With DubYah that separation was seriously diminished via multiple Executive Orders based upon his "new found" religion -- which supposedly replaced his love of liquid refreshment in excess of 100 proof.
Now, a president thoroughly steeped in constitutional law is returning Government of Laws and NOT BY MEN to proper perspective.
By the way, for all those bleating uninformed criticism of President Obama -- There is a simple education. Drop by the Univ. of Chicago Law School and listen to students who have had the opportunity to attend Prof. Obama's C.L. classes.
Many of the nation's best and brightest routinely attended those classes -- without academic credit -- just for the opportunity to learn.
A hundred or so "enrolled for credit" students, with another thousand to two thousand devoting valuable time to learning.