“Shane. Come back. We need you!” was the plaintive cry at the end of SHANE. The classic western masterpiece is considered one of the best movies ever made. amzn.to/3LbB8CV Star Alan Ladd certainly never had a role that showcased his ability to portray such a complex character. His heroic roving gunfighter has become the definitive western hero. It’s unfortunate that Ladd, born September 3, 1913, never worked with his friend, acclaimed director George Stevens, again.
Ridiculed for his diminutive size while still in elementary school, Alan Ladd’s struggle to attain movie stardom is typical. Due to his accomplished swimming and diving skills, Ladd became popular as a student at North Hollywood High School. After graduation, he married and struggled to find work as an actor in movies. A combination of skill, determination, and good fortune in his finding a believer in his agent, former actress Sue Carol, who became his wife, placed him at the top of post-war popularity.
His 5’6” height was hidden on the big screen. As a cold-blooded hitman in 1942’s THIS GUN FOR HIRE, Ladd’s handsome, yet boyish face, created a sensation in Paramount’s film noir classic in which he was 4th billed and “introduced.” Signed by the studio, he became one of the most popular stars of the 1940s. Always shy and insecure, Ladd was never a favorite with critics and was derided for his limited acting skills. As his popularity peaked in the late 40s, Ladd’s alcoholism increased.
By the early 1950’s the studio felt that his days as a top box office star were ending and didn’t want him to star in the big budget western, SHANE. Fortunately, George Stevens was adamant that Ladd star as the mysterious gunfighter. Ladd was perfect for the part. Oscar nominations for SHANE include Best Supporting Actor for both Jack Palance and Brandon De Wilde, not Van Heflin as I say in my narration.
What happened to cause Ladd’s early demise at the age of 50? Were there two suicide attempts or were they accidents as the press was told?
This special biography edition of A WORD ON WESTERNS delves into the early life, struggles, success and downfall of superstar Alan Ladd, yet another popular star who died too young. I am honored for this episode to have been selected by the prestigious Western Writers of America as a Finalist for Best Documentary script of 2024 and as a Best Documentary by the Will Rogers Medallion Awards for 2024.
A Word On Westerns Recommendations:
Shane (1953): amzn.to/3LbB8CV
Shane (1953) on Blu-Ray: amzn.to/45Hk7ZB
Shane (Novel): amzn.to/3Z5FDVa
This Gun for Hire (1942): amzn.to/3Z3Xfkx
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