Ten Gentlemen from West Point
Ten Gentlemen from West Point is a 1942 film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring George Montgomery and Maureen O'Hara. 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 |
| Produced by | William Perlberg |
| Written by | Richard Maibaum (screenplay) George Seaton (additional dialogue) |
| Story by | Malvin Wald |
| Starring | George Montgomery Maureen O'Hara |
| Music by | Alfred Newman |
| Cinematography | Leon Shamroy |
| Edited by | James B. Clark |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date | June 26, 1942 |
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,174,500[1] |
| Box office | $1 million (US rentals)[2] $1,684,800 (worldwide)[1] |
Plot
In the early 19th century, West Point Military Academy opens despite some doubting its worth - including the officer in charge, 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
- 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
- Louis Jean Heydt as Jared Danforth
- Victor Francen as Florimond Massey
- Harry Davenport as Bane
- Ward Bond as Scully
- Douglass Dumbrille as Gen. William Henry Harrison
- Ralph Byrd as Maloney
- Esther Dale as Mrs. Thompson
- Richard Derr as Chester
- Stanley Andrews as Captain Sloane
- James Flavin as Captain Luddy
- Charles Trowbridge as Senate president
- Tully Marshall as Grandpa
- Edwin Maxwell as John Randolph
- Edward Fielding as William Eustis
- Morris Ankrum as Wood
- Selmer Jackson as Sersen
- Noble Johnson as Tecumseh
- Blake Edwards as Cadet (uncredited)
- Ruth Clifford as Graduation Spectator (uncredited)
- Bess Flowers as Graduation Ceremony Guest (uncredited)
- Carl Stockdale as Senator (uncredited)
Production
The 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
The film recorded a loss of $89,000.[1]
References
- 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.