The Way to the Gold
The Way to the Gold is a 1957 drama film directed by Robert D. Webb and starring Jeffrey Hunter, Sheree North, and Barry Sullivan. It was released by 20th Century-Fox.
| The Way to the Gold | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Robert D. Webb |
| Produced by | David Weisbart |
| Written by | Wendell Mayes |
| Starring | Jeffrey Hunter Sheree North |
| Music by | Lionel Newman |
| Cinematography | Leo Tover |
| Edited by | Hugh S. Fowler |
| Distributed by | 20th Century-Fox |
Release date | May 10, 1957 |
Running time | 94 mins. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $920,000[1] |
| Box office | $2.9 million |
Plot
Joe Mundy (Hunter) is being released from prison and an old convict, whom he has befriended, tells him the location of stolen gold. Leaving the prison, Joe is followed to Glendale, Arizona by Little Brother Williams (Neville Brand). There he meets Henrietta Clifford (North), who befriends him after he's badly beaten by Williams. Eventually, Joe and Henrietta go searching for the gold themselves.
Cast
- Jeffrey Hunter as Joe Mundy
- Sheree North as Henrietta 'Hank' Clifford, waitress
- Barry Sullivan as Marshal Hannibal
- Walter Brennan as Uncle George Williams
- Neville Brand as Little Brother Williams
Production
The film was based on a novel by Wilbur Daniel Steele. In August 1954 Darryl F. Zanuck recommended 20th Century Fox by the screen right prior to publication. (Zanuck had left the studio but still held considerable clout there.)[2][3] They paid $60,000 even though the novel had not been completed.[4]
The novel was published in July 1955.[5] The New York Times said it "should have real success."[6]
In May 1956 Wendell Mayes was hired to write the script.[7] Mayes later called it "a picture that was before its time, which slipped by quite unnoticed... an interesting picture, but the studio and the people who publicize pictures didn't understand that it was a comedy. They thought that it was a big melodrama, so it slipped by."[8]
Elvis Presley was offered the starring role in the film but 20th Century-Fox refused to pay the $250,000 plus 50% of the profits that Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker was demanding (Fox had offered $150,000 plus 50%).
Filming started January 1957.[9]
Sheree North separated from her husband during filming.[10]
See also
References
- Solomon, Aubrey. Twentieth Century Fox: A Corporate and Financial History (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series). Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 1989. ISBN 978-0-8108-4244-1. p251
- Schallert, Edwin (Aug 18, 1954). "'Violent Saturday,' New Novel, Purchased; David Brian 'Timberjack' Star". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
- THOMAS M. PRYOR (Aug 18, 1954). "THEATRES CANCEL TV BOXING PLANS: Skouras Calls Off Coverage of Charles – Marciano Bout in Dispute With Video Unit". The New York Times. p. 20.
- A. H. WEILER. (Sep 26, 1954). "RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ON PICTURES AND PEOPLE". New York Times. p. X5.
- "Today's Books". New York Times. July 28, 1955. p. 21.
- HERBERT F. WEST. (July 31, 1955). "The Heart Has Reasons". New York Times. p. BR4.
- Schallert, Edwin (May 5, 1956). "Drama: Tony Galento to Enact Mobster; Cecil Movie Cartoon on Schedule". Los Angeles Times. p. A9.
- McGilligan, Patrick (1997). Backstory 3: Interviews with Screenwriters of the 60s. University of California Press. p. 260.
- THOMAS M. PRYOR (Jan 4, 1957). "HITCHCOCK SIGNS FOR M-G-M MOVIE: He Will Produce and Direct 'Wreck of the Mary Deare' From Book by Innes Todd Settles Taxing Problem". The New York Times. p. 18.
- "Sheree North Parting From Music Publisher: Actress Reveals 'Amicable' Separation After Two-Year Marriage to Bud Freeman". Los Angeles Times. Mar 12, 1957. p. B1.