Warner Baxter

Baxter was born on March 29, 1889.[6] in Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio,[2] to Edwin F. Baxter, born October 1, 1867, Marysville, Union Co., Ohio[7] and Jennie (Jane) B. Barrett, born December 30, 1869, Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.[8] Jennie Barrett was the daughter of Leroy Barrett and Hattie Snider.[9] (Note: Ohio Birth Index shows date as March 30, 1889.[10] Baxter's parents were married May 10, 1888, Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.[11] Edwin Baxter owned a cigar stand in Columbus, Ohio.[12] Edwin F. Baxter, son of William E. Baxter and Mary C. Miller Baxter, died on September 16, 1889, at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.[13][14] Baxter was not quite 5 months old when his father died. Baxter's mother survived him by ten years. Jane/Jennie Barrett Baxter died on March 29, 1962, at her home in Beverly Hills, California.[15] Her cremated remains were inurned at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Great Mausoleum, Glendale, California as well as those of his widow, Winifred Bryson Baxter Manger, many years later but in different locations.[16]

Baxter and his mother went to live with her brother in Columbus. They later moved to New York City, where he became active in dramatics, both participating in school productions and attending plays. In 1898, the two moved to San Francisco, where he graduated from Polytechnic High School. When the 1906 San Francisco earthquake struck, Baxter and his mother lived in Golden Gate Park for eight days and then went to live with friends in Alameda for three months. In 1908, they returned to Columbus. After selling farm implements for a living, Baxter worked for four months as the partner of Dorothy Shoemaker in an act on the Keith Vaudeville Circuit.[3]

With June Lang and Fredric March

Baxter began his film career as an extra in 1914 in a stock company. He had his first starring role in Sheltered Daughters (1921), and starred in 48 features during the 1920s. His most notable silent roles were in The Great Gatsby (1926), Aloma of the South Seas (1926) as an island love interest opposite dancer Gilda Gray, and an alcoholic doctor in West of Zanzibar (1928) with Lon Chaney.

Author David Shipman wrote in 1970, " 'He is the beau ideal, a Valentino without a horse and the costume of a sheik. He is the fellow the girls meet around the corner, that is, if the fellow were Warner Baxter. He is the chap the lonely woman on the prairie sees when she looks at the men's ready-to-wear pages in the latest mail order catalogue'; this appraisal by Jim Tully appeared in Picturegoer in 1936. Baxter was certainly the inspiration for artwork in mail-order catalogues and adverts for pipes, the prototype for men modelling cardigans or pullovers or tweeds. During the early Sound period he was one of Hollywood's leading actors. There was no éclat with him no scandals, no Hollywood careering. Women liked him because he was mature and reliable. He was a good work-horse of an actor, often at the mercy of his material. When it was good, he gave positive, likeable performances. It was a long career but he is hardly remembered today."[17]

Baxter's most notable starring role was as the The Cisco Kid in In Old Arizona (1929), the first all-talking Western, for which he won the second Academy Award for Best Actor. He also starred in 42nd Street (1933), Grand Canary (1934), Broadway Bill (1934), and Kidnapped (1938).

By 1936, Baxter was the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, but by 1943, he had slipped to B movie roles, and he starred in a series of Crime Doctor films for Columbia Pictures. Baxter had roles in more than 100 films between 1914 and 1950.[18] In 1936, Baxter had what Leonard Maltin considered his finest job of acting in John Ford's "The Prisoner of Shark Island."[19]

It was about this time that Baxter began to have career and personal troubles. The studio system and being a top leading man with Fox made him wealthy beyond his dreams but it also let him in for some significant personal problems. Baxter said he was envious of his friend, Ronald Colman. "Look at that guy. He only makes one or two pictures a year. I've got to work practically every day in the year." He couldn't seem to pry himself away from his salary as a contract star.[20] Some of his best rolls in this period were on loan out from his home studio, Fox Picture Corporation. His MGM loan out for "Robin Hood of El Dorado" was an example. Director William Wellman recollections in the 2015 biography by his son went into some detail. Baxter according to Wellman was aging and troubled by that as evidenced by a major drinking problem. Baxter told Wellman he was fine during the day but as evening approached he was "gone."[21] Adding to his own insecurities as a leading man, his home studio was not known for having a strong story department. They relied on the formula of having their major stars repeat the same type of stories and characters when it reverberated with an audience. In many cases, even for Will Rogers, it often would decrease the value of the actor's contract.[22] By 1939 he was publicly complaining about being teamed up with new bright and very young actresses as he was advancing in years. He said working with Loretta Young was fine as she had been around since the silent days and fans didn't view her as a youngster, but the new crop such as Lynn Bari, Arleen Whelan made him feel very uncomfortable.[23] As his 20th Century Fox contact was nearing completion he was openly talking of retiring. A decision he was making with his wife. By 1941, columnist Jimmie Fidler was stating the retirement talk was on the level.[24] Some time between "Adam Had Four Sons" and "Lady in the Dark" he suffered a mental breakdown. Over the subsequent years he was fairly candid about it in interviews. He said "It's like chasing a rainbow. You never see the end of it. Each part you get has to be better than the last one and before you know it you've got a nervous breakdown."[25]

Between 1935 and 1941, Internal Revenue Service published annually the individuals with the highest incomes. These amounts may differ from other published sources that are usually higher. Baxter was under contract for a full years service to 20th Century Fox. Normally top talent contracts ran for seven years and allowed for six weeks off per year. The IRS stated in 1935, Baxter made $203,000 ($3,837,319.19 in 2019), 1936 reported $284,000 ($5,315,313.12 in 2019), and for 1937, $225,961 ($4,082,105.70 in 2019). As stated earlier, he was the highest paid contract actor in 1936.[26] In contrast toward the end of his career, Baxter signed a contract with Columbia Picture Corporation on July 1, 1947, for two pictures per year for the next two years effective December 8, 1947. The terms were that he be paid initially in increments of $12,000 a week the sum of $30,000 ($348,337.37 in 2019) for each picture. He also was to pay 1.5% of his compensation to the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Each picture was to be filmed in ​3 ¹⁄₂ weeks. Principal filming if beyond the ​3 ¹⁄₂ weeks was to be compensated additionally at a rate of $6,000 per week. The US minimum wage in 1947 was $0.40 per hour. The films described were a "Crime Doctor" story based on the radio program of the same name or another so-called "crime" film. He was to be given script approval and star billing above the title. His day was limited to nine hours within a 24-hour period with principal filming to begin at 10 AM to include one hour for meals during his workday. The morals clause and a section of negative provisions were lined out. He was also obligated to participate in still photography, advertising and publicity to be in "good taste" and was not to travel by air during principal photography without written permission from the studio. Travel and lodging in excess of 25 miles from the studio would be at studio expense. As was common in this era he was to supply his own modern wardrobe, wearing apparel and shoes if called for by the story. Damage to his own personal wardrobe would be paid for by the studio. Character costumes and shoes would be supplied if necessary by the studio. Baxter was represented by Philip M. Schiefer Agency at 9172 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles 46, California.[27]

Baxter was very candid in interviews giving credit for his long and financially rewarding career to his wife. "I never take a roll until we both talk it over. I have a high opinion of her judgment". He said he no longer cared about high budget films or being a star. "I don't need the money, and I work just to keep interested. I had a good part in a big picture about six years ago. There was tension in making it and I felt myself getting nervous again. I was glad when it was over." Describing his earlier breakdown ten years ago he said he worried and stewed and fussed. "I'd start to walk one way and discover that I was going in the opposite direction. When I thought I was carrying on a conversation, all I was doing was mumbling. I thought I was going crazy." He said all he did for six months was sit and stare into space. They moved to their beach house in Malibu, soaking up the sun and gradually getting better.[28] Baxter felt that the best role in motion pictures was being a leading man in a series. He'd reached that conclusion during the production years of the various Crime Doctor films. "It's wonderful. I make two of them a year. Columbia has juggled it so I can make two in a row. That takes about eight weeks of my time. The rest of the year I relax. I travel. I enjoy life".[25]

Between 1930 and 1936, Myrna Loy was costarred with Baxter four times. Renegades, Penthouse, Broadway Bill, and To Mary-With Love. She wrote in her 1987 autobiography, "And I have fond memories of Warner, a good actor and a charming man, because we did several pictures together. Renegades was a happy film because of them (Baxter and director Victor Fleming). Of Renegades, Warner Baxter said it was so hot "they had to keep the cameras packed in ice-bags like a fever patient so the celluloid wouldn't catch fire."[29] Loy liked and respected Baxter, a high-salaried (because he'd won an Oscar in 1928 for his work in Old Arizona), competent, and darkly handsome but rather stiff and bland Ohio native with whom she'd appear again.[30] Only two other actors did she costar with more often, Clark Gable and William Powell."[31]

Toward the end of Baxter's career and life he wrote a one time guest column published in the Saturday Evening Post in 1948, entitled "The Roll I Liked Best." He wrote in part, "I must admit that I rate the Kid's (Cisco Kid) first film, In Old Arizona, as my top favorite." He went on to write how as an early "talkie" and the first outdoor talking feature picture made they had to hide microphones in trees and behind rocks at that time. "In Old Arizona started as a two-reeler and we built it up to an eight-reeler. I thoroughly enjoyed the building-up part. It made me feel that I had helped create a new Cisco Kid for the pictures. Then, too, the fact that I got an Oscar for the job caused me no pain." He said this film allowed him to ultimately play the roll of Cisco five times. Arizona Kid in 1930 was the second of five. He liked the warmth and color of the character while modifying O. Henry's story with comedy and drama.[32] In keeping his Oscar in proper perspective, around 1945, Life Magazine photographed him with the trophy but never published it. The photo shows Baxter in a club chair in his Beverly Hills home looking fondly at his dog, an American Cocker Spaniel on the floor. The dog's leash is anchored to his gold Oscar and sitting on the floor with the dog.[33]

For a number of years stunt man and western actor Frank McGrath known best for his roll portraying Charlie Wooster on the TV series Wagon Train was a stand-in and stunt double for Baxter. He so greatly resembled Baxter that they could have passed for brothers according to Los Angeles Times reporter John Scott's 1935 article. The two men formed a friendship outside of the studios and McGrath worked in several capacities for him away from filming.[34] Studio still photos exist today from 20th Century Fox film "Slave Ship" (1937) showing identically dressed Baxter and McGrath looking like brothers. In late 1938, McGrath gave an extensive interview carried by the Associated Press. He said they had met in 1928. Baxter was taken by their resemblance to each other and had him used as a stand-in. If closer in age they could have passed for twin brothers. In 1935, that professional relationship was written into Baxter's contracts. By 1938, McGrath was being paid $150 per week ($2,762.32 in 2019) part by Baxter and part by his studio to be a stand-in, stunt double, personal trainer, and occasional body guard. In that era stand-ins usually were paid $35 per week. They did much together to maintain Baxter's fitness, swimming, tennis, and boxing. Baxter also was a bicycle enthusiast. A personal friendship grew from that. They hunted several times a year in addition to fishing trips. It was on a hunting trip to a remote part of Colorado in 1934 when McGrath saved Baxter's life. Baxter had broken his leg and McGrath carried him for four days on his back out of the wilderness and to a hospital. It was that event that cemented the personal friendship. When asked what they would talk about, McGrath said anything but pictures.[35]

Baxter married Viola Caldwell in 1911, but they were soon separated and then divorced in 1913. He married actress Winifred Bryson in 1918, remaining married until his death in 1951.[36]

Married Viola Pauline Calwell, born September 2, 1888, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada,[37] in 1914 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. NOTE: her surname was COLWELL on license and several census sheets.[38]

Married Winifred M. Bryson on January 29, 1918, Bronx, New York City, New York.[39]

Draft Registration for World War One, living at 333 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA. Gave date of birth of March 29, 1889. Stated sole support of mother.[40]

Registered Republican 1924 though 1950.[41]

Baxter had a personal listing submitted by him in Who's Who of California in 1928. He stated his address, listed his birth date correct but taking four years off his age, Mason, Republican, Protestant and was a member of the Maskers Club, Hollywood Athletic, and both the Edgewater Beach and Casa del Mar Clubs in Santa Monica.[42]

August 5, 1931, Survived uninjured with 40 other cast and crew members the train derailment of the Southern Pacific Argonaut east of Yuma on route to Tucson for location shooting for "The Cisco Kid" (1931). Two trainmen were killed in the derailment. Baxter, Conchita Montenegro, and Edmund Lowe were among the passengers in cars at the end of the train.[43]

Homeowner living at 138 S. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, California with wife and two household servants on April 8, 1930. Lived there as early as 1924. House is existent as of 2020.[44][45]

Homeowner living at 688 Nimes Road, Bel Aire, Los Angeles, California with wife, Winifred, and four household servants on April 10, 1940. The house was razed in 1985.[46] The Tudor styled house situated on four acres was 16,000 square feet containing 7 kitchens. The house, pool, garages, tennis court and outbuildings were designed in 1932 by architect Harry G. Werner. It was ready for occupancy in 1933. Among other unique features, the house had secret panels and passageways, due to low cost of electricity at the time it was constructed the house was entirely electric with a heating system for each room along with a communications system. It was obviously built on that scale for entertaining.[47] After Baxter sold it the house underwent major modernization during the ownership of Barbie Doll creator Jack Ryan who owned it from 1963 until 1977. Baxter related in an interview that the house on Nimes Road was something he had visualized for years as a dream house down to the landscaping, waterfall, sunken gardens, pool, tennis court, sundial. He said he was taken back and somewhat hurt when some fans wrote letters critical of such extravagance in 1933. Giving that attitude some thought he felt the fans had overlooked the fact that for close to a year he provided full-time employment for about 60 men during those very hard times. When asked what might be next he replied a yacht but first he would have to increase his income to pay for the estate's operation.[48]

Homeowner living at 911 North Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA from 1944 until his death. His widow continued to live in the house through the 1960s with her second husband. In the 1960s it was owned by actress Elizabeth Montgomery, daughter of actor Robert Montgomery. The house was razed in 2019.[41]

The Baxter's beach house was at 77 Malibu Beach, Malibu, California for many years as noted in the 1942 voter roll for Malibu.[49] He also had a cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains.[50] He was very active in Malibu civic affairs. Was named Honorary Mayor of Malibu from 1946, replacing Brian Donlevy, through 1949.[51] For a number of years he had an 80-acre working ranch about 12 miles north of Palm Springs, the Circle B Ranch. It was listed for sale in mid 1945 for a price of $40,000 and sold over a year later.[52] [53] It was listed as having a large and comfortable house of four bedrooms and laid out for entertaining along with a caretaker's house. It was sold furnished. During the war he was chairman of the Malibu Rationing Board and also did some troop entertaining in Army camps in Fresno and Bakersfield areas. He and his entertainers put on dozens of day and night shows for the service men.[54]

He was a close friend of William Powell with whom he had starred in three silent films, the best of which was "The Great Gatsby" now considered lost. He was at Powell's side when Jean Harlow died in 1937.[18] His friendship with Ronald Colman was perhaps even deeper. While tennis and the film industry were the origins of their friendship going back to their earlier days at Paramount Studios, Colman and his wife Benita Hume named Baxter and Tim McCoy as godfathers to their daughter, Juliet Benita Colman at her christening in 1944.[55] Juliet Colman's biography of her father describes in detail the very private social circle of cocktails, dinner, and games of tennis or poker held between her father's Hollywood house at 2092 Mound Street above and behind the Castle Argyle, and Baxter's home on South Beachwood Drive.

When not acting, Baxter was an inventor who co-created a searchlight for revolvers in 1935, which allowed a shooter to more clearly see a target at night. He also developed a radio device that allowed emergency crews to change traffic signals from two blocks away, providing them with safe passage through intersections. He financed the device's installation at a Beverly Hills intersection in 1940.[18]

Baxter suffered from arthritis for several years, and in 1951, he underwent a lobotomy as a last resort to ease the chronic pain.[56][57] On May 7, 1951, he died of pneumonia at age 62[2] and was interred in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. His grave is located in a gated and locked private section, Garden of Memory. His bronze headstone has a reproduction of his signature. The remaining inscription is in the handwriting of his wife, Winifred Bryson Baxter.[58][59]

Warner Leroy Baxter's death certificate stated the following. He died at his residence on May 7, 1951, at 5:50 pm, 911 North Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, California. Informant Philip M. Schiefer (his manager). The death certificate further stated, "Cause of Death, Broncho-pneumonia, terminal 24 hrs. Carcinoma of prostate with generalized metastasis - 6 months. Treatment: 1/8/1943 to death; no operation; no autopsy."[60] Much has been written about arthritis and the chronic pain Baxter endured toward the end of his life but it is not unreasonable to imagine the drastic action taken by undergoing a lobotomy may very well have been to relieve the pain from end stage cancer, a disease at that time most kept confidential.

His funeral was held at the Wee Kirk O' The Heather chapel at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California on May 11, 1951. The service was conducted by Dr. Franklin Kelly of Christ Church, Unity. The Los Angeles Times noted that the private funeral service was markedly reminiscent of the film capitol's earlier days. Among his pallbearers were long time close friends Ronald Colman, William Powell, and Tim McCoy. He was buried in a bronze casket with a portrait of his wife.[61]

Prior to his death he was reported on February, 6, 1951, to being "seriously ill" with a "chronic illness" in hospital since January 18, 1951. It mentions he was much improved and celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary on January 29.[62] On April 8, 1951, the L A Times reported the actor being ill at home the last month. His doctors John Sharpe and Richard Barton reported his "condition is steadily becoming more critical.[63] On April 21, 1951, the L A Times reported that Baxter was out of the hospital following "a cranial nerve operation" described as a "complete success" by Phil Schaefer, Baxter's manager. He said Baxter "had suffered for years from a chronic illness which caused eating difficulties and induced malnutrition."[64]

On June 13, 1951, his last will and testament dated April 10, 1946 was entered into probate at Los Angeles. He left all his property to his wife and no valuation was made in the documents other than stating it will exceed $10,000.[65] His obituary stated in recent years he had long been interested in real estate and business projects.[66]

On the evening of October 15, 1953, his widow, Winifred Bryson Baxter married Ferdinand Herman Manger (December 22, 1910 – October 17, 1991) at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada. Menger was an architect from St. Louis, Missouri, and they would remain married until the end of her life.[67][68]

In 1960, Baxter posthumously received a motion pictures star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard.[5]

• List of actors with Academy Award nominations

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Warner Baxter.

• Warner Baxter at IMDb
• Warner Baxter at the Internet Broadway Database
• Warner Baxter at AllMovie
• Warner Baxter at Find a Grave
• Photographs of Warner Baxter
• Warner Baxter and his mother Jane tour the Fox lot in Hollywood: #1...#2(Wayback)