Wikipedia

Alan Ladd

For his son – the film industry executive and producer – see Alan Ladd Jr.

Alan Walbridge Ladd[2] (September 3, 1913 – January 29, 1964) was an American actor and film producer. Ladd found success in film in the 1940s and early 1950s, particularly in films noir and Westerns. He was often paired with Veronica Lake in films noir, such as This Gun for Hire (1942), The Glass Key (1942), and The Blue Dahlia (1946). Whispering Smith (1948) was his first Western and color film, and Shane (1953) was noted for its contributions to the genre. Ladd also appeared in ten films with William Bendix.

Alan Ladd
Publicity photo of Ladd in late 1950s
Born
Alan Walbridge Ladd

(1913-09-03)September 3, 1913
Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
DiedJanuary 29, 1964(1964-01-29) (aged 50)
Palm Springs, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • film producer
Years active1932–1964
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)[1]
Spouses
Marjorie Jane Harrold
​
​
(m. 1936; div. 1941)​
​
(m. 1942)​
Children3, including Alan Jr. and David Ladd
RelativesJordan Ladd (granddaughter)
Websitecmgww.com/stars/ladd/

His other notable credits include Two Years Before the Mast (1946) and The Great Gatsby (1949). His popularity diminished in the mid-1950s, though he continued to appear in numerous films, including his first supporting role since This Gun for Hire in the smash hit The Carpetbaggers released in 1964.[3]

Biography

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Ladd was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on September 3, 1913. He was the only child of Ina Raleigh (also known as Selina Rowley) (1888–1937), and Alan Ladd (1874–1917), a freelance accountant.[4] His mother was English, from County Durham, and had migrated to the U.S. in 1907 when she was 19. His father died of a heart attack when Ladd was four.[5] On July 3, 1918, young Alan accidentally burned down the family home while playing with matches. His mother moved to Oklahoma City, where she married Jim Beavers, a house painter (d. 1936).[6]

In the early 1920s an economic downturn led to Ladd's family moving to California, which took four months. They lived in a migrant camp in Pasadena, California, at first and then moved to the San Fernando Valley, where Beavers went to work at FBO Studios as a painter.[7]

Ladd enrolled in North Hollywood High School on February 18, 1930. He became a high-school swimming and diving champion and participated in high school dramatics in his senior year, including the role of Ko-Ko in The Mikado. His diving skills led to his appearance in the aquatic show Marinella in July 1933.[8]

Early career

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Ladd's performance in The Mikado was seen by a talent scout. In August 1933 Ladd was one of a group of young "discoveries" signed to a long-term contract with Universal Pictures.[9] The contract had options that could continue for seven years, but they were all in the studio's favor. Ladd appeared unbilled in Once in a Lifetime (1932), but the studio eventually decided Ladd was too blond and too short, and it dropped him after six months. (All of Ladd's fellow "discoveries" eventually were dropped, including a young Tyrone Power.)[10][11]

At 20, Ladd graduated from high school on February 1, 1934.[12] He worked in the advertising department of the San Fernando Sun Valley Record, becoming the newspaper's advertising manager. When the paper changed hands, Ladd lost his job. He sold cash registers and borrowed $150 to open his own hamburger and malt shop, across from his previous high school, which he called Tiny's Patio (his nickname at high school was Tiny), but he was unable to make a success of the shop.

In another attempt to break into the film industry, Ladd went to work at Warner Bros. as a grip and stayed two years. He was injured falling off a scaffold and decided to quit.[13]

Ladd managed to save and borrow enough money to attend an acting school run by Ben Bard, who had taught him when he was under contract at Universal. Ladd appeared in several stage productions for Bard.[14][15] Bard later claimed Ladd "was such a shy guy he just wouldn't speak up loud and strong. I had to get him to lower his voice too; it was too high. I also insisted that he get himself a decent set of dentures."[16]

In 1936, Ladd played an unbilled role in Pigskin Parade. He had short-term stints at MGM and RKO and got regular professional acting work only when he turned to radio. Ladd had worked to develop a rich, deep voice ideal for that medium, and in 1936 he was signed by station KFWB as its sole radio actor. He stayed for three years at KFWB, working as many as 20 shows per week.[15][17]

Earning an agent

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One night Ladd was playing the roles of a father and son on radio when he was heard by the agent Sue Carol. She was impressed and called the station to talk to the actors and was told it was one person.[15] She arranged to meet him and, impressed by his looks, she signed him to her books and enthusiastically promoted her new client in films as well as on radio. Ladd's first notable part under Carol's management was the 1939 film Rulers of the Sea, in which he played a character named Colin Farrell, at $250 per week.[18] He also received attention for a small part in Hitler – Beast of Berlin (1939).

Ladd tested unsuccessfully for the lead in Golden Boy (1939) but obtained many other small roles in films such as the serial The Green Hornet (1940), Her First Romance (1940), The Black Cat (1941), and the Disney film The Reluctant Dragon (1941). Most notably, he had a small uncredited part in Citizen Kane, playing a newspaper reporter toward the end of the film.

Ladd's career gained extra momentum when he was cast in a featured role in Joan of Paris (1942), a wartime drama made at RKO. It was only a small part, but it involved a touching death scene that brought him attention within the industry.[15][19] RKO eventually offered Ladd a contract at $400 per week.[18] However, he soon received a better offer from Paramount.

This Gun for Hire and stardom

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Ladd with Brian Donlevy and Esther Fernández in Two Years Before the Mast (1946)

Paramount had owned the film rights to A Gun for Sale, a novel by Graham Greene, since 1936 but waited until 1941 before making a movie out of it, changing the title to This Gun for Hire. Director Frank Tuttle was struggling to find a new actor to play the role of Raven, a hit man with a conscience.[15] Ladd auditioned successfully, and Paramount signed him to a long-term contract in September 1941 for $300 per week.[20] The New York Times wrote that:

Tuttle and the studio are showing more than a passing enthusiasm for Ladd. He has been trying to get a foothold in pictures for eight years, but received no encouragement, although he tried every angle known to town—extra work, bit parts, stock contracts, dramatic schools, assault of the casting offices. Sue Carol, the former silent star who is now an agent, undertook to advance the youth's career two years ago, and only recently could she locate an attentive ear. Then, the breaks began.[21]

According to author David Thomson (film critic) in 1975, "Once Ladd had acquired an unsmiling hardness, he was transformed from an extra to a phenomenon. Ladd's calm slender ferocity make it clear that he was the first American actor to show the killer as a cold angel."[22] John Houseman later wrote that Ladd played "a professional killer with a poignant and desolate ferocity that made him unique, for a time, among the male heroes of his day."[23]

Both the film and Ladd's performance played an important role in the development of the gangster genre: "That the old-fashioned motion picture gangster with his ugly face, gaudy cars, and flashy clothes was replaced by a smoother, better looking, and better dressed bad man was largely the work of Mr. Ladd." – The New York Times obituary (January 30, 1964).[22]

Though the romantic lead went to established star Robert Preston, Ladd's teaming in support with female lead Veronica Lake captured the public's imagination. Their overnight sensation pairing continued in three more films and included three more in guest spots in wartime all-star Hollywood musical revues.

The Glass Key

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Promotional photo for The Glass Key (1942); fltr: Brian Donlevy, Ladd, and Veronica Lake

Even during the filming of This Gun for Hire, Paramount knew it had a potential star and announced Ladd's next film, an adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's story, The Glass Key (1942). This had been a successful vehicle for George Raft several years earlier, and Paramount wanted "a sure-fire narrative to carry him on his way."[24] There had also been talk Ladd would appear in Red Harvest, another story by Hammett,[25] but this was never produced.

The movie was Ladd's second pairing with Lake, with Ladd offering confident support of Brian Donlevy—so confident he even ended up with Donlevy's girl. Ladd's cool, unsmiling, understated persona proved popular with wartime audiences, and he was voted by the Motion Picture Herald as one of the 10 "stars of tomorrow" for 1942.[26][27][28] His salary was raised to $750 per week.[29] According to critic David Shipman:

Paramount of course was delighted. The majority of stars were earmarked as such when they appeared on the horizon—from Broadway or from wherever they came; if it seemed unlikely that public acceptance would come with one film they were trained and built up: The incubation period was usually between two and five years. As far as Ladd was concerned, he was a small-part actor given a fat part faute de mieux, and after his second film for them, he had not merely hit the leading-men category, but had gone beyond it to films which were constructed around his personality.[30]

Ladd then appeared in Lucky Jordan (1943), a lighter vehicle with Helen Walker, playing a gangster who tries to get out of war service and tangles with Nazis. His new status was reflected by the fact he was the only actor billed above the title.[31] He had a cameo spoofing his tough guy image in Star Spangled Rhythm, which featured most of Paramount's stars, and then starred in China (1943) with Loretta Young for director John Farrow, with whom Ladd made a number of movies. Young did not like working with Ladd:

I found him petulant... I don't remember hearing him laugh, or ever seeing him laugh. Everything that concerned him was very serious... He had a certain screen personality... but as an actor... I never made any contact with him. He wouldn't look at me. He'd say "I love you...", and he'd be looking out there some place. Finally, I said "Alan, I'm he-ere!!"... I think he was very conscious of his looks. Alan would not look beyond a certain point in the camera because he didn't think he looked good... Jimmy Cagney was not tall but somehow Jimmy was at terms with himself, always. I don't think Alan Ladd ever came to terms with himself.[32]

Ladd's next film was meant to be Incendiary Blonde, opposite Betty Hutton, but he was inducted into the army on January 18, after reprising his performance in This Gun for Hire on radio for Lux Radio Theatre.[33]

Army service

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Ladd briefly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces' First Motion Picture Unit.[34] Initially, he was classified 4-F—unfit for military service because of stomach problems—but he later enlisted for military service on January 19, 1943.[1] He was posted to the Walla Walla Army Air Base at Walla Walla, Washington, attaining the rank of corporal. He attended the Oscars in March 1943,[35] and in September he appeared in a trailer promoting a war loan drive titled Letter from a Friend.[36]

While Ladd was in the armed services, a number of films that had been announced for him were postponed and/or made with different actors, including Incendiary Blonde, The Story of Dr. Wassell, Ministry of Fear, and The Man in Half Moon Street. Paramount started promoting Ladd replacements, such as Sonny Tufts and Barry Sullivan.[37] Old Ladd films were reissued with his being given more prominent billing, such as Hitler, Beast of Berlin.[38] He was reportedly receiving 20,000 fan letters per week.[39] The New York Times reported that "Ladd in the brief period of a year and with only four starring pictures to his credit... had built up a following unmatched in film history since Rudolph Valentino skyrocketed to fame."[36] In December 1943, he was listed as the 15th most popular star in the U.S.[40]

Ladd fell ill and went to the military hospital in Santa Barbara for several weeks in October.[41] On October 28, he was given an honorable medical discharge because of a stomach disorder complicated by influenza.[42][43]

Return to filmmaking

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When Ladd returned from the army, Paramount announced a series of vehicles for him, including And Now Tomorrow[44] and Two Years Before the Mast.[45] And Now Tomorrow was a melodrama, starring Loretta Young as a wealthy deaf woman who is treated (and loved) by her doctor, played by Ladd; Raymond Chandler co-wrote the screenplay, and it was filmed in late 1943 and early 1944. According to Shipman:

It was a pitch to sell Ladd to women filmgoers, though he had not changed one iota and he did not have a noticeable romantic aura. But Paramount hoped that women might feel that beneath the rock-like expression there smouldered fires of passion, or something like. His black-lashed eyes, however, gave nothing away; it was 'take me as I am' or 'I'm the boss around here'. He never flirted nor even seemed interested (which is one of the reasons he and Lake were so effective together).[46]

In March 1944, Ladd took another physical and was reclassified 1A. He would have to be reinducted into the army, but a deferment was given to enable Ladd to make Two Years Before the Mast (the release of which was postponed two years).[47][48][49] He was meant to be re-inducted on September 4, 1944,[48] but Paramount succeeded in getting this pushed back again to make Salty O'Rourke.[50] He also found time to make a cameo in a big-screen version of Duffy's Tavern.[51]

Ladd's reinduction was then set for May 1945. Paramount commissioned Raymond Chandler to write an original screenplay for him titled The Blue Dahlia, made relatively quickly in case the studio lost Ladd to the military once again.[52][53] However, in May 1945, the U.S. Army released all men 30 or over from induction, and Ladd was finally free from the draft. Along with several other film stars likewise spared, Ladd promptly enlisted with the Hollywood Victory Committee for the entertainment industry's overseas arm, volunteering to tour for USO shows.[54]

Ladd next made Calcutta (1947), which reteamed him with John Farrow and William Bendix. Release for this film was delayed.

Suspension

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Ladd was meant to make California with Betty Hutton, but he refused to report for work in August 1945. "It wasn't on account of the picture", said Ladd. "There were other issues." Ladd wanted more money, and Paramount responded by suspending him.[55][56] The two parties reconciled in November with Ladd's getting a salary increase to $75,000 per film, but without story approval or the right to do outside films, which he had wanted.[46][57][58] Exhibitors voted him the 15th-most popular star in the country.[59]

"When a star's off the screen, he's 'dead'", Ladd later reflected. "I like my home and my security and I don't intend to jeopardize them by being difficult at work."[60]

Ladd's next film was O.S.S, a wartime thriller,[61] produced by Richard Maibaum. He then convinced Ladd that he should play the title role in an adaptation of The Great Gatsby, to which Paramount held the film rights; Ladd became enthusiastic at the chance to change his image, but the project was delayed by a combination of censorship wrangles and studio reluctance.[62]

Eventually, The Blue Dahlia was released to great acclaim (Raymond Chandler was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay), quickly followed by O.S.S., and finally, Two Years Before the Mast. The first two films were solid hits, each earning over $2 million in rentals in the U.S. and Canada; Two Years Before the Mast was a blockbuster, earning over $4 million and ranking among the top 10 most popular films of the year. Ladd's roles in This Gun for Hire, The Glass Key, and The Blue Dahlia, firmly established him as a no-nonsense tough guy in a popular genre of crime films later to become known as film noir.

Ladd earned a reported $88,909 for the 12 months up to June 1946.[63] (The following year, he earned $107,000.)[64] In 1947, he was ranked among the top 10 popular stars in the U.S. That year finally had the release of Calcutta, along with Wild Harvest, where he reteamed with Robert Preston.

Ladd made a cameo appearance as a detective in the Bob Hope comedy, My Favorite Brunette (1947), and he made another cameo in an all-star Paramount film, titled, Variety Girl, singing Frank Loesser's "Tallahassee" with Dorothy Lamour. He was reteamed with Lake for the final time in Saigon (1948), then made Whispering Smith (1948), his first Western since he became a star (and his first movie in color). He followed this with Beyond Glory (1948), a melodrama with Farrow, which featured Audie Murphy in his film debut (and was released before Whispering Smith).[65]

Radio and comic books

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Since he had become a star, Ladd continued to appear in radio, usually in dramatizations of feature films for such shows as Lux Radio Theatre and Screen Directors Playhouse. He created roles played both by himself, but also other actors, including the part of Rick Blaine in an adaptation of Casablanca. In 1948, he starred and produced Box 13, a regular weekly series for syndication, which ran for 52 episodes.

From 1949–1951, he appeared in a nine-issue series of comic books published by DC Comics, portraying Ladd in a variety of adventurous situations; the first six issues had photos of him on the covers.[66]

The Great Gatsby

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Ladd's next role was a significant change of pace, playing Jay Gatsby in the 1949 version of The Great Gatsby, written and produced by Richard Maibaum. This film had been planned since 1946, but production was delayed due to a combination of difficulties with the censor[clarification needed], and Paramount's reluctance for Ladd to play such a challenging part. It was not a big success at the box office, and its mixed critical and commercial reception caused Ladd to avoid serious dramatic roles.

His next films were standard fare: Chicago Deadline, playing a tough reporter; Captain Carey, U.S.A., as a vengeful ex-OSS agent, for Maibaum; and Appointment with Danger, as a postal inspector investigating a murder with the help of nun Phyllis Calvert (shot in 1949, but not released until 1951).

Paramount purchased the screen rights to the play Detective Story as a possible vehicle for Ladd,[67] and he was keen to do it, but the role went to Kirk Douglas. Ladd was cast, instead, in Branded, a Western. In February 1950, Paramount announced that Ladd would star in a film version of the novel Shane.[68] Before he made this film, he appeared in Red Mountain, produced by Hal Wallis.

In 1950, the Hollywood Women's Press Club voted Ladd the easiest male star to deal with in Hollywood.[69] The following year, a poll from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association listed Ladd as the second most popular male film star in the world, after Gregory Peck.[70]

Shane

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Two pictures from the movie Shane (1953), (left): Ladd with Jean Arthur, and a publicity image

In 1951, Ladd's contract had only one more year to run. "Paramount is like a home to me", he said, "and I'd like to remain on the lot for one picture a year. But I want to be free to take pictures at other studios if offered to me."[71] The main studio Ladd was in discussion with was Warner Bros. He also received a six-year offer to make Adventure Limited, a TV series.[72]

In May 1951, Ladd announced he had formed Ladd Enterprises, his own production company, to produce films, radio, and TV, when his Paramount contract ended in November 1952. He optioned the novel Shadow Riders of the Yellowstone by Les Savage.[73] The next month, his deal with Warner Bros. was announced: one film per year for five years.[74] However, he expressed a desire to continue to work with Paramount.[75]

Ladd's final three movies for Paramount were Thunder in the East, Shane, and Botany Bay.[76] Once Ladd finished Botany Bay in February 1952, it was announced Ladd's contract with Paramount would end early and be amended, so that he would make two more movies for the studio, at a later date.[76] (In the end, Ladd did not make another film at Paramount until The Carpetbaggers.)

Paramount staggered the release of Ladd's final films for the company, with Shane and Botany Bay not being released until 1953. Ladd later said that leaving Paramount was "a big upset" for him and that he only left for "business reasons...future security for the children and ourselves".[77]

Shane, in which he played a strong, silent, courageous title character, was particularly popular. It premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in April 1953,[78] grossing over $114,000 in its four weeks there (a large sum at the time),[79] and earning $8 million in North America over its initial run.[80] This led to Ladd's being voted one of the 10 most popular stars in the U.S. in 1953.

Freelance star: Warner Bros., Universal, Warwick

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Studio Publicity Photograph of Tony Caruso and Ladd in The Iron Mistress

Ladd's deal with Warner Bros. was for one film per year for 10 years, starting from when his contract with Paramount expired. Warner guaranteed him $150,000 per film against 10% of the gross, making Ladd one of the better paid stars in Hollywood.[81] His first film for Warner Bros. was The Iron Mistress (1952), in which Ladd played Jim Bowie.

The arrangement with Warner was not exclusive, enabling Ladd to work for other studios. He made Desert Legion, a film at Universal Studios (1953), playing a member of the French Foreign Legion. Ladd was paid a fee and a percentage of the profits.[82]

Ladd signed an arrangement with Warwick Films to make three films in Britain, where the actor was very popular: a wartime saga titled The Red Beret (1953), with Ladd masquerading as a Canadian soldier in the Parachute Regiment, and a whaling story titled Hell Below Zero (1954), based on the Hammond Innes book The White South.[83] Both movies were co-written by Richard Maibaum, with whom Ladd had worked at Paramount.[84] Ladd played a mountie in Saskatchewan for Universal in Canada and returned to Britain for his final film with Warwick, The Black Knight (1954), a medieval swashbuckler (a genre then in vogue), wherein Ladd played the title role.[85] This meant Ladd spent 19 months out of the U.S. and did not have to pay tax on his income for this period. It also caused his plans to enter independent production to be deferred.[86] Ladd's fee for his Warwick films was $200,000 against 10% of the profits, plus living expenses.[87]

Jaguar Productions

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When Ladd returned to Hollywood in 1954, he formed Jaguar Productions, a new production company that released movies through Warner Bros. This was in addition to the films he made with Warner, solely as an actor.

His first film for Jaguar was Drum Beat (1954), a Western directed by Delmer Daves, which was reasonably successful at the box office.[88] For Warners, he then made The McConnell Story (1955), co-starring June Allyson, which also proved popular. He signed to appear in some episodes of General Electric Theater on TV.[89] The first of these, "Committed", was based on an old episode of Box 13, which Ladd was considering turning into a TV series.[90] However, despite Ladd's presence, a series did not result.

Ladd next made Hell on Frisco Bay (1955), a film for Jaguar also starring second-billed Edward G. Robinson and Joanne Dru, co-written by Martin Rackin and directed by Frank Tuttle, his old This Gun for Hire associate. Rackin wrote and produced Ladd's subsequent film, titled Santiago, which he made for Warner Bros. For Jaguar, Ladd produced, but did not appear in, A Cry in the Night.

Ladd's instinct for choosing material was proving increasingly poor: George Stevens offered him the role of Jett Rink in Giant (1956), which he turned down because it was not the lead; James Dean took the part, and the film became one of the big hits of the decade. He was meant to return to Paramount to make The Sons of Katie Elder, but he bought himself out of his Paramount contract for $135,000;[91][92] the film was made a decade later, with John Wayne and Dean Martin, and was a big hit.

Instead, Ladd signed a new four-year contract between Jaguar and Warner Bros., with his company having a budget of $6.5 million. The first film made under it was The Big Land (1957), a Western.[93][94] He made Farewell to Kennedy, another TV film for General Electric Theater; he hoped this would lead to a series, but that did not happen.[95]

Ladd then received an offer to star in Boy on a Dolphin (1957), a film being made in Greece for 20th Century Fox. In March 1957, it was announced that WarnerBros. and Jaguar had renegotiated their agreement and that Jaguar would now make 10 films for the studio, of which Ladd was to appear in at least six, starting with The Deep Six (1958). Warner Bros. provided all the financing and split profits with Jaguar 50/50.[96][97][98] The second film under the contract was Island of Lost Women, which Ladd produced but did not appear in.

Ladd's next film as an actor saw him co-star with his son David in The Proud Rebel, made independently for Samuel Goldwyn Jr. According to Shipman, Ladd's "performance is his best work, sincere and likable (due perhaps to an odd resemblance in long shot to Buster Keaton), but the film did not have the success it deserved; Ladd's own fans missed the bang-bang and [co star] Olivia de Havilland's fans were not persuaded that any film she did with Ladd could be that good."[99] He announced a six-picture deal with Warwick Productions[100] but ultimately did not work for Warwick again. MGM hired Ladd to make The Badlanders, a Western remake of The Asphalt Jungle, but like many of Ladd's films around this time it was a box-office disappointment.

Ladd was considered to play the lead in The Angry Hills, but Robert Mitchum eventually was cast. Mitchum later told a journalist that the producers met Ladd at his home after "he'd just crawled out of his swimming pool and was all shrunken up like a dishwasher's hand. They decided he wouldn't do for the big war correspondent."[101]

Later films

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For Walter Mirisch at United Artists, Ladd appeared in The Man in the Net. He produced a pilot for a TV series, starring William Bendix, called Ivy League.[102] That did not go to series; neither did The Third Platoon, another pilot Ladd produced for Paramount, written by a young Aaron Spelling where Ladd only did a voiceover.[103] Spelling also wrote Guns of the Timberland for Jaguar and Warners, in which Ladd appeared; it was his last movie for Warners.

As an actor, he made All the Young Men with Sidney Poitier, that was released through Columbia. One Foot in Hell (1960), over at 20th Century Fox, had Ladd play an out-and-out villain for the first time, since the beginning of his career, but the result was not popular with audiences.

"I'd like to retire from acting", he said in 1960. "I'd produce."[104] Ladd kept busy developing projects, some of which were vehicles for his son, David.

Ladd also kept acting, following the path of many Hollywood stars made Duel of Champions (1961), a peplum in Italy. Back in Hollywood, he made 13 West Street, as a star and producer, for Ladd Enterprises.

"I'll go to work again when the right story comes along", said Ladd.[105] He joined the board of 38 Inc., a new film producing company, which announced plans to make a movie out of a Ben Hecht script.[106]

In 1963, Ladd's career looked set to make a comeback, when he took a supporting role in The Carpetbaggers, based on the best-selling novel.[107] This was a co-production between Embassy and Paramount, meaning Ladd was filming on the Paramount back lot for the first time in over a decade. He also announced plans to turn Box 13 into a feature-film script, and was hoping for cameos from old friends, such as Veronica Lake and William Bendix.[108]

Personal life

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On November 29, 1937, Ladd's mother, who was staying with him following the breakup of a relationship, asked Ladd for some money to buy something at a local store. Ladd gave her the money, thinking it was for alcohol. She purchased some arsenic-based ant paste from a grocer and died by suicide by drinking it in the back seat of Ladd's car.[109]

On November 2, 1962, Ladd was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood with a bullet wound near his heart. The bullet penetrated Ladd's chest around the third and fourth rib, through the lungs, and bounced off the rib cage.[10][110][111] At the time, Ladd said he thought he heard a prowler, grabbed a gun, and tripped over, accidentally shooting himself.[112] This was accepted by the police investigating.[113]

Ladd has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1601 Vine Street.[114] His handprint appears in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. In 1995, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.[115]

Family and relationships

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Ladd married Marjorie Jane "Midge" Harrold, a high school sweetheart, in October 1936.[116][117] Their only child, Alan Ladd, Jr., was born on October 22, 1937.[118] They divorced in July 1941[119] and she died in 1957, having remarried.[120]

On March 15, 1942, Ladd married his agent and manager, former film actress Sue Carol in Mexico City. They intended to be remarried in the U.S. in July because Ladd's divorce from his first wife was not final.[121] Carol had a daughter from a previous marriage, Carol Lee (b. July 18, 1932), whom Alan and Sue raised. In addition, they had two children of their own, Alana (born April 21, 1943, when Ladd was in the army[122]) and David Ladd (1947).[123]

Alan Ladd, Jr., was a film executive and producer and founder of the Ladd Company. Actress Alana Ladd, who co-starred with her father in Guns of the Timberland and Duel of Champions, was married to the veteran talk radio broadcaster Michael Jackson. Alana died on November 23, 2014. Actor David Ladd, who co-starred with his father as a child in The Proud Rebel, was married (1973–1980) to Charlie's Angels star Cheryl Ladd (née Stoppelmoor). Their daughter is actress Jordan Ladd.[124]

Ladd's name was linked romantically with June Allyson when they made The McConnell Story together.[125]

Height

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Reports of Ladd's height vary from 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) to 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm), with 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) being cited most often in unofficial sources. His 1940 draft registration lists him as 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm). His 1943 U.S. Army enlistment record, generally deemed to be the most reliable source, lists him as 5 ft 7 in (170 cm).[126][1][10][127]

Ladd and Veronica Lake became a particularly popular pairing because, at 4 ft 11 in (150 cm), she was one of the few Hollywood actresses substantially shorter than he was.[128] In his memoirs, actor/producer John Houseman wrote of Ladd: "Since he himself was extremely short, he had only one standard by which he judged his fellow players: their height."[129] To compensate for Ladd's height, during the filming of Boy on a Dolphin, co-starring the 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) Sophia Loren, the cinematographer used special low stands to light Ladd and the crew built a ramp system of heavy planks to enable the two actors to stand at equal eye level.[130] In outdoor scenes, trenches were dug for Loren to stand in.[131] For the film Saskatchewan, director Raoul Walsh had a hole dug for 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) co-star Hugh O'Brian to stand in, while using the excavated dirt to build a mound for Ladd to stand, thereby overcoming the disparity in height.[132]

Death

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In January 1964, after injuring his knees,[clarification needed] Ladd hoped to recuperate at his house in Palm Springs. On January 29, 1964, his butler said that he saw Ladd on his bed at 10 am; when he returned at 3:30 pm, he found Ladd dead on his bed.[133][134]

His death, due to cerebral edema caused by an acute overdose of alcohol, a barbiturate, and two tranquilizers containing at least two depressants, was ruled accidental.[135] Ladd suffered from chronic insomnia and regularly used sleeping pills and alcohol to induce sleep. While he had not taken a lethal amount of any one drug, the combination apparently caused fatal interaction.[10]

Ladd's funeral was held on February 1, with Edmond O'Brien giving the eulogy. Fans were allowed to see his coffin. He was buried with his wedding ring and a letter that his son David had written to him.[136]

Ladd died a wealthy man, with his holdings including a 5,000-acre ranch at Hidden Valley and a hardware store in Palm Springs.[137] After he died, The Carpetbaggers was released and became a financial success.

Select radio credits

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Regular series

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  • Box 13 : 52 episodes (August 22, 1948 – August 14, 1949)

Filmography

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Film
Year Title Role Notes
1932 Tom Brown of Culver Cadet
Once in a Lifetime Projectionist
1933 Saturday's Millions Student
1936 Pigskin Parade Student
1937 The Last Train from Madrid Soldier
Souls at Sea Sailor
All Over Town Young Man
Hold 'Em Navy Chief Quartermaster
Born to the West Inspector
1938 The Goldwyn Follies First Auditioning Singer
Come On, Leathernecks! Club Waiter
Freshman Year Student
1939 The Mysterious Miss X Henchman
Rulers of the Sea Colin Farrell
Hitler – Beast of Berlin Karl Bach Also known as Goose Step
1940 American Portrait Young man/Old man Short subject[141]
Blame it on Love Short subject
Uncredited
Meat and Romance Bill Allen Short subject
Unfinished Rainbows Charles Martin Hall Short subject
The Green Hornet Gilpin, Student Pilot Chapter 3
Brother Rat and a Baby Cadet in trouble
In Old Missouri John Pittman, Jr.
The Light of Western Stars Danny, Stillwell Ranch Hand
Gangs of Chicago
Cross-Country Romance Mr. Williams, First Mate
Those Were the Days! Keg Rearick
Captain Caution Newton, Mutinous Sailor
The Howards of Virginia Backwoodsman
Meet the Missus John Williams
Victory Heyst as an 18-year-old
Her First Romance John Gilman
1941 I Look at You Short subject
Petticoat Politics Higgins Daughter's Boyfriend
Citizen Kane Reporter smoking pipe at end Uncredited
The Black Cat Richard Hartley
Paper Bullets Jimmy Kelly aka Bill Dugan
The Reluctant Dragon Al, Baby Weems storyboard artist
They Met in Bombay British Soldier
Great Guns Soldier in Photo Shop
Cadet Girl Harry, musician
Military Training Lieutenant, Platoon Leader, County Fair Short subject
Uncredited
1942 Joan of Paris "Baby"
This Gun for Hire Philip Raven
The Glass Key Ed Beaumont
Lucky Jordan Lucky Jordan
Star Spangled Rhythm Alan Ladd, Scarface Skit
Letter from a Friend Short subject
1943 China David Jones
Screen Snapshots: Hollywood in Uniform Himself Short subject
1944 Skirmish on the Home Front Harry W. Average Short subject
And Now Tomorrow Doctor Merek Vance
1945 Salty O'Rourke Salty O'Rourke
Duffy's Tavern Himself
Hollywood Victory Caravan Alan Ladd Short subject
1946 Two Years Before the Mast Charles Stewart
The Blue Dahlia Johnny Morrison, Lt.Cmdr., ret.
OSS Philip Masson/John Martin
Screen Snapshots: The Skolsky Party Himself Short subject
1947 My Favorite Brunette Sam McCloud Cameo appearance
Calcutta Neale Gordon Filmed in mid-1945
Variety Girl Himself
Wild Harvest Joe Madigan
1948 Saigon Maj. Larry Briggs
Beyond Glory Capt. Rockwell "Rocky" Gilman
Whispering Smith Whispering Smith
1949 Eyes of Hollywood Short subject
The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby
Chicago Deadline Ed Adams
1950 Captain Carey, U.S.A. Captain Webster Carey
Branded Choya
1951 Appointment with Danger Al Goddard
Red Mountain Capt. Brett Sherwood
1952 The Iron Mistress Jim Bowie
Thunder in the East Steve Gibbs Filmed in 1951
A Sporting Oasis Himself Short subject
1953 Botany Bay Hugh Tallant
Desert Legion Paul Lartal
Shane Shane Filmed in 1951
The Red Beret Steve "Canada" McKendrick Filmed in England
1954 Hell Below Zero Duncan Craig Filmed in England
Saskatchewan Thomas O'Rourke Filmed in Alberta
The Black Knight John Filmed in England
Drum Beat Johnny MacKay Producer
1955 The McConnell Story Capt. Joseph C. "Mac" McConnell, Jr.
1956 Hell on Frisco Bay Steve Rollins Producer
Santiago Caleb "Cash" Adams Producer
A Cry in the Night Opening narrator Producer
1957 The Big Land Chad Morgan Producer
Boy on a Dolphin Dr. James Calder Filmed in Greece
1958 The Deep Six Alexander "Alec" Austen Producer
The Proud Rebel John Chandler
The Badlanders Peter Van Hoek ("The Dutchman")
1959 The Man in the Net John Hamilton Producer
Island of Lost Women
–
 Executive producer
1960 Guns of the Timberland Jim Hadley Executive producer
All the Young Men Sgt. Kincaid Executive producer
One Foot in Hell Mitch Garrett
1961 Duel of Champions Horatius Cocles Filmed in Italy
1962 13 West Street Walt Sherill Producer
1964 The Carpetbaggers Nevada Smith Released posthumously
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1953 Better Living TV Theatre Himself September 6, 1953, episode
1954 Red Skelton Revue Guest (Old West Sketch) Episode 1.1
1954–1958 General Electric Theater Various roles 3 episodes
Executive producer (2 episodes)
1955 Kings Row Himself Episode: "Lady in Fear"
1957–1958 The Bob Cummings Show Himself 2 episodes
1959 Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
–
 Episode: "Ivy League"

Awards

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  • Photoplay 1953 Gold Medal for his performance in Shane[142]

Box office ranking

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For a number of years, film exhibitors voted him amongst the top stars at the box office.

Year US UK
1943 15th[143]
1945 15th[59]
1946 14th[144] 8th[145] or 4th[146]
1947 10th 7th[147]
1948 14th[148]
1949 17th[149] 7th[150]
1950 (did not make top 25) 8th
1951 17th 8th[151]
1952 16th[152]
1953 4th[153] 3rd
1954 6th[154] 1st[155]
1955 17th 5th[156]
1956 25th 6th[157]
  • In 1948 a survey was taken of the film-going habits of 4,500 teenagers in Lakewood, Ohio. Their "overwhelming first choice" as film star was Alan Ladd.[158]

Theatre

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  • The Mikado (May 1933) – as Koko – at North Hollywood high School
  • Marinella (July 19, 1933) – an aquatic pageant in North Hollywood[8]
  • Grey Zone by Martin Mooney (Oct 1936) at Ben Bard Playhouse[159]
  • Susanne by Eloisse Keller (Jan 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse[160]
  • Between Two Women by Carey Wilson (April 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse – with Jack Carson[161]
  • Maniacs in Monocles by Robert Riley Crutcher (July 1937) at Ben Bard Playhouse[162][163]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938–1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Alan W. Ladd, 19 January 1943, Los Angeles, California; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, Maryland.
  2. ^ "Questions and Answers: Biographies". The Modesto Bee. April 25, 1945. p. 14. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Obituary". Variety. February 5, 1964. p. 63.
  4. ^ "Alan Ladd (1913–1964)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  5. ^ Alan Ladd (1913–1964), The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture
  6. ^ Linet pp. 4–5
  7. ^ Linet pp. 9–10
  8. ^ a b "Bandit Raids Water Office: Clerk in North Hollywood Menaced With Gun". Los Angeles Times. July 20, 1933. p. A16.
  9. ^ "Embryo Screen Stars Have Day in Court: New Cinema Cron Appears for Approval of Contracts". Los Angeles Times. August 12, 1933. p. A10.
  10. ^ a b c d Linet, Beverly. Ladd: The Life, the Legend, the Legacy of Alan Ladd. New York: Arbor House, 1979. ISBN 0-87795-203-5
  11. ^ "Fine Broth of a Ladd!". Chicago Daily Tribune. September 19, 1943. p. B5.
  12. ^ Linet p 15
  13. ^ "San Fernando Valley Will Be Ladd's Home: Ladd's Hedge Is a Rancho". The Washington Post. May 11, 1947. p. S5.
  14. ^ Schallert, Edwin (May 28, 1950). "Alan Ladd Urges Training for Films". Los Angeles Times. p. D1.
  15. ^ a b c d e Franchey, John R. (June 7, 1942). "The Gent Is Alan Ladd, the Calculating Trigger-Man in 'This Gun for Hire'". The New York Times. p. X4.
  16. ^ Roosevelt, Edith Kermit (April 14, 1952). "Acting Ability Important, Even for Hollywood Stars". Schenectady Gazette. p. 7 – via Google News Archive Search.
  17. ^ "Biography of Alan Ladd". The Border Watch. Mount Gambier, SA. November 28, 1942. p. 3. Retrieved December 9, 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ a b Linet p. 40
  19. ^ "Alan Ladd 8/12". Tcm.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  20. ^ Douglas W. Churchill (September 13, 1941). "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: 'Pied Piper,' Novel by Nevil Shute, Purchased by Fox – Harold Shuster to Direct Rialto Film Is Held Over ' Badlands of Dakota' to Begin a Second Week – Swedish Program Opens Today". The New York Times. p. 21.
  21. ^ Douglas W. Churchill. (October 12, 1941). "Signing on The Lawn: Mr. Selznick Joins United Artists at Pickfair Meet – More Hollywoodiana". The New York Times. p. X5.
  22. ^ a b Alan Ladd, A Biographical Dictionary of Film, David Thomson, 1975
  23. ^ Houseman, John (1976). "Lost Fortnight, a Memoir". The Blue Dahlia: A Screenplay. By Chandler, Raymond. Carbondale. pp. xiii.
  24. ^ Schallert, Edwin (October 31, 1941). "Warners Cement Deal for Rogers' Biography: Alan Ladd Build-Up Set Stars Named for 'Harvest' 20th Bids for De Fore 'Sunday Punch' Slated Rita Piazza to Do Play". Los Angeles Times. p. A10.
  25. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: 'Red Harvest' and 'Connie Goes Home' Bought by Paramount for 1942 Production Rise and Shine' for Roxy Jack Oakie in Film Opening on Friday – Ballet Stars in Two New Pictures". The New York Times. December 2, 1941. p. 29.
  26. ^ Pryor, Thomas M. (August 30, 1942). "Random notes about the film scene". The New York Times. p. X3.
  27. ^ "Alan Ladd – Biography". MSN Movies. December 16, 2016. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  28. ^ Otto Friedrich. "City of nets: a portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s".
  29. ^ "Linet p 72".
  30. ^ "Shipman p 338".
  31. ^ "Studio Gives Leading Roles to Newcomers". The Washington Post. January 7, 1943. p. B7.
  32. ^ Funk, Edward (2015). Eavesdropping: Loretta Young Talks about her Movie Years. Bear Manor Media. pp. 235–236.
  33. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: Betty Hutton is Assigned to 'Let's Face It' – 'Incendiary Blonde' Is Shelved Disney's Musical Feb. 12 'Saludos Amigos' Will Open at Globe – Preview Tuesday Night of 'Commandos'". The New York Times. January 8, 1943. p. 25.
  34. ^ "Paula Walling's Hollywood Film Gossip". Sunday Mail. Brisbane. March 19, 1944. p. 7. Retrieved December 9, 2013 – via National Library of Australia.
  35. ^ Schallert, Edwin (March 5, 1943). "President Praises Cinema Leaders: Executive's Reassuring Message Read at Film Academy Dinner". Los Angeles Times. p. A1.
  36. ^ a b Thomas M. Pryor (August 29, 1943). "A Bit of This and That About the Film Scene". The New York Times. p. X3.
  37. ^ Schallert, Edwin (September 18, 1943). "Drama and Film: Sandburg Will Write Epic Story for Metro Paramount Building Up Barry Sullivan With Lead Opposite Dorothy Lamour". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
  38. ^ Schallert, Edwin (June 7, 1943). "Drama and Film: Stars of Wild Frontier Invading Wild Capital 'Of Human Bondage' Nearing Contingent Stage as Revival; Ladd Reissues Weird". Los Angeles Times. p. 14.
  39. ^ Louella Parsons (July 4, 1943). "Hollywood Has Super 6 Months in Every Way". The Washington Post. p. L2.
  40. ^ Schallert, Edwin (December 25, 1943). "Drama and Film: Pin-Up Betty Grable Top Box-Office Star Scarcity of Women in 'Best' List Noted; Bob Hope Climbs Steadily, Hits Second". Los Angeles Times. p. A8.
  41. ^ Schallert, Edwin (October 19, 1943). "Drama and Film: Ruth Terry Will Play 'Pistol Packin' Mama' Eric Sinclair, Baritone, to Make Debut in Charles Rogers-United Artists Film". Los Angeles Times. p. 13.
  42. ^ "Alan Ladd, Screen Star. Discharged from Army". Chicago Daily Tribune. October 29, 1943. p. 7.
  43. ^ "Service Corps Plan Outlined: War Council Group Hears of Community Activity Programs". Los Angeles Times. October 29, 1943. p. A1.
  44. ^ "Screen News Here and in Hollywood: Alan Ladd Will Have Lead Role in 'And Now Tomorrow' – 'Sahara' Opens Today". The New York Times. November 11, 1943. p. 28.
  45. ^ "Screen News here and in Hollywood: Paramount to Film 'Two Years Before Mast' – 2 Broadway Openings This Week". The New York Times. December 6, 1943. p. 21.
  46. ^ a b Shipman p. 339
  47. ^ "Screen News here and in Hollywood: Paramount Plans a Remake of 'The Virginian' – Two New Films Open Here Today". The New York Times. March 4, 1944. p. 11.
  48. ^ a b "New Induction Call for Ladd". Los Angeles Times. August 16, 1944. p. A1.
  49. ^ "Alan Ladd Inducted into Army 2nd Time". Variety. August 16, 1944. p. 3. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  50. ^ Schallert, Edwin (August 29, 1944). "'Latin Quarter' Likely Kiepura-Eggerth Film: Lee Sullivan, Bing Crosby 'Find,' Pens Mystery, 'Murder in B Flat'". Los Angeles Times. p. 10.
  51. ^ "Of Local Origin". The New York Times. November 4, 1944. p. 18.
  52. ^ Frank Daugherty (May 11, 1945). "Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd Teamed Again". The Christian Science Monitor. p. 5.
  53. ^ "Screen News: Evelyn Keyes to Co-Star in Columbia's 'Kansan'". The New York Times. May 19, 1945. p. 15.
  54. ^ "Action Taken to Curb Outbreak of Rabies". Los Angeles Times. May 24, 1945. p. A12.
  55. ^ "Paramount Suspends Alan Ladd". Los Angeles Times. August 23, 1945. p. A1.
  56. ^ "Celeste Holm Set for Fox Musical: Listed for Featured Part in 'Three Little Girls in Blue' – 'Pride of Marines' Due of Local Origin". The New York Times. August 24, 1945. p. 15.
  57. ^ "Warners Yielding 'Task Force' Rights: Studio Relinquishes as Navy Asks Earlier Production – Other Film Unit Sought". The New York Times. November 9, 1945. p. 26.
  58. ^ "Variety (November 1945)". July 21, 2010. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  59. ^ a b "Bing Crosby Again Box-Office Leader: Van Johnson Second in Film Poll of Exhibitors – Rogers Wins for Westerns". The New York Times. December 28, 1945. p. 21.
  60. ^ Scott, John L. (August 22, 1948). "Here's Film Star Who Gives Credit to Fans: Ladd Accords Credit to Fans". Los Angeles Times. p. D1.
  61. ^ "Paramount's 'OSS' to Star Alan Ladd: Film Is One of Three by Major Studios on Same Subject – Four Arrivals in Week of Local Origin". The New York Times. January 7, 1946. p. 16.
  62. ^ "Pat O'Brien to Star in 'The Big Angle': Crime Drama Was Written by Author of 'Bombardier' – 'Gatsby' to be Remade". The New York Times. February 26, 1946. p. 31.
  63. ^ "M'Carey's Wage of $1,113,035 Year's Highest: Treasury Report Places Film Producer First". Chicago Daily Tribune. June 17, 1946. p. 6.
  64. ^ "Theater Mogul with $568,143 Top '45 Earner: Betty Grable's $208,000 Leads Women". Chicago Daily Tribune. August 26, 1947. p. 5.
  65. ^ "Top Grossers of 1947". Variety. January 7, 1948. p. 63. Retrieved February 1, 2017 – via Archive.org.
  66. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 57. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  67. ^ Schallert, Edwin (July 18, 1949). "'Detective Story' Deal Confirmed by Ginsberg; Columbia Borrows Gwenn". Los Angeles Times. p. A7.
  68. ^ Thomas F. Brady (March 1, 1950). "Paramount Gets Option on Novel: To Enact Title Role". The New York Times. p. 42.
  69. ^ "Stars Who Please – and Tease". The Mercury. Hobart, Tasmania. December 14, 1950. p. 2. Retrieved July 10, 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
  70. ^ Thomas F. Brady (January 28, 1951). "They're the Tops: Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman Winners in International Popularity Poll Scenarists' Demands of Men and Religion Profitable Deal Arctic War". The New York Times. p. X5.
  71. ^ Hopper, Hedda (March 18, 1951). "Ladd Wears Aladdin Air: Golden Rule Figures in Alan's Rise Two of Top Breaks in Career Sprouted From Kindly Deeds". Los Angeles Times. p. D1.
  72. ^ Ames, Walter (April 17, 1951). "Television Radio News and Programs: Alan Ladd Offered Video Adventure Series Lead; Gen. Doolittle's Raid on Radio". Los Angeles Times. p. 22.
  73. ^ Thomas F. Brady (May 29, 1951). "Columbia Will End Pact With Rossen: Studio Seeks to Call Off Deal With Producer Named in the House Communist Inquiry". The New York Times. p. 39.
  74. ^ Thomas F. Brady (June 23, 1951). "L.B.Mayer Leaving Metro Film Studio: Quitting Film Post". The New York Times. p. 9.
  75. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (September 14, 1951). "Ladd, Paramount Discuss Contract: Actor Seeks Picture-a-Year Deal on Long-Term Basis After Current Pact Ends Youngster Gets Role". The New York Times. p. 22.
  76. ^ a b Thomas M. Pryor (February 29, 1952). "Paramount Signs Ladd to New Pact: Studio and Actor Arrange for Deal Whereby He Will Make One Film a Year on Lot". The New York Times. p. 19.
  77. ^ Scheuer, Philip K. (April 6, 1952). "This Ladd Stepping out on His Own". Los Angeles Times. p. E1.
  78. ^ "Para. Wide-Screen at Music Hall for Premiere of 'Shane'". Motion Picture Daily, April 8, 1953.
  79. ^ "'Wax,' 'Shane' End Sturdy B'Way Runs". Motion Picture Daily, May 20, 1953.
  80. ^ "All Time Domestic Champs". Variety. January 6, 1960. p. 34.
  81. ^ Brady, Thomas (March 28, 1951). "Wald and Krasna in Deal With Anta: R.K.O. Producers to Make 'The Great Moments' – Academy Providing Plays, Actors Film's Title Changed". The New York Times. p. 33.
  82. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (May 2, 1952). "Kramer Will Film Story of Wrights: Producer Buys Book by Fred Kelly About Air Pioneers as Basis for New Movie". The New York Times. p. 21.
  83. ^ "Studios Planning 2 Alan Ladd Films: Warwick and Columbia to Join in Offering 'The Red Beret' and 'The White South' The New York Times July 15, 1952". p. 17.
  84. ^ Broccoli, Albert R. & Zec, Donald When the Snow Melts: The Autobiography of Cubby Broccoli Trans-Atlantic Publications 1999
  85. ^ Bryan Forbes, A Divided Life, Mandarin, 1993 pp. 3–4
  86. ^ "Alan Ladd Delays His Independent Company". Los Angeles Times. June 8, 1952. p. E4.
  87. ^ Scheuer, Philip K. (June 13, 1954). "A Town Called Hollywood: Producers Want English Clear – Even in Oklahoma". Los Angeles Times. p. D4.
  88. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (May 13, 1954). "Paramount Buys O'Neill Classic: H. L. Davis Will Adapt 'Desire Under the Elms' for Film – 'Bullfight' Purchased". The New York Times. p. 34.
  89. ^ Ames, Walter (October 9, 1954). "Alan Ladd Signed for TV Debut; Cisco Kid Rides on KTTV Tonight". Los Angeles Times. p. A5.
  90. ^ Ames, Walter (December 5, 1954). "Alan Ladd to Make First Appearance on TV in 13 Years". Los Angeles Times. p. E11.
  91. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (November 9, 1955). "Support Voiced for 'Taboo' Film: 'Man With Golden Arm,' About Narcotics, to be Released Even if Not Approved". The New York Times. p. 41.
  92. ^ Godbout, Oscar (July 3, 1956). "TV, Movie Extras Get Salary Rises". The New York Times. p. 17.
  93. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (January 9, 1956). "Gene Kelly Ends One Metro Pact: Actor's Exclusive Service Contract is Replaced by Five-Year Agreement Shaw Screen Play Due of Local Origin". The New York Times. p. 19.
  94. ^ Oscar Godbout (January 23, 1956). "Faulkner Novel Bought for Film: 'Pylon,' Story of Stunt Flier Assigned by Universal to Zugsmith, Producer". The New York Times. p. 22.
  95. ^ Ames, Walter (January 26, 1956). "Ladd Films Test Show as Video Series; Sulky Veteran Gives Advice". Los Angeles Times. p. B10.
  96. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (March 6, 1957). "2 Script Writers Win Credit Fight: Poe and Farrow Will Share Billing With Perelman for 'Around the World' Film Warners Expands Ladd's Pact of Local Origin". The New York Times. p. 34.
  97. ^ A.H. Weiler (May 26, 1957). "By Way of Report: Alan Ladd's Full Slate – Other Screen Items". The New York Times. p. X5.
  98. ^ Scott, John L. (July 21, 1957). "Alan Ladd Balances Three-Cornered Career". Los Angeles Times. p. E3.
  99. ^ Shipman, p. 340
  100. ^ Schallert, Edwin (September 16, 1957). "Alan Ladd Gets Huge England Deal; Hunting Film Stars Prime Trio". Los Angeles Times. p. C11.
  101. ^ Roberts, Jerry (2000). Mitchum: In His Own Words. Limelight Editions. ISBN 978-0879102920. Retrieved February 1, 2017 – via Google Books.
  102. ^ "N.B.C. Weighs Series of Pilot Films; Polly Bergen May Get Summer Role". The New York Times. May 28, 1958. p. 63.
  103. ^ Thomas M. Pryor (March 2, 1959). "Paramount Plans to Produce for TV: To Provide Funds and Studio for Filmed Series as First Step – Extras in Dispute". The New York Times. p. 32.
  104. ^ Hopper, Hedda (May 15, 1960). "The Ladds ARE Hollywood: Daddy Alan, Son David, and Daughter Alana – They're All Making Pictures AND Money". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. f34.
  105. ^ Vernon, Scott (September 2, 1961). "Alan Ladd Discusses His 'Unemployment'". Los Angeles Times. p. A6.
  106. ^ "Film Events: Ladd to Join New Company". Los Angeles Times. January 12, 1962. p. A10.
  107. ^ A.H. Weiler (May 27, 1963). "'Carpetbaggers' Signs Alan Ladd: Actor to Play Nevada Smith in Film Version of Novel". The New York Times. p. 25.
  108. ^ "Filmland Events: Alan Ladd Plans Filming of 'Box 13'". Los Angeles Times. August 23, 1963. p. C8.
  109. ^ Linet pp. 23–25
  110. ^ "Alan Ladd Recovering From Shot". Los Angeles Times. November 5, 1962. p. A1.
  111. ^ "Detectives to Question Ladd on Gun Wounds: Doctor Says Bullet Entered Actor's Chest Between Ribs, Passed Through Left Lung". Los Angeles Times. November 4, 1962. p. A.
  112. ^ "'I Thought I Heard a Prowler,' Ladd Explains: Actor Tells of Getting Out of Bed to Investigate, Tripping, Shooting Himself". Los Angeles Times. November 6, 1962. p. A2.
  113. ^ "Ladd's Version of Shooting Is Accepted". The Washington Post and Times-Herald. November 7, 1962. p. A4.
  114. ^ Alan Ladd, Awards
  115. ^ Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated
  116. ^ Farber, Stephen; Green, Marc (1984). Hollywood Dynasties. Delilah. p. 182. ISBN 0-887-15000-4.
  117. ^ Henry, Marilyn; DeSourdis, Ron (1984). The Films of Alan Ladd. Citadel Press. p. 24. ISBN 0-806-50736-5.
  118. ^ Henry 1981 p. 25
  119. ^ Mennie, James (May 26, 1979). "The Star We Hardly Knew". The Montreal Gazette. p. 32. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  120. ^ "Rites Held for Ex-Wife of Actor Alan Ladd". Los Angeles Times. May 4, 1957. p. A8.
  121. ^ "Actor Alan Ladd Marries Sue Carol Near Mexico City". Los Angeles Times. April 8, 1942. p. 7.
  122. ^ "Daughter Is Born to Mrs. Alan Ladd; Sue Carol of Films". Chicago Daily Tribune. April 22, 1943. p. 4.
  123. ^ Bacon, James (January 29, 1964). "Rugged Screen Career of Alan Ladd Ended by Death". Lodi News-Sentinel. p. 15. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  124. ^ "MSN – Movies: Jordan Ladd". Movies.msn.com. December 16, 2016. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  125. ^ Smith, Jack (August 15, 1957). "Confidential Jury Hears Star Gossip Stories: Magazines Read by Prosecutor Confidential Testimony Prosecutor Wears Out Voice on Confidential's Racy Prose Scandal Stories". Los Angeles Times. p. 1.
  126. ^ U.S., World War II Draft Cards, https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/18247069:2238?tid=&pid=&queryId=a0a6c95d4d17cfbbf10ce04b61076c99&_phsrc=and27&_phstart=successSource, retrieved July 27, 2023
  127. ^ Shipman, David. The Great Movie Stars: The Golden Years. New York: Hill & Wang, 1979. ISBN 0-8090-5170-2
  128. ^ Lenburg, Jeff (2001). Peekaboo: The Story of Veronica Lake. Lincoln NE: iUniverse. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-0595192397.
  129. ^ Houseman, John (1989). Unfinished business: memoirs, 1902–1988. New York: Applause Theatre Books. p. 260. ISBN 978-1557830241.
  130. ^ Udel, James C. (2013). The Film Crew of Hollywood: Profiles of Grips, Cinematographers, Designers, a Gaffer, a Stuntman and a Makeup Artist. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7864-6484-5.
  131. ^ Baldwin, Paul and John Williams Malone (2001). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acting. Indianapolis: Alpha. p. 122. ISBN 978-0028641539.
  132. ^ Moss, Marilyn Ann (2011). Raoul Walsh: The True Adventures of Hollywood's Legendary Director. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky. p. 334. ISBN 978-0813133935.
  133. ^ "Movie Star Alan Ladd, 50, Found Dead in His Home: Alan Ladd, 50 Movie Actor, Dies in Home Star Won Fame as Film Gunman". Chicago Tribune. January 30, 1964. p. 1.
  134. ^ "Actor Alan Ladd Dies in Palm Springs Home: Alan Ladd Death". Los Angeles Times. January 30, 1964. p. 1.
  135. ^ Alan Ladd Death Ruled Accidental UPI. The Bulletin of Bend and Central Oregon February 5, 1964.
  136. ^ "Widow Lets Fans Take Last Look at Alan Ladd: Hundreds Pass by Open Casket After She Learns They Were Gathered Near Church". Los Angeles Times. February 2, 1964. p. B.
  137. ^ "Wife Given Property in Alan Ladd's Will". Los Angeles Times. February 5, 1964. p. A3.
  138. ^ The Post Radio highlights the Washington Post, May 30, 1942, p. 20
  139. ^ "Judy Garland, Alan Ladd to Star in Silver Theater". Chicago Daily Tribune. December 12, 1943. p. S6.
  140. ^ "Radio Notes for Today". The Washington Post. January 6, 1944. p. B11.
  141. ^ Complete copy of film at Internet Archive
  142. ^ "R.K.O. Negotiating to Back 10 Movie: Studio Would Finance Films Completed Within Year by Panoramic Productions by Thomas M. Pryor The New York Times March 3, 1954". p. 23.
  143. ^ "Drama And Film: Pin-Up Betty Grable Top Box-Office Star Scarcity of Women in 'Best' List Noted; Bob Hope Climbs Steadily, Hits Second". Los Angeles Times. December 25, 1943. p. A8.
  144. ^ "Bing Crosby Again Tops Money-Making Star List". Los Angeles Times. December 27, 1946. p. A3.
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  • Shipman, David, The Great Movie Stars 1: The Golden Years, 1989
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