Why didn't Joel McCrea want to make RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY? Wyatt McCrea reveals the answer! AWOW
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
- Without the pairing of Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott as two aging former partners and over-the-hill lawmen, Sam Peckinpah's classic western, RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY (1962) might have been a very different film. When McCrea was offered the role of embittered Gil Westrum, he turned it down. When Scott agreed to take that part, the first pairing of these two movie legends resulted in a timeless story and a critical success for the young director. Born in South Pasadena, November 5, 1905, Joel McCrea's entrance and success in films seems like the perfect Hollywood story. In fact, it is. McCrea's first grandson, Wyatt (son of David McCrea) shares memories of his famed grandfather, movie star and rancher in an enlightening interview, who died October 20, 1990, at the age of 84. Wyatt talks, not only about the western roles, but of his grandfather's friendship with Will Rogers, his early films for Hitchcock and Preston Sturges, his romance with actress and future wife, Frances Dee, and the expansive ranch they lived on together for their 56 year marriage. A WORD ON WESTERNS interview recorded July 2019.
#famouspeople #hollywood #cowboys #actor #sampeckinpah #interview #interviewer #randolphscott #filmdirector #filmhistory #classicmovies #awordonwesterns #robword #cinema #ranchers #marriage #movieexplained
Wyatt McCrea was so knowledgeable. This was an outstanding interview. Joel McCrea was one of my favorite actors.
I greatly admire those who can refer to Randolph Scott as "Randy".
Great interview, Rob!
Really enjoyed this interview. Wyatt McCrea really knew the history of his grand father. What wonderful stories. ♥️😊👍
He sure did. Thanks, Shelly.
I miss all the western “heroes”. Joel McCrea, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Randolph Scott , etc. Thank goodness for the old westerns and people like you, Rob, to keep them going. I liked Joel M. In any picture. John W. In The Quiet Man and all westerns. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Linda.
"Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott?:.
I too miss them , they make me happy ( nostalgic). Just watched movie , The Marksman.
I totally agree with you and i will add this one thought.. Tyrone Power made a pretty darn good Jesse James
@@stevewixom9311 Yes he did 👏12-7-20
Joel was a great cowboy. His voice was perfect. As a matter of fact fact R.Scott was great as well. Even his voice was perfect too. Thanks Pard.
This was so much fun--filled with (I think) lots of fun, interesting tidbits, and bursting with a joyful feeling--Wyatt McCrea certainly gave a wonderful interview. Thanks, Rob, for sharing this with us.
Thank you, too, Sue. I like mixing the laughter with the memories!
Joel was one of my favorite actors. He could take a part and turn it into his own like no one else could. I long for actors like joel, randy, oats and thank God we have these Giants on film.
All great performers. As I type this, Joel is in the terrific film THE MORE THE MERRIER on TCM!!
Wyatt McCrea is such a knowledgeable guy about his grandparents. That was fun hearing him tell stories. They must have been a close family.
Ride The High Country is one of the best westerns ever made and one of my all time favorites.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn so much more about these great actors and their movies. Thank you.
I could sit and listen to Wyatt tell stories all day. Mighty great interview. Lots of movie history, for sure.
Glad you enjoyed it
Joel McCrea is hands down my favorite western star ⭐. He just seems so believable as a cowboy. There are so many to choose from but he has always been the high mark example. Not saying that I don't like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood any less or that their aren't Westerns starring others that I thought were better films but J. McCrea was the cowboy I always thought of when I was dreaming about being one. Thanks again Rob.
One of the best westerns ever filmed is "Ride the High Country".
I have always heard of this film. I need to see this!! Great interview!!
@@sandrasanders706 It's been one of my favorite westerns for years.. i promise you'll like it. you'll know you many of the actors in it. John Anderson, Warren Oates etc...
Just came upon this terrific interview. Joel McCrea was a big movie star in his time but is not mentioned as much today as he deserves to be. He was not only extremely handsome, but he could play in romance, comedy and dramatic roles with an honesty that makes his performances seem very modern. Great actor.
I never miss a Joel McCrea film. Great interview.
Me neither...western or otherwise!
Joel was a true cowboy. When asked whose the best cowboy John Wayne said Joel McCrea. Joel ran a true cattle ranch that had a bunk house.
John wayne had a very large cattle ranch hete on Arizona
And Ben Johnson
One of my favorites on the screen and radio. For me It’s always nice to see someone in the family keeping one of our favorite actor’s legacy going.
I look forward to sunday morning all week long, just to see what new things I will learn on my favorite westerns. Thank you Rob!
Thanks, Ranger.
Rob, as our country goes to hell it's so good to see the days when there was some class. Joel sure had it.
Whyatt did a good job as well.
Cheers, Lee
There's a social media purge going on as well apparently.
@@hiramnoone ???????
ain't that the truth
Joel did an incredible job in the Virginian. The scene where he hangs his best friend for cattle rustling. Joel showed a lot of range of emotion. It's tough to watch even today. You know that character will carry the burdon of that decision for the rest of his life.
Loved Wyatt's interview with You Rob. He's very knowledgeable about His Grandparents and their movie's.
Rob I loved your interview with Wyatt McCrea. I met Wyatt at the Williamsburg Nostalgia Festival and it was great to talk to him about Joel McCrea one of my favorite western stars!!
Hi Rob...tks for having Wyatt McCrea!... He really knows a lot about his Grandfather!... I learned a lot about Joel ...I didn't know...Tks to you! my friend! Take care!
Glad you enjoyed it, Thomas.
Loved Joel McCrea in movies and what a great pleasure to hear his grandson Wyatt speak so enthusiastically and with great love about his Grandad. 🤗.
Declan.
Wyatt tells good, concise stories about his granddad. The Most Dangerous Game is a favorite of mine.
Thanks, Paul. It's a favorite of mine, too.
Wow, what a great interview Rob, so much interesting information here! I've only seen a few Joel McCrea movies, but after watching this interview I want to find and watch some more. And kudos to his grandson for being such a great storyteller and you for bringing out all those great stories!
Try Ramrod & Four Faces West
@@BuckJones1909 Thanks for the recommendations Don. Found both movies are available on RUclips, will be watching both when I get time.
@@takkmoran9770 I really hope you enjoy these two movies! Preston Forest is terrific as the sinister Frank Ivey in Ramrod!
@@BuckJones1909 Just finished watching 'Ramrod, Don. I remember watching Preston Foster in reruns of ' Waterfront' years ago. Quite a contrast to seeing him as a villain! Great movie and cast. Interesting to see so many who would go on to be TV stars.
@@takkmoran9770 So glad you enjoyed the movie! GreT that it is available to watch on RUclips. I remember watching Sea Hunt with Lloyd Bridges, Jeff Bruges Dad! He was a favorite and he was on the wrong side! Man I wish that movies like this one were still being made. Take care!!
What a wonderful raconteur Wyatt is, I'm sure the family is quite proud of him and his ability to paint a charming and sympathetic portrait of one of the best actors ever. He mentioned a film that costarred Mark Stevens, who did a few movie and television westerns himself, although never achieving the same celestial orbit that Joel and Randy did, still though, a very good actor himself.
Great interview. Joel and Francis were some of Hollywood’s best.
One of my favorite films is “Stars in My Crown” with Mr. McCrea as a country preacher. What a wonderful, loving film! It featured early appearances by Amanda Blake and James Arness.
That's one of my favorites, too, Terry. Thanks.
Introduction to guests heretofore generally unfamiliar, obscure movie clips, poster art, and a variety of fun anecdotes. Never a dull second. Ty Rob.
Thanks, Philip. I try and load up the goodies!
This was a great interview. Wyatt has a lot of interesting information and stories about his grand parents. I could listen for hours.
Kind of weird that Joel McCrea was only 57 when he made "Ride the High Country" but he felt his fim career was over. Very interesting interview. Thanks to both of you.
I worked as a hostess in a restaurant in Cucamonga and one night Joel McCray and Frances Dee came in. When they were leaving I called out to them, Mr. McCray, I just want to tell you how much I've enjoyed watching your films. They both turned around and came back and talked to me for some time. He was so happy that I had heard of his son Jody. I was studying acting at the time and he gave me a lot of good advice. They were just the nicest people you'd ever want know.
Thanks, Jana. That's a wonderful story and the kind we all love to hear.
Wyatt was great in this interview. Very knowledgeable and engaging.
Joel was one of my favorite actors, just watched the Virginian and Ramrod. Thanks.🇺🇸
wish my mother was still here she loved the stars of Hollywood's golden years....
Back when Hollywood marriages lasted a lifetime. Thanks for such a quality entertainment! How can a person see it live?
Good question, Ken. We haven't done any new shows since the pandemic. Normally, we do them every other month at The Autry Museum. All are welcome to attend and it's FREE! We don't know when we will be able to resume but hope it's soon and that you're able to attend.
Yup, because back then to some actors or entertainers, it was a job, they did it well and then went home. They had they’re feet firmly on the ground.
Another great interview Rob,wonderful story telling from Wyatt about his Grandfather Joel,one of my favourite actors who stars in the classic Western ‘RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY’
Great interview with Wyarr McCrea, what a legacy. I am always sorry when the show is over !
Besides the great Preston Sturges comedy Sullivan's Travels with Veronica Lake, Joel also did George Stevens's The More the Merrier with Jean Arthur which is just as classic and equally funny.
Joel really did have a very remarkable non western career to go along with all those great westerns he did.
Right on, Hiram.
Gee, there is so much I want to say, I admire Joel I admire his son Wyatt this was truly a great time listening & enjoying such talk about his grandfather & all thanks again Rob Word you hit the nail on the head!!
😅 is Joel' s grandson. Not son.
Joel McCrea was always one of my favorites. Wyatt's insight added a lot of interesting details and color to his life.
I can watch those old classics and Gun smoke every day of my life and never tire of them. I think, I remember that Ron Star had played a couple roles over the years on Gun Smoke. Great video.
If there was a true bad guy in Ride the High Country it was one of, or all of the Hammond brothers. Meaning if anyone played against type it was Jim Drury (The Virginian).
Joel was the uncompromising in his principles straight arrow, the guy he most often played, while Scott was more the likable scoundrel rather than true villain. Who naturally redeemed himself in the end anyway. As we knew he would.
Great film. Nice interview with Wyatt.
I was just thinking about that. Even as the bad guys the Hammond Brothers have to be the finest limned crew of inbred ridge runners I have ever seen! 😁👍 And what great character actors: John Anderson, Warren Oates, L.Q. Jones, James Chandler Harris and, against type, James Drury.
Excuse me, JOHN Chandler Harris, I think.
@@kennethrouse7942 John Davis Chandler, actually. No need to be excused. I had to look it up myself. Knew who you meant though. That guy had a look and manner that type cast him as the psycho creep. Played exactly that in a memorable Columbo ep titled Publish or Perish as a lunatic bomber outsmarted, framed and murdered by Jack Cassidy.
@@hiramnoone And how about "You're a wanted man, Wales." 👍
Small world. When Wyatt said his grand parents were married "In a little white chapel in Rye NY." I grew up in Rye NY !! Thanks as always Rob for another great program.
The classic golden years of Hollywood.
I wish I was alive during that era, however, we get to see anything we want in today's world.!
Yes, we do, Frank. Thanks.
Great showing of the great western movies and great actors of their time and the many great memories!
Another great program. It was such a pleasure hearing so much detail about the man and actor from a family member with facts.
I love watching these clips on different westerns. Never stop. Thanks Rob ❤️
Thank YOU, Sandy.
They just don’t make them like they use to. Actors nor westerns.
Joel McCrea,,,, I Love Him,,, Almost As Much As I Love,,, "Rob Word" and "Word on Westerns".... The "Knowledge" This Man Has On Not Only "Westerns" ,,, But All Of Hollywood Is Amazing,,,, Best Site On RUclips,,,
Thanks, Big.
If Hollywood had any sense at all, they'd start making good west erns again. Tom Selleck, Kevin Costner, Sam Elliott, all great in westerns but now they are old, although I'd love to see them still. Time for new stars to be made. Especially today people need to see something where the good guys win, and no special effects or tech.
Joel McCrea was a wonderful person both on screen and off screen. Thanks again Rob for bringing these great videos! One of my favorite movies is "Come and Get It". The stepping in sticky candy on the floor is a hoot, yes Mr. McCrea was one of the best!
Always had a lot of respect for Joel. Watched everything he ever did good or bad. Really enjoyed seeing this interview with his grandson. Learned a bunch I didn't know about him. Thanks again for sharing👍👍‼️
Glad you enjoyed it, Mark. Thanks.
Joel McCrea is one of my FAVORITE actors. He was so very handsome.
The America described in this show is vanishing more and more every day. So sad. RIP John Ford, John Huston, Sam Peckinpah, John Wayne, Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, Gary Cooper, etc.
Wyatt McCrea represents the stories of his legendary grandfather real well... but he left out one of Joel McCrea's most iconic films DEAD END from William Wyler in 1937, he gave a great performance in that alongside Sylvia Sidney and Humphrey Bogart.
Although John Wayne was certainly more legendary and iconic, I think Joel McCrea and his lovely wife Francis Dee had a much happier and contented life on their beautiful sprawling ranch. McCrea certainly was wealthier than the Duke who lost so much to bad investments and could rarely be himself except on his famed boat or out on location on his land in Durango Mexico.
Check out 1951's CATTLE DRIVE with a young Dean Stockwell... and 1958's CATTLE EMPIRE written and directed by the same team who created and produced TV's RAWHIDE
There's a much more human quality to Joel McCrea and his grandson has that too, which Rob and his viewers can well appreciate from this great interview.
Thanks, Graham.
Ride the high country is my Dad’s favorite film, growing up we watched it at least twice a year and I loved every minute of it because of my Dad’s love of Westerns, I fell in love with them and still love them to this day. Thanks Rob for keeping these actors and these movies fresh in everyone’s minds I feel we have lost so many great western stars and with so little of them being made nowadays it’s great we still have people that remember the westerns as they used to be.
Thanks, Tundra. Stay off road.
Four Faces West & Ramrod are two of my favorite Joel McCrea films. Both produced by Harry Sherman. Both had great supporting casts & holdup really well. If you haven’t seen either take the time to pull yourself out of today to a simpler time! They’re both worth the time!
I totally agree, Don. Thanks!
Wish they would have mentioned Joel Mcrae did the movie about Buffalo Bill with Maureen O'Hara.
When I was a kid watching these movies I didnt really know most of the actors names. I did know stars like John Wayne, Audie Murphy, James Stewart, Glenn Ford, and Randolf Scott.
Stars like Joel McCrea, Lee van Cleef, Gregory Peck I would recognize but wouldn't know who they were.
Congratulations Mr. Wyatt, excellent interview! Thx Mr. Rob Word! On to 20 million views! 👏👏👏👍👍👍
Yes, Mr. Munny. It's good to set goals!
What is there to say . This was a great interview and truly interesting back story on Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott
Thanks, Norman.
Wish I knew as much about my grandparents as Wyatt knows about his. Thanks Rob!
Wonderful interview provided some interesting background on a great movie star!
I thought Joel McCrea sat and road a horse better than anybody.
Keep them coming......
You ain't alone, Vernon. Joel rode high in the saddle!
Joel McCrea is my second favorite Cowboy of all time ! Errol Flynn is number one..Loved the show.
Joel was the one of the easiest actors that I could believe was not acting.
My 10 favorite Westerns
10. Rio Bravo
9. The Naked Spur
8. Red River
7. Stagecoach
6. The Good The Bad And The Ugly
5. Ride The High Country
4. Winchester 73
3. The Searchers
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales
1. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Terrific list, Richard. Thanks.
Keep up the great shows. As the old movies took the audience out of the reality of the time yours are doing the same.
Thanks, Tom.
Wyatt, I have your grandfather's best line from the movie tattooed on my left forearm..... "All I Want Is To Enter My House Justified"...
Went to California Lutheran in Thousand Oaks in 1961. I was not aware that Joel McCrea had a ranch in the vicinity. I was aware of the movie lot behind the college but did not know who owned it. There was a large land owner out there then, too. Janss. Learned something today, 60 years after the fact.
@@scvandy3129 As I recall it was the Janss ranch. There were a couple of sets there but my memory hangs on the ranch house from The Rifleman with the small bridge crossing the creek.
Love Joel! Such a superb horseman!
And Wyatt is such a sweet guy.
Thanks, Jimmie. We agree!
I really enjoyed his so called, screwball comedies the most. I thought his western era was cause he wasn't a big draw anymore but nice to hear the westerns we're his choice.
The films with Jean Arthur are my favorites. They were just perfect together!
Thanks, Rick. For a rancher, Joel sure had a diverse and interesting acting career.
His movies still on grit tv almost weekly.
10 million views, love it!
Extremly good westerns Joel mcrea and Randolph Scott just so good i love this movie beautiful movie color absolutly stunning thank you Word great video
Glad you enjoyed it, Tom. Thanks.
as always good show Word and very good guest, very knowledgeable about his grandpa, lots of fun to listen to, thanks Word
Glad you enjoyed it
decent and good people in Cineam sorely missed today....
Ride the high country is a great western. I love Joel McCrea.
You can tell he is extremely proud of his family...and no Braggin’,just facts.I loved Joel in everything he did...if I’m wrong,let me know...wasn’t he in a Shirley Temple movie?
Your videos are so Interesting. I really enjoy the Behind The Scenes Stories. Thanks Again Mr. Word.
You are very welcome, Kit. Thanks
One of my favorite westerns. Thanks for the insights. The movie scared me.
Thanks Rob
Wonderful video love those western's . Ron
Thanks, Dyann. Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for this Rob.
This was enjoyable.
I love it when Joel calls Randolph a tin horn. Lol.
I'd never think of him( Randolph) that way. But I know it was just the part.
The first movie I remember seeing Joel in was "Cattle Drive" .
When I was a kid I watched it with my dad one Saturday morning.
And after all this time just a few years ago looking for that movie learned it was Dean Stockwell playing the spoiled brat.
A long way from that to "Air force one".
Another enjoyable interview Rob. 👍👍
Thanks, Elden. Fun for me, too!
Timeless movie ....like the two stars .
Great show Mr. Word . But I always expect the best from you and I have never been disappointed Sir.
Thank you, sir.
Rob, I always enjoy your work. Thank you.
Thanks, Paul. Sure glad you do.
Joel is a favorite ♡♡. Nice fella Wyatt.
I love Joel McCrea. Thanks for uploading this in the week of his 115th Birthday.
I've seen all his Westerns, except Trooper Hook and Gunsight Ridge. He's probably my favourite Western Star. I love Four Faces West too! A very interesting Western.
I actually think Joel McCrea had a better film career than Coop overall.
They both left interesting legacies. Maybe Joel was happier with his ranch.
@@AWordonWesterns One day I will visit the ranch for sure.
Loved this!! I really enjoy the Joel McCrea westerns.
Me too!!
Fabulous interview rob..best chanell on you tube could listen to them all day long..
Thanks, roy. I'll keep 'em comin'.
This guy has joel's class. when the interviewer casts some hurtful shade on one of the actors, wyatt plays the insult down.
I'd watched every Joe McCrae show I could find and not once did he cuss. When I saw the intro to Ride the High Country and he cussed, I didn't even want to watch it... I like remembering him as always the good decent man in his shows. .Not one who cussed.. Just my opinion on how I wanted to remember him.
Thank you Sir for your very informative show. You are bringing out the best of Hollywood in your shows .I enjoyed this show.Make more . Pune City.jai Maharashtra.
Thanks, Subhash. So nice of you
Thank you, Rob.
Joel was a damn good actor. But what I don't understand is that after making 80 films is wealth was only between 1 and 3 million. While Randolph Scott made a hundred films and ended up with a hundred million dollars unbelievable just don't understand they're both good actors but how Joel didn't make but one to three million should have made a lot more than that after 80 films.
McCrea played a bad guy in FORT MASSACRE and Randy played one in THE SPOILERS.
I love all of the westerns he made.
Never knew he had a ranch . Was he known as Hollywoods best rider as far as top billing actors went ?
He was one of the best what I say and that's a fact Ben Johnson was the top man on a horse and he was also a rodeo champ a couple of times over. But Joel McCrea was all around top cowboy in Hollywood.
@@tomrucco6490 ben Johnson is great but not a leading man in the movies
@@marksheffer625 yes I know Mark he was a character actor
Tom Rocco Ben was definitely the real cowboy
@@marksheffer625 Ben Johnson was the leading man in the origin "Mighty Joe Young."
Really awesome interview 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆!
Thanks, Diane.
I love this movie and two great actors