Reviews by Gary Geyer
Gary Cooper – The Signature Collection (Sergeant York / The Fountainhead / Dallas / Springfield Rifle / The Wreck of the Mary Deare)
When you think about it, Gary Cooper could probably have a dozen ‘Signature Collections.’ Gary’s “yep, nope, aw shucks” persona makes just about all his films worthwhile.
The Fountainhead is one of Gary’s best films. (There are about 50 of them). It’s based on Ayn Rand’s novel of the same name, although any resemblance is purely coincidental. Gary’s character is architect Howard Roark, (a Frank Lloyd Wright sort of character) an idealist who refuses to compromise his principals. Gary says nobly, “I don’t build in order to have clients. I have clients in order to build!” Like I said, don’t expect the book, but it’s enjoyable nevertheless. Patricia Neal (one of my favorites) co-stars.
Sergeant York is among the great war films of the forties. Gary won his first Oscar for this one (High Noon was the second). He portrays a pacifist during WW1 who becomes an unlikely hero. John Houston was one of the screenwriters and his mark is definitely evident. And with Howard Hawks directing, what could be bad?
Dallas has Gary playing a man returning home after the Civil War seeking revenge. Although, it’s not a great film, Gary as usual makes the film interesting.
Springfield Rifle is another Gary Cooper western. The script involves stolen guns with Gary joining the bad guys, undercover, to get to the bottom of things. It’s no High Noon, but hey!
The Wreck of the Mary Deare stars along with Gary, Charlton Heston, Michael Redgrave and a young Richard Harris (before he became famous) as the villain. Gary and Charlton made a combined 6 films with legendary director Cecil B. (Any time you’re ready C.B.) DeMille. Although ‘Mary Deare’ was not one of them, the special effects would have made him proud. <<
Gary Geyer is Editor-in-Chief of LetLifeIn.com (Editor@LetLifeIn.com) as well as editor of the People & Entertainment section and the Fun Stuff section. Reach him at Gary@LetLifeIn.com.
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