McCarey had a love-hate relationship with Paramount

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Posted by danj (A) on March 16, 2009 at 10:21:39

In Reply to: Director was listed as Arthur Hornblower on the DVD though posted by tinear on March 11, 2009 at 17:25:03:

and was even thrown off the lot a time or two. He was one of the finest directors in an era that had many but he was also rather irascible and did not suffer interference from higher ups (producers) or complaining very well. He did not like Cary Grant, thinking him a chronic complainer and felt that some of the on-screen tics that Grant performed were a not too flattering imitation of Mr. McCarey.

McCarey was chosen for "Ruggles of Red Gap" becuae of Charles Laughton, who personally requested him. The filming went pretty well but ran long because of some serious health issues that Laughton had suffered just prior to filming which caused him to miss some calls during filming. It's said the barroom scene, where Laughton recites the Gettysburg address, and which is certainly an all-time classic bit, took nearly two days to shoot for Laughton, and sometimes one of the other actors, could not get through the whole scene without tearing up.

As to why McCarey isn't listed as director of the film, well, I've read several different reasons but I suppose it was because he and the studio were once again not speaking. Despite their occasional spats they did have a long and fruitful relationship and McCarey's projects won many accolades including several Oscars. He may have been a thorn in Paramount's side, and they in his, but that thorn was made of gold and their long relationship resulted in some of the most fondly remembered films of Hollywood's Golden Era.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - "Ruggles of Red Gap" certainly should be on all lists of - tinear 13:50:23 03/11/09 (12)

His most memorable role for me... - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 02:55:55 03/14/09 (3)

RE: His most memorable role for me... - patrickU 03:54:40 03/14/09 (2)

It wasn't very memorable then... [nt] - chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com 11:55:34 03/14/09 (1)

RE: It wasn't very memorable then... [nt] - patrickU 14:04:50 03/14/09 (0)

RE: Just bought that one! - patrickU 09:57:22 03/12/09 (2)

Your outdated comment actually should be - tinear 16:20:09 03/12/09 (1)

RE: Your outdated comment actually should be - patrickU 04:32:46 03/13/09 (0)

Another great Laughton role is in the almost unknown - danj 23:59:13 03/11/09 (1)

Thanks, I'll look for it. Laughton, along with Alastair Sim, may be the - tinear 07:30:26 03/12/09 (0)

One of Leo McCarey's best. - eppis1 15:58:05 03/11/09 (2)

Director was listed as Arthur Hornblower on the DVD though - tinear 17:25:03 03/11/09 (1)

McCarey had a love-hate relationship with Paramount - danj 10:21:39 03/16/09 (0)

Follow Ups

McCarey had a love-hate relationship with Paramount - danj 10:21:39 03/16/09 (0)

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