That Has a "Crooked Ring" To It... ;)

Hi!

Let's "ring in" 2018 with some ephemera relating to Jack Kelly's 1955 movie Crooked Ring. Don't recognize the title? That's what the film was called in Great Britain. In the US, it was known as Double Jeopardy.

Below are scans of the film's British press brochure. It consists of one double-sided sheet. It's also legal-sized, so I fit as much of it as I could in my letter-sized scanner.

Highlights include one small photo of JK and a blurb which says, "UP-AND-COMING STAR IN 'CROOKED RING'--Jack Kelly, handsome six-footer in Republic's story of big-money blackmail, Crooked Ring...has only been in Hollywood since 1950, but from his record it appears he's likely to stay. To date, he has appeared in seventeen feature motion pictures and has been starred in six top-rated TV shows. For those who are superstitious, it might be well to note that Kelly's first Hollywood appearance was in a studio tryout play titled 'All It Takes Is One Good Break.'"

[Of course, this ignores the fact that JK acted in Hollywood films as a child, and thus his "first Hollywood appearance" took place years before he participated in studio showcases at Universal-International.]

Another write-up mentions JK: "TWO VILLAINS STUDIED LAW--Robert Armstrong and Jack Kelly, the two villains in Republic's drama of big-time blackmail, Crooked Ring...both studied to be lawyers prior to embarking upon acting careers. Armstrong studied law for three-and-a-half years at the University of Washington law school, while Kelly pored over legal books for one-and-a-half years before turning to thesping. World wars diverted each from the study of law. Armstrong served in World War I, while Kelly did his duty in World War II. Following their respective bits for their country, each sought a career in the entertainment world."

JK is also described in the brochure as "the believable 'cad' on whom [Gale] Robbins lavishes her extra-marital attentions".

Where in the world will TDS travel to next? Please stay tuned and find out! :)

Happy New Year From La Bartista & "TDS"! :)

Nostalgia's Nothing New Pt. II :)

Hi!

Here's another nostalgic look at Maverick, this time from a movie magazine:

The year is 1973. Maverick, absent from network television for eleven years, is saluted as an "All-Time Favorite TV Series" as part of a "Nostalgia Special" feature. The glowing (but not entirely accurate) tribute takes us back to show's beginning:

"Fall 1957. A tall, rangy kid from Oklahoma costumed in a Mississippi gambler's outfit rode onto ABC-TV, a pre-season choice for early cancellation. For most of that season we called the kid Bret Maverick but we gradually realized we'd better remember his 'real' name--James Garner. (Actually, it was James Baumgarner and shortened for marquee effect).

"The pre-season doomsayers were wrong. Although Maverick competed with Ed Sullivan and Steve Allen in its time slot on Sunday nights, it became a nation-wide sensation. The Maverick boys (Bret had a brother, Bart, played by Jack Kelly) were something different, aimless drifters who made their living gambling. Bret was the one with a sly sense of humor and droll wit. Bart was less funny [B27--"Bart could be more serious"--there, I fixed it ;)] but just as fast with a gun. Here was a western that didn't take itself seriously; the scripts were laced with humor.

"Every week the boys had to outsmart the smarties who were out to take them. Frequently the very people to whom they were lending their willing hands turned into villains--even the damsels! Only the brothers' inherited sixth sense for spotting bad hombres--and hombresses [B27--is that even a word?]--on the loose kept them from getting shot in the back. The Maverick boys brought a lively quality to a heretofore staid and stolidly serious West.

"At the height of its popularity, trouble hit the set. Garner grew increasingly restless being tied to a long-running series. A dispute between him and Warner Bros., which produced the series, ended up in court, but not before Warners suspended their maverick star.

"Kelly continued as Bart and a British cousin, Beau Maverick, joined the clan. The studio believed that Roger Moore as Beau would add the same romantic flavor as Garner to the show. But Maverick fans wanted the one and only Bret. Without him, the ratings lagged. And after the 1960 season, Maverick was put out to pasture. [B27--Yes, it was put out to pasture after 1960--in 1962, to be precise.]

"Since then, Garner went on to become the first major television star to outfox his studio over a long-term contract dispute. It took him a lot of years, but once it was settled, Jim became a big movie star, one of the few ever to make the transition from small screen to leading man chores.

"Two seasons ago [1971], Garner returned to television for another series try, Nichols, in the year of the 'movie star' on television. But, along with James Stewart and Henry Fonda, Garner's show was shot down by both the critics and ratings. Fortunately, he's continued successfully in films.

"Jack Kelly, who hails from Astoria, Long Island, and had to learn to ride horses for Maverick [B27--JK actually learned how to ride before then], has popped up all over the tube, from drama to comedy to hosting his own daytime game show, Sale of the Century.

"Probably the most successful of the Maverick clan has been their little-known relation Beau. Roger Moore has to be the highest-paid 'spy' in the world, first as The Saint, now as the renowned Agent 007 James Bond. Of the three, Bret, Bart and Beau, Roger's become the big sex symbol! [B27--But some of us still prefer Bart! :)]

"Maverick holds up well even by today's standards. It was fresh, fast, funny and one of the best written shows ever. To this day, we miss it." [B27--Thank goodness for DVDs and nostalgia channels in 2017!]

Captions: Upper left--"Moore joined the show after Garner walked off. Producers hoped he would be a romantic image. Here with Kathleen Crowley, he does his best." Upper right-- "Sometimes Garner played dual role--'Pappy Maverick' as well as Bret. 'Pappy' had the same eyes for 'purty girls' as his two sons. The girl is Kaye Elhardt.' Lower left--"Bret was fast with a funny line--and just as fast with his Colt .45!" Lower right: "Bretless Maverick lasted just one two seasons. While Bart and Beau were popular, it was Bret the some fans tuned in to see each week."

Now that we've remembered Maverick, don't forgot to come back and read more about JK in TDS! :)

Merry Christmas From La Bartista & "TDS"! :)

 

Vintage Christmas postcard courtesy of

Free Christmas Postcards

The Night Before Christmas With Bart Maverick! :)

'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the store,
People were buying presents galore.

The store would be closing promptly at nine.
Bart Maverick arrived with mere moments to spare--
He dashed through the door at 8:50 plus a hair.

As the clock ticked Bart raced through the aisles,
Grabbing gifts he hoped would bring smiles:
"What cologne does Gentleman Jack prefer?
Probably the same as Buckley, I'm sure."

Bart chose presents for Bret, Pappy and Brent
(A present for Beau he'd already sent);
Gifts for Cindy, the Countess and Stella,
Plus Doc Holliday, that huckleberry fella.

Bart bought carrots for Goldie his equine friend
And then his shopping spree came to its end:
"Closing time folks!" the cashier cried aloud,
And around the register arose quite a crowd.

Bart thought, "Shopping was difficult, no doubt,
But now comes the hardest part: checking out!
Winning money for these gifts also was tough--
Hopefully all this moolah will be enough!" :)
 

JK in "The Night Holds Terror" Pt. IV




This very photo of a pensive JK was scanned and used in
Linda Alexander's 2011 print bio
'A Maverick Life--The Jack Kelly Story'

The terrifying night finally ends at the Courtier home and it's time to pick up the balance of the money. However, it's less than expected because Gene still owed money on the car. 

Batsford decides Gene will be worth more as a hostage and the thugs prepare to wisk him away. Batsford warns Doris not to call the police or Gene will die.

The frightened Doris tells him that she'll notify the police if Gene doesn't contact her within 30 minutes. Batsford has secretly rigged the phone and checks back five minutes later to ensure that Doris hasn't lifted the receiver.

While they're driving to a secluded hideout, Logan informs Batsford that Gene, while earlier pleading for his life, had told him that his father was the wealthy owner of a chain of grocery stores and could afford to pay a sizeable ransom for him.

Batsford calls Doris from a phone booth and demands a $200,000 ransom from Gene's father. By this time, Doris has already called the police, since she hadn't heard from Gene in the specified time. When Batsford puts Gene on the phone, he blurts out that the trio is monitoring the police frequency on the radio. 

(Phone booth appears to be located outside the Alibi Room at Larry Potter's Supper Club on Ventura Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA)

Doris contacts the police again and they cancel the radio dispatch on the case. A reporter learns about the kidnapping, but the police also silence the press to help ensure Gene's safe return. 

When Batsford phones Doris again to ask about the ransom payment, the police are able to partially trace the call and narrow down the kidnappers' location.

While Batsford goes to find another vehicle, Gene is able to knock Gossett out. Logan, who had told Gene he barely knew Batsford and Gossett, tries to help Gene escape by hotwiring a car. 

However, Batsford catches them, killing Logan and forcing Gene to make one last call to Doris as proof of life. Gene stalls on the phone, giving the police more time to trace the call and arrive at the scene. Doris is still on the line as shots are fired and is relieved when Gene comes on to tell her that he is indeed safe. 

The Night Holds Terror and JK generally received kudos from the critics. For example, The Oakland (CA) Tribune noted that JK and Ms. Parks were "especially good" as Gene and Doris Courtier. 

Here are some other interesting tidbits about the film:

•  The film's cinematographer was Fred Jackman, Jr., who at one time was married to JK's sister, Nancy.
• Virginia Stone edited the film on the pool table in the basement of her home.
• In a bizarre postscript following the film's release, one of Gene Courtier's real-life kidnappers sued Columbia Pictures for damages! Portrayed as "Batsford" in the film, the convict claimed that the film invaded his privacy and damaged his reputation. It's unknown how the suit was resolved. 

Well, we've wrapped up the story of The Night Holds Terror just in time for Christmas. What's up next? "Yule" just have to stay tuned and find out! :)

JK in "The Night Holds Terror" Pt. III

 

Back cover of Italian pressbook

Gene and his captors arrive at the Courtier home. Gene's wife, Doris, is frightened and anxious about the safety of their two children, Deborah and Steven, as their home is invaded by armed strangers.

Original still with the film's working title on the snipe. Caption reads: "GANGLAND TACTICS - John Cassavetes, David Cross and Vince Edwards hold Jack Kelly (center, seated) captive in Columbia's Terror in the Night,
produced and directed by Andrew Stone."

The Courtiers must remain silent about their situation or risk being hurt or worse by the trio. They turn away neighbors who show up unexpectedly. And, when Gene's father telephones, they cut the call short, not wanting to set off the kidnappers.

 

Original linen-backed still with Terror In the Night on the snipe

 

Another linen-backed Terror In the Night still 

 

Gosset, a ladies' man nicknamed "Dame Boy", gets drunk and makes Doris dance with him. Gene angrily throws a punch at him. Gosset punches back, only adding to the tension in the home.

 

 

After Batsford commandeers the master bedroom, Gene and Doris are forced to occupy a smaller room near the children.

 

 

Gosset, who is keeping watch as Batsford sleeps, nods off himself. When Logan momentarily steps away, Gene seizes his chance. He raises a pair of scissors over Gosset, planning to kill him and take his gun:

 

 

 

But, Logan returns before Gene can stab the slumbering hoodlum:

 

 

And, when Gosset awakes, he scuffles with Gene:

 

This still is from a newspaper archive. A clipping on the back dated 8/25/1955 is captioned: "With utter abandon, Courtier leaps at Gosset. There is some wild commotion for a few moments but Gene is battling against hopeless odds. One unarmed man against three gunmen is done for."

 

Please stay tuned for Part IV!