María África Gracia Vidal, known professionally as Maria Montez, was a Dominican actress who gained fame and popularity in the 1940s starring in a series of filmed-in-Technicolor costume adventure films. Her screen image was that of a seductress, dressed in fanciful costumes and sparkling jewels. She became so identified with these adventure epics that she became known as The Queen of Technicolor. Over her career, Montez appeared in 26 films, 21 of which were made in North America, with the last five being made in Europe.
Turhan Bey was an Austrian-born actor of Turkish and Czech-Jewish origins. Active in Hollywood from 1941 to 1953, he was dubbed "The Turkish Delight" by his fans. After his return to Austria, he pursued careers as a photographer and stage director. Returning to Hollywood after a 40-year hiatus, he made several guest appearances in 1990s television series including SeaQuest DSV, Murder, She Wrote and Babylon 5 as well as a number of films. After retiring, he appeared in a number of documentaries, including a German-language documentary on his life.
Richard H. Bartlett, also known as Dick Bartlett, was an American director and producer in film and TV. He also acted and wrote. He is best known for his low budget features in the 1950s and his television work in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The Exile is a 1947 American historical adventure romantic film directed by Max Ophüls, and produced, written by, and starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. French actress Rita Corday played the romantic interest. According to Robert Osborne, the primary host of Turner Classic Movies, María Montez had a stipulation in her contract that she had to have top billing in any film in which she appeared, so her name comes first in the opening credits, despite her secondary role. The film is based on the 1926 novel His Majesty, the King: A Romantic Love Chase of the Seventeenth Century by Cosmo Hamilton.
Yellowstone is a 1936 American crime film set in Yellowstone National Park, directed by Arthur Lubin and released by Universal Studios.
Timber Queen is a 1944 American lumberjack drama film directed by Frank McDonald.
Sudan is a 1945 American Technicolor adventure film directed by John Rawlins and starring Maria Montez, Jon Hall and Turhan Bey.
Bowery to Broadway is a 1944 American film starring Maria Montez, Jack Oakie, and Susanna Foster. Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan also had a small specialty act, and it was the only film they were in together where they didn't have a name or character.
Lucky Devils is a 1941 American mystery film directed by Lew Landers and starring Andy Devine, Richard Arlen and Janet Shaw. It was produced and released by Hollywood studio Universal Pictures. Maria Montez has a small role.
South of Tahiti is a 1941 American south seas adventure film directed by George Waggner and starring Brian Donlevy. It helped launch Maria Montez as a pin-up star. She played a leading role; response was such that Universal then cast her in Arabian Nights.
Bombay Clipper is a 1942 aviation drama film directed by John Rawlins and starring William Gargan and Irene Hervey. The film features Maria Montez in an early role. Turhan Bey also appears.
Wildcat is a 1942 American drama film directed by Frank McDonald and written by Richard Murphy and Maxwell Shane. The film stars Richard Arlen, Arline Judge, William Frawley, Buster Crabbe, Arthur Hunnicutt, Elisha Cook, Jr. and Ralph Sanford. The film was released on September 3, 1942, by Paramount Pictures.
Torpedo Boat is a 1942 American drama film from Pine-Thomas Productions directed by John Rawlins, written by Maxwell Shane, and starring Richard Arlen, Jean Parker, Mary Carlisle, Phillip Terry, Dick Purcell and Ralph Sanford. It was released on January 24, 1942, by Paramount Pictures.
Thunder Pass is a 1954 American western film directed by Frank McDonald and starring Dane Clark, Dorothy Patrick and Andy Devine.
The Devil's Pipeline is a 1940 American drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. It stars Richard Arlen, Andy Devine, and John Eldredge, and was released on November 1, 1940.
"Aces of Action" was the informal nickname given to the movie teaming of Richard Arlen and Andy Devine. They made a number of low budget action films together for Universal.
The Leather Pushers is a 1940 American comedy action film directed by John Rawlins and starring Andy Devine, Richard Arlen and Astrid Allwyn. It was part of the Aces of Action series with the two stars.
Mutiny in the Arctic is a 1941 American action adventure film directed by John Rawlins and starring Richard Arlen, Andy Devine and Anne Nagel. It was part of their Aces of Action series produced and released by Universal Pictures. It was also known by the alternative title Northern Lights.
Men of the Timberland is a 1941 American film starring Richard Arlen and Andy Devine. It was part of their Aces of Action series at Universal.
A Dangerous Game is a 1941 American mystery film directed by John Rawlins and starring Richard Arlen, Andy Devine and Jean Brooks. It is part of Universal Pictures's Aces of Action series. The New York Times called the film "a crack-brained murder mystery."
