Something for the Birds

Last updated
Something for the Birds
Something for the Birds.jpg
Directed by Robert Wise
Written by I. A. L. Diamond
Story by Alvin Josephy
Joseph Petracca
Boris Ingster
Produced by Samuel G. Engel
Starring Victor Mature
Patricia Neal
Edmund Gwenn
Cinematography Joseph LaShelle
Edited by Hugh S. Fowler
Music by Sol Kaplan
Production
company
Distributed by20th Century Fox
Release date
November 14, 1952
Running time
81 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Something for the Birds is a 1952 American comedy film directed by Robert Wise and starring Victor Mature, Patricia Neal and Edmund Gwenn. [1]

Contents

Plot

Johnnie Adams, an engraver in Washington, uses some of the invitations his firm makes to crash Washington parties. He gets to be called "Admiral", and is accepted as part of the social group.

Johnnie meets Anne Richards, who's interested in preventing a gas company from drilling on certain west coast lands, which should destroy the breeding grounds of some California condors.

She enlists Johnnie's aid, and he asks Steve Bennett, a lobbyist, for help. However, unknown to him, Bennett's company is also employed to lobby Congress to develop the land: and he's the one they've chosen.

When an investigating committee gets on the job, Johnnie's actual position is exposed, and he comes in for national publicity.

This makes it possible for the bird sanctuary to be saved, and Johnnie gets his job back, with a promotion. Steve, who has had a falling out with Anne, finds himself invited to his own wedding, by Anne, to her: she had Johnnie print the invitations: smiling, he puts one in his pocket.

Cast

Production

The film was based on an original story by Joseph Petracca and Alvin Josephy about the romance between an environmentalist and a lobbyist. It was purchased by 20th Century Fox in October 1950 and assigned to producer Sam Engel. [2] Boris Ingster wrote the script. The original stars were Anne Baxter (environmentalist), Paul Douglas (lobbyist) and Victor Moore (admiral). However, Douglas dropped out when his contract with Fox terminated, and he was replaced by Dana Andrews. [3] [4]

The film took some months to go into production. By April 1952, Baxter had dropped out and Jeanne Crain was to star. But Crain had just given birth and could not get medical clearance to make the movie so Patricia Neal was cast instead. [5] [6] The male romantic lead was given to Victor Mature, who was meant to be in The Farmer Takes a Wife for Fox but was reassigned. At this stage the title had been changed to Old Sailors Never Die. [7] The other lead role was given to Edmund Gwenn, who played a counterfeiter for Fox in Mister 880 . [8]

I.A.L. Diamond was bought in to rewrite the script. [9]

Filming started May 1952. [10] The cast included Christian Rub, making his first film in five years. [11]

"It's a nice script", said Neal. "I've appeared in comedies before but this is my first real comedy role." [12]

Reception

Producer Julius Blaustein liked Mature and Neal so much he bought an original story from Francis Cockerell, The Desert, to reteam them but it was never made. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victor Mature</span> American actor (1913–1999)

Victor John Mature was an American stage, film, and television actor who was a leading man in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. His best known film roles include One Million B.C. (1940), My Darling Clementine (1946), Kiss of Death (1947), Samson and Delilah (1949), and The Robe (1953). He also appeared in many musicals opposite such stars as Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edmund Gwenn</span> English actor (1877–1959)

Edmund Gwenn was an English actor. On film, he is best remembered for his role as Kris Kringle in the Christmas film Miracle on 34th Street (1947), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the corresponding Golden Globe Award. He received a second Golden Globe and another Academy Award nomination for the comedy film Mister 880 (1950). He is also remembered for his appearances in four films directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann Blyth</span> American actress

Ann Marie Blyth is an American retired actress and singer. For her performance as Veda in the 1945 Michael Curtiz film Mildred Pierce, Blyth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, and became the earliest living acting Academy Award nominee upon the death of Angela Lansbury in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Egan (actor)</span> American actor (1921–1987)

Richard Egan was an American actor. After beginning his career in 1949, he subsequently won a Golden Globe Award for his performances in the films The Glory Brigade (1953) and The Kid from Left Field (1953). He went on to star in many films such as Underwater! (1955), Seven Cities of Gold (1955), The Revolt of Mamie Stover (1956), Love Me Tender (1956), Tension at Table Rock (1956), A Summer Place (1959), Esther and the King (1960) and The 300 Spartans (1962).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edmund Purdom</span> English actor (1924–2009)

Edmund Anthony Cutlar Purdom was an English actor, voice artist, and director. He worked first on stage in Britain, performing various works by Shakespeare, then in America on Broadway and in Hollywood, and eventually in Italy. He is perhaps best known for his starring role in 1954's historical epic The Egyptian.

<i>The Last Hunt</i> 1956 film

The Last Hunt is a 1956 American western film directed by Richard Brooks and starring Robert Taylor and Stewart Granger, with Lloyd Nolan, Debra Paget and Russ Tamblyn. It was produced by Dore Schary at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The screenplay was by Richard Brooks from the novel The Last Hunt, by Milton Lott. The music score was by Daniele Amfitheatrof and the cinematography by Russell Harlan.

<i>The Egyptian</i> (film) 1954 film by Michael Curtiz

The Egyptian is a 1954 American epic historical drama film made by 20th Century-Fox. Filmed in CinemaScope with color by DeLuxe, it was directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It is based on Mika Waltari's 1945 novel of the same name and the screenplay was adapted by Philip Dunne and Casey Robinson. Leading roles were played by Edmund Purdom, Bella Darvi, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Gene Tierney, Peter Ustinov, and Michael Wilding. Cinematographer Leon Shamroy was nominated for an Oscar in 1955.

<i>The Shrike</i> (film) 1955 film by José Ferrer

The Shrike is a 1955 American film noir drama film based on Joseph Kramm's play of the same name. José Ferrer directed and starred in Ketti Frings' screenplay adaptation.

<i>It Grows on Trees</i> 1952 film by Arthur Lubin

It Grows on Trees is a 1952 American fantasy comedy film directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Irene Dunne in her final screen role. The cast also featured Dean Jagger, Joan Evans and Richard Crenna. It was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures.

<i>For Heavens Sake</i> (1950 film) 1950 film by George Seaton

For Heaven's Sake is a 1950 fantasy film starring Clifton Webb as an angel trying to save the marriage of a couple played by Joan Bennett and Robert Cummings. It was adapted from the play May We Come In? by Harry Segall.

<i>The Wayward Bus</i> (film) 1957 film directed by Victor Vicas

The Wayward Bus is a 1957 American drama film directed by Victor Vicas and starring Joan Collins, Jayne Mansfield, Dan Dailey and Rick Jason. Released by 20th Century-Fox, the film was based on the 1947 novel of the same name by John Steinbeck.

<i>Affair with a Stranger</i> 1953 film by Roy Rowland

Affair with a Stranger is a 1953 American comedy-drama directed by Roy Rowland and starring Jean Simmons and Victor Mature. It was originally to be released as Kiss and Run.

<i>Womans World</i> (1954 film) 1954 film by Jean Negulesco

Woman's World is a 1954 American CinemaScope and print by Technicolor drama film about corporate America directed by Jean Negulesco and starring Clifton Webb, June Allyson, Van Heflin, Lauren Bacall, Fred MacMurray, Arlene Dahl and Cornel Wilde. The screenplay concerns three men who compete for the top job at a large company.

<i>Teenage Rebel</i> 1956 film

Teenage Rebel is a 1956 American drama film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Ginger Rogers, Michael Rennie and Mildred Natwick. It was nominated for two Academy Awards; Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction.

<i>The Kings Thief</i> 1955 adventure film by Robert Z. Leonard

The King's Thief is a 1955 swashbuckling CinemaScope adventure film directed by Robert Z. Leonard, who replaced Hugo Fregonese during filming. Released on August 5, 1955, the film takes place in London at the time of Charles II and stars Ann Blyth, Edmund Purdom, David Niven, George Sanders and Roger Moore.

The Proud Ones is a 1956 American CinemaScope Western film directed by Robert D. Webb and starring Robert Ryan and Virginia Mayo. The film was based on the 1952 novel by Verne Athanas who after suffering an early heart attack, gave up logging and started writing under the pseudonym Bill Colson.

<i>Mardi Gras</i> (1958 film) 1958 film by Edmund Goulding

Mardi Gras is a 1958 American musical comedy film directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Pat Boone and Christine Carère.

<i>The Glory Brigade</i> 1953 film by Robert D. Webb

The Glory Brigade is a 1953 American war film directed by Robert D. Webb. It stars Victor Mature and Alexander Scourby.

<i>The Last Frontier</i> (1955 film) 1955 film

The Last Frontier is a 1955 American Western film directed by Anthony Mann and starring Victor Mature, Guy Madison, Robert Preston, and Anne Bancroft. The film is set during the American Civil War at an isolated army base at the far reaches of the American frontier, where the Indians still far outnumber the whites.

Earl Felton (1909–1972) was an American screenwriter.

References

  1. ↑ "Something for the Birds (1952) - Robert Wise | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie".
  2. ↑ THOMAS F. BRADY (Oct 12, 1950). "METRO WILL FILM BASEBALL COMEDY: 'Angels in the Outfield,' Written by Priest, Bought by Studio for Spencer Tracy Vehicle". New York Times. p. 52.
  3. ↑ THOMAS M. PRYOR (July 27, 1951). "FILM COUNCIL ENDS 4-DAY CONFERENCE: Plans Made at Final Session for Newsreel to Counteract Stories Damaging Industry Swanson Discussing Clothes". New York Times. p. 15.
  4. ↑ "Drama: Anne Baxter to Star as Birds' Defender". Los Angeles Times. July 27, 1951. p. A6.
  5. ↑ Hedda Hopper's Staff (Apr 10, 1952). "Looking at Hollywood: Elizabeth Taylor to Play in Sea Adventure Film". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. c2.
  6. ↑ THOMAS M. PRYOR (Apr 4, 1952). "TELEVISION OR NO, MOVIES ARE ON GO: Survey in Los Angeles Shows First-Run Theatres Doing Better Than Last Year". New York Times. p. 20.
  7. ↑ HEDDA HOPPER'S STAFF (Apr 26, 1952). "Looking at Hollywood: Vic Mature Cast as Fast Talking Lobbyist". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. a2.
  8. ↑ A. H. WEILER (Sep 28, 1952). "NEWS NOTES ON PEOPLE AND PICTURES". New York Times. p. X5.
  9. ↑ "Something for the Birds" at AFI
  10. ↑ THOMAS M. PRYOR (Apr 26, 1952). "FILM MEN TO FIGHT 2 G. O. P. CANDIDATES: Decrying 'Unfair' Attacks, Anti-Communists Will Oppose Their Congressional Bids". New York Times. p. 18.
  11. ↑ Schallert, Edwin (May 27, 1952). "Drama: Betsy Drake Will Join Husband Cary at Metro; Hlutton, Estelita Team". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
  12. ↑ HOWARD THOMPSON (Nov 2, 1952). "PORTRAIT OF THE LADY NAMED NEAL". New York Times. p. X5.
  13. ↑ "Drama: Patricia Neal, Mature Will Star in 'Desert'". Los Angeles Times. May 8, 1952. p. B10.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.