Second-Billed but not Second-Rate: A Reappraisal of Three Character Actors From Hollywoodâ•Žs

120 Pages·2017·1.12 MB·English

by  Candace M. Graham

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Theses & Dissertations
12-2015
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Candace M. Graham
University of the Incarnate Word, [email protected]
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Graham, Candace M., "Second-Billed but not Second-Rate: A Reappraisal of Three Character Actors From
Hollywood’s Golden Age" (2015). Theses & Dissertations. 70.
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SECOND-BILLED BUT NOT SECOND-RATE: A REAPPRAISAL OF THREE
CHARACTER ACTORS FROM HOLLYWOOD’S GOLDEN AGE

by

Candace M. Graham

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of the University of the Incarnate Word
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

University of the Incarnate Word

December 2015
ii

Copyright 2015
by
Candace M. Graham
iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank Dr. Hsin-I (Steve) Liu for challenging me to produce a quality thesis
worthy of contribution to scholarly literature. In addition, thank you for the encouragement to
enjoy writing.
To Robert Darden, Baylor University communications professor, friend, and mentor
whose example in humility, good spirit, and devotion to one’s passion continues to guide my
pursuit as a classic film scholar. Thank you.
To Dr. Valerie Greenberg, who selflessly spent countless hours with me discussing
classic film, continually challenging me to dig deeper, I extend my gratitude.
A very special thanks to Dr. David Ortiz of the Graduate Support Center for the priceless
opportunities, which made my graduate studies experience exceptional.
A wealth of thanks goes to my research interviewees for their time and contributions.
To Dr. Kevin Lord: thank you for your support and encouragement.
A heartfelt thanks to Sr. Walter Maher – thank you for your compassion.
To my husband…I will now cook again. And to my mother: we will continue our evening
calls on classic film. To my father in heaven: thank you for shining your light on me.
iv

DEDICATION

I dedicate this thesis to:
my husband, Bruce Graham, and to
the character actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
v

SECOND-BILLED BUT NOT SECOND-RATE: A REAPPRAISAL OF THREE
CHARACTER ACTORS OF HOLLYWOOD’S GOLDEN AGE

Candace M. Graham, MA

University of the Incarnate Word, 2015

Seventy-six years ago Hollywood experienced something never before nor since seen. The year, 1939,
was Hollywood’s “Dream Year” for production of some of the most memorable films of all time. Today,
the term used to describe films of this success level is blockbuster. Film scholars and fans call them
classics. It was the culmination of films of Hollywood’s Golden Age starring every one of Hollywood’s
A-Listers of this Golden Age of film, from Don Ameche to Loretta Young. However, lost in this maze of
the top-billed or leading actors were the character actors who were also known as supporting cast
members or B-stars. What the performances of these character actors communicate to the world is the
focus of this thesis. First, a reappraisal of three character actors, Eve Arden, Charles Coburn, and Thomas
Mitchell was conducted through research of existing literature. Second, interviews were conducted with
classic film experts, publicists, and those possessing unique knowledge and/or experience on the topic, to
establish grounded theory. Analysis and findings of these interview responses provided insight into the
contributions of classic film character actors – these three and at-large – as second-billed but not second-
rate. Finally, findings supported the hypothesis of the deficiency in scholarly literature on this research
topic and how character actors contributed to the overall and lasting success of their films.
vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... ix
DEFINITION OF TERMS ..............................................................................................................x
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................1
Background—American Cinema .........................................................................................1
Background—Character Actors ...........................................................................................2
Background—Directors .......................................................................................................2
Background—Music Composer...........................................................................................3
Background—Film Studios and Studio Publicity Machines ...............................................4
Statement of the Problem .....................................................................................................4
Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................................5
Eve Arden ............................................................................................................................6
Charles Coburn ....................................................................................................................6
Thomas Mitchell ..................................................................................................................7
Summary ............................................................................................................................11
Research Question .............................................................................................................11
Limitations of the Study.....................................................................................................12
CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................13
Introduction ........................................................................................................................13
Scholarly Articles...............................................................................................................13
vii

Table of Contents—Continued

Chapter II: Literature Review

Books .................................................................................................................................16
Magazines ..........................................................................................................................19
Newspaper..........................................................................................................................21
Online .................................................................................................................................21
Conclusion .........................................................................................................................24
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ...............................................................................................26
Methodology and World View ..........................................................................................26
Interviewees .......................................................................................................................26
Procedure ...........................................................................................................................29
Instrument ..........................................................................................................................30
Interviewees’ Responses ....................................................................................................31
CHAPTER IV: FINDINGS ...........................................................................................................52
Analysis..............................................................................................................................82
CHAPTER V: SIGNIFICANCE....................................................................................................91
CHAPTER VI: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...............................................94
Conclusions ........................................................................................................................94
Recommendations ..............................................................................................................96
WORKS CITED ............................................................................................................................99
WORKS CONSULTED ..............................................................................................................107
APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................108
viii

LIST OF TABLES

1. Books About Clark Gable ........................................................................................................70

2. A-List Actors, Films and/or Directors Without Character Actors Per Interviewees ...............83

3. A-List Actors, Films and/or Directors Without Character Actors
Per A-List Actress, Irene Dunne ........................................................................................84

4. Statements by Interviewees on the Research Topic as Untapped or Unexplored ....................93
ix

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
1. Only Angels Have Wings, Third-Billed .......................................................................................8
2. Gone With the Wind, Sixth-Billed ...............................................................................................9
3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Sixth-Billed...............................................................................9
4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Third-Billed............................................................................10
5. Stagecoach, Fifth-Billed ............................................................................................................10
6. Charles Coburn ..........................................................................................................................22
7. Thomas Mitchell ........................................................................................................................23
8. Eve Arden ..................................................................................................................................23