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Lucy Gallant
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Wikipedia article
'Lucy Gallant' is a 1955 American drama film directed by Robert Parrish and written by John Lee Mahin and Winston Miller. The film stars Jane Wyman, Charlton Heston, Claire Trevor, Thelma Ritter, William Demarest and Wallace Ford. The film was released on October 20, 1955, by Paramount Pictures.LUCY GALLANT
Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 22, Iss. 252, (Jan 1, 1955): 140.
The story is based on a novella, "The Life of Lucy Gallant," by Texas-born author Margaret Cousins (1905-1996), published in 'Good Housekeeping' magazine in May 1953.
It was the last film Pine-Thomas Productions made at Paramount, an association that had endured since 1940.Pine-Thomas Ends Paramount Film Contract Los Angeles Times17 Dec 1954: 13
Plot
While traveling from New York City to Mexico, the stylish Lucy Gallant is stranded by a storm in fictitious New City, Texas, where rancher Casey Cole helps find her suitable lodging. The public reaction to her fashions persuades Lucy to sell the contents of her trousseau, and she decides to stay and open a dress shop.
Lucy lives at Molly Basserman's boarding house and runs her store out of Lady "Mac" MacBeth's brothel, called the Red Derrick. She obtains a loan from banker Charlie Madden. She is courted by Casey, who learns that Lucy was jilted at the altar when her fiance found out about her father's dishonest business practices.
Casey insists that she give up her business. They quarrel, and after joining the United States Army during World War II, he becomes engaged to a fashion model in Paris. But Casey soon returns to Texas to save Lucy from banker Madden's underhanded business dealings. He also salvages their romance.
Cast
*Jane Wyman as Lucy Gallant
*Charlton Heston as Casey Cole
*Claire Trevor as Lady MacBeth
*Thelma Ritter as Molly Basserman
*William Demarest as Charles Madden
*Wallace Ford as Gus Basserman
*Tom Helmore as Jim Wardman
*Gloria Talbott as Laura Wilson
*James Westerfield as Harry Wilson
*Mary Field as Irma Wilson
*Texas Governor Allan Shivers as Himself
*Edith Head as Herself
Production
The film was based on a novella, "The Longest Day of the Year" (which was later turned into the novel "The Life of Lucy Gallant"). Paramount bought the screen rights and hired John Lee Mahin to adapt it. The story was set in Oklahoma but the film is set in Texas.ACTORS TO STAGE SHOWS FOR TROOPS New York Times 17 Dec 1953: 51.
The producers wanted Joan Crawford for the lead.Looking at Hollywood: Visit to Studio Lot Is Like a Trip Abroad Hopper, Hedda Chicago Daily Tribune 19 Jan 1954: b2. Eventually the role went to Jane Wyman, who was borrowed from Warner Bros.Jane Wyman Goes Out on Loan,
'The Washington Post and Times-Herald', 17 June 1954: 38. Charlton Heston, who had just made 'The Far Horizons' for Pine-Thomas, signed to play her co star.HESTON TO CO-STAR WITH JANE WYMAN New York Times 23 June 1954: 22 John Lee Mahin wrote the script and Robert Parrish agreed to direct.Patty Andrews to Star in 'Three Charms' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 25 June 1954: B7. Thelma Ritter and Claire Trevor were cast in the two main support roles.
Filming started August 18, 1954. Texas Governor Allan Shivers plays himself. So too does costumer Edith Head.ERY LAST WORD IN TYPE-CASTING New York Times17 Sep 1954: 19
Edith Head's designs were later sold commercially.
Jody McCrea made his film debut in the picture.
See also
*List of American films of 1955
References
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