lonchaneyjr - Tumblr blog

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney, Jr. in “Man Made Monster”, 1941

[lonchaneyjr]

It is my incredible honor to be able to share this beautifully restored print of OF MICE AND MEN (1939). What you are watching is currently the MOST high definition version of this gorgeous, criminally underrated film.

For director Lewis Milestone (All Quiet on the Western Front, The Red Pony) OF MICE AND MEN was a labor of love, according to Burgess. He had wanted to adapt the popular novel and play for film since he first read it, but lacked the studio backing. In 1938 he found himself in a legal battle over money he was owed by Hal Roach Studios and Roach agreed to settle out of court by paying for the production of Of Mice and Men. With a script in hand Milestone went to John Steinbeck for his approval and input. Steinbeck requested only a few minor changes and gave his blessing. Of the film, Steinbeck would later say, “it is a beautiful job. Here, Milestone has done a curious, lyrical thing. It hangs together and is underplayed.“ 

The film opened to rave critical reviews and unfortunately poor business at the box office. It was nominated for four Academy Awards - including best motion picture - during Hollywood’s most illustrious year, contending with little known pictures such as The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Gone with the Wind. Of Mice and Men was filmed primarily in Oak Park, California - a small town located about 45 minutes west of Los Angeles - on a movie ranch known as “Mystery Ranch”. 

Of the 180+ film and television credits to my grandfather’s name, this IS his definitive performance on screen. Burgess was always proud of his work on this film. For him, this film was memorable for the friendships made. He met author John Steinbeck just prior to filming and the two became very close, lifelong friends - as is also true for Lewis Milestone who served as Burgess’ best man for his wedding to Paulette Goddard just a handful of years later. 

Please consider this upload as my gift to you for your love and support. Thank you for being a bright light during a difficult year. I hope you will watch and enjoy. 

[lonchaneyjr]

‘The Wolfman’ by Jonathan Burton. Officially licensed 24" x 36" screen print, in a numbered Regular edition of 225 for $50, and a numbered Variant edition of 125 for $75. On sale Thursday October 29 at 11am CT through Mondo. (Shipping to US & Canada only)

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. and Thomas Gomez in a promotional still for 'The Daltons Ride Again'

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr., circa 1940. Colourised and uncolourised.

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. (as Creighton Chaney) in Sixteen Fathoms Deep (1934)

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. and Patricia Morison in ‘Calling Dr. Death’ (1943)

[lonchaneyjr]

R.I.P Creighton Tull Chaney aka Lon Chaney Jr.  

“He was a nice guy– a big, good-natured slob. He was a pro who knew his business.” -John Carradine

After decades of heavy drinking and smoking, Chaney battled with throat cancer and heart disease, to which he finally succumbed at the age of 67. He chose to have body donated to medical research and wanted no fuss or big ceremony over his death, in stark contrast to the day of his father’s death, where Universal studios shut down production for a day. His contribution to horror films and popular culture was honoured in 1997 by one of a series of US stamps dedicated to movie monsters, depicting his immortal and career-defining  role as The Wolf Man. 

[lonchaneyjr]

Elena Verdugo with Lon Chaney Jr. on the set of ‘House of Frankenstein’ (1944)

Rest in peace, Miss Verdugo

[lonchaneyjr]

Peter Coe, Lon Chaney Jr. & Martin Kosleck in The Mummy’s Curse (1944)

[lonchaneyjr]

J. Carrol Naish, Lon Chaney Jr. and Fay Helm in a deleted scene from ‘Calling Dr. Death’ (1943)

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. and Anne Nagel in ‘Man-Made Monster’ (1941)

[lonchaneyjr]

Man-Made Monster (1941)

[lonchaneyjr]

from New Movie Magazine, April 1933

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. (as Creighton Chaney), Gigi Parrish, Eddie Nugent and Mary Carlisle in a promotional photo for ‘Girl O’ My Dreams’ (1934)

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. and Evelyn Ankers in a publicity still for ‘The Wolf Man’ (1941)

[lonchaneyjr]

Lon Chaney Jr. c.1942