"Once before I was a doctor. I'm still a doctor." Fun Fact: The first of eleven films John Carradine made with John Ford. Historical Fact: The name Shark Island is never used in the movie after the credits. The movie correctly depicts Dr. Mudd (Warner Baxter) was imprisoned in Fort Jefferson on the island Dry Tortugas. Attention To Details Fact: On the envelope Buck (Ernest Whitman) hands to Mudd (Warner Baxter) in prison, the prop department took the time and effort to get the correct 1861 Washington three-cent stamp and the spiral cancellation mark as well. Practical Jokers Fact: As a practical joke, director John Ford had the hairdresser put a funny-looking hairnet on Gloria Stuart as she slept in her chair, wrapped her in an old horse blanket and stuck a bottle of whiskey in her lap. Then he had the photographer take pictures of her and present everyone with one the next day.
One of the things I enjoy about your reactions is hearing your takes on what you've just watched, and when you look things up afterwards! And you do it, I think, as though it's interest is self-evident! Many reactors unfortunately think no one's interested, and perhaps not everyone is. But many of us here are life-long learners, and gaining knowledge (speaking for myself, knowledge _of any kind)_ is like sustenance; and curiosity is a virtue. Thanks for your always fun and interesting reactions!
Thank you for a great reaction and for doing so much research into the real story. I became a fan of this movie after seeing it at the 2024 TCM Film Festival in Hollywood ... introduced by John Carradine's son, Keith, (and moderator Dave Karger). (Now it's a favorite.)
Even though this film is not quite historically accurate, the best thing about it of course the direction and cinematography which hints at Ford's eventual filmmaking style which is big on the symbolic imagery of doorways and windows as rites of passage or observations on the passing of time and its significance of how history is both broad and intimate. You'll see many moments of people looking out windows in moments of meditation as they watch something of significance, a person they know passing etc. Ford really develops this as part of his poetic signature. I am DYING to know what other of his films from this time period you will be watching. For instance WEE WILLIE WINKIE from the following year 1937 is absolutely wonderful. Let me know! Great reaction as usual.
"Sic semper tyrannis!" ("Thus always to tyrants"), the motto of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is what John Wilkes Booth reportedly shouted after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln at the end of the US Civil War. Not Morse Code. Morse Code was used with telegraph lines. Dots and dashes. The Prisoner of Shark Island is the last film Harry Carey (Commandant) made with John Ford. Harry Carey was a silent film era superstar usually cast in Westerns. Unfortunately most of those films are lost to history. Harry Carey later featured in many classic films directed by Frank Capra, Howard Hawks, and Henry Hathaway. And John Carradine (Sgt. Rankin) sired an acting family, with sons David, Keith, and Robert. He also featured in some of Ford's top films, including Stagecoach (1939) and The Grapes of Wrath (1940).
I have never seen this film, thanks for highlighting it! /3:44 - Holy smokes, that's Stymie from the Little Rascals! This breaks my heart. He had just "aged-out" of the Little Rascals, and because he was black, there was no real career path for him. Even though he was the leader of "Our Gang" and a total child star, he immediately was relegated to small bit-parts, usually racially condescending. Disillusioned, no longer in the protective Little Rascals bubble, where race had never been an issue, Stymie ended up having a real hard time of it, sadly. They should have nurtured his talent, but child stars usually were seen as disposable once they aged out, no matter who they were. Most of the other Rascals suffered similar fates. But when you go back and read the press about him, at the time, it's really racist language, stuff you'd never say about Shirley Temple or Mickey Rooney, etc. Anyways, it was a great surprise seeing him in pop up in this movie, he was always one of my favorites.
Henry yiu are doing a great job picking great films and directors. What have you noticed about a directors choices in directing the film? Do they use a certain way to highlight their movie? I want to hear you on the similarities and differences. Why are they a good director? Do they show the same theme througjout their films? Keep up the great work!
"Once before I was a doctor. I'm still a doctor."
Fun Fact: The first of eleven films John Carradine made with John Ford.
Historical Fact: The name Shark Island is never used in the movie after the credits. The movie correctly depicts Dr. Mudd (Warner Baxter) was imprisoned in Fort Jefferson on the island Dry Tortugas.
Attention To Details Fact: On the envelope Buck (Ernest Whitman) hands to Mudd (Warner Baxter) in prison, the prop department took the time and effort to get the correct 1861 Washington three-cent stamp and the spiral cancellation mark as well.
Practical Jokers Fact: As a practical joke, director John Ford had the hairdresser put a funny-looking hairnet on Gloria Stuart as she slept in her chair, wrapped her in an old horse blanket and stuck a bottle of whiskey in her lap. Then he had the photographer take pictures of her and present everyone with one the next day.
I really enjoy your posts! It's always interesting to learn such behind-the-scenes information!
Polferiferusll ...My pleasure! I appreciate your support.
Go with God and Be Safe from Evil. 😎 👍
Thanks for sharing! 😊👍🏻
One of the things I enjoy about your reactions is hearing your takes on what you've just watched, and when you look things up afterwards! And you do it, I think, as though it's interest is self-evident! Many reactors unfortunately think no one's interested, and perhaps not everyone is. But many of us here are life-long learners, and gaining knowledge (speaking for myself, knowledge _of any kind)_ is like sustenance; and curiosity is a virtue. Thanks for your always fun and interesting reactions!
I totally agree!
This ignited a serious reading binge in American history.
Thank you for a great reaction and for doing so much research into the real story. I became a fan of this movie after seeing it at the 2024 TCM Film Festival in Hollywood ... introduced by John Carradine's son, Keith, (and moderator Dave Karger). (Now it's a favorite.)
Wow, what a memorable event! Was there a theme to that festival?
@@robertjewell9727 Yes ... the theme was “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film”
Even though this film is not quite historically accurate, the best thing about it of course the direction and cinematography which hints at Ford's eventual filmmaking style which is big on the symbolic imagery of doorways and windows as rites of passage or observations on the passing of time and its significance of how history is both broad and intimate. You'll see many moments of people looking out windows in moments of meditation as they watch something of significance, a person they know passing etc. Ford really develops this as part of his poetic signature. I am DYING to know what other of his films from this time period you will be watching. For instance WEE WILLIE WINKIE from the following year 1937 is absolutely wonderful. Let me know! Great reaction as usual.
There are plenty of Ford's movies I have lined up. I don't remember Wee Willie Winkie in that queue though. I'll have to check 🤔
@@henryellow it features the number 1 star of the time, Shirley Temple, and she's tremendous in it.
It wasn't on my list after all. I'll add it in 👍🏻
Oh, that's wonderful. Thanks.@@henryellow
"Sic semper tyrannis!" ("Thus always to tyrants"), the motto of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is what John Wilkes Booth reportedly shouted after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln at the end of the US Civil War. Not Morse Code. Morse Code was used with telegraph lines. Dots and dashes. The Prisoner of Shark Island is the last film Harry Carey (Commandant) made with John Ford. Harry Carey was a silent film era superstar usually cast in Westerns. Unfortunately most of those films are lost to history. Harry Carey later featured in many classic films directed by Frank Capra, Howard Hawks, and Henry Hathaway. And John Carradine (Sgt. Rankin) sired an acting family, with sons David, Keith, and Robert. He also featured in some of Ford's top films, including Stagecoach (1939) and The Grapes of Wrath (1940).
Correct, the signaling was some type of flag semaphore.
Thanks for clarifying 😉👍🏻
I have never seen this film, thanks for highlighting it! /3:44 - Holy smokes, that's Stymie from the Little Rascals! This breaks my heart. He had just "aged-out" of the Little Rascals, and because he was black, there was no real career path for him. Even though he was the leader of "Our Gang" and a total child star, he immediately was relegated to small bit-parts, usually racially condescending. Disillusioned, no longer in the protective Little Rascals bubble, where race had never been an issue, Stymie ended up having a real hard time of it, sadly. They should have nurtured his talent, but child stars usually were seen as disposable once they aged out, no matter who they were. Most of the other Rascals suffered similar fates. But when you go back and read the press about him, at the time, it's really racist language, stuff you'd never say about Shirley Temple or Mickey Rooney, etc. Anyways, it was a great surprise seeing him in pop up in this movie, he was always one of my favorites.
I've seen some videos about child stars and how they ended up. Some of their lives turned out quite bad...
It is possible the windows weren't movable or openable, but it is just a movie. Probably just shattered for dramatic effect.
I thought it was most likely for dramatic effect too 😂
Henry yiu are doing a great job picking great films and directors. What have you noticed about a directors choices in directing the film? Do they use a certain way to highlight their movie? I want to hear you on the similarities and differences. Why are they a good director? Do they show the same theme througjout their films? Keep up the great work!
That's a great inquiry
Great questions!