Gary Cooper had an amazing film career. His list of films is here: en.wikipedia.org
I saw "The Hanging Tree" premier in Missoula. It premiered there because the author of the book (of the same name) it was based on was Dorothy M. Johnson lived there. Gary Cooper wasn't there, but Marty Robbins, who sang the theme song of "The Hanging Tree" came on stage and performed it for the audience. He introduced Dorothy M. Johnson, who was seated not far from me.
You would never guess that this little short, rather plain woman with thick eyeglasses had written so many books and some of those books were turned into movies. "The Hanging Tree" was the first. Then came "A Man Called Horse" which starred Richard Harris. It's been redone at least once in "Return of the Man Called Horse."
Probably the most famous, because I see it airs repeatedly on TV channels, is "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." It had a host of big stars, including John Wayne, James Stewart, Lee Marvin, and a host of others.
I never met Dorothy Johnson in person, but I could have if I'd realized she was a frequent visitor at the home of family friends Grace and Earl Martell. My sister now lives in that house where she too is writing books. Her first one "Begin Again" is available on Amazon. When I visit my sister, I imagine that I can see Dorothy Johnson's face hovering nearby.
I did correspond with Dorothy Johnson, because I wrote to her about the first book I ever read. My Grandma Marge gave me "Vigilante Days and Ways" written by N. P. Langford, who actually was a vigilante in the early gold rush days (Later, he became instrumental in the organization and management of the world's first National Park, Yellowstone.) Dorothy Johnson wrote a new Introduction to the book as a prominent authority of Montana History. I think I was in the fourth grade when I got the book from Mama Marge as a present, but I didn't realize its importance until about 20 years ago when I was sitting in the same room where I am now. I wrote to her asking if she would autograph the book for me, and she responded affirmatively. I sent it to her, and now it is one of my most treasured possessions.
Stupidly, I passed up a chance to speak with Dorothy Johnson when I was studying in the library at the University of Montana back in the 1970s. She shuffled by with her glasses on, headed for some research volume, I'm sure.
Dorothy Johnson was revered by Native Americans because of the respectful way she portrayed them in stories. She was admitted as an honorary member of the Blackfoot Tribe.
I hope I didn't bore you with my reminiscence, but the thought of Gary Cooper is a powerful stimulant. I saw one of his last movies, "The Wreck of the Mary Deare," He had dozens of movies to his credit, maybe hundreds. |
