Introduces the war hero to Hollywood
My Mother and Audie Murphy Ch. 95
James Cagney plays the unlikely role of talent scout in 1945 when a photograph on the cover of Life magazine stops him cold: Audie Murphy, the boyish Texan just discharged from the Army and celebrated as the most decorated American soldier of World War II. Impressed by Murphy’s heroism and screen presence, Cagney invites him to Los Angeles and signs him to his production company, determined to help turn a war hero into a movie star.
Cagney pays for Murphy’s acting, voice, and dance lessons and offers guidance during his first years in Hollywood. But despite the investment and publicity, the arrangement fails to deliver actual film roles. The problem is not personal between Cagney and Murphy, but business. In 1947, a contractual dispute and personal friction with Cagney’s brother and producing partner, William, brings the deal to a quiet end.
The collapse of the Cagney contract leaves Murphy stranded—broke, living on his military pension, sleeping in a gym, and carrying the unspoken weight of wartime trauma. Yet the door Cagney had opened does not fully close. Forced to make his own way, Murphy rebuilds his career from scratch and ultimately appears in more than forty films, mostly Westerns, forging a hard-won Hollywood life that echos the endurance that had first drawn Cagney’s attention.
tradeswomn musings 
I watched “To Hell & Back” not too long ago on TCM. He played himself and did a good job. I did not see any of the other movies in which he starred. I had not heard about Cagney being involved in getting him to Hollywood. Very interesting. Again, thanks for sharing; Minerva
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everytime I try to comment on these WP wants me to be Quirk-e not me. I’m not doing that. But here’s my response: You know what I think: Audie and Cagney were both bi but restrained by the pressure of the times. Audie was friends with Rock, Cary, Tony, and Raymond. Cagney had him live with him while he coached him. It seems obvious. D.
don.orr.martin@gmail.com 611 – 1288 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z2W5 On the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations 360-353-2138
LikeLiked by 1 person
Obvious to me too. That’s my theory as well. No evidence but it’s said Cagney was bi. Hence my headline. And then remember Audie spent months traveling around Europe to the battlegrounds with David McClure, his biographer, then they spent months at Audie’s place in LA writing the book together. McClure was obviously in love with him. No evidence that McClure was ever married. And he worked in Hollywood for gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. So gay!
LikeLike
a precious boy, only 20, but had become a man in war. That baby face!!! He brings out the mother in me, wanting to take care of him. But I think he did well in life, or I hope so, and hopefully found some happiness and satisfaction. I’m sad for the pain and distress he also experienced. Ohhh, life is definitely a difficult thing, but “joy comes in the morning…” for all who ask….. I hope he asked and found, but I just can’t read his book, hard to read I’m thinking. Sweet photo your mom took.
LikeLike