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John Garfield Collection

Growing up in a street gang, John Garfield turned to method acting and moved to Hollywood.

John Garfield

37 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 21 hours, 20 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
or
24 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from June 16, 1945:

"John Garfield in Pride of the Marines"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

John Garfield
(1913 – 1952)

John Garfield

No two ways about it, John Garfield was a tough guy. It was more than just a role he played, Garfield grew up in the tenements of the Yiddish Theater District in New York. He lived with a series of relatives throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens at a time when every few blocks was the territory of another street gang. John didn't really have the strength normally associated with rising leaders in the gangs. He had contracted scarlet fever at some point, although the disease was not diagnosed until adulthood.

What Garfield lacked in physical strength, he made up in smarts and charisma, eventually rising as a leader in the street gangs. "If I hadn't become an actor," he said later, "I might have become Public Enemy Number One." One of the things that John had which endeared him to the larger members of the gangs was an uncanny ability to mimic well known performers, but physically and facially. This ability was also noticed by his teachers. Although he was a less than inspired student, most from falling behind due to illness, his principal saw potential in the young man and assigned him to begin giving speeches in from of his classes, and eventually before the entire school. He even signed up for a city-wide debating contest and won second place.

John GarfieldThis was more than enough to lead Garfield towards acting, and he became part of The Group, a troupe of actors who followed the Method acting school. John went through a rigorous apprenticeship before gaining full membership in The Group, and eventually began to receive larger and more important roles. He also attracted the attention of Hollywood but refused to sign a studio contract unless it contained a clause allow him time to perform in live theater. Some of The Group, which felt that they were a pure ensemble with no stars, saw this as a betrayal of their values. Member Elia Kazan pointed out that The Group should worry less about Garfield's possible failure and more about his potential success.

After being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in one of his early films Four Daughters (1938), John's contract was upgraded to make him a Star rather than a featured player. At the time, he was shooting a grade B prison film, Blackwell's Island (1939). Not wanting their new star associated with a B project, the studio dumped $100,000 into the film (which was already in post production) to raise its status.

John Garfield's 'honeymoon' with Warner Brothers was short lived. After Blackwell's Island he was anxious to play roles which would showcase his versatility and acting ability, while the studio wanted to place him in sure money makers. Essentially, he refused to work and the studio refused to pay him. The coming of the War may have saved him from obscurity.

Like many leading men, Garfield rushed to the recruiting office once hostilities broke out, but a heart condition resulting from the earlier scarlet fever kept him from being accepted. Instead, he directed his energies into supporting the War effort as best he could. Along with Bette Davis, he was one of the driving forces behind the Hollywood Canteen, where servicemen would be served as well as entertained by Hollywood Stars. He was also cast in a series of patriotic films, including Air Force (1943), Destination Tokyo (1943) and Pride of the Marines (1945). The last film in the series was a source of pride for Garfield as well. The story of a Marine who had been blinded in combat, John had to reach deep into his Method acting background to play the role.

Since his time in The Group, Garfield had been exposed to and participated in liberal politics. His membership in the Committee for the First Amendment was enough for the House Un American Activities Committee to call him to testify. Garfield denied being a Communist but refused to "name names", and was effectively blacklisted from pictures.

In early may, 1952, Garfield left his wife, actress Roberta Seidman (who was, in fact, a registered member of the Communist Party). He received information that the HUAC was reviewing his testimony to consider perjury charges. On May 20, he went against medical advice to play several strenuous sets of tennis. The tennis, the stress of a failing marriage and the HUAC investigation along with heart damage from the scarlet fever combined to cause Garfield to complain of chills before going to bed that night. He never awoke. He was 39 at the time of his death.

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7065 Hollywood Blvd honors John Garfield's contributions to the Motion Picture industry.

John Garfield

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

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    COMMENTS

    John Garfield was an actor born in New York who remained active for only 20 years. Before he became a successful artist, he endured years of poverty in his childhood. A testimony before a communist-investigating committee marked the end of his career.

    Chet

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    37 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 21 hours, 20 min
    37 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 21 hours, 20 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 37 shows - total playtime 21 hours 20 minutes
    2. Academy Award Theater 460615 Pride Of Marines.mp3
    3. Academy Award Theater 461016 Blood On Sun.mp3
    4. Bill Stern 470808 John Garfield Subs.mp3
    5. Birds Eye Open House 440525 Must Have Been Beautiful Baby.mp3
    6. Burns and Allen 431228 John Garfield.mp3
    7. Cav 400305 Stolen General.mp3
    8. Cav 431004 Continue Unloading.mp3
    9. Chase And Sanborn 391119 John Garfield.mp3
    10. CP 450222 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    11. Democratic National Comittee Program 441106.mp3
    12. Duffys Tavern 450427 169 Fish And Fantasy With John Garfield.mp3
    13. Free Company 410223 People With Light Coming Out Of Them.mp3
    14. Guest Star 471214 0038 Dream Come True.mp3
    15. Hollywood Players 461008 Golden Boy.mp3
    16. Hollywood Players All Through House 461225.mp3
    17. Hotpoint Holiday Hour 491225 Man Who Came To Dinner.mp3
    18. Keep Em Rolling 420419 Buckle Down You Yankees.mp3
    19. Kraft Music Hall 420604 294 John Garfield.mp3
    20. Lux Radio Theater 391218 242 Four Daughters.mp3
    21. Lux Radio Theater 410414 303 Dust Be My Destiny.mp3
    22. Lux Radio Theater 451231 508 Pride Of Marines.mp3
    23. Lux Radio Theater 481115 632 Body And Soul.mp3
    24. Operation Nightmare 470609.mp3
    25. Radio Readers Digest 470501 Doctor Mike.mp3
    26. Radio Readers Digest 471106 Death Across Table.mp3
    27. SDP 431025 Edge Of Darkness.mp3
    28. SDP 491111 Body And Soul.mp3
    29. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 1.mp3
    30. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 2.mp3
    31. Silver Theater 451030 Dust Be My Destiny.mp3
    32. Soldiers In Greasepaint 431125.mp3
    33. Suspense 450510 Reprieve.mp3
    34. Suspense 481104 Death Sentence.mp3
    35. Theater Guild On Air 460519 037 They Knew What They Wanted.mp3
    36. This is My Story 430000 Lee Richards 43 Model Zombie.mp3
    37. Time To Smile 410507 John Garfield.mp3
    38. Treasury Star Parade 420000 20 Bless This House.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    37 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 21 hours, 20 min
    37 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    total playtime 21 hours, 20 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 37 shows - total playtime 21 hours 20 minutes
    2. Academy Award Theater 460615 Pride Of Marines.mp3
    3. Academy Award Theater 461016 Blood On Sun.mp3
    4. Bill Stern 470808 John Garfield Subs.mp3
    5. Birds Eye Open House 440525 Must Have Been Beautiful Baby.mp3
    6. Burns and Allen 431228 John Garfield.mp3
    7. Cav 400305 Stolen General.mp3
    8. Cav 431004 Continue Unloading.mp3
    9. Chase And Sanborn 391119 John Garfield.mp3
    10. CP 450222 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms.mp3
    11. Democratic National Comittee Program 441106.mp3
    12. Duffys Tavern 450427 169 Fish And Fantasy With John Garfield.mp3
    13. Free Company 410223 People With Light Coming Out Of Them.mp3
    14. Guest Star 471214 0038 Dream Come True.mp3
    15. Hollywood Players 461008 Golden Boy.mp3
    16. Hollywood Players All Through House 461225.mp3
    17. Hotpoint Holiday Hour 491225 Man Who Came To Dinner.mp3
    18. Keep Em Rolling 420419 Buckle Down You Yankees.mp3
    19. Kraft Music Hall 420604 294 John Garfield.mp3
    20. Lux Radio Theater 391218 242 Four Daughters.mp3
    21. Lux Radio Theater 410414 303 Dust Be My Destiny.mp3
    22. Lux Radio Theater 451231 508 Pride Of Marines.mp3
    23. Lux Radio Theater 481115 632 Body And Soul.mp3
    24. Operation Nightmare 470609.mp3
    25. Radio Readers Digest 470501 Doctor Mike.mp3
    26. Radio Readers Digest 471106 Death Across Table.mp3
    27. SDP 431025 Edge Of Darkness.mp3
    28. SDP 491111 Body And Soul.mp3
    29. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 1.mp3
    30. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 2.mp3
    31. Silver Theater 451030 Dust Be My Destiny.mp3
    32. Soldiers In Greasepaint 431125.mp3
    33. Suspense 450510 Reprieve.mp3
    34. Suspense 481104 Death Sentence.mp3
    35. Theater Guild On Air 460519 037 They Knew What They Wanted.mp3
    36. This is My Story 430000 Lee Richards 43 Model Zombie.mp3
    37. Time To Smile 410507 John Garfield.mp3
    38. Treasury Star Parade 420000 20 Bless This House.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    37 recordings on 24 Audio CDs. Total playtime 21 hours, 20 min
    37 recordings on 24 Audio CDs
    total playtime 21 hours, 20 min

    John Garfield Disc A001

    1. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 1
    2. Silver Theater 390212 Escape From Tomorrow Part 2

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A002

    1. Chase And Sanborn 391119 John Garfield

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A003

    1. Lux Radio Theater 391218 242 Four Daughters

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A004

    1. Cav 400305 Stolen General
    2. Free Company 410223 People With Light Coming Out Of Them

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A005

    1. Lux Radio Theater 410414 303 Dust Be My Destiny

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A006

    1. Time To Smile 410507 John Garfield
    2. Treasury Star Parade 420000 20 Bless This House

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A007

    1. Keep Em Rolling 420419 Buckle Down You Yankees

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A008

    1. Kraft Music Hall 420604 294 John Garfield
    2. This is My Story 430000 Lee Richards 43 Model Zombie

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A009

    1. Cav 431004 Continue Unloading
    2. SDP 431025 Edge Of Darkness

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A010

    1. Soldiers In Greasepaint 431125
    2. Burns and Allen 431228 John Garfield

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A011

    1. Birds Eye Open House 440525 Must Have Been Beautiful Baby

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A012

    1. Democratic National Comittee Program 441106

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A013

    1. CP 450222 John Garfield Dick Haymes Ginny Simms
    2. Duffys Tavern 450427 169 Fish And Fantasy With John Garfield

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A014

    1. Suspense 450510 Reprieve
    2. Silver Theater 451030 Dust Be My Destiny

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A015

    1. Lux Radio Theater 451231 508 Pride Of Marines

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A016

    1. Theater Guild On Air 460519 037 They Knew What They Wanted

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A017

    1. Academy Award Theater 460615 Pride Of Marines
    2. Hollywood Players 461008 Golden Boy

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A018

    1. Academy Award Theater 461016 Blood On Sun
    2. Hollywood Players All Through House 461225

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A019

    1. Radio Readers Digest 470501 Doctor Mike
    2. Operation Nightmare 470609

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A020

    1. Bill Stern 470808 John Garfield Subs
    2. Radio Readers Digest 471106 Death Across Table
    3. Guest Star 471214 0038 Dream Come True

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A021

    1. Suspense 481104 Death Sentence

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A022

    1. Lux Radio Theater 481115 632 Body And Soul

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A023

    1. SDP 491111 Body And Soul

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    John Garfield Disc A024

    1. Hotpoint Holiday Hour 491225 Man Who Came To Dinner

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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