The Vanishing Virginian - the (1942) Movie
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The Vanishing Virginian
The Book and Movie based on the life of Robert Davis Yancey
MGM 1941
Producer: Edwin H. Knopf
Director: Frank Borzage
Screenplay: Jan Fortune (based on the novel by
Rebecca Yancey Williams)
Musical Score: Dave Snell
Song Score: various
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, William Ferrari
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns: Kalloch
Men's Costumes: Gile Steele
Sound: Douglas Shearer
Cinematography: Charles Lawton
Film Editing: James E. Newcom
This is a warm, humorous and sentimental film, based on Rebecca Yancy Williams' memoir of her family in small-town Virginia, circa 1905-1929. The essence of the story is centered on her father, Colonel Bob, and his life long public service. The film also lightly and humorously delves into the issues of the time, i.e. prohibition and women's suffrage. What makes this film a winner for me, is the fine acting of Frank Morgan as Colonel Robert Yancy, and Spring Byington as his wife. Well directed by Frank Borzage, and with MGM topnotch production values, it's worth a look, if sentimental films appeal to you.
Clips from the Movie
"Steal Away - remembering Josh"
Photos from the film
Actors in the film
Actors in the movie:
(Note Frank Morgan was the wizard in the "Wizard of Oz)
Frank Morgan
Robert Yancey
Kathryn Grayson
Rebecca Yancey
Spring Byington
Rosa Yancey
Natalie Thompson
Margaret Yancey
Johnny Mitchell
James Weldon 'Shirley
Mark Daniels
Jack Holden
Elizabeth Patterson
Grandma Yancey
Juanita Quigley
Caroline Yancey
Scotty Beckett
Joel Yancey
Dickie Jones
Robert Yancey Jr.
Leigh Whipper
Uncle Josh Preston
Louise Beavers
Aunt Emmeline Preston
J.M. Kerrigan
John William Phelps, Blacksmith
Harlan Briggs
Mr. James Thomas Rogard
Katharine Alexander
Marcia Marshall Templeton
Erville Alderson
Judge Fred Stuart
Myrtle Anderson
Yancey's 1929 Second Maid
Hooper Atchley
Juror
Clarence Badger Jr.
Soloist - 'Bill Bailey' number
William Bailey
Extra in Courtroom
Charles Bates
Yancey's Grandson
Barbara Bedford
Mildred Simpson
Lee Bennett
Joel, as an Adult
Helen Blizzard
Robert Sr.'s Wife
Lee Brache
Edith Brown
Arie Lee Branche
Edith Brown
Margaret Campbell
Yancey's Granddaughter
Phyllis Cook
Soloist - 'Bill Bailey' number
Keith Copland
Grandson
Cliff Danielson
Robert, as an Adult
Cleo Desmond
Aunt Mandy Brown
Dudley Dickerson
Alexander
Rex Downing
Newsboy
Francis Ford
Campaign Committee Member
William Forrest
William Harrison Jordon, Assistant Proscecuting Attorney
Gibson Gowland
Onlooker in 1929 Crowd
Alfred Grant
Jefferson Brown
Jester Hairston
Mover
Eddie Hall
Newspaper Delivery Man
Edward Hearn
Juror
Howard C. Hickman
Dr. Edwards
Lois Hodnott
'Steal Away' Number Soloist
Clifford Holland
'Steal Away' Number Soloist
Dolores Hurlic
Sugar Preston
George Irving
Roger Payson
Anelle McCarty
Granddaughter
Dickie McCoy
Grandson
Matt Moore
Chas. Inglestadt
Marcella Moreland
Baby Preston
Rita Quigley
Caroline, as an Adult
Clinton Rosemond
Black Minister