In 1918 Rogers made his film debut in a Samuel Goldwyn (then still Sam Goldfish) production, Laughing Bill Hyde shot in New Jersey. It was successful enough for Goldwyn to offer Rogers a contract; he starred in 13 features over the next three years, among them the delightful Jubilo (1919), Honest Hutch (1920), and the uproarious Shakespeare-inspired Doubling for Romeo (1921). Rogers' screen persona, an extension of his own personality, registered surprisingly well with moviegoers in spite of their inability to hear him. His unique brand of humor came through just the same. After the Goldwyn contract expired, he went out on his own, producing, writing, and starring in his own tworeelers, but the venture was catastrophic: only three shorts were actually produced, the last one was never released, and their failure put him deeply in debt.
Rogers signed with Hal Roach in 1923 and spent the next two years starring in what became some of his best known shorts, including a pair of broadly funny Hollywood spoofs, Uncensored Movies (1923) and Big Moments From Little Pictures (1924), as well as a guest appearance in an Our Gang comedy, Jubilo, Jr (also 1924). In 1927 he made a series of one-reel humorous travelogues for Pathé, but it took the coming of sound to give Rogers the screen showcase he deserved. In 1929 he inked a deal with Fox to star in talking pictures, as well as "help out" with the writing.
Rogers' first talkie, They Had to See Paris (1929), was an immediate hit; the star showed himself to be completely at ease before the microphone, unlike many other silent stars. His gentle, folksy humor was perfect for talking pictures, and his directors (and costars) learned to give him the freedom to make up his own dialogue even while the cameras were running. He proceeded in the same pleasant vein with such easygoing comedies as So This Is London (1930), A Connecticut Yankee (a Rogersian update of Mark Twain), Ambassador Bill (both 1931), Down to Earth (1932), State Fair, Doctor Bull (his first film for director John Ford), and Mr. Skitch (all 1933). Though the plots changed, Rogers did not; these were star vehicles in the truest sense, and audiences loved them. By 1934 he was the top boxoffice draw in the country, according to a "Motion Picture Herald" exhibitors poll. That year he starred in such hits as the bucolic David Harum and Ford's wonderful Judge Priest (perhaps his best film), as well as cowriting the story for Stand Up and Cheer (in which he did not appear). In 1935 Rogers really hit his stride in The County Chairman, Life Begins at Forty and Doubting Thomas a winning streak ended by his tragic death in an airplane crash. His last two films, Steamboat 'Round the Bend (directed by Ford) and In Old Kentucky were released posthumously that year.
His eagle-eyed observations about American life are still widely quoted. Actors from James Whitmore and Keith Carradine (on stage) to his son Will Rogers, Jr. (in 1952's The Story of Will Rogers), have tried to recapture his personality. And his writings, including a 1927 autobiography, "There's Not a Bathing Suit in Russia," are still read and enjoyed. His name also graces several state parks in Los Angeles, a turnpike in Oklahoma, and the well-known medical research institute in White Plains, New York. But Will Rogers is underappreciated as a movie star; fortunately, the films exist and await that happy rediscovery.
Personal Quotes:
"I never met a man I didn't like." (Later borrowed and immortalized by Mae West)
"There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works."
"Never miss a good chance to shut up".
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion.
"Make crime pay. Become a Lawyer."
Trivia
Died in the Arctic crash of a plane piloted by the world-renowned, one-eyed pioneer aviator, Wiley Post (in which Post died as well).
Will Rogers's birthplace in the Indian Territory (present-day Okla- homa) is cited variously as Colagah, Colgah or Cologah. The correct name of Rogers's hometown is OOLOGAH, which is situated in the north- east corner of the state of Oklahoma, approximately 25 miles/40 kilo- meters north-northeast of the city of Tulsa.
In 1922, his weekly articles for the "New York Times" became so popular that they appeared in more than 500 U.S. newspapers daily. The articles dished out down-to-earth, biting criticism of politics, politicians, big business, and the imbalance of the wealthy and the poor. Total, Rogers wrote more than 2,800 daily articles up until his death. H.L. Mencken labeled him "the most dangerous man alive" because of the power his comments had on an adoring public.
A friend, and frequent critic, of several U.S. Presidents, Will Rogers once visited Warren Harding (1865 - 1923, President: 1921 - 23) and said, "'Morning, Mr. President! Would you like to hear the latest political jokes?" Harding replied, "You don't have to, Will. I appointed them."
"STEAMBOAT 'ROUND THE BEND (1935)"
Later,
Kenaz
