Sunday, November 3, 2013

Thomas Mitchell - What a Character


First, I need to thank the co-hostesses of the What A Character blogathon.  This is a wonderful idea that Kellee (@IrishJayhawk66), Paula (@Paul_Guthat) and Aurora (@CitizenScreen) execute so well every year.  Kudos, ladies!



No discussion about Thomas Mitchell can begin without first acknowledging 1) the sheer amount of work this great character actor has been in (IMDB has him listed with an acting credit in 106 film and television roles) and 2) how many of these films were big hits.

In this video, I take a quick tour through some of these big hitters:

Stagecoach (1939)

14 comments:

  1. Hooray Thomas Mitchell! So glad you included him in the blogathon. He had SUCH talent.

    I didn't realize he was the first actor to win "the triple crown", but I'm not surprised.

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    1. The 'triple-crown' thing surprised the heck outta me, too. Thanks for reading and commenting :)

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  2. Nice selection of clips. If I am recalling correctly, in Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia of many years ago, Thomas Mitchell was referred to as the most beloved character actor. I don't think that's far wrong.

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    1. 'Beloved' is a wonderful adjective to describe him. Thanks so much for reading (watching) and commenting.

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  3. Great selections! Hard to go wrong with such a charming and versatile actor.

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    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment!

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  4. what a great pick for a character actor, Joel! He always seemed like such a familiar ole friend somehow. I must say his role in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE must be the one closest to my heart. So many enduring classic roles. Thanks again for a fab contribution, Joel! (Looking forward to chatting old movies with you in person at TCMFF!)

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    1. Thanks, Kellee...and big thanks for co-hosting the blogathon...it's one of the greatest blogathons out there. See you in 149 days!! (I booked our flights this past weekend :) :) :)

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  5. Joel, this is great. Thomas Mitchell is one of the absolute greats and really, did anyone have a better year in 1939? The man owned it.

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    1. I know, right?! 1939 was good to him! Thanks for watching/commenting!!

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  6. I left your post for last, Joel!! Was so excited to watch you talking about one of my faves, Mitchell! I LOVE that you do these posts as videos. Such a wonderful idea! I'm duly impressed with your technological prowess! ;-) I can barely figure out how to include youtube clips in my posts.

    Anyway - Wonderful commentary, relaxed disposition and the love you have for these films and actors shines through. Fantastic post! Thanks so much for submitting this to the blogathon, Joel! :) TCMFF 2014 HERE WE COME!

    Aurora

    PS - I'm on Team Scarlett!

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    1. Team Scarlett?! haha! Thanks for you kind words...you're very sweet. Can't wait to see you next April...we'll have a blast, *again*! Glad the gang is getting back together *and* we'll be joined by Kellee :)

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  7. Finally took the time to sit and watch and ENJOY! Awesome vlog, Joel. I, too, am a huge Thomas Mitchell fan. I am not ashamed to say that "It's a Wonderful Life' is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Without a doubt, "Uncle Billy" is such a memorable character in our family. Our kids kindly refer to him quite often when Larkin has a bad day at the "Bailey Building & Loan".

    The body of Mr. Mitchell's work is so familiar; you feel like you know him, as soon as his character comes on-screen. Everyone knows that lovable, befuddled, had-one-too-many-drinks character.

    One of my favorite performances of his is the heartbreaking true story, "The Fighting Sullivans (1944) directed by Lloyd Bacon. This film does not repeat often enough for me on TCM, but I love it. Thomas Mitchell plays the father of the five infamously doomed sons that were the inspiration for Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan.

    Great post/video and hosting job. Hope you entered the TCM contest. You're a natural!

    Warmly,
    Jackie Stallings

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    1. Jackie...thanks so much for your kind words. Indeed, Mitchell is like a old friend every time he's on the screen...I love how you worded that.

      Looking forward to meeting you and Larkin next April in LA :)

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