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==Production==
==Production==
===Original Novel===
20th Century Fox first obtained the rights to Kenneth Robert's novel in 1946. Various plans were made to film the work, including one produced by [[Sol Siegel]] to be shot on location in England and Jamaica to take advantage of frozen profits. The film was originally to star [[Tyrone Power]] who went on suspension rather than film "another costume picture."<ref>http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=50562</ref> Power said he had filmed five historical-period films in a row and wished to do a film where "people talk normally and not in stilted dialogue."<ref>Thomas, Bob ''Tyrone Power's Life Rivaled His Screen Roles'' ''The Spencer Daily Reporter'' 18 Nov 1958</ref> The lead was therefore given to one of Fox's postwar contract players, Dale Robertson. With Fox's option on the novel running out, the film was shot at the [[Movie ranch#20th Century Fox Movie Ranch|20th Century Fox Movie Ranch]] and [[backlot]] of Fox's California studios. This was also the film debut of [[William Marshall (actor)|William Marshall]].
The novel was Roberts' first since ''Olivier Wiswell'' in 1940. It was published in January 1947. The ''New York Times'' called it "an entertaining chronicle" with a "preposterous plot".<ref>Books of the Times
By CHARLES POORE. New York Times 2 Jan 1947: 25. </ref> The book became a best seller.<ref>N. DOUBLEDAY, 9, PUBLISHER, DE: Succeeded His Father as Head of Book Company in 1934--Kipling Agent.as Youth
New York Times 12 Jan 1949: 27. </ref>

===Development===
20th Century Fox first obtained the rights to Kenneth Robert's novel in September 1946, prior to the book being published. They paid paid $215,000 for a ten year "lease" on the novel.<ref>THREAT OF STRIKE SLOWS FILM PLANS: Production Work Continues but Casting Is Delayed-- Robert Walker in Role Of Local Origin
Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]25 Sep 1946: 48. </ref> Fox representatives said they had not even read the book, basing their sale on Roberts' reputation and an outline.<ref>BY WAY OF REPORT: Bought Sight Unseen Title Tales "Fantasia" Forever
By A.H. WEILER. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]29 Sep 1946: 67. </ref> [[William Perlberg]] was assigned to be producer.<ref>Looking at Hollywood
Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]31 Jan 1947: 16. </ref> The following month that job was given to [[Sol Siegel]].<ref>RKO WILL PRODUCE 'THE LONG TUNNEL': Studio Buys Labatt Drama for Screening This Year--Landis Signs With Eagle-Lion
By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times 21 Feb 1947: 16. </ref> [[Gene Tierney]] was the first star announced.<ref>DRAMA AND FILM: Best-Seller Heroine 'Lydia Bailey' Nominee
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 24 Feb 1947: A3. </ref>

Filming was pushed back after the British government introduced a tax on Hollywood films. This meant the loss of profits in England, which would be crucial in what would be an expensive movie. (Fox also delayed production of other costume pictures which would be expected to make money in Britain, including ''The Black Rose'', ''Julie'' and ''Down the Sea to the Ships'').<ref>ZANUCK HAS THE ANSWERS: LOOKING at HOLLYWOOD with HEDDA HOPPER ZANUCK HAS THE ANSWERS
Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]05 Oct 1947: c10. </ref>)

In April 1948 the project was reactivated, with plans to make the movie using "frozen" funds owed to Fox in England and the Bahamas.<ref>28VIRGINIA MAYO GETS WARNER FILM LEAD: Actress to Star in 'Girl From Jones Beach,' New Comedy Douglas May Do Movie
By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times 22 Apr 1948: 34. </ref> In June Fox announced that Philip Dunne was writing a screenplay, and [[Linda Darnell]] would likely play the title role.<ref>Actor to Star Double; 'Lydia Bailey' on Slate
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]07 June 1948: 19. </ref>

However filming did not proceed. By May 1949 [[Susan Hayward]], who had signed to Fox, was being mentioned as a star.<ref>Susan Hayward Will Star at 20th Century
Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]02 May 1949: B4. </ref> In September Zanuck said the film would go into production "shortly".<ref>ZANUCK VIEWPOINTS
New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]11 Sep 1949: X4. </ref>

In February 1950 Fox said Tyrone Power would play the male lead.<ref>PARAMOUNT CUTS EXECUTIVE STAFF: 14 Minor Production Officials Laid Off in Economy Move --More Reductions Seen
By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]28 Feb 1950: 26. </ref> Plans t film in Haiti were delayed by disturbances in that part of the world. In November Jules Shernberg was appointed producer.<ref>Niven Will Twice Star Abroad; 'Lydia Bailey' Hypoed; Bob Alda Wanted
Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]09 Nov 1950: A12. </ref> [[Micheline Prelle]] was announced as star.<ref>BALLERINA WILL DO ROLE FOR GOLDWYN: Moira Shearer, Principal for Sadler's Wells Group, Signs for Picture Next Fall
By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]14 Nov 1950: 38. </ref>

In June 1951 Power refused the role.<ref>KIRK DOUGLAS SET FOR 'BIG SKY' LEAD: Hawks and Lasker to Produce Film of A.B. Guthrie Jr. Fur Trading Novel at R.K.O. Of Local Origin
By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]02 June 1951: 13. </ref>
Power said he had filmed five historical-period films in a row and wished to do a film where "people talk normally and not in stilted dialogue."<ref>Thomas, Bob ''Tyrone Power's Life Rivaled His Screen Roles'' ''The Spencer Daily Reporter'' 18 Nov 1958</ref>

Errol Flynn claimed he was slapped in a bar by Canadian millionaire Duncan McMartin which meant he was unable to take part in the film. He sued McMartin for £80,000.<ref>Flynn Winds Up $223,200 Slap Case Evidence
Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]23 Mar 1952: 34. </ref> The lead was given to one of Fox's postwar contract players, Dale Robertson. Another contractee, Anne Francis, played Lydia.<ref>POWER'S ROLE GOES TO CONTRACT ACTOR: Dale Robertson Will Play Lead in Fox Film Adaptation of Roberts' 'Lydia Bailey'
By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. 4 June 1951: 29. </ref>

Jean Negulesco signed to direct it under a new four year deal with Fox.<ref>COMPANY FORMED TO FILM MYSTERY: Julian Lesser, Col. Carreras Set Up Royal Productions to Make 'Whispering Smith'
By THOMAS F. BRADY New York Times 17 Apr 1951: 34. </ref>

===Shooting===
With Fox's option on the novel running out, the film was shot at the [[Movie ranch#20th Century Fox Movie Ranch|20th Century Fox Movie Ranch]] and [[backlot]] of Fox's California studios.

This was also the film debut of [[William Marshall (actor)|William Marshall]], who played "De Lawd" in ''Green Pastures''.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 00:45, 15 January 2019

This article is about the film. For the novel, see Lydia Bailey (novel). For the printer, see Lydia Bailey (printer).
Lydia Bailey
Original film poster
Directed byJean Negulesco
Written byKenneth Roberts (novel)
Michael Blankfort
Philip Dunne
Produced byJules Schermer
StarringDale Robertson
CinematographyHarry Jackson
Edited byDorothy Spencer
Music byHugo Friedhofer
Production
company
Release date
  • June 2, 1952 (1952-06-02)
Running time
89 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1.75 million (US rentals)[1]

Lydia Bailey is a 1952 American historical film directed by Jean Negulesco, based on the novel of the same name by Kenneth Roberts. It stars Dale Robertson and Anne Francis.[2]

Plot

Albion Hamlin, a farmer and lawyer from Maine, defends a Boston publisher from prosecution under the Alien and Sedition Acts and falls in love with his daughter Lydia after seeing a painting of her. He looks for her in revolution-torn Haiti, where Toussaint Louverture tries to gain power. The couple eventually become involved in the American action against the Barbary pirates.

Partial cast

Production

Original Novel

The novel was Roberts' first since Olivier Wiswell in 1940. It was published in January 1947. The New York Times called it "an entertaining chronicle" with a "preposterous plot".[3] The book became a best seller.[4]

Development

20th Century Fox first obtained the rights to Kenneth Robert's novel in September 1946, prior to the book being published. They paid paid $215,000 for a ten year "lease" on the novel.[5] Fox representatives said they had not even read the book, basing their sale on Roberts' reputation and an outline.[6] William Perlberg was assigned to be producer.[7] The following month that job was given to Sol Siegel.[8] Gene Tierney was the first star announced.[9]

Filming was pushed back after the British government introduced a tax on Hollywood films. This meant the loss of profits in England, which would be crucial in what would be an expensive movie. (Fox also delayed production of other costume pictures which would be expected to make money in Britain, including The Black Rose, Julie and Down the Sea to the Ships).[10])

In April 1948 the project was reactivated, with plans to make the movie using "frozen" funds owed to Fox in England and the Bahamas.[11] In June Fox announced that Philip Dunne was writing a screenplay, and Linda Darnell would likely play the title role.[12]

However filming did not proceed. By May 1949 Susan Hayward, who had signed to Fox, was being mentioned as a star.[13] In September Zanuck said the film would go into production "shortly".[14]

In February 1950 Fox said Tyrone Power would play the male lead.[15] Plans t film in Haiti were delayed by disturbances in that part of the world. In November Jules Shernberg was appointed producer.[16] Micheline Prelle was announced as star.[17]

In June 1951 Power refused the role.[18] Power said he had filmed five historical-period films in a row and wished to do a film where "people talk normally and not in stilted dialogue."[19]

Errol Flynn claimed he was slapped in a bar by Canadian millionaire Duncan McMartin which meant he was unable to take part in the film. He sued McMartin for £80,000.[20] The lead was given to one of Fox's postwar contract players, Dale Robertson. Another contractee, Anne Francis, played Lydia.[21]

Jean Negulesco signed to direct it under a new four year deal with Fox.[22]

Shooting

With Fox's option on the novel running out, the film was shot at the 20th Century Fox Movie Ranch and backlot of Fox's California studios.

This was also the film debut of William Marshall, who played "De Lawd" in Green Pastures.

References

  1. ^ 'Top Box-Office Hits of 1952', Variety, January 7, 1953
  2. ^ http://allmovie.com/work/lydia-bailey-100734
  3. ^ Books of the Times By CHARLES POORE. New York Times 2 Jan 1947: 25.
  4. ^ N. DOUBLEDAY, 9, PUBLISHER, DE: Succeeded His Father as Head of Book Company in 1934--Kipling Agent.as Youth New York Times 12 Jan 1949: 27.
  5. ^ THREAT OF STRIKE SLOWS FILM PLANS: Production Work Continues but Casting Is Delayed-- Robert Walker in Role Of Local Origin Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]25 Sep 1946: 48.
  6. ^ BY WAY OF REPORT: Bought Sight Unseen Title Tales "Fantasia" Forever By A.H. WEILER. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]29 Sep 1946: 67.
  7. ^ Looking at Hollywood Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]31 Jan 1947: 16.
  8. ^ RKO WILL PRODUCE 'THE LONG TUNNEL': Studio Buys Labatt Drama for Screening This Year--Landis Signs With Eagle-Lion By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times 21 Feb 1947: 16.
  9. ^ DRAMA AND FILM: Best-Seller Heroine 'Lydia Bailey' Nominee Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 24 Feb 1947: A3.
  10. ^ ZANUCK HAS THE ANSWERS: LOOKING at HOLLYWOOD with HEDDA HOPPER ZANUCK HAS THE ANSWERS Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963); Chicago, Ill. [Chicago, Ill]05 Oct 1947: c10.
  11. ^ 28VIRGINIA MAYO GETS WARNER FILM LEAD: Actress to Star in 'Girl From Jones Beach,' New Comedy Douglas May Do Movie By THOMAS F. BRADYSpecial to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times 22 Apr 1948: 34.
  12. ^ Actor to Star Double; 'Lydia Bailey' on Slate Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]07 June 1948: 19.
  13. ^ Susan Hayward Will Star at 20th Century Hopper, Hedda. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]02 May 1949: B4.
  14. ^ ZANUCK VIEWPOINTS New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]11 Sep 1949: X4.
  15. ^ PARAMOUNT CUTS EXECUTIVE STAFF: 14 Minor Production Officials Laid Off in Economy Move --More Reductions Seen By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]28 Feb 1950: 26.
  16. ^ Niven Will Twice Star Abroad; 'Lydia Bailey' Hypoed; Bob Alda Wanted Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]09 Nov 1950: A12.
  17. ^ BALLERINA WILL DO ROLE FOR GOLDWYN: Moira Shearer, Principal for Sadler's Wells Group, Signs for Picture Next Fall By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]14 Nov 1950: 38.
  18. ^ KIRK DOUGLAS SET FOR 'BIG SKY' LEAD: Hawks and Lasker to Produce Film of A.B. Guthrie Jr. Fur Trading Novel at R.K.O. Of Local Origin By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. New York Times (1923-Current file); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]02 June 1951: 13.
  19. ^ Thomas, Bob Tyrone Power's Life Rivaled His Screen Roles The Spencer Daily Reporter 18 Nov 1958
  20. ^ Flynn Winds Up $223,200 Slap Case Evidence Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]23 Mar 1952: 34.
  21. ^ POWER'S ROLE GOES TO CONTRACT ACTOR: Dale Robertson Will Play Lead in Fox Film Adaptation of Roberts' 'Lydia Bailey' By THOMAS F. BRADY Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. 4 June 1951: 29.
  22. ^ COMPANY FORMED TO FILM MYSTERY: Julian Lesser, Col. Carreras Set Up Royal Productions to Make 'Whispering Smith' By THOMAS F. BRADY New York Times 17 Apr 1951: 34.

External links

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