[10] He went on to appear in episodes of anthology drama series such as Escape and Academy Award Theater, and became well known for playing the lead in Michael Shayne. Born in Syria, Mr. Ansara mostly played ethnic roles, Indians being a particular specialty. The cause was a blood infection complicated by pneumonia. His real name was Ira Grossel and his film-name was exactly right[8], Known for his careful attention to detail in making pictures, Chandler was often described as introverted. Chandler memorably played the Apache chief in Delmer Daves excellent western "Broken Arrow"(50), which was notable for being the first sympathetic treatment of the native American after the Second World War. He came with a conductor, piano player, light man, press agent, and manager. Chandler received more attention playing Eve Arden's love interest on radio in Our Miss Brooks, which debuted in July 1948 and became a massive hit. Chandler played Cochise for the third time, a cameo in Taza, Son of Cochise, starring Hudson, who soon overtook Chandler as Universal's biggest male star. Chandler appeared in an expensive (for Universal) epic, playing the Emperor Marcian in Sign of the Pagan and co-starred with Jane Russell in Foxfire (1955), which he enjoyed because, "I don't have to be so darned monosyllabic in this one. He was cast in February 1949. Directed by Alvin Ganzer. For a number of years, film exhibitors voted Chandler among the top stars at the box office. [17] As part of the arrangement, Chandler signed a deal with Fox to make a film a year with them for six years. Our Miss Brooks transferred to television, but Chandler was not permitted to do TV under his contract; his part was taken by Robert Rockwell. Chandler was a cousin of actor David Roya, who played the young villain Bernard Posner in Billy Jack. One wonders how much he must have cringed as Tom Jeffords (bloodbrother to Cochise and Army officer) played to the hilt by actor John Lupton, had a tendency to sometimes over-dramatize his parts. April 1960 – Sept. 1960 Sunday 7:00-7:30. [10], Chandler reprised his role as Cochise in another Western, The Battle at Apache Pass, for Universal. "Jeff Chandler Likely for Demetrius; 'Highest Mountain' New Purchase" Schallert, Edwin. I can't go anywhere unnoticed. He later reflected "I've tried heavies – but audiences didn't seem to take to that. [53] A Motion Picture Exhibitor Poll listed him as the tenth most popular male star in the US in 1957. The Battle at Apache Pass is an American Western film directed by George Sherman.The stars are John Lund as United States Army Maj. Colton and Jeff Chandler repeating the role of Apache chief Cochise, whom he played two years earlier in 20th Century Fox's Broken Arrow. Jane Russell commented, "I've never heard of such a thing. [7] When America entered World War II, Chandler enlisted in the army. I'd like to do some writing. [72], Chandler's public support for Israel's 1956 attack on Egypt during the Suez Crisis prompted the United Arab Republic to ban his films in Arab countries in 1960. In 1950, director Delmer Daves turned Arnold's novel into a film re-titled Broken Arrow, featuring James Stewart as Jeffords and Jeff Chandler as Cochise. A May 1955 review of a Chandler live performance in Variety said "it is in the realm of pure song" that Chandler "falters and shows weakness."[101]. "Jeff Chandler Will Star in 'Holy Grail'" Hopper, Hedda. "LADD, PARAMOUNT DISCUSS CONTRACT: Actor Seeks Picture-a-Year Deal on Long-Term Basis After Current Pact Ends Youngster Gets Role" By THOMAS M. PRYOR, "Drama: Cyd Charisse Costar in 'Strategy of Love'". Chandler appeared in Return to Peyton Place for Fox. "Chief Crazyhorse' Held Right for Jeff Chandler; Slate Signs Term Deal" Schallert, Edwin. He attended Erasmus Hall High School, the alma mater of many stage and film personalities, where he acted in school plays; his schoolmates included Susan Hayward. This meant Chandler missed the part of Demetrius in The Robe (1953) at Fox, for which he had been considered and which eventually went to Victor Mature. He's The Busiest, Now". "[71], He was also linked with Ann Sheridan. He made a cameo in Meet Danny Wilson[25] and had a change of pace when he supported Loretta Young in Because of You – which a few years later he called his favorite role. Hearn Role in 'The Naked and the Dead' for Norma Productions" by THOMAS F. BRADY. The movie depicts a fictionalized account of "The Bascom Affair" of 1861 and "The battle of Apache pass" of 1862. [54], Chandler made another for Universal, A Stranger in My Arms with June Allyson. I was born to be an executive – an idea man. Chandler had a concurrent career as a singer and recording artist, releasing several albums and playing nightclubs. For years, European settlers attempted to gain dominion over the Chiricahua lands. "Big Chief! "Drama: Henry Fonda to Have Lee Cobb as Costar", "JOLSON TO APPEAR ON C. B. S. RADIO, TV: Network Secures Entertainer's Services for 3-Year Period -Randolph in New Show", "MBS Stations Book Russell For Interview: The Radio Dialer and TV Guide". He had injections to deaden the pain and enable him to finish the production. Mr. Ansara’s survivors include his wife of 36 years, the actress Beverly Kushida; and a sister, Rose Browers. TO MAKE SPACE-TEST FILM: Feature to Depict Efforts of U.S. Scientists to Launch an Earth Satellite" by THOMAS M. PRYOR, Louella Parsons: "Linda Darnell Signs With Jeff Chandler", "Tuesday Proclaimed as L.A. Free Enterprise Day", "SYMBOLIC DRAMA WILL BE A MOVIE: 'A Passenger to Bali,' Which Ran Here in 1940, Bought by Security Pictures" by THOMAS M. PRYOR. "[62] They reconciled a few months later. [11][81][82], Chandler's own estate was worth $600,000, which he left to his daughters. Even if a depiction of a woman seems positive, she may be a symbol of the male viewpoint. His family moved to Massachusetts when he was 2 and Los Angeles when he was 10. Our government still taxes the hell out of people; somebody ought to wake 'em up.[57]. [78] He was buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City. [56] In Ten Seconds to Hell and The Jayhawkers! He left to work on a movie after three and a half weeks. He later appeared in a few episodes of Ms. Eden’s show, each time as a different character. His former agent, Michael B. Druxman, announced the death on Friday, saying the cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Broken Arrow starring John Lupton and Michael Ansara. [34] Both The Robe and Magnificent Obsession became big hits. "'Chief Crazyhorse' Held Right for Jeff Chandler; Slate Signs Term Deal" Schallert, Edwin. Broken Arrow turned out to be a considerable hit, earning Chandler an Oscar nomination and establishing him as a star. Mr. Ansara was married three times. Michael George Ansara was an American stage, screen, and voice actor. This was to take effect from August 1956 onwards, when Chandler's exclusive contract with Universal expired. Although Cochise on “Broken Arrow” was his career-defining role, Mr. Ansara found himself frustrated by its limitations. Chandler had appeared on air in Rogue's Gallery with Dick Powell, who was impressed by the actor, and put pressure on Columbia to give Chandler his first film role, a small part as a gangster in Johnny O'Clock (1947). Based on the novel “Blood Brother” by Elliott Arnold, which was also made into the 1950 movie, “Broken Arrow.” (not to be confused with the 1996 nuclear thriller starring John Travolta) Broken Arrow Cast. He studied at Los Angeles City College and originally planned to become a doctor, but changed his mind after he began studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse in an effort to overcome shyness. "VIDEO AND RADIO TO REACH HIGH POINT AT YULE: Programs Are Listed for Holiday" REMENIH, ANTON. Above all, he was impossibly handsome. Mr. Ansara in “Law of the Plainsman” as an Apache lawman. Chandler's next two movies were made for a brand new company, Seven Arts: Ten Seconds to Hell, a drama with Jack Palance for director Robert Aldrich, and Thunder in the Sun, a Western with Susan Hayward. [67], Chandler was involved in a will dispute concerning his stepfather in 1960.[68]. He then went over to Warner Bros. to make Merrill's Marauders, which was his last film. "[50][51] Chandler bought the rights to a novel, Lincoln McEever, but it was never made; Drango turned out to be Earlmar's sole production. Even before Broken Arrow was released, Chandler was upped to leading-man status back at Universal. But suddenly there are not enough pictures being made here. His other credits include Sword in the Desert (1948), Deported (1950), Female on the Beach (1955), and Away All Boats (1956). [16], - Maureen O'Hara on acting with Chandler in War Arrow (2004), Writer-director Delmer Daves was looking for an actor to play Cochise in Broken Arrow (1950) at 20th Century Fox. "[21] The movie was shot on location in Italy, although Chandler's radio commitments meant some of it had to be filmed in Hollywood. [36] He left the radio show Our Miss Brooks after five years "to get a rest," he said, "Although it didn't take long to do the show, it tied up all my Sundays."[37]. Tinee, Mae. At a trial, Fred Otash said the detectives had followed them to get the story. Back at Universal, he played a boxer in Iron Man (1951), a remake of an old Lew Ayres movie. 'Indian' Chandler Changes Pace; He's Now Half Indian", HEDDA HOPPER: "Jeff Chandler Aims to Do 'Young Moses'", "ALLIED ARTISTS SIGNS PRODUCER: John Huston to Make 3 Films -- Wyler and Wilder Also Completing Similar Deals" by THOMAS M. PRYOR, "NADER TO REPLACE CHANDLER 2D TIME: Actor Will Be Co-Star With Maureen O'Hara in 'Lady Godiva' Film at U.-I." In July 1952, Chandler signed a fresh contract with Universal that doubled his salary. The couple had two daughters, Jamie Tucker (May 16, 1947–2003) and Dana Grossel (1949–2002). In 1952, exhibitors voted Chandler the 22nd-most popular star in the US. "FILM UNIT OPPOSES FOREIGN VENTURES: A.F.L. If the movies had not found him the advertising agencies would have done – and in fact, whenever you saw a still of him you looked at his wrist-watch or pipe before realising that he wasn't promoting something. Terrorists steal nuclear warheads from the U.S. military but don't count on a … James Stewart played Jeffords in the movie. [10][12] It was the last film he made outside Universal for a number of years. : As an Indian, Jeff Chandler caused countless feminine hearts to flutter; now, in straight dramatic roles, he's a box office smash". "I don't know why I got it," Chandler joked at the time, "maybe it's because I'm saving them money. Louella Parsons: "Jeff Chandler? "Big Chief Cochise Set; Sidney to Direct 'Keys;' Trevor 'Package' Looms" Schallert, Edwin. Jay Silverheels also reprised his role of Geronimo from the same film.. He portrayed Cochise in the television series Broken Arrow, Kane in the 1979–1981 series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Commander Kang in three episodes of the Star Trek television series, Deputy U.S. The famed animated action-adventure series Jonny Quest's handsome, white-haired, veteran special agent bodyguard Race Bannon's design was modeled after Jeff Chandler by show creator Doug Wildey. by THOMAS M. PRYOR. Film historian David Shipman once wrote this analysis of Chandler: Jeff Chandler looked as though he had been dreamed up by one of those artists who specialise in male physique studies, or a mite further up the artistic scale, he might have been plucked bodily from some modern mural on a biblical subject. [4] He served for four years, mostly in the Aleutians, finishing with the rank of lieutenant. "Renewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films" Scheuer, Philip K. "Marsha Hunt Signs for 'Plunderers': 'Threepenny Opera' Due Here; 'Untouchables' Will Expand" Scheuer, Philip K. "CHANDLER SIGNED FOR BIBLE DRAMAS: Actor to Play David in Two Specials on A.B.C.-TV – Baseball Schedule Set" By RICHARD F. SHEPARD. "Jeff Chandler Finally Gets to 'Act His Age': Rising Young (31) Screens Player Considers Himself 'a Lucky Kid'" SCHEUER, PHILIP K. "The News of Radio: John Kieran Will Perform for Television in Series of Films on Natural History", "WELLMAN DIRECTOR OF 'BATTLEGROUND': METRO NAMES HIM TO HANDLE FILM OF BATTLE OF THE BULGE – CRAIG IN 'SIDE STREET'" by THOMAS F. BRADY, "THEDA BARA MOVIE GOES TO COLUMBIA: De Sylva's 'The Great Vampire' Will Be Distributed by Studio -- 'Champion' Suit Ruling" by THOMAS F. BRADY. It’s not of the quality of Broken Arrow but it is quite a good cavalry Western and it does stick unusually close to the facts, for a Hollywood movie. "Jeff Chandler Sought for 'Angry River;' Wanger Plans Mounties Movie" Schallert, Edwin. Chandler moved to Columbia and acted with Kim Novak in Jeanne Eagels. His wife complained that Chandler was "chronically fatigued so that he would fall asleep wherever we were. The Los Angeles Times wrote that Chandler "is proving remarkable in performing singing duty, even though he is not exactly a singing type". [40] He announced "being a movie star isn't worth it", complaining that: I can't go anywhere as an ordinary individual. [11][12] He tested for Columbia's The Loves of Carmen[13] and did not get the part. Chandler initially struggled to find work in Hollywood, and had spent all his savings when he got his first job as a radio actor in May 1946. Movies. [66] Their divorce was granted in June 1959, with Chandler giving his wife $100,000 and over $2,166 per month in alimony plus $500 per month in child support. [5][6], Chandler formed his own company, the Shady Lane Playhouse, in Illinois in the summer of 1941. Chandler had a relationship with Gloria De Haven that was exposed in Confidential magazine. U.S. Cavalry officer Maj. Jim Colton(John Lund) is a sympathetic leader who has a working relationship with Apache leader Cochise(Jeff Chandler). It was directed by Delmer Daves and starred Jimmy Stewart and Jeff Chandler. [3], Universal announced him for Chief Crazy Horse,[35] but the role ended up being played by Victor Mature. But no more. And let's face it, acting is the easiest way I know to make a buck. Around this time, Chandler expressed his dissatisfaction with acting in film as opposed to radio: [Radio actors] have to make their roles come alive, and they only have their voices with which to do it, but in pictures, the technique is quite different. Freeze in the animated TV series “Batman” and “Batman Beyond.”. Shortly after his arrival, he was involved in a serious car accident on the way to a screen test, which resulted in a large scar on his forehead.[9]. Jeff Chandler Among Movie Visitors Here [4], In a 1960 interview Chandler said his favourite films were Broken Arrow, Battle of Apache Pass, Two Flags West, Because of You ("my first real love story"), Sign of the Pagan, The Toy Tiger ("a change for me"), Drango, Raw Wind in Eden ("beautiful locale"), and The Lady Takes a Flyer ("I had Lana Turner with me").[85]. They separated in 1951,[60] and 1954,[61] and filed for divorce in 1954. I'd quit work immediately if I had the money, and travel for a while. The company toured the Midwest with some success, presenting such plays as The Bad Man, Seventh Heaven, The New Minister, and Pigs. In addition to his acting in film, he was known for his role on the radio program Our Miss Brooks and for his musical recordings. Chandler said he always wanted to act, but courses for commercial art were cheaper, so he studied art for a year and worked as a layout artist for a mail-order catalogue at $18 a week. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. He had commitments to make two films per year at Universal until 1959.[52]. Chandler's father was connected with the restaurant business and got his son a job as a restaurant cashier. Chandler played Cochise twice more, in "Battle At Apache Pass" (1952) [3][4], Eventually, he saved up enough money to take a drama course at the Feagin School of Dramatic Art in New York. [49] He acted in and produced the first Earlmar production, a Western, Drango. I see that as the least I can do for the people who have given me the fruits of this world.[3]. [75], On May 13, 1961, he entered a hospital in Culver City, California, and had surgery for a spinal disc herniation. [63], In 1957, he had an affair with Esther Williams while making a movie together, and his wife filed for divorce at the end of the year. Movie fans seem to think that actors belong to them, but we like to feel we belong to ourselves. A very underrated film, Broken Arrow deftly and handily tells a great story.