Jeff Chandler was a sure fire leading man in most any genre during the 1950’s. From his Oscar nominated turn as Cochise in the 1950 western, Broken Arrow till his final screen appearance at just the age of 41 in Merrill’s Marauders released posthumously in 1962 following his death in ’61, Chandler fit the bill of leading man in most any genre he tried his hand at. From westerns to sword and sandal fun to romantic dramas and even pirate adventures, it’s hard to take your eyes off the prematurely grey haired leading man when he’s on camera.
I’m quite confident the ladies of the day found him irresistible to look at while the men of the day couldn’t help but admire his determination in the action adventures he quite often found himself in or the leading ladies he held in his arms. Jeff appeared opposite a who’s who list of leading ladies during his box-office run. Among them, Joan Crawford, Linda Darnell, Jan Sterling, Maureen O’Hara, Kim Novak and Jane Russell.
I’ve featured Chandler films here a number of times so feel free to look back at some of them.
On to the classic artwork.
“If a big wind comes, a tree must bend… or be lifted out by the roots. “
I’ve yet to see this one that put Jeff into the world of Noir.
Clearly a man of action in this 1951 release.
Chandler’s built for the ring and note that contract player’s name below the title.
A pair of adventures with the red haired beauty.
Add Marilyn Maxwell’s name to that list.
Facing off with Jack Palance in another title I’ve yet to see.
A pair of iconic leading ladies and Female On the Beach has to be seen to be truly appreciated. I say that with tongue firmly planted in cheek. It’s a wonderful exercise in camp.
Easily serving as Commander, ” I am the controlling factor aboard the Belinda. My ship’s going to set speed records every time she goes into action. The Belinda’s going to be the most efficient APA in the Pacific Fleet.”
And then came Miss Jeanne Crain.
“Venus De Milo the world’s most perfectly formed woman, and here you have her, not in cold marble but in flesh and blood”
At this pace it was inevitable that Chandler would be teamed opposite Lana Turner.
Rounding out the decade in the arms of Susan Hayward.
Another go around with Palance for director Robert Aldrich.
The final film …..
and fragile as it is here’s one of three Chandler titles tucked away here in the vault.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
I like Chandler and there are some great posters there. One thing I note is how many of his films are unavailable of hard to find. I’d love to see Deported (Robert Siodmak) and the poster for Smuggler’s Island looks very attractive. I feel I’ve seen East of Sumatra once many years ago but again it’s annoying not being able to check.
On the plus side, I understand Foxfire is on the way in the not too distant future.
You’re so right. Plenty of his titles seem to be forgotten and unavailable to see. I’ve only seen a handful of these included here. Foxfire coming to blu as is Female on the Beach though that has been out on DVD from TCM Vault line. We can only hope more of these turn up. Kino has done a great job with John Payne titles so maybe Jeff their next pet project.
That would be nice – he’s certainly deserving of the attention.
Great actor! Great voice! Loved him in The Jayhawkers! A buddy of mine told me about an album he recorded – have yet to find it!
He did record an album. I came across a picture of it on line while researching this post for the poster pics. Caught me by surprise. But then maybe I shouldn’t have been. Plenty of these actors from the studio era gave it a go for an album or two.
You are right! Some actually had decent voices, too! That same friend of mine who told me about Chandler played me some cuts from Robert Mitchum that were actually good. Of course, there are plenty of actors that should have steered away from singing …
Mitchum not bad, sang a few songs over the years. Want a good chuckle with Palance and Savalas? Check this one out. https://mikestakeonthemovies.com/2014/10/12/the-ultra-cool-telly-savalas-and-the-countrified-jack-palance/
WOW! So, I have heard Telly sing before – I want to say it was Gentle on My Mind….Jack Palance, however, this was a first! Thanks so much for the chuckle!!
As long as we’re swapping songs – here’s Srgt. Friday – Jack Webb:
Thanks for the lead and the facts on Webb.
Interesting that you should name drop John Payne as like Chandler he often played flawed characters.
I would have loved them to have appeared together in a film either Western or Noir.
The Jeff I REALLY want to see is YANKEE PASHA (with another of my faves Rhonda Fleming)
I’ve already asked Kino about this but sadly, no deal.
Another film I have yet to see with Jeff or Rhonda. Plenty of titles to be mined here but all we can do is sit back and wait. Might it be a case of neglect on the prints of these making them ultra rare with the passage of time.
I did see Yankee Pasha some time ago. In view of the strong leads,, it was quite a disappointment. Best regards.
Thanks for the info. Did you see it on a TV station? or is it been released to home video? Never come across it before.
Really nice spotlight on this actor Mike. Such a shame he came to a truly tragic end at such a young age.
I’m ashamed to say the only one I’ve seen is “Ten Seconds To Hell” but man oh man I loved that film. Need to work a few more of his into my viewing schedule.
“Man in the Shadow” with Orson Welles sounds a goodie and that “Deported”
Honestly he can be melodramatic at times but thru it all it works for him and it’s hard to take your eyes off him. He commands the screen. I have the one sheet to Ten Seconds here and Shadow a good one. https://mikestakeonthemovies.com/2015/05/01/man-in-the-shadow-1957/
On it. Cheers Mike
Mike, I saw it at the cinema on a re-run then. Best regards.
Thanks.
Nice!! Chandler fan here, will watch anything with him that crosses my path. Adding to the ones discussed above, AWAY ALL BOATS is a good one. These posters/cards are all great, I love the vivid orange-and-blue ones, they just pop like neon.
Me too on the Chandler flicks. As you know I’m in love with the whole poster thing from the past when artists gave us these “cool” renditions of our movie heroes. Now they’re sooooo boring in general. You may want to go to ROM next summer. Classic horror memorabilia from the Kirk Hammett collection on display. I know I’m going.
they are cool, I really miss illustrated posters and a lot of people must miss them since there’s such a boom in “alternate” poster art like the Mondo stuff. I know Kirk Hammett has an amazing collection so that should be a great show!!