George O'Brien
by Frank M. Roberts
March 2016
George O'Brien - not one of the biggie names in the history of 'B' movie westerns but, one of the most impressive. To begin at the very beginning, he was born April 19, 1900 - a turn-ofthe-century baby. Birthplace: San Francisco where his dad served as police chief.
One critic caustically noted that in the history of western films very few of the stars would ever be recognized for their acting ability. Well-l-l! He rubbed salt in the wound by adding that most of them were content to just walk thru their roles. (Now, wait a minute, guy). The anonymous gent wound up by saying, "not so, George. He was an actor."
Said actor had an appropriate nickname - 'Chest' - recognition for his build. The Irish-er had a flair for comedy and, in his films, he used that flair well and, no Astaire maybe, but he showed his dancing talents (including jitterbugging) in several of his films. He danced and, he had a good singing voice.
O'Brien was a member of the Navy Reserve during World War 2, and was called to serve just a few days after the Pearl Harbor attack. He served as a stretcher bearer for the Marines, and participated in Pacific Island invasions. The highly decorated gent was also in uniform during the fighting in Korea, and Viet Nam.
Back to the flicks: Around 1930, Buck Jones and Tom Mix left Fox Studios so, O'B stepped in and had his own series based on the ever popular novels of Zane Grey. And, get this: His budgets of $300,000 were unheard of for 'B' westerns at that time.
On top of all the other good news, he was given great locations for filming - Monument Valley, Kanab Utah, and Arizona. From 1931 to 1936 he starred in 20 films - movies that were on a par with the best of the best. In '36 he starred for RKO in the ever familiar story of "Daniel Boone."
O'Brien once said that 47% of RKO's overhead was charged off to his films, even before frame one was shot. But, his 18 films with that studio still made money, despite carrying the expense for the studio.
He became part of the prestigious John Ford stock company. He had roles in two highly regarded movies, "Fort Apache," and "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon." His last film was "Cheyenne Autumn."
He and wife Marguerite Churchill (they later divorced) had three children - accomplished children. Darcy O'Brien was a college professor, and the wonderfully named Brian O'Brien was - get this - a bass player with the New York Philharmonic. The other lad was Orin O'Brien.
A look at some of his movies: "Last Of the Duanes" co-starred - Myrna Loy. Yep, that Loy; There was "Prairie Law" and "Gun Law." The latter featured Rita Dehmen and Ray Whitley. There was "Triple Justice," "The Last Trail," "The Fighting Gringo" and beaucoup others.
Among other things - no stunt doubles. O'Brien did it all. In one pic he jumped from a galloping horse onto a speeding train. Well, he said it wasn't hard, but it looked good.
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Once again, a look at those who 'support'. This is a tad off the beaten track - a quick look at Marjorie Main, an actress in spite of her parent's wish that she would do something else. She played stock, worked with W. C. Fields, then retired to be with her hubby, staying with him until his death in 1934. Then, it was back to the stage and, over to the movies - 50 of them.
Her best known appearances were the 'Ma and Pa Kettle' movies. Pa, of course, was Percy Kilbride. Westerns included "Wistful Widow Of Wagon Gap," and "Shepherd Of the Hills," - a western in spirit.
