Comments on: James Whitmore Has Died

By: wolfwalker

wolfwalker — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:50:28 +0000

Great clip. Makes me want to see the whole film. Only one problem: the uploader screwed up by making the clip widescreen. None of the widescreen filming processes existed in 1949, so Battleground must have been in the old standard 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Forcing it to a widescreen ratio distorts the whole picture.

By: Richard D. Seifried

Richard D. Seifried — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:04:17 +0000

After watching the ending of Battleground, I got up and looked at the Screaming Eagle patch on my fatigue jacket, my basic training unit in the Korean War. The spirit and pride of the men at the end is hard to explain but that is what makes American service men so special. I can't expain it but James Whitmore reflects that wonder in the film, Battleground. Thank you, Marine. We in the army got much of our needed equipment from the Marines because of the foul-ups in the army. God bless you, James.

By: joefrog

joefrog — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:52:49 +0000

My father was in the Navy in Long Beach in the 50s. Back then, service members would get into a lot of sporting events free if they were uniform. Patriotism was still running high from WW2 and the Korean War.

My Dad hitched a bus to the Rams game and was heading towards the stadium when a gentleman offered him a free ticket. My dad quickly realized that it was James Whitmore offering him a ticket to the game. Needless to say my dad accepted, being an enlisted man at the time, it was a better seat than the free ones. My dad has always spoken fondly of that day, and how James Whitmore was such a fine person, and how he and his son really enjoyed the game as much as my father did.

The Shawshank Redemption is one of my father’s favorite movies, and it is also one of mine. Whitmore was always such a class act. It is sad we are losing so many of the remaining greats from when Hollywood had dignity and class.

By: NeyNey

NeyNey — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:39:13 +0000

I feel like I just lost a favorite uncle. I was a big fan of Mr. Whitmore’s and watched many of his movies. His role in Shawshank made me cry. He’s among the last of a dying breed and will be missed. RIP Mr. Whitmore

By: Hermie

Hermie — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:25:49 +0000

Mr Whitmore was one of those actors who never ‘phoned it in’. If you wanted an actor who was dependable and authentic in his performance, he was one to count on. Too many actors are in roles that are ‘cookie cutter’, and they only last for a few years. We were fortunate that he was someone who could be found in a variety of roles, and for such a long career.

My condolences to his family, friends and fans.

By: John Nolte

John Nolte — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:09:14 +0000

I regret not mentioning “The Last Voice You’ll Hear.” It completely slipped my mind. Next time TCM airs it, I’ll be sure to give that fine, smart Christian gem the attention it deserves.

Splendid film, thanks in large part to Mr. Whitmore’s work with Nancy Davis (Reagan)and the breaking down of Christian tenets and themes into the simplest elements of everyday life.

Very special film that deserves wider recognition.

By: JD

JD — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:40:15 +0000

I’m 46 and can’t remember a time that Battleground wasn’t my favorite movie ever, even with Bogart being my #1 guy, when I see that last scene, I tear up everytime, the smile between the two men says it all, it’s a wonderful moment and writing at it’s best, and not a word is spoken between the two, man that’s great stuff.

Mr. Whitmore, RIP & Thank You.

By: Maggie45

Maggie45 — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:16:46 +0000

I didn’t watch the clip, as I want to watch the whole movie, which I ordered after your last post about it. Mr. Whitmore was fantastic in every thing I’ve seen him in.

Rest in Peace, Marine.

By: Caroline

Caroline — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:11:00 +0000

While I truly appreciate the depth BATTLEGROUND my first thought on hearing of his death was James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn doing Brush Up Your Shakespeare in KISS ME KATE. Perhaps it’s the female in me or my love of musicals, but it brought an immediate smile to my face. And I ask, where are the truly talented who could do both the last scene in BATTLEGROUND and a Cole Porter musical comedy? We will not see his like again.

By: Everly Waverly

Everly Waverly — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:08:10 +0000

That scene could have been a depiction of E Company, 506th Infantry, 101 Airborne Division. A marine playing the part of an Airborne Trooper, works for me.

“Rendezvous With Destiny” Mr. Whitmore