By David in TN
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 7:31:00 P.M. EDT
TCM is showing The Phenix City Story (1955) at 8:30 a.m. ET Thursday Morning, September 5.
This one is a favorite of ours, starring Richard Kiley, James Edwards, John McIntire, Kathryn Grant, with Edward Andrews as the main villain.
In real life Phenix City was as corrupt as the movie. The local DA and police chief were in on the murder of Albert Patterson.
John Patterson is still living. He turns 98 on September 27. A segregationist governor, by 2008 he had become the character portrayed by Richard Kiley, endorsing Barack Obama.
I couldn't make the link work, but a Google search: "John Patterson Alabama" brings up a 2017 news story in which a 95-year old John Patterson discusses the actual Phenix City story.
Phil Karlson was a Journalist Disguised as a Hollywood Movie Director; See His Classic True Crime Story, The Phenix City Story (1955)
Sunday, July 8, 2018 at 7:17:00 P.M. EDT
N.S.: David posted this splendid essay almost a year ago as a comment, and I thought for sure I’d published it, but I just learned otherwise. Sorry, David.
The Phenix City Story (1955) is one of the 50s’ crime stories often lumped in the film noir category.
The Phenix City Story stars Richard Kiley, John McIntire, James Edwards and Kathryn Grant (the future Mrs. Bing Crosby). It’s directed by Phil Karlson, who liked to have a black guy as the hero’s friend. In the 50’s, James Edwards was the choice when a black actor was needed.
It’s based on the true story of Phenix, Alabama, called “Sin City of the South.” A prominent attorney named Albert Patterson (portrayed by John McIntire) agreed to run for Alabama Attorney General to destroy the crime gang called the “Dixie Mafia.” Albert Patterson was assassinated after winning the Democratic primary, which would ensure election. The Dixie Mafia would do what the Italian Mafia would not—kill a prominent citizen.
John Patterson, son of Albert, took his place and won the election. Richard Kiley plays him in the film.
Karlson takes these facts and gives an action-packed, but fictionalized story. He did the same thing with the massive 1973 box office hit, Walking Tall.
In real life, John Patterson was elected Governor of Alabama in 1958 by running as a hard-line segregationist. He beat a racial moderate named George Wallace. Interestingly, Patterson was an admirer of John F. Kennedy, enthusiastically supporting JFK for President in 1960. In 1961, Patterson put the Alabama Air National Guard at Kennedy’s disposal for the Bay of Pigs operation.
In later years, John Patterson said he took the segregationist position because the people wanted it. In 2008, Patterson endorsed Barack Obama. He had become what he was portrayed as by Richard Kiley in Karlson’s film.
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3 comments:
Patterson was no more than a piece of paper trash(litter),blowing in the wind--if you listen to him.Everyone's a revisionist now.
I've read a lot of the causes of the USA disintegrating into a cesspool.
My quick observations
1.The courts take the lead--overturning or ruling against previous laws that made us great(starting in the early 50s)
2.Politicians follow the lead of the courts or join with them(starting in 1964)
3.The (white)public is forced to suffer the consequences of #1 and 2.
Trump is,at least on the surface, neither 1 or 2.Neither is he a #3--too rich.Beto is a follower of trends,like Patterson.Trends can change--and must--if this country is to survive(it wont with blacks/Mex running it).
Wouldn't it be hilarious if O'Rourke,in 50 years,endorses a white for president "because blacks have run this country into the ground.Back in 2020 when they elected Oprah (or Mobama-Michelle Obama)that's what the people wanted,but now I endorse Pat Buchanan IV for POTUS."
You never know.
--GR Anonymous
Phenix City across the border from Fort Benning. Cater to the sin trade and lots of bad.
Phil Karlson's The Phenix City Story (1955) is on TCM's Film Noir of the Week this weekend.
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