Happy birthday to Mr. Ben Johnson. The cowboy, actor and all-around swell guy would’ve been 94 today.
Here he is having lunch on the set of John Ford’s Rio Grande (1950). Left to right: Harry Carey, Jr., Ben, Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. (I’ve been dying to put this picture up here, and this seemed like as good a time as any.)
Just saw this recently and really liked it. Was it you who told the story of how Johnson, Carey, and Jarman all did that “Roman-style” horseback riding stunt themselves? Only Jarman had never done it before?
Hi Ron, actually NONE of them had done it before. Pappy told them they would have to learn it, Apparently, it took Ben and Dobe around a week or so to get comfortable with it. Then Jarmon just sort of jumped on and had a round or so, Long time ago I saw this, so don;t quote me, but I believe Ben said something like, he is too young to be scared, LOL!
What an adorable picture!
Yep, Ben Johnson. One of my favorite cowboys…right up until he died. Thanks, never saw this pic.
Great still. Thanks for sharing that.
Just think, 2 of those 4 giants that once walked the earth are still alive! Why aren’t they being interviewed ’round the clock? They must have great stories.
Harry Carey is in poor health and I don’t think he is making any more public appearances. Maureen O’Hara, however, is “being interviewed” — see the recent documentary John Ford: Dreaming the Quiet Man.” Plus she has her own film festival in Ireland, although it was cancelled very abruptly this year without any reason stated. O’Hara has also written an autobiography.
Last I heard months ago, the kids had put Dobe and Marilyn in a Care Center of some type. Everything goes through the kids now. KP
A beautiful photo of some of my favorite movie people ever!
Best wishes,
Laura