Alan Hale Jr., the beloved Skipper from Gilligan's Island, had a remarkable career as a character actor before his iconic TV role. His father's success in the silent era likely influenced his natural ability to settle into ensemble roles, but Hale's true passion lay in making people laugh, not in the pursuit of awards. Despite this, he collaborated with some of the biggest stars of his era, including John Wayne, Gregory Peck, Clint Eastwood, James Garner, and Randolph Scott, showcasing his versatility and comfort in both saddle and battlefield settings.
One of his most notable performances was in the 1957 Western, The True Story of Jesse James, directed by Nicholas Ray. This film, written by Walter Newman, is an unusually sharp Western shot in glorious Cinemascope, and it gave Hale the opportunity to play the notorious outlaw Cole Younger. The project had the potential to pair Hale with an all-time teen idol, either James Dean or Elvis Presley, but these pairings never materialized. Instead, Ray settled for Robert Wagner, who lacked the necessary mystery and authenticity. However, Hale's performance still holds up, and the film's lesser status is a testament to the quality of his acting.
The True Story of Jesse James is a remake of Henry King's 1939 film, Jesse James, which starred Tyrone Power and Henry Fonda as the James brothers. Nicholas Ray's depiction of the titular outlaw as a semi-sympathetic figure is likely due to his original vision of casting James Dean in the title role. The film's production challenges and the tragic death of Dean led to a less-than-ideal outcome, but it still showcases Hale's talent and versatility as an actor.
In conclusion, Alan Hale Jr.'s career as a character actor was marked by his natural ability to collaborate with top-notch talent and his commitment to making people laugh. His performance in The True Story of Jesse James is a testament to his versatility and talent, and it remains a notable achievement in his body of work.
