Herbert J. Yates Movies
The president and founder of Republic Pictures was born in Brooklyn and educated at Columbia University, after which he became an advertising executive for a cigarette company. He began investing in movies in 1912, and a few years later founded Consolidated Film Laboratories, which did the processing work for several small Hollywood film studios. By the early '30s, several of these film companies, most notably Mascot and Monogram, owed Consolidated large amounts of money, and Yates arranged for their take-over and consolidation under the banner of Republic Pictures (Monogram was later revived as a separate organization). With some of the best low-budget film talent in the world, including directors William Witney, John English, and Spencer Gordon Bennett, special effects experts Howard and Theodore Lydecker, and stunt director Yakima Canutt, and a film lab of his own, Yates' creation was a powerhouse among Hollywood's B-studios, putting out Westerns, serials, thrillers, musicals, and other low-rent releases that fed the nation's theaters for more than 20 years and defined popular culture for a majority of the country, especially outside of the major cities. Republic was so successful that by the end of the war, Yates was able to expand into more ambitious productions, including Orson Welles' Macbeth, John Ford's Rio Grande, The Sun Shines Bright, and The Quiet Man, and Lewis Milestone's The Red Pony, many of which not only earned profits but also gave the studio a very high profile. Republic's ace in the hole was John Wayne, whom it had under contract from the beginning of the '40s, and whose fame it both exploited succesfully (The Sands of Iwo Jima, Angel and the Badman) and abused (Dakota, co-starring Yates' wife, ex-skater Vera Hruba Ralston, in one of several films they did together) before he left to form his own production company. The coming of television brought competition to the Westerns and serials that had been Republic's bread-and-butter from which it couldn't recover, and in 1959, after years of declining production and disputes with the unions of his decision to sell the studio's early films to television, Yates closed Republic's doors, selling off the name and libary to National Telefilm Associates, which today goes by the name Republic Pictures Entertainment. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide- 1957
Every time Republic Pictures head honcho Herbert J. Yates starred his minimally talented wife Vera Ralston in a film, the studio's stockholders began trembling in their boots. Like most of its predecessors, the 1957 Ralston vehicle Spoilers of the Forest just barely made back its cost. Vera plays Joan Milna, who shares several thousand acres of valuable Montana timberland with her stepfather (John Alderson). Coveting Joan's property, lumber baron Eric Warren (Ray Collins) sends out his foreman Boyd Caldwell (Rod Cameron) to persuade her to sell. Instead, Caldwell falls in love with the girl, vowing to protect her trees from the eco-unfriendly Warren. Republic's wide-screen Naturama process is shown to good advantage throughout Spoilers of the Forest. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rod Cameron, Vera Ralston, (more)
- 1956
In this upbeat drama, a reformed father returns to the Arkansas farm of his estranged family after having spent too many years living in the fast lane. Included in the family are his mute daughter and his baby son, whom he'd never seen. The father is determined to set things right and immediately begins fixing up the run-down farm. The film's climax occurs when the father, hearing screams, saves his heretofore mute daughter who has fallen into a mine shaft. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Sheridan, Steve Cochran, (more)
- 1955
One of Republic's most elaborate productions of the 1950s, The Eternal Sea is the biography of American admiral John M. Hoskins. Sterling Hayden delivers a superbly understated performance as Hoskins, who continued to serve throughout WW2 despite the loss of a leg in the early phases of the conflict. The admiral's farsighted activities as commander of the aircraft carrier Princeton led to the development of the more sophisticated jet-aircraft carriers of the Korean War. The well-chosen supporting cast includes Alexis Smith as Hoskin's wife Sue, Dean Jagger as Admiral Thomas L. Semple, Morris Ankrum as Adm. Arthur Dewey Struble, and John Maxwell as Adm. William "Bull" Halsey (whose life story would serve as the basis for the 1960 film The Gallant Hours). Elmer Bernstein's soaring musical score is the icing on the cake. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sterling Hayden, Alexis Smith, (more)
- 1955
In this drama, a divinity student endeavors to help the police break up the rackets by impersonating his jailed brother, a gangster. In his disguise, he gets into his brother's gang and cons them into to uniting with other gangs to improve efficiency. He then coerces them into keeping careful records of their various rackets. Trouble ensues when the real gangster brother busts out of jail and threatens to expose his brother. Fortunately, he is accidently killed by one of his own men. The good brother's actions bear fruit when all the racketeers are exposed, rounded-up, and sent to jail. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean McClory, Joanne Jordan, (more)
- 1955
Though running 90 minutes, Road to Denver moves along at a much faster clip than most Republic "A" westerns. John Payne and Skip Homeier star as the Mayhew brothers, Bill and Sam. Tired of pulling his headstrong younger brother Sam out of his various scrapes, Bill heads off to Denver alone. Here he takes a job as a stagecoach driver for livery stable owner John Sutton (Ray Middleton). Meanwhile, Sam falls in with crooked saloonkeeper Jim Donovan (Lee J. Cobb), the secret head of an outlaw gang. Inevitably, Bill and Sam find themselves on opposite ends of the law--not to mention rivals for the affections of Sutton's daughter Elizabeth (Mona Freeman). Andy Clyde, who hadn't been seen in a big-budget film in years, steals the show as a believeably comic stablehand. Also featured is Lee Van Cleef in one of his then-typical "laconic bad guy" roles. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Payne, Mona Freeman, (more)
- 1955
Ray Milland made his directorial debut with the Republic western A Man Alone. Milland also starred in the film, playing fugitive gunslinger Wes Steele. While escaping a lynch mob, Steele stumbles onto an Arizona ranch that has been quarantined due to Yellow Fever. During his enforced stay, he falls in love with sheriff's daughter Nadine Corrigan (Mary Murphy), who is as much a "lost soul" as Steele. The only hope the lovers have for a happy future is Steele's exoneration, but this won't happen so long as crooked town banker Stanley (Raymond Burr) holds all the cards. A Man Alone did well enough to encourage future directorial efforts by Ray Milland, which included the well-paced espionager Lisbon and the above average sci-fi exercise Panic in the Year Zero! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ray Milland, Mary Murphy, (more)
- 1955
A friendship is ripped apart by a greedy woman in this drama. The trouble begins when a horse trainer and a jockey, both long-time friends, fall for the same woman. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1955
Republic's Trucolor process is shown off to good advantage in the outdoors actioner Timberjack. Sterling Hayden and David Brian star as Chipman and Brunner, a pair of rugged lumbermen who vie for the attentions of Lynn Tilton (Vera Ralston). The richer and more powerful of the two, Brunner would seem to have the advantage, but Chipman is handsomer. It also turns out that Chipman is more honest; Brunner has already killed several men in his climb to the top, and has cheated Chipman out of his rightful property. Lynn is won over to Chipman's side when she discovers that Brunner was responsible for the death of her father (Adolphe Menjou). Timberjack was based on a novel by Dan Cushman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sterling Hayden, Vera Ralston, (more)
- 1955
Based on a Zane Grey novel published over a decade after the author's death, The Maverick Queen stars Barbara Stanwyck in the title role. As head of the outlaw gang called The Wild Bunch, Kit Banion (Stanwyck) wreaks havoc on the banks and railroads of the West. Pinkerton detective Jeff (Barry Sullivan) infiltrates the gang, falling in love with Kit along the way. Inevitably, one of the main characters expires in the other's arms, bringing this thrilling western to a poignant conclusion. Of interest to western buffs are the decidedly unsympathetic portrayals of gang members Butch Cassidy (Howard Petrie) and the Sundance Kid (Scott Brady). In the manner of High Noon, the film's continuity is tied together with a western ballad, written by Ned Washington and Victor Young and sung by Joni James. The Maverick Queen was Republic's first widescreen effort, lensed in a now-forgotten process called Naturama. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Barbara Stanwyck, Barry Sullivan, (more)
- 1955
The oft-filmed Zane Grey yarn The Vanishing American is given respectful treatment in this Republic "A" production. Eliminating Grey's premise that the American Indian's downfall was all part of Nature's scheme of things, the film begins in the late 19th century, with Scott Brady starring as Navajo protagonist Blandy. Embittered not only by deceitful whites but also by renegade Apaches, Blandy hopes to prevent further decimation of his people by stemming the activities of crooked Indian agent Blucher (Gene Lockhart) and duplicitious trader Morgan (Forrest Tucker). Blandy's allies include white landowner Marian Warner (Audrey Totter), whose open rangeland is dearly coveted by the nefarious Blucher and Morgan. Among the genuine Native Americans making cameo appearances are Jay "Tonto" Silverheels and Charles Stevens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Scott Brady, Audrey Totter, (more)
- 1955
Cornpone comedienne Judy Canova tackles a science-fiction theme in Carolina Cannonball, her last starring vehicle for Republic Pictures. This time, Canova and her grandpa Andy Clyde comprise the entire population of the ghost town of Roaring Gulch. They put food on the table by operating the Carolina Cannonball, a trolley service to the nearest city. Early one morning, an atomic-powered missile crashes just outside of Judy's house. She appropriates the missile's engine and attaches it to the Cannonball, considerably improving the trolley's speed capacity. Before long the pair are up to their necks in federal agents and enemy spies. Before the obligatory slapstick-chase finale, Judy Canova is permitted to sing a song or two. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judy Canova, Andy Clyde, (more)
- 1955
After several years of supporting parts, Victor McLaglen once more landed a leading role in Republic's City of Shadows. McLaglen plays Big Tim Channing, an ageing but powerful gangster who raises young newsboy Dan Mason as his own son. Upon reaching adulthood, Mason (John Baer) becomes a law student, with the covert (and illegal) help of Channing. Despite his checkered past, Mason opts for honesty when he falls in love with Fern Fellows (Kathleen Crowley). This decision ultimately spells the doom for Mason's mentor Big Tim. The all-character actor cast includes such familiar faces as Anthony Caruso, Paul Maxey, Frank Ferguson, Richard Travis, and Kay E. Kuter. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Victor McLaglen, John Baer, (more)
- 1955
Carolyn Grant (Marie Windsor), a Monterey gallery owner, is playing the field and seems to have one too many men on her string, including her wealthy estranged husband, the local art critic, and even the fiancé of her shop assistant. So when Carolyn is murdered during an apparent break-in at her gallery, there are plenty of male suspects -- with the husband and father-in-law in the lead. Windsor's sultry temptress is the brightest spot in an otherwise so-so mystery, although her wickedness isn't quite at the level she achieved a year later as Sherry Peatty in The Killing. ~ Michael P. Rogers, All Movie Guide
- 1955
Twinkle in God's Eye, Mickey Rooney's second personal production for Republic Pictures, is at the very least an improvement upon the first (The Atomic Kid). More subdued than usual, Rooney stars as Rev. Macklin, a greenhorn clergyman who tries to spread the Good Word to a rowdy western town. Intending to rebuild a church recently destroyed by Indians, Macklin faces tough opposition from the local gambling hall owner (Hugh O'Brian), not to mention a trigger-happy outlaw (Don Barry). Using faith rather than fisticuffs, the reverend manages to win over his opposition, beginning with golden-hearted dance hall gal Laura (Colleen Gray). Though certain latter-day wiseguys have drubbed Mickey Rooney for this very mild western drama, Twinkle in God's Eye is more entertaining than its reputation would indicate. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mickey Rooney, Coleen Gray, (more)
- 1954
One of the strangest westerns on record, Johnny Guitar has less in common with Zane Grey than it does with Sigmund Freud and Krafft-Ebbing. The title character, played by Sterling Hayden, is a guitar-strumming drifter who was once the lover of Arizona saloon-owner Vienna (Joan Crawford). Though her establishment doesn't make a dime, Vienna doesn't care because the railroad is going to come in soon, bringing a whole slew of thirsty new customers. This puts her at odds with bulldyke rancher Emma Small (Mercedes McCambridge), who doesn't want any new settlers on her land. Hating Vienna with a purple passion, Emma will do anything to drive her out of the territory...and even worse, Emma's got the law and the other ranchers on her side. Hoping to keep Emma at bay, Vienna hires Johnny Guitar, who unbeknownst to everyone else in town is a notorious gunslinger. But Johnny prefers to bide his time, waiting for Emma to strike before he makes his move. As a result, Vienna endures several life-threatening experiences, culminating with a feverish chase through the Arizona wilds with lynch-happy Emma and her minions in hot pursuit. According to most sources, the animosity between Joan Crawford and Mercedes McCambridge was quite real, added several extra dimensions to their scenes together. Director Nicholas Ray and screenwriter Philip Yordan stuff the film with so much sexual symbolism that one wonders why they left out a train going into a tunnel. Ms. Crawford's vivid red-and-blue wardrobe scheme was later appropriated by Ray for James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause--with equally stunning results. In addition to the stars, Johnny Guitar is well stocked with reliable supporting players, including Ernest Borgnine, Ben Cooper, Royal Dano (superb as a consumptive, book-reading hired gun) and Paul Fix. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, (more)
- 1954
Produced and directed by the prestigious Frank Lloyd, The Shanghai Story was promoted as a "class" production by the bread-and-butter firm of Republic Pictures. The film takes place in the eponymous far-eastern metropolis (courtesy of the Republic backlot), where Communist police chief Colonel Zorek (Marvin Miller) hopes to trap an American spy. Zorek rounds up the usual suspects and sequesters them in a seedy hotel. Could the spy be Dan Maynard (Edmond O'Brien), a cynical doctor? Is it munitions profiteer Ricki Dolmine (Barry Kelley)? Perhaps it's two-fisted mercenary seaman Knuckles Greer (Richard Jaeckel). Orrrrrrr, maybe it's the mysterious Rita King (Ruth Roman), who is inexplicably given permission to come and go as she pleases by the otherwise intractable Zorek. True to form, this Republic A-picture resolves its problems with a final reel of good old B-flick action and violence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ruth Roman, Edmond O'Brien, (more)
- 1954
Judy Canova is right in her element in the rowdy Republic musical Untamed Heiress. Canova plays Judy, the daughter of a famous opera singer who once bankrolled prospector Andrew "Cactus" Clayton (George Cleveland). Now Clayton hopes to repay the favor, but first he must reclaim his stash of gold from the crooked Williams (Hugh Sanders). Judy helps the old coot by taking on not only Williams, but duplicitous private detectives Walter Martin (Taylor Holmes) and Eddie Taylor (Chick Chandler), not to mention gangsters Spider Mike (Donald Barry) and Louie (Jack Kruschen). It'd be cute to say that too many crooks spoil the broth, but the truth of the matter is that Untamed Heiress is most entertaining, even for non-fans of the rambunctious Canova. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judy Canova, Don "Red" Barry, (more)
- 1954
Based on a novel by Gwen Bristow, Jubilee Trail is a sprawling, all-star western from the Republic Studio mills. Despite is vaunted budget, the plot is strictly B-picture material. Ambitious California landowner Charles Hale (Ray Middleton) hopes to add to his riches by marrying off his brother Oliver (John Russell) to a wealthy Spanish family. But when Oliver weds a gal named Garnet (Joan Leslie) instead, Charles vows revenge against the new bride. Later, Oliver is killed, leaving Garnet to raise their baby alone. Charles intends to claim the baby for himself, but Garnet, who has subsequently fallen in love with John Ives (Forrest Tucker), isn't about to let that happen. Top-billed Vera Ralston plays saloon-hall chirp Florinda, a Woman With a Past who is peripherally involved in the plot proper, while Richard Webb, TV's "Captain Midnight", fills the obligatory "disgruntled suitor" role. The film is stolen hands down by Pat O'Brien as a drunken doctor who serves as last-minute problem-solver. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vera Ralston, Joan Leslie, (more)
- 1954
In this western, the many travails of a wagonmaster on a Westward trek are chronicled. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rex Allen, Carla Balenda, (more)
- 1954
Comparatively little known today, Republic's Laughing Anne was a Late Late Show perennial in the early 1960s. One of several Republic features lensed in England in collaboration with producer Herbert Wilcox, the film stars Margaret Lockwood in the title role. A well-known Parisian cabaret singer, Laughing Anne travels to the South Seas with her ex-prizefighter boyfriend Jem Farrell (Forrest Tucker). Here she falls in love with schooner captain Davidson (Wendell Corey), but she eventually breaks off the relationship, fearing reprisals from the brutish Jem. Years later, fate brings Davidson, Anne and Jem back together, and the results are disastrous for at least two of the three. Laughing Anne was loosely based on a story by Joseph Conrad. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wendell Corey, Margaret Lockwood, (more)
- 1954
Trouble in the Glen was one of several felicitous collaborations between Hollywood's Republic Pictures and England's Herbert Wilcox-Anna Neagle productions. Curiously, Ms. Neagle does not appear--just as well, since the film is dominated by Orson Welles. Introducing himself with a typically self-indulgent monologue, the porcine Mr. Welles plays a South American resident who returns to his ancestral home in Scotland to become "Laird of the Glen". He immediately alienates the local populace by closing down the highway that runs through his estate. Hoping to make peace between Welles and the locals is former US air force officer Forrest Tucker, who developed an affection for the community while being stationed there during WWII. Violence threatens to erupt when evicted tinker Victor McLaglen rounds up a gang of toughs to lay siege on Welles' castle. The scenes involving Tucker's polio-crippled daughter (Margaret McCourt) run the risk of sloppy sentiment, but are deftly handled by producer-director Wilcox. Margaret Lockwood costars as Welles' daughter, who adheres to Hollywood formula by falling in love with the handsome Tucker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Margaret Lockwood, Orson Welles, (more)
- 1953
In this war drama, set during the Korean War, an Air Force nurse gets involved in a love triangle on the front lines. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joan Leslie, Forrest Tucker, (more)
- 1952
Singing cowboy Rex Allen and his faithful horse Koko head the cast in Border Saddlemates. This time, Rex in on the trail of counterfeiters (Republic's favorite villains of the 1951-52 season). Criminal mastermind Steve Baxter (Roy Barcroft) is smuggling fake money across the Mexican border while using a fox farm as a cover. But Rex ends up (here it comes!) out-foxing Baxter in the exciting finale. Virtually the same plotline was used in the concurrently-released Republic oater Wild Horse Ambush, even unto casting Roy Barcroft as the villain (but then, wasn't he always the villain?) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rex Allen, Mary Ellen Kay, (more)
- 1952
The famed Bal Tabarin cabaret in Paris is the gathering spot for this swiftly paced crime melodrama. It all begins when singer Judy Allen (Muriel Lawrence) scampers away to the City of Light to escape the clutches of the villains who murdered her boss. The bad guys not only want to silence Judy, but also want to retrieve the cache of jewels that she has hidden somewhere. She takes a singing job at the Bal Tabarin, where head crook Joe Goheen (Steve Brodie) inevitably comes calling one evening. Three new songs are performed in the course of events, as are several terpsichorean routines by the fetchingly underdressed "French Can Can Girls" (that's how they're billed). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Muriel Lawrence, William Ching, (more)
- 1952
The Kefauver Committee's ongoing investigation of organized crime spawned several "Torn from Today's Headlines!" films in the early 1950s. Republic's Hoodlum Empire concerns the efforts by gangster Joe Gray (John Russell) to get out of the rackets after WW II. Part of Gray's "reclamation" is to testify at a public hearing, prompting a series of flashbacks. Part of the fun is to guess who all the "fictional" criminals are really supposed to be: Luther Adler's character may be called "Nicky Mancini," for example, but for all intents and purposes Adler is playing Frank "Fifth Amendment" Costello. Other famous underworld personages are impersonated by Claire Trevor, Forrest Tucker and Roy Barcroft, while the steadfast Estes Kefauver counterpart is portrayed by Brian Donlevy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brian Donlevy, Claire Trevor, (more)
