MovieChat Forums > Virginia City (1940) Discussion > Ironside's comments

Ironside's comments

posted 18 years ago by railyard
3 replies | jump to latest

Does anybody know the details about Humphrey Bogarts' dislike of Errol Flynn and Randolph Scott? I have never heard anything about that before. Both of them are in my top ten of favorite stars. I know that Errol was a rascal, but Randy was a true gentleman and it has been said that he had no enemies in Hollywood. Does it have anything to do with the rumors of his affair with Cary Grant? Did Bogart dislike Cary too? The more I read about Bogart, the more I find that he didn't like a lot of other movie stars eg: William Holden, Spencer Tracy, Audrey Hepburn. Sounds like he was a pain in the neck. Thanks very much for a reply.

[–] lanlguy 11 years ago

You may want to delve into the post-WWII anti-communist fervor in America. Bogart was on the anti-McCarthy side of things so this may be where tensions evolved with the actors you mentioned. If nothing else you will certainly discover fascinating Hollywood facts and relationships in a disturbing (and still present) American political atmosphere.

[–] bradford-1 9 years ago

Bogart was a well-known "needler" both before and after he became a star. I know nothing about any beefs he may have had with Flynn or Scott, but he may have been prickly about having to make a Western, which makes as much sense as him appearing in a musical.

May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?

[–] mecormany 8 years ago

Ancient thread but I can't believe nobody else has mentioned this. Bogart did have his dislikes among his peers; some political -- he was a leftist and hated the McCarthy tactics that went on in the late 40s, early 50s and the Hollywood types who joined in-- some due to what he perceived as some actors being unprofessional. And he wasn't fond of method actors. BUT Spencer Tracy and he were very good friends and in fact among the last visitors he had the night before he died were Tracy and Hepburn. When Tracy said "Good night, Bogie", Bogart replied "Good-bye, Spence" and Hepburn said in the car they both knew he was going to die soon. And indeed, he died the next morning.
I don't know about the other actors you mention, but it is well-known that Flynn -- who I enjoy very much -- wasn't all that serious about acting and tended to rely on his charm and looks to get by. I would imagine that didn't set well with Bogart. Bogart was hard to get along with, but was very loyal to those he did like. Kind of like many of the characters he played. You should look up John Huston's tribute to him, read at Bogart's funeral. It is a very good description of the man.