He was 37 when the film came out and it's hard to believe someone in his 30's being a soda jerk before enlisting.
I'm not sure why an actor in his 20's wasn't cast for the part. That would also have made the relationship with Peggy a bit more appropriate.
Yes, but Teresa Wright is also a tad old for the part of Peggy. She really should be about 21 years old at most. The actress was close to 29 years old at the time.
The story is pretty clear that Fred comes from a lower economic class than either Al or Homer. Note that when he visits his father and stepmother (Hortense), their home is a very tiny house literally on the other side of the tracks. To make it really clear, you can hear the train rattling the house.
Fred may have been a high school drop out. That would account for his poor job prospects. Then the war took place and he did relatively well, becoming an officer. It was quite a letdown getting back to civilian life.
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Never say never...
I'm not sure why an actor in his 20's wasn't cast for the part.
I would have guessed he was in his 20s when he filmed this. But I didn't mind. I thought he was great in the film.
shareI agree. He looked mid-30s. His role was meant for someone younger
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