Ben Gage


The commentary on the 1945 version says that Dana Andrews was dubbed by "Ben Gage". Andrews was actually a singer in his won right and surely could have handled "It's a Grand Night for Singing" but the studio didn't know that and Andrews didn't want to complain because he felt Gage needed the job.

The name "Ben Gage" stuck in my mind. The guy who plays the Marshal Dillon-like character in the Maverick spoof "Gun Law" was named "Ben Gage". It's the same guy. He was a band singer in the 40's and married Ester Williams. He retired from show business and got into real estate but was coaxed out of retirement to the Maverick gig. He went onto do three other Mavericks in similar roles.

reply

In her autobiography Esther Williams writes quite a bit about Ben Gage. She makes him out to be lazy and none too bright.

reply