Alan Ladd & Veronica Lake (Reprise)

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My second montage dedicated to the screen team of Alan Ladd (1913-1964) and Veronica Lake (1919-1973). Diminutive, blond, with cool yet vulnerable acting styles, these two actors were a perfect match onscreen. They were first teamed in "This Gun For Hire" (1942), in which Ladd played hired killer Phillip Raven, who takes Lake's nightclub singer Ellen Graham hostage, however, a strange bond forms between them and he ultimately decides that doing what's right is more important than vengance, although the fact that he's a murderer means he must pay with his life. Although Robert Preston was the leading man and love interest in the film, Ladd stole the show with his portrayal of the cold-blooded yet tortured bad guy and he and Lake's chemistry was undeniable. Their home studio, Paramount agreed and cast them together in six more films. "The Glass Key" (1942) immediately followed their debut film as a team, and it was again hugely successful, with Ladd as a corrupt politician's right hand who falls in love with his boss's finacee (Lake) while trying to clear him of a murder charge. They also appeared as themselves in Paramount "Canteen" style films, "The Star-Spangled Rhythm" (1942), "Duffy's Tavern" (1945), and "Variety Girl" (1947). "The Blue Dahlia" (1946) was another big success for them, about a returning war hero who argues with his unscruplous wife and finds himself a suspect in her murder, but a mystery woman offers to help, and the result is a intriguing maze of mystery, red herrings and romance. Their last film together was "Saigon" (1948) which has never seen a VHS or DVD release. They had a pleasant but completely professional relationship on set, they did their work and went home. I think they probably had a mutual respect for each other and they certainly were a great screen team. Sadly, both of them would see their careers slide in the 50s and die prematurely, with alcohol being a strong factor in each of their demises.

Anyway, I wanted to make another tribute to them, one of my favorite screen teams of the 40s. Music by Sarah Vaughn.

"Alan Ladd was a marvelous person in his simplicity. In so many ways we were kindred spirits. We both were professionally conceived through Hollywood's search for box office and the types to insure the box office. And we were both little people. Alan wasn't as short as most people believe. It was true that in certain films Alan would climb a small platform or the girl worked in a slit trench. We had no such problems together." - Veronica Lake

Enjoy!

P.S. I think that's William Holden with Veronica at 1:14! Sorry for the error!

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[bubblewrap1988]

Really nice tribute :) I wish they would release their other movies on DVD- I've wanted to see Saigon for so long now!

[Muirmaiden]

Me too! I'd love to see "Saigon", because in my opinion there's no such thing as too much Alan and Veronica! I have "This Gun For Hire" on DVD and "The Glass Key" and "The Blue Dahlia" on VHS, but they really should all be on DVD.

[cutielover01]

whats the name of the song?

[Muirmaiden]

"The More I See You" by Sarah Vaughn.

[MrGoblin60]

Wow. What an attractive couple. Veronica Lake reminds me of a pretty blonde chic named Clare I knew a few years ago. Too bad I wasn't handsome like Alan Ladd!

[cleopatrabonz]

@Muirmaiden Sassy Sassy Sarah the greatest voice of all times!

[fraaaaaag]

A lovely Tribute, and a great version of this song.

[Rolfe2009]

mmmmm, mmmm, mmm, that wasss soooo good! ;)

I likey, I likey Colleen! Thanks for sharing!

You are delightfully talented! OX LADY E --[--@

[AvisWrentmore]

Gotta Love this Song

OH... and Ladd and Lake WOW:)

[ufoveronicalake]

my veryfavorite movie memory of her...(i was born in 1965 so I discovered her by accident! on vhs)...i am a huge fan of 1960s tv show bewitched (elizabeth montgomery) an october article said it was mainly based on 1940s movie "i married a witch..." milwaukee public library has on vhs...so one halloween night over a decade ago I watched it 4 times!(by pumkinlight...) wow!

[ufoveronicalake]

now with c.g.i. and remakes...why not computer regenerate these classic hollywood stars into any movie...just find actress that can do her voice and sing...etc

[stardustalways]

Great tribute to Ladd and Lake!

[Dayniac4324]

I really like Veronica Lake. Thanks for all the info on their movies together. I didn't know they made that many. Great tribute !

[bella1957]

Wonderful video and interesting write up as always. Thanks !