Honoring Andrew V. McLaglen & the new book about him…

Andrew V. McLaglen at the book signing...photo by Colleen Johansen (thanks, Colleen!)

One of the highlights of the month has been this event, earlier this month…Helen King was there, and offered to share her sense of what happened (with photos by Colleen Johansen):

There was a nice turnout Saturday evening  (Sept. 3rd) for the book signing of Andrew V.McLaglen’s biography at Griffin Bay Book Store with standing room only.

Author Stephen Armstrong described the three years he spent in interviews with Andrew researching his life which created a close friendship and relationship between them.  Much of that time was spent in watching his history in films and TV shows, together in Andrew’s den where there is a complete library of his works.

Stephen Armstrong...photo by Colleen Johansen.

In the crowd that night were friends, relatives, and many locals who acted under his direction for many years when Andrew directed plays and musicals at the Community Theatre.  At 92 years of age, and a towering 6 foot 7 inches, Andrew still has a hearty laugh, sharp memory for details even fifty years ago, and lots of dark hair with little gray showing.

He entertained the crowd with stories of his life, and actors and directors he has worked with over the years.  There was a showing of some scenes from one of his favorite movies with Jimmy Stewart, Shenandoah that he directed.  After the presentation, there were questions from the audience.  Andrew was never stumped for an answer and had no unkind words about anyone he has worked with over the years. He also would not divulge any rumors of scandal involving “Miss Kitty” in the ‘Gunsmoke” series when asked.

Andrew holds the distinction of directing the most episodes of “Gunsmoke” (1955).He also holds the distinction of directing the most episodes of “Have Gun – Will Travel” (1957). He is one of the few directors to have directed both Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. San Juan Island has been his home for over thirty years, and was always the retreat he came to between films and shooting TV shows.

His father, Victor McLaglen, known as a famous boxer, was the first in the family to enter the movie business, winning an Academy Award for his performance in The Informer (1935). Andrew has that Oscar on a shelf in the corner of his living room.  Victor was also nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for The Quiet Man (1952), He died about a month after his final role in an episode of “Rawhide” (1959), directed by his son Andrew V. McLaglen.

Currently, Andrew’s daughter Mary McLaglen and son Josh McLaglen have followed in the family footsteps as both are successful producers and assistant directors sometimes working together on films. Mary was in the audience and has a home next door to Andrew with an upstairs apartment for Josh and his family when they come to visit. Andrew’s daughter Sharon also lives on the island and attended the event and is now retired from her career in the film industry as well.

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