Glenn Ford: A Life

Acknowledgments

311 Acknowledgments My father documented his life in diaries, on cassette tapes, in letters, and in notes. At every opportunity he recorded his thoughts, fears, and observations. The abundance of material I had at my disposal to construct this biography was as vast as it was daunting. Also, I had the privilege of sharing personal experiences with many luminaries of the Golden Age of Hollywood and I’ve incorporated some of these memories as well, but to a specific few I owe a great debt of gratitude. To actress Anne Francis, who years ago prodded me to begin this biography— bless you. I was aided immeasurably in my first attempt to write this book by the perseverance of Christopher Nickens. Thanks also to others who pushed the project on to another stage. And to Patrick McGilligan, who encouraged me through it all; I doubt I would have succeeded without your counsel—I am deeply indebted to you. I am grateful to the kindness of my friends upon whose knowledge I could rely to guide me: teacher and author Rob Davis, author and historian Alan Rode, and actor Aron Kincaid, first and foremost. To actor Andrew Pine, director Joel Freeman, and film historian Joel Blumberg, thank you for your generous support and encouragement. Appreciation also goes to friends Jim Dawson and Allen Brandstater for their technical assistance and to Glen Marcotte in Quebec, Canada, for help with early Ford family history. For access to library collections and archival material, I’d like to thank Pat Hanson at the American Film Institute and the Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—in particular my guide Sandra Archer. I am indebted for many reasons to Harlan James Juris. Regarding accurate family history, he provided much of what had been lost to time—blessings to you, Jim. And to another significant person in my life, Robert Crutchfield: I couldn’t share all we experienced together, Bob—decorum dictates some discretion, at least for the present. And lastly, thanks to my indefatigable researcher and friend in Belgium, Leo Verswijver—your kindness and help has provided me with an abundance of material for which I shall forever be indebted. 312 ...