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SUNDAY, APRIL 24 @ 5 PM PT
CLAUDE JARMAN JR.
@ the Laemmle Royal Theater Classics
presented by host
JOHN SEMPER JR.
Claude Jarman Jr. with Experience Talks host John Semper Jr. at the “Rio Grande” screening.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, CLAUDE JARMAN JR. was the son of a railroad accountant. With no intentions of becoming a screen actor at the time, 12-year-old Claude was discovered during an MGM nationwide talent search for their upcoming film, The Yearling (1946), and won the coveted role of Jody Baxter in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ classic story. The critics raved over Claude’s tremendously moving debut, and the boy was awarded a miniature Oscar on Academy Awards night.
Jarman appeared in several other films during that period, including the pioneering look at race relations, Intruder in the Dust. Later he gave up acting and became involved in civic activities in the Bay Area, serving as Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Festival and Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Francisco.
In 1950, Jarman played Trooper Jefferson “Jeff” Yorke, son of his commanding officer, played by John Wayne, in the John Ford classic film Rio Grande. This year, the 65th anniversary of the film was celebrated with a screening at the Laemmle Royal in West L.A. The screening was a tribute to Maureen O’Hara, who appeared as John Wayne’s wife in this film. Jarman made an appearance and, after the screening, participated in a Q&A moderated by Los Angeles Film Critics Association President Stephen Farber.
Thanks to Mike McClellan, Stephen Farber, and the Laemmle Royal Theater for allowing us to share these interviews, which are part of their excellent Anniversary Classics Series.
