King’s Row (1942)

My Review

Ronald Reagan delivered on of his most critically acclaimed performances in “King’s Row.” The story of a young man who has his legs amputated is actually one of several in this complex and somewhat dark motion picture. This is unusual for the World War II years, as studios tended to put out movies to boost public morale which helped the war effort.

Director Sam Wood (“Kitty Foyle” 1940) ensured good production values. Especially noteworthy is the cinematography by James Wong Howe, which earned the film one of three Oscar nods. The other non-winners were Best Picture and Best Director. The excellent script was penned by Casey Robinson, adapted from the 1940 novel by Henry Bellamann.

The cast includes Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings, Ronald Reagan, Betty Field, Charles Coburn, Claude Rains, Judith Anderson, Ann Todd, Scotty Beckel, Nancy Coleman, and Harry Davenport as Colonel Skeffington. “King’s Row” was the ninth highest grossing film of 1942 for producer Hal B. Wallis and Warner Bros. Pictures.

The film made Ronnie Reagan a big star, and was probably one of his most famous roles. He used a line from the picture as the title of his 1965 autobiography “Where is the Rest of Me?” which he wrote with Richard G. Hubler.