Warner Baxter

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Warner Leroy Baxter (March 29, 1889 – May 7, 1951) was an American film actor from the 1910s to the 1950s.

Baxter received the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 2nd Academy Awards in 1928's In Old Arizona, for which he was recognized as the Cisco Kid.

He appeared in Westerns as a womanizing, charismatic Latin bandit, and appeared in the Cisco Kid or a similar role throughout the 1930s, but had a variety of other roles throughout his career. Baxter began his film career in silent films, with his most notable roles appearing in The Great Gatsby (1926) and The Awful Truth (1925).

In Old Arizona (1929), 42nd Street (1932), Slave Ship (1937) with Wallace Beery (1938) with Freddie Bartholomew (1938) and The Stolen Jools (1931 ensemble short film).

He was well-known in the 1940s for his recurring role as Dr. Byron.

In the Crime Doctor series of ten films, Robert Ordway appears. Baxter is a member of the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the motion picture industry.

Early life

Jennie (Jane) Barrett, 1869, Columbus, was born in Columbus, Ohio, on March 29, 1889. Edwin F. Baxter, born October 1, 1867, Marysville, Ohio, Ohio, and Jennie (Jane) B. Barrett, 1869, Columbus, Ohio. Jennie Barrett was Leroy Barrett and Hattie Snider's daughter. (Note: The Ohio Birth Index dates back to 1889, as shown on the registry.) The parents of Baxter were married on May 10, 1888, Columbus. Edwin Baxter owned a cigar stand in Columbus. Edwin F. Baxter, the son of William E. Baxter and Mary C. Miller Baxter, died in Columbus on September 16, 1889. When his father died, Baxter was not even five months old. Baxter's mother lived with her son for ten years. Jane/Jennie Barrett Baxter died in Beverly Hills, California, on March 29, 1962. Her cremated remains were buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, as well as those of his widow, Winifred Bryson Baxter Manger, many years later, but in different locations.

Baxter and his mother went to live in Columbus with her brother. They then migrated to New York City, where they became involved in dramatics and attending plays. In 1898, the two siblings moved to San Francisco, where they graduated from Polytechnic High School. Baxter and his mother lived in Golden Gate Park for eight days and then moved to Alameda with friends. They returned to Columbus in 1908. Baxter, who sold farm implements for a living, spent four months as Dorothy Shoemaker's partner in a Keith Valiantville Circuit act.

Personal life

In 1911, Baxter married Viola Caldwell, but they were soon separated and then divorced in 1913. Winifred Bryson married actress Winifred Bryson in 1918 and then died in 1951. He was an uncle by marriage to actress Betty Bryson during his marriage to Bryson. Betty Bryson Meikklejohn, the granddaughter of Winifred's sister, Vivian, was born Elizabeth Bryson Meikklejohn.

Baxter survived uninjured with 40 other cast and crew members on August 5, 1931, on route to Tucson for the Cisco Kid (1931). In the derailment, two trainmen were killed. Among the passengers in cars at the end of the train were Baxter, Conchita Montenegro, and Edmund Lowe.

As shown in the 1942 voter roll for Malibu, California, the Baxter's beach house was at 77 Malibu Beach, Malibu, California. In addition, he had a cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains. He was very active in Malibu's civic affairs. From 1946, he was named Honorary Mayor of Malibu, succeeding Brian Donlevy and 1949. For a few years, he had an 80-acre working ranch about 12 miles north of Palm Springs, the Warner Baxter Ranch, which was later renamed the Circle B Ranch. For years as a location for western films, it was used. It was listed for purchase in mid 1945 for $40,000, but it was sold more than a year later. It was listed as having a large and comfortable house, laid out for entertaining, as well as a caretaker's house. It was sold as a complete unit. During the war, he was chairman of the Malibu Rationing Board and served as a troop entertainer in Army camps in Fresno and Bakersfield, as well as some in the Fresno and Bakersfield areas. Hundreds of day and night shows for the service men were put on by He and his entertainers.

He was a close friend of William Powell, with whom he appeared in three silent films, the best of which was "The Great Gatsby" now considered lost. When Jean Harlow died in 1937, he was on Powell's side. Ronald Colman's friendship with him was perhaps even deeper. Although tennis and film were the beginnings of their friendship, Colman and his partner Benita Hume christened Baxter and Tim McCoy as godfathers to Juliet Benita Colman at her christening in 1944. Juliet Colman's biography of her father explores in greater detail the private social circle of cocktails, dinner, and poker held between her father and her father's Hollywood home at 2092 Mound Street, and Baxter's home on South Beachwood Drive.

Baxter, a gunman who co-created a searchlight for revolvers in 1935, allowing a shooter to more easily see a target at night. He also invented a radio that enabled emergency crews to change traffic signals from two blocks away, providing them with safe passage through intersections. In 1940, he sponsored the equipment's installation at a Beverly Hills intersection.

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Film career

In 1914, Baxter began his film career as an extra in a stock company.

Baxter played in Sheltered Daughters for his first time in 1921. He appeared in First Love, The Love Charm, and Cheated Hearts the same year.

During the 1920s, Baxter would appear in 48 films. In The Great Gatsby (1926) as an island love interest opposite dancer Gilda Gray (1926) and as an alcoholic doctor in West of Zanzibar (1928) with Lon Chaney, his most notable silent performances were in The Great Gatsby (1926) as an island love interest opposite dancer Gilda Gray (1926).

David Shipman wrote in 1970,

In In Old Arizona (1929), the first all-talking Western, for which he received the second Academy Award for Best Actor, Baxter's most notable role was as The Cisco Kid. He appeared in 42nd Street (1933), Grand Canary (1934), and Kidnapped (1938).

Baxter had been the highest paid actor in Hollywood by 1936, but by 1943, he had shifted to B movie roles, and he appeared in a string of Crime Doctor films for Columbia Pictures. Between 1914 and 1950, Baxter appeared in more than 100 films. Baxter had what Leonard Maltin called his best work of appearing in John Ford's The Prisoner of Shark Island in 1936.

Baxter was working and personal difficulties at the time, around this time. The studio system and being a top-notch man with Fox made him wealthy beyond his imagination, but it also put him in for some significant personal issues. Ronald Colman, Baxter's uncle, was jealous of him. "Look, look at that guy." He only takes one or two pictures a year. In the year, I've had to work almost every day." He seemed to be unable to pry himself out of his paycheck as a professional actor. Some of his best performances in this period were on loan from his home studio, Fox Picture Corporation. Robin Hood of El Dorado, a MGM loan, was an example. William Wellman's recollections in his son's 2015 biography went into some detail. Baxter, according to Wellman, was old and anxious by that time, as shown by a significant drinking problem. Baxter told Wellman that he was fine during the day, but as evening approached, he was "gone." His home studio was not known for having a good story team, contributing to his own insecurity as a leading man. When it reverberated with an audience, they relied on the tradition of having their major actors repeat the same stories and characters. And in several cases, even for Will Rogers, it will often lower the actor's salary. He was already wrangling with new brilliant and young actresses when he was in years, by 1939. Loretta Young said working with her was fine because she had been around since the silent days and fans did not think about her as a youngster, but the new crop, including Lynn Bari and Arleen Whelan, made him uncomfortable. As his 20th Century Fox contract was nearing completion, he was openly discussing his resignation, a decision he was making with his wife, Winifred Bryson. Columnist Jimmie Fidler had a writer who had been discussing retirement from 1941, saying that it was on par with the current situation. Adam Had Four Sons and Lady in the Dark has had a mental breakdown sometime during his lifetime. In interviews, he was always open about it over the years. "It's like chasing a rainbow," the guy said. You never know the end of it. Each part you get must be better than the previous one, and before you know it, you've got a nervous breakdown."

The Internal Revenue Service named the individuals with the highest incomes each year between 1935 and 1941. These figures can vary from other published sources, which are usually higher. Baxter had been loyal to 20th Century Fox for a full year. Normally, top talent careers lasted seven years but were only allowed for six weeks off per year. Baxter made $203,000 ($3,819.19 in 2019) in 1935, and in 1937, $225,961.70). He was the highest-paid actor in 1936, as stated earlier. Baxter, on the other hand, signed a two-year deal with Columbia Picture Corporation on July 1, 1947, extending to two photographs per year as a result of December 8, 1947. The terms were that he would be paid in weekly increments of $12,000 ($348,337.37 in 2019) for each photo. He also agreed to pay 1.55 percent of his salary to the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Each photograph was supposed to be shot in 3+12 weeks. Principal filming if past the 3+1 weeks was to be reimbursed at a rate of $6,000 per week. In 1947, the US minimum wage was $0.40 an hour. The films were based on a "Crime Doctor" tale based on the radio show of the same name or another so-called "crime" film. He was supposed to be given script permission and actor billing above the rank. With principal filming extending from ten am to one hour for meals during his workday, his day was limited to nine hours in a 24-hour period. The morals clause and a portion of negative provisions were not included in the package. He was also required to participate in still photography, advertising, and publicity, and he was not allowed to fly by air during principal photography without written permission from the studio. Travel and lodging in excess of 25 miles from the studio will be charged at the studio. If called for by the tale, he would have he own modern wardrobe, wearing clothes and shoes, as was normal in this period. The studio would compensate him for damage to his own personal wardrobe. If necessary by the studio, character costumes and boots will be provided. Baxter was represented by the Philip M. Schiefer Agency at 9172 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles 46, California.

In interviews, Baxter acknowledged his long and financially rewarding relationship with his wife. "I never play a role until we all discuss it." "I have a high opinion of her decision." He said he no longer cared about high budget films or being a celebrity. "I don't need the money and I work only to remain curious." About six years ago, I was involved in a big picture. I was uncomfortable in making it, and I felt myself becoming anxious once more. "I was so glad when it was over." He described his demise ten years ago as concerned, stewed, and railed. "I'd start to walk one way and find that I was heading in the wrong direction." All I was doing was mumbling when I thought I was having a chat. "I thought I was going crazy." All he did for six months was to sit and stare into space, according to him. They migrated to their beach house in Malibu, soaking up the sun and gradually getting better. Baxter felt that being a leading man in a series was the best part of motion pictures. During the development years of the various Crime Doctor films, he had come to that conclusion. "It's amazing." A year ago, I made two of them. Since Columbia has juggled it, I will make two in a row. It takes about eight weeks of my life. The remainder of the year is slower. I love traveling. I love life."

Myrna Loy appeared with Baxter four times, including Renegades, Penthouse, Broadway Bill, and To Mary — With Love, which took place between 1930 and 1936. "I have fond memories of Warner, a good actor and a charming man, because we did several pictures together," she wrote in her 1987 autobiography. Renegades was a happy film because of them [Baxter and director Victor Fleming]." Baxter of Renegades said that it was so hot that "they had to pack the cameras in ice bags like a fever patient so the celluloid wouldn't catch fire." Loy liked and respected Baxter, a high-salaried (because he had won an Oscar in 1928 for Old Arizona), intelligent, but not very pretty and bland Ohio native with whom she would return, but a rather rigid and bland Ohio native with whom she would return again. Clark Gable and William Powell were two other actors who appeared with Loy more often: Clark Gable and William Powell.

In 1948, Baxter wrote "The Role I Loved Best," a one-time guest column published in the Saturday Evening Post. "I must admit that I rate the Kid's [Cisco Kid] first film, In Old Arizona, as my top favorite," he wrote in a portion. In an early "talkie" and the first outdoor talking picture, he continued to explain how they had to hide microphones in trees and behind rocks at that time. "We started as a two-reeler in Old Arizona and we've expanded it to an eight-reeler." The building-up portion was especially enjoyable. For the pictures, it made me feel that I had helped create a new Cisco Kid. Then, as well as the fact that I received an award for my work, gave me no pain." He said that this film enabled him to play the role of Cisco five times. In 1930, the Arizona Kid was the second of five children. When modifying O. Henry's story with comedy and drama, he liked the warmth and color of the character. "My gosh, I don't know," Baxter said of his Oscar in 1945. I believe it's up in my weapon room, which is buried under a pile of maps. "I must look and see" Around 1945, Life magazine photographed him with the trophy but never released it, keeping his Oscar in proper perspective. Baxter, a male Cocker Spaniel, is seen in the portrait in a Beverly Hills club chair looking fondly at his dog, an American Cocker Spaniel, on the floor. The dog's leash is tied to his gold medal and can be carried on the floor with the walker.

On May 24, 1934, Baxter became a radio actor for the first time. After years of declining such bids, Louella O. Parsons, the show's host, appeared on Hollywood Hotel as the guest. Several scenes from their soon to be released film Under the Pampas Moon featured him and his film co-star Ketti Gallian.

Frank McGrath (actor) who best known for his role as Charlie Wooster on the TV show Wagon Train for a number of years was a stand-in and stunt double for Baxter. According to Los Angeles Times reporter John Scott's 1935 story, he so closely resembled Baxter that they may have died for brothers. McGrath and the two guys formed a friendship outside of the studios, and McGrath spent time away from filming. A series of studio still photographs from the 20th Century Fox film Slave Ship (1937) depicting identically dressed Baxter and McGrath looking like brothers. McGrath gave the Associated Press a long interview in late 1938. They had met in 1928, according to him. Baxter was attracted by their resemblance to each other and had him use as a stand-in. If twin brothers were younger, they may have died. That professional link was written into Baxter's employment in 1935. McGrath had been paid $150 per week ($2,762.32 in 2019) as a stand-in, stunt double, personal trainer, and occasional body guard by 1938. Stand-ins in those days were usually priced at $35 a week. They worked well together to preserve Baxter's fitness, swimming, tennis, and boxing. Baxter was also a bicycle enthusiast. From that, a personal friendship emerged. In comparison to fishing trips, they hunted several times a year. McGrath saved Baxter's life when he was on a hunting trip to a rural area of Colorado in 1934. Baxter had broken his leg, and McGrath carried him for four days, out of the wilderness and into a hospital. It was the event that solidified the personal relationship. McGrath said nothing but pictures when asking what they should talk about when asked what they should talk about.

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