Written by: Fatima Ahmed

Andrew V. McLaglen: The Unsung Hero of Westerns and Adventure Films

Andrew V. McLaglen was a British-born American film and television director, best known for his work on Westerns and adventure films, often starring John Wayne or James Stewart. With a career spanning over four decades, McLaglen directed over 100 films and television shows, earning him a reputation as a reliable and efficient director.

Early Life and Career

McLaglen was born on July 28, 1920, in London, to British-American actor Victor McLaglen and his wife, Enid Lamont. The family moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s, where McLaglen grew up on movie sets with his parents, as well as John Wayne and John Ford. He attended various schools, including Black-Foxe Military and The Cate School in Santa Barbara, before pursuing a degree at the University of Virginia.

During World War II, McLaglen was deemed 4F due to his height and worked at Lockheed for four years. After the war, he wrote to Republic Pictures asking for a job and was made an assistant on "Love, Honor and Goodbye" (1945). He worked his way up the ranks, becoming a second assistant director and eventually an assistant director on several films, including Budd Boetticher's "Killer Shark" (1950) and "Bullfighter and the Lady" (1951).

Rise to Prominence

McLaglen's big break came when he was promoted to first assistant director on John Ford's "The Quiet Man" (1952), where he worked alongside his father, Victor McLaglen. He continued to work as a first assistant director on several films, including "Wild Stallion" (1952), "Here Come the Marines" (1952), and "Big Jim McLain" (1952), starring John Wayne.

McLaglen's experience working with John Wayne and John Ford led to him being offered directorial roles on several Westerns and adventure films. His directorial debut was on "Gun the Man Down" (1956), followed by "The Abductors" (1957) and "The Gene Krupa Story" (1959). He went on to direct over 40 films and television shows, including "The Undefeated" (1969), "Chisum" (1970), and "Fools' Parade" (1971).

Collaborations and Legacy

McLaglen's most notable collaborations were with John Wayne and James Stewart, with whom he directed several films, including "McLintock!" (1963) and "Shenandoah" (1965). He also worked with other notable actors, including Gregory Peck, Burt Lancaster, and Robert Mitchum.

McLaglen's contribution to the Western and adventure film genres is undeniable. He brought a sense of authenticity and ruggedness to his films, often using location shooting and natural landscapes to add depth and complexity to his stories. His efficient and reliable direction earned him a reputation as a "journeyman" director, capable of delivering quality films on time and on budget.

Awards and Honors

McLaglen was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director for his work on "The Undefeated" (1969). He also received a Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for "Chisum" (1970).

Personal Life and Later Years

McLaglen married twice, first to Veda Ann Borg, an actress and dancer, and then to Sandra Kelsey, with whom he had two sons. He passed away on August 30, 2014, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 films and television shows.

In conclusion, Andrew V. McLaglen was a talented and prolific director who left an indelible mark on the Western and adventure film genres. His collaborations with John Wayne and James Stewart, as well as his ability to deliver quality films on time and on budget, earned him a reputation as a reliable and efficient director. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, cementing his place in the annals of cinematic history.