Robert Francis' career was on the rise when he was killed at the very young age of 25. Robert Charles Francis was born on February 26th 1930 in Glendale, California. 25 years later on July 31st 1955 in Los Angeles, California, Robert's life would end.
The year of 1955 was a year of both happiness and sadness for Robert Francis. His career was beginning to rise and he was getting some really good roles opposite acting giants such as Humphrey Bogart, Tyrone Power, and Maureen O' Hara. He also had the chance to star in two films titled "They Rode West"(1954) and "The Bamboo Prison"(1954).
During the afternoon of July 31st of 1955, Robert Francis was found dead in a private plane, that he was piloting. Two other passengers were also on the plane and they too died on the plane. What went wrong was, the power went out in midair, and without much time on Robert's hands, he veered the plane away from a church that had people coming out, instead the plane crashed in a vacant parking lot. He risked his own life by veering away from the church that had people in it. If he hadn't veered away, he could have easily killed the people in the church.
If Robert had lived, his career could have gotten bigger and better but sadly his life was cut short and we were unable to see the true talents of Robert Francis. Unlike many actors during the 1950's, Robert's approach to his characters were often of the quiet and reserved type, unlike James Dean and Marlon Brando, who would play quiet characters, they were often very rebellious in their approach.
Robert made just four films during his career in Hollywood, and they were->
"They Rode West"(1954)
"The Caine Mutiny"(1954)
"The Bamboo Prison"(1954)
"The Long Gray Line"(1955)
Rest in Peace Robert Francis
February 26th 1930 - July 31st 1955
18 comments:
That's so sad! I think the only one I've seen is The Caine Mutiny-- I'm going to have to re-watch it & look out for his performance this time.
I haven't seen any of his films, but what a tragic end.
I remember him well from The Caine Mutiny. He did have a lot of talent.
Yeah! The matter is so sad. I have seen few movies of him. He was a very great actor. I am a fan of his.
The god of Heaven help him.
Thanks for your nice blog job.
have a nice time.
Yes, It is really very sad. I have enjoyed an old movie of Robert Francis. He was an awesome . I am a very big fan of him. God help him.
Anyway thanks for your nice post
bye
Dog Life Jackets
Just finished watching "The Caine Mutiny" and was so impressed by the film had to research it a bit.
Wondered why I hadn't heard of Robert in any other films and wow what a sad end for a potential screen giant. Somewhat fitting that he was truley a real life hero tho. RIP Robert
he was so handsome, what a pity
I have a beautiful picture of Bob Francis that belonged to my sister.
I haven't seen this photo in any of his internet messages.
Yvon, from Toronto.
Just saw the Caine mutiny again...now watching the long grey line.....I often wondered why he was not in more movies....now I have the sad albeit heroic answer to my query.....
Sadly him and James Dean died tragically only two months apart.
I'm wondering who else dies in the plane crash? It's reported he was flying with two friends, but I can't find their names anywhere. Does anyone know who was flying with Robert Francis that fateful afternoon?
I had such a crush on him back in the 50s with photos pulled from my Photoplays and Modern Screen tacked to my bedroom walls. Also of John Saxon. Talented young guys.
He was my first crush as a young girl. I loved him. I remember hearing a radio report of his death and being devastated. Rest in peace, Robert. Your work will not be forgotten.
What a beautiful man and actor! Terrific in Cain Mutiny and was able to hold his own against heavy hitters Bogart, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray and the very sexy Jose Ferrer.
IM A 75 YEAR OLD WOMAN - I MET ROBERT BACK IN N.Y.C. AT THE OPENING OF "THE CAIN MUTINY" - WHAT A NITE, HE WAS SO HANDSOME !! AND VERY KIND, HE SIGNED MY AUTO-BOOK AND I KEPT IT FOR YEARS. WHEN HE DIED I WAS SO SAD, SO YOUNG AND PROMISING WAS HE. I DIDNT NORMALLY GO FOR BLOND/BLUE EYED GUYS, BUT HE WAS SPECIAL... I LATER FELL IN LOVE WITH JEFF HUNTER - OH GOD - AND HE DIED TOO..... REST IN PEACE THE 2 OF YOU.
Didn't realize that he died early until I was watching TCM and they showed "The Long Gray Line". Wished he had made more movies.
I am still upset, about robert frances death. 2016 when I was a boy watching his movies.in wanted see more of him but he dissappeared, from the screen.he took too many chances . Why didn't the veteran flyer fly the plane. He had to sit in the back with that actress.seems like he wanted to chit chat with the actress the veteran ww2 flyer.actor robert frances was careless I herd he was not fully qualified to fly the plane.3 bright lives lost .all with soo much potential. Lost to the world.and for what some joy ride.sad sad sad
I am still upset, about robert frances death. 2016 when I was a boy watching his movies.in wanted see more of him but he dissappeared, from the screen.he took too many chances . Why didn't the veteran flyer fly the plane. He had to sit in the back with that actress.seems like he wanted to chit chat with the actress the veteran ww2 flyer.actor robert frances was careless I herd he was not fully qualified to fly the plane.3 bright lives lost .all with soo much potential. Lost to the world.and for what some joy ride.sad sad sad
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