Claude Jarman Jr. Child Star of The Yearling
Talks about The Yearling, Director Clarence Brown and More
CMH is thrilled to say that we’re kicking off a series of exclusive video interviews and articles with Claude Jarman Jr. today. Claude made his feature film debut starring as ‘Jody Baxter’ opposite Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman in the beloved classic film, The Yearling. The film premiered in Los Angeles 73 years ago today on December 18, 1946, so we thought this was a wonderful way to celebrate!
Claude chats with us today about how he was discovered and what it was like filming his debut film with director Clarence Brown. He also shares some personal photos and shows us a very special gift given to him by Clarence Brown and producer Sydney Franklin.
Claude also provided some photos and press clippings from his personal collection (below) — so please enjoy those too!
A Big Thank You to Claude for his time — and for sharing his wonderful memories with us!
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Photos and Clippings from Claude’s Personal Collection:
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If you’d like to watch our other classic movie interviews with Claude Jarman Jr. — about The Yearling, High Barbaree and more — click here.
Stay tuned for more from Claude Jarman Jr. over the next few months, including more videos and some guest articles. And, if you want to learn more about Claude’s experiences in Hollywood, you can read his book My Life and the Final Days of Hollywood. It’s delightful and I highly recommend it!
Thanks so much for watching and reading. Hope you enjoyed!
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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub
About Claude Jarman Jr.: Claude Jarman Jr. was discovered in a fifth grade class room in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1945 by film director Clarence Brown, taken to Hollywood where he starred with Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman in THE YEARLING. After receiving an Academy Award for his performance he went on to appear in ten additional films including John Ford’s RIO GRANDE with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and also William Faulkner’s story of racial strife in INTRUDER IN THE DUST.
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He was a natural. Hard to believe The Yearling was his first movie. A really fine actor.
Mr. Jarman did an Amazing acting job as Jody. First saw this movie as a little girl years ago. Now I a in my 70’s. … Even though it was a Sad movie…It always stayed in my mind as my favorite. Could very much relate to the topic. Attended the San Francisco Opera as well as the Ballet for years. Always hoped to run into Mr. Jarman and tell him how much I enjoyed his movies….however I never was privileged to have that opportunity. Hope he is still doing well.
Thanks Millie for the kudos. It was a difficult film to make but it also changed my life. It was a pleasure working with Greg Peck, Clarence Brown and all the cast and crew. – Claude