[I hope this article is accurate about the relationship of Ty and King Vidor, but it is definitely fanciful about Vidor’s early years: Vidor did not attend a military academy in Los Angeles; he grew up in Texas and attended grade school at the Peacock Military Academy, which he disliked so much that he ran away. To say that his attendance at this school and Tyrone’s service in WWII was a “point of contact” between them is really stretching it, though I’m sure Vidor must have appreciated Ty’s duty to his country. Also, Vidor’s early ad career was very short: he shot footage for the Ford Motor Company, and the shooting was done out West, not in New York; the trip ended in San Francisco, with Vidor and his wife completely broke. Finally, I cannot find anywhere a listing for a movie called “In Tow” which doesn’t mean Vidor didn’t direct it, but his directing career really didn’t begin until 1917. By 1918 he was a full-fledged director, though of very minor, short films. Hallelujah! was not the first musical feature released (that was The Broadway Melody), but it was the first one from a major studio with an all-black cast.]
Famous Film Director King Vidor Upset By the Death of Tyrone Power
A profound friendship existed between King Vidor, the veteran successful director of approximately 100 films, and Tyrone Power. From this Tyrone Power became the wise King Solomon – it was King (Vidor)’s own idea.
Besides their friendship, there was mutual and deep understanding, respect and admiration for each other. King considered Tyrone a complete actor, at the height of his career, totally accomplished. Ty continually talked about King Vidor’s great technical, artistic and human qualities.
The 74-year-old director of Solomon and Sheba studied in the Military Academy of Los Angeles in 1913. This was another point of contact with Tyrone, who, as everyone knows, wore the uniform of the American forces in the last World War.
Vidor’s career began shooting short publicity films in New York in 1915 and 1916. He also made newsreel films in San Francisco. Before 1914, he directed “In Tow.” During the years 1917 and 198, King Vidor was an extra in various movies, staff assistant, script boy, cameraman, scenarist, assistant director and director. He also introduced the lavish musical (Hallelujah! was one example).
King Vidor was terribly depressed by Tyrone’s death. In spite of his age, he cried like a baby (King was born in Galveston, Texas, February 8, 1894.) He didn’t want to make any statement about his plans concerning the continuation of the movie that Tyrone Power had been starring in.
Photo caption: Their friendship was cemented when Tyrone Power returned from Uncle Sam’s army.
