The Vanishing Virginian

The Book and Movie based on the life of Robert Davis Yancey

MGM 1941

Producer: Edwin H. Knopf
Director: Frank Borzage
Screenplay: Jan Fortune (based on the novel by Rebecca Yancey Williams)
Musical Score: Dave Snell
Song Score: various
Art Direction: Cedric Gibbons, William Ferrari
Set Decoration: Edwin B. Willis
Gowns: Kalloch
Men's Costumes: Gile Steele
Sound: Douglas Shearer
Cinematography: Charles Lawton
Film Editing: James E. Newcom

This is a warm, humorous and sentimental film, based on Rebecca Yancy Williams' memoir of her family in small-town Virginia, circa 1905-1929. The essence of the story is centered on her father, Colonel Bob, and his life long public service. The film also lightly and humorously delves into the issues of the time, i.e. prohibition and women's suffrage. What makes this film a winner for me, is the fine acting of Frank Morgan as Colonel Robert Yancy, and Spring Byington as his wife. Well directed by Frank Borzage, and with MGM topnotch production values, it's worth a look, if sentimental films appeal to you.

Actors in the movie:
(Note Frank Morgan was the wizard in the "Wizard of Oz)

Frank Morgan ... Robert Yancey
Kathryn Grayson ... Rebecca Yancey
Spring Byington ... Rosa Yancey
Natalie Thompson ... Margaret Yancey
Johnny Mitchell ... James Weldon 'Shirley (as Douglass Newland)
Mark Daniels ... Jack Holden
Elizabeth Patterson ... Grandma Yancey
Juanita Quigley ... Caroline Yancey
Scotty Beckett ... Joel Yancey
Dickie Jones ... Robert Yancey Jr.
Leigh Whipper ... Uncle Josh Preston
Louise Beavers ... Aunt Emmeline Preston
J.M. Kerrigan ... John William Phelps, Blacksmith
Harlan Briggs ... Mr. James Thomas Rogard
Katharine Alexander ... Marcia Marshall Templeton

 

Photos of the Actors