Written by Kris Land
Henry Fonda: A Shining Light in the History of Mister Roberts
Henry Fonda was another shining light in the time line of Mister Roberts. His history with the story
began earlier than the film, starting with the Broadway production. After being asked to star in the play, Fonda actually dropped out of a Hollywood film contract so that he could take on the role. His performance in the Broadway version earned Fonda a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Fonda was a widely popular actor who helped bring to life Thomas Heggen's original novel.
Early Life of Henry Fonda
Born in Grand Island, Nebraska, Fonda was introduced to the world on May 16th, 1905. He was brought up in a Christian Scientist household, even though he was officially baptized Episcopalian. The family was very close knit and avoided medical practitioners because of their religious beliefs. As a young boy, Fonda was shy and generally avoided girls. He began working part time in his father's printing plant but was hoping to take on a career as a journalist.
Fonda's acting career began when he was 20 years old. At the time, a friend of his mother's named Dodie Brando (who was the mother of hugely popular actor Marlon Brando), suggested that Fonda try out for a production of You and I. This experience really stuck with Fonda and gave him his first glimpse of life on the stage. He immediately began learning about stage production even though he was embarrassed by his abilities as an actor.
A Blossoming Actor and a Famous Navy Ship
Fonda soon adopted a fondness for acting. He could portray other people and personalities, ones that were less awkward than his own. Fonda went on to star in many hit films, including 12 Angry Men (1957), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and The Ox-Bow Incident (1943). After playing the star in the Broadway production of Mister Roberts, Fonda took on the same role in the 1955 film version.
Fonda's portrayal of Mister Roberts also brought attention to the U.S.S. New Bedford. Just like Fonda transformed from an awkward, shy little boy into a highly sought actor, the ship is also undergoing an amazing transformation. Efforts are being made right now to acquire and refit the U.S.S. New Bedford (which is currently the Seabird owned by Seawind Fisheries) to transform it into a green, ocean cleaning vessel. The ship will use eco-friendly technology and focus on cleaning up the plastic patches of the world while educating students on the concerns of the natural environment.
The Death of Henry Fonda
Unfortunately, it wasn't until after Fonda's death that he was given recognition as one of the greatest actors of the classic era. He passed away in his home on August 12th, 1982 after suffering from heart disease. He is most remembered today for his legacy as an actor both on the stage and the silver screen.
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Thomas Heggen the authorKris Land
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Birth of the Texas TowersAndrew Rossillo
The Texas Towers IncidentKris Land
Lieutenant Thomas HeggenKris Land
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Breaking News
If you do not recycle this, it will take a million years to decompose.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
