“Gallant Bess” is a film produced in 1946 that revolves around the life of a young man, Tex, who trains a horse and aims to carry on his father’s wish of establishing a ranch. The movie delves into the locations where it was shot, the characters in the film, and interesting aspects about the filming process. Let’s explore more details about the film and its behind-the-screen facts.
Where it Filmed?
The shooting of “Gallant Bess” took place in various locations across California, United States. Specifically, the production team filmed scenes at the Naval Base Ventura County, the Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Sherwood Forest in Los Angeles, and the towns of Montague and Dunsmuir. Although the exact dates of shooting are unknown, the film was completed and ready for release by January 1, 1947.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Marshall Thompson | Tex Barton |
| George Tobias | Lug Johnson |
| Clem Bevans | Smitty |
| Donald Curtis | Lt. Bridgeman |
| Murray Alper | Johnny |
| Wally Cassell | Mike |
| Jim Davis | Harry |
| Chill Wills | Chief Petty Officer |
| John Burford | Shorty |
| Johnny Bond | Oakie |
| Bess | Bess |
| Eddie Acuff | Chief Petty Officer (uncredited) |
| John Albright | Seaman Telephonist (uncredited) |
| Charles Bradstreet | Lieutenant (uncredited) |
| Clancy Cooper | Chief Petty Officer (uncredited) |
| Tom Dillon | Chief Petty Officer (uncredited) |
| Jim Drum | Seabee (uncredited) |
| Ralph Dunn | Tractor Chief Petty Officer (uncredited) |
| Pua Kealoha | Native Chief (uncredited) |
| Louis Mason | Ranch Hand (uncredited) |
| Garry Owen | ‘Doc’ – Pharmacist’s Mate (uncredited) |
| Hank Patterson | Ranch Hand (uncredited) |
| George Piltz | Native Chief (uncredited) |
| William Roberts | Master of Arms (uncredited) |
| Fred Shellac | Orderly (uncredited) |
| William Tannen | Chief Petty Officer (uncredited) |
| Charles Trowbridge | Mr |
| Riley – Glen Cove Stud Farm (uncredited) | |
| Dick Wessel | Marine (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
- Gallant Bess was the only feature film from MGM filmed in Cinecolor.
- In the real-life scenario of World War 2, soldiers on remote Pacific islands were given beer in cans, not in glass bottles like it’s shown in the movie. The use of cans was more practical as they are lighter, occupy less space, and are not prone to breaking during transportation like the glass ones.
- The film “It Happened in Brooklyn” (1947) made a reference to “Gallant Bess”.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Naval Base Ventura County, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.1127141
- Longitude: -119.1055577
- Place ID: ChIJx0Kwm05G6IARAsogjr8IIRY
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 311 Main Rd, NAS Point Mugu, CA 93042, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Port Hueneme, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.16816010000001
- Longitude: -119.2001634
- Place ID: ChIJmW-7nzlO6IARHNpAPw25v0g
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Oxnard, CA 93035, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Sherwood Forest, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.2285118
- Longitude: -118.5097891
- Place ID: ChIJ73wAYkWawoARDtz9rCnQhTE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Sherwood Forest, Los Angeles, CA 91325, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Montague, California, USA
- Latitude: 41.7281985
- Longitude: -122.5278007
- Place ID: ChIJgzrS0CMUzlQRNNOvzT_e_DQ
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Montague, CA 96064, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
