Tag Archives: The Yearling

From Novel to Movie: The Yearling in Florida

July 23, 2023Arts, Documentary, Features1945, Alva Kinsey, Bobby Randall, Celeste Godwin Viale, Claude Jarman, Donna Green-Townsend, Florence Turcotte, Florida, From Novel to Movie documentary, Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman, Jennifer Pohlers, Kathlyne Walkup Sheppard, Lawrence Kinsey, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ocala National Forest, Oscar winners, Pulitzer Prize, Richard Mills, Ross Allen, The Big Scrub, The YearlingDonna Green-Townsend

To see the full 58-minute documentary online click here: PBS.org

The documentary is also available on the PBS app by typing in the word Yearling in the search box. You can also view the documentary on the WUFT-TV passport. PBS stations can download the broadcast version from NETA.

From Novel to Movie: The Yearling in Florida is also being distributed to more than 350 PBS stations via NETA, The National Educational Telecommunications Association. Check local listings in your area for availability. DVDs of the program may soon be made available for purchase. Check this site for updates.

From Novel to Movie: The Yearling in Florida takes an inside look at a classic movie as well as the award-winning classic novel which inspired the film with the people who lived the story. The documentary shares oral histories from some of the actors and stand-ins who were featured in the Oscar-nominated MGM Classic, The Yearling, the coming of age story about a post-Civil War backwoods Florida family who raised an orphaned deer which leads to heartbreaking conflict.

*Jane Wyman, Claude Jarman, Jr. and Gregory Peck*

2022 marked the 75^th Anniversary of when the film was honored at the Academy Awards with seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor nominations for Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman. The Yearling took home Oscars for Cinematography and Art Direction and Claude Jarman, Jr. received a Juvenile Acting Oscar for his role as young “Jody Baxter” in the movie.

The Yearling, directed by Clarence Brown, was based on the 1939 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. The documentary, From Novel to Movie: The Yearling in Florida features many unique home movie clips recorded by actor Gregory Peck during the time he was working on the film in the Ocala National Forest in Florida in 1945.

(l to r) Bobby Randall and Claude Jarman, Jr.

The documentary also includes extensive interview segments with Oscar winner Claude Jarman, Jr. who played young Jody Baxter in the MGM film. Memories from Florida residents who served as stand-ins for Peck and Jarman as well as some of the people who worked on the movie set in Florida’s scrub country are also featured.

We are so thankful to Claude Jarman, Jr. for providing photos and most of all his insight on the making of the classic film. We are also appreciative of The Gregory Peck Foundation for providing home movie clips recorded by Gregory Peck while he was filming in Florida and California in 1945.

Click on the video below to see the first five minutes of the 58 minute documentary.

To see the full 58-minute documentary online click here: PBS.org

Meet the people behind the documentary below

The producer of the documentary is award-winning journalist Donna Green-Townsend. She has more than 45 years of radio and television experience and is the recipient of a National Edward R. Murrow Award for documentary production. In December of 2021 she interviewed Claude Jarman, Jr. on stage at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, FL before a showing of the original movie The Yearling.

The co-producer is Kathlyne Walkup Sheppard whose knowledge, relatives and acquaintances from the “Big Scrub” were invaluable to the project. A big thank you goes to members of the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm Board for ongoing support on this project.

In 1939, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, The Yearling. Her inspiration for the novel came from time spent with people who lived in the “Big Scrub.” Marjorie’s friend Leonard Fiddia, who did work for her, lived along the Ocklawaha River. He sold and taught her how to make moonshine. She stayed with the Fiddia family to gather material for her book South Moon Under, her first novel. Leonard Fiddia introduced her to Calvin Long in the forest. It was his brother Melvin Long who had a pet deer. That’s where The Yearling story began. Melvin’s experience with his pet deer became the story of Jody Baxter. Marjorie’s inspiration for her character Fodderwing in the novel came from meeting Rodney Slater, the handicapped son of her friend “Widow” Slater in Cross Creek.

Leonard Fiddia who introduced MKR to Calvin Long

MGM bought the film rights and began production on the movie version in 1941 in the “Big Scrub” of the Ocala National Forest in Florida. A variety of East Marion County residents were hired to work on the set in the forest, including Richard Mills. That first effort to make the film was scrapped when actor Spencer Tracy decided to head back to California. Near the end of WWII, a new cast and crew headed back to the forest in 1945. That crew included Gregory Peck as Penny Baxter and Claude Jarman, Jr. as Jody Baxter. Once again, many East Marion County residents found work as either stand-ins for the key actors or took jobs working on the set. Alva Kinsey, Sr. was Gregory Peck’s double and Bobby Randall was Claude Jarman, Jr.’s stand-in. Lawrence Kinsey and Freeman Godwin were hired to work on the film set while others like Jack Owen helped catch fawns for use in the movie getting paid $25 by MGM for each fawn they used during the filming. Here are photos of some of those East Marion County residents.

Thanks to the folks who helped tell the story of From Novel to Movie: The Yearling in Florida. Here are photos of the key people who shared their knowledge for the documentary.

And last but not least, thanks to Ellie Townsend for her editorial assistance.

Music Selections in the Documentary:

I am especially thankful to the Florida musicians who provided the music we featured in the program. Most of these music pieces are original works created for the documentary . Listen to the music below:

Mickey Abraham- two original mandolin solos

Sue Cunningham and Frank Serio who wrote “Restless Wind”/Shiloh Rising Music ASCAP

performed by Lis and Lon Williamson, Gabe Valla and Christian Ward

David Dean- River Rolls

Scott Jackson– Marjorie

Scott Jackson- Hollywood in the Forest

Scott Jackson- Flag

Scott Jackson- Jody and Penny

Chuck Levy- “Rock the Cradle, Joe”

Gene Page- Pretty Saro

Mark Smith– Bear Hunt

Mark Smith- Fodderwing

Mark Smith- Lost Echoes

Lee Townsend- Fluttermill

Lee Townsend- Guitar solo

Lee Townsend- Reflections on Life in the Scrub

James “Tuck” Tucker- River Styx

Gatorbone Trio– Gabe Valla and Lis and Lon Williamson- Land of Flowers

Lis and Lon Williamson and Gabe Valla- Dearest Dear

Lis and Lon Williamson and Gabe Valla- Cracker Girl

Lis and Lon Williamson and Gabe Valla- Sweet Sunny South

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: Video Highlights of Events at the MKR Historic State Park

January 21, 2022Arts, Features, Reporter and Editor, Videographer and EditorBetty Jean Steinshauer, Carol Fiddia Laxton, Claude Jarman Jr, Cousin Thelma Boltin, Cracker architecture, Cross Creek, Donna Green-Townsend, Elaine Carson Spencer, Florida, Fred Mullen, Gamble Rogers, Invasion of Privacy Trial, J.T. Glisson, James Stephens, Judy Baker, Lee Townsend, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Monica Berra, Rick Mulligan, Rip Torn, Ron Haase, Scott Spaulding, The Yearling, Will McLeanDonna Green-Townsend

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is best known for her novel The Yearling which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 and was made into a major motion picture. She penned many other books including Cross Creek, South Moon Under, Golden Apples, The Sojourner and Blood of My Blood. Rawlings died on December 14th, 1953 but her legacy lives on and continues to inspire writers around the world. The farm is now a Florida State Park where thousands of people continue to visit the farm and community that inspired Rawlings’ literary works. The community service organization, “Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm,” works to support the needs of the park. For more information on the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm go to MarjorieKinnanRawlings.org or follow the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMKR. You can view and listen to many of the organization’s activities below:

On December 12, 2021 The Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm sponsored the showing of the 1946 classic film, The Yearling, at the Marion Theatre in Ocala. It was the 75th anniversary of the premiere of the MGM award-winning film. Prior to the movie the audience was treated to an onstage interview with Claude Jarman, Jr. who played young “Jody” Baxter in the film.

Claude Jarman, Jr. interviewed by Donna Green-Townsend

On April 6th, 2021 documentary film producer Donna Green-Townsend talked with Claude Jarman, Jr. who played young “Jody” Baxter in the 1946 MGM film, The Yearling. The movie was based on Marjorie Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize winning book. Jarman was a special guest on December 11th and 12th, 2021 in Cross Creek and Ocala, Florida as the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm organization celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Premiere of The Yearling.

The Yearling movie told the story of a pioneer family in the Florida Scrub of Marion County, Florida and starred actors Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and young first-time actor, Claude Jarman, Jr.

The Yearling depicts the coming of age story of a young boy and his orphaned pet deer and the tough decisions his family had to make to survive. The movie received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, taking home Oscars for Best Cinematography and Art Direction. Young actor Claude Jarman, Jr. won an Academy Juvenile Award.

Friends of the MKR Farm featured on WUFT’s Greater Good program

On March 26th, 2021 the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Park was featured on WUFT-TV on the program, “Greater Good.” Here’s a link to the feature that aired.

In December of 2020 the park wasn’t able to have the usual holiday open house because of the pandemic. Instead, park staff and volunteers offered a virtual tour of Marjorie’s home all decked out for the holidays, just as Marjorie would have done when she lived there.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Cross Creek Christmas 2020

Marjorie and Me: Ron Haase Discusses Cracker Architecture and His Inspiration From Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Ron Haase is Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida where he taught design and historic preservation. He is a specialist in the area of Florida vernacular architecture. Ron is also the author of the book, “Classic Cracker: Florida’s Wood-Frame Vernacular Architecture.” In this video he pays a visit to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park and shares his personal inspiration from Rawlings writings. He tours MKR’s barn and home with Park Manager Scott Spaulding and shares his knowledge of “Classic Cracker Architecture.”

On August 8th, 2020 The Friends of the MKR Farm decided to have a virtual birthday party for Marjorie because of the pandemic. Below is a special video presentation offered online about the friends and neighbors of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek. DVDs of the video are available to purchase for $15.00 plus $4.00 for postage and handling. All proceeds will benefit projects on the farm. Please make your check payable to Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm., and mail to PO Box 337, Micanopy, FL 32667-0337.

Life and Times in Cross Creek: Memories and Reflections

Celebrating MKR’s 123rd birthday (August, 2019)

The Pound Party Play

On May 4th, 2019 a variety of children participated in a play based on Chapter 4 of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ book, “Cross Creek.” The play was written by James M. Stephens. A variety of audience members took video of the play and this video is taken from what those audience members captured.

The event was sponsored by the Friends of the MKR Farm and the MKR Historic State Park in Cross Creek, FL. To learn about other future events check out the facebook page: The Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm. Cast members: Director- Scott Spaulding Cast Members: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings- Samantha Briscoe Samuel Townsend – Lee Townsend Leila Townsend- Donna Green-Townsend Dorsey Townsend – Ty Briscoe Ella May Townsend – Abby Briscoe Floyd Townsend – Jaylen Riley Glenwood Townsend – Carter Cutter Preston Townsend- Lucas Wunner Beatrice Townsend – Emeline Floyd Baby Christine Townsend – Emery Swilley

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Antiochers

Many of the Cross Creek, Florida friends Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote about in her book “Cross Creek” are buried in the Antioch Cemetery near Island Grove, FL just east of Cross Creek. James M. Stephens has written what he thinks many of those friends would say about themselves and their relationship with the late Pulitzer-Prize-winning author. He shares those narratives in this unique walking tour of the Antioch Cemetery.

The Artistic Ties Between MKR and Robert E. Carson

Robert E. Carson was a professor of Humanities at the University of Florida from 1946-1971. Professor Carson, or “Doc” as many called him, was a self-taught artist who began in watercolors at the age of 35. In 1966 author Gordon E. Bigelow asked Carson to provide sketches for his book, Frontier Eden, The Literary Career of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Following the publication of Bigelow’s book, the University of Florida asked Carson if he would be willing to provide tours of the late Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings home in Cross Creek. From 1968 to 1970 Carson and his wife Estelle stayed at the historic MKR home on weekends and served as the first hosts. Sadly, he died following a car accident leaving Cross Creek in 1971. Carson’s daughter, Elaine Carson Spencer shares how she is keeping her father’s legacy alive in this video about the artistic ties between her father and MKR.

Celebrating Marjorie’s 122nd Birthday at the MKR Historic State Park in August of 2018

Visitors who attended the 122nd Birthday Celebration for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in Cross Creek, FL in August of 2018 were treated to recipes from her Cross Creek Cookery book, music and tours of the farm. Volunteers with the Friends of the MKR Farm and staff from the MKR Historic State Park served up watermelon sherbet, mango ice cream and black bottom pie as well as birthday cake. Music was provided by Eli Tragash and Virginia Carr.

MKR friend Carol Fiddia Laxton Tours Historic Cross Creek Home

On March 3, 2018 Carol Fiddia Laxton toured the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Home in Cross Creek, FL. She had last visited the home when she was 18 years old many decades before. Her father wanted her to talk to Marjorie about what she was going to do after high school. Marjorie encouraged Carol to go to college for at least two years.

After touring Marjorie’s home, Carol Fiddia Laxton shared her memories of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Her talk was sponsored by the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm organization and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. Carol’s father and grandmother were good friends of Rawlings. The late author lived with the family for a time to gather information for the books she was writing, including, “South Moon Under” and “The Yearling.”

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of MKR’s Cross Creek and Cross Creek Cookery

Hotel Thomas Porch Party September 16th, 2017

Musicians, singers and dancers gathered at the Thomas Center in Gainesville, FL for the Hotel Thomas Porch Party on Saturday, September 16th, 2017. It was a part of the year-long 75th anniversary celebration of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings publications, “Cross Creek,” and “Cross Creek Cookery.” The family-friendly event treated guests to traditional music and dance—and some unconventional entertainment. Guests enjoyed music by Sam & Eden, as well as musical guests (and descendants of Cross Creek characters) Jessie & Lee Townsend, Andy Garfield and young performers from We the People Theatre, dancing, percussive dance demonstrations, crankie theatre, and an old-time music jam. And there were plenty of homemade pie by the Pie Gals.

Happy 121st Birthday Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: August 5, 2017 Fish Fry Birthday Celebration

Two versions of a video produced by Dorsey Lee Townsend III for a class project while in Santa Fe College:

Longer Version

MKR and the Invasion of Privacy Trial

Alachua-County-Courthouse — The old Alachua County Courthouse in Gainesville, FL

The 1946 “Invasion of Privacy Trial” of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings vs. Zelma Cason has captivated lawyers and literary experts alike. On June 18th thru June 20th, 2015 the public got a flavor of the famous trial when the award-winning play by Larry Parr, “Invasion of Privacy,” took to the stage of the Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College.

It was after Marjorie Rawlings won the Pulitizer Prize for “The Yearling” that she continued her success with her book, “Cross Creek,” a book which captured what her life was like as well as her neighbors in the small fishing community. But one friend of Rawlings, Zelma Cason, didn’t take “too kindly” to the way Rawlings described her in her book and decided to sue the famous author. Click here to read more about this famous legal case.

Park Ranger Lee Townsend being interviewed on November 13th, 2009 at the MKR home about Marjorie’s life at the “Creek.”

A True “Mother’s Day” Story About Romance in Cross Creek by Shelley Fraser Mickle

I have a friend who lives at Cross Creek. She moved there over a decade ago from up North, and she would have left probably any number of times except that she fell in love with a man from the Creek. And that made all the difference. Apparently men at the Creek take the romancing of a woman very seriously.

For instance, a first date might be only a midnight fishing trip under a full moon on Orange Lake. It might be a frog gigging, or a beer shared out on a wooden bench near the Creek until it is dark and quiet, so that then you can listen to the alligators bellow in Lochloosa.

Click here to read more…

Cross Creek Summer

The first weekend in August of 1997 kicked off the first annual Cross Creek Summer, Arts and Culture in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Florida. Organizers hoped the week-long event would introduce people to the Florida Rawlings loved and attract those ecotourists looking for the real Florida. To hear the report produced by Donna Green-Townsend Click here

50th Anniversary of “The Yearling” Celebration on the MKR farm in Cross Creek in April of 1988

In 1988 the community of Cross Creek, FL came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pulitizer Prize Winning novel, “The Yearling,” by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Not only did the event bring out a diverse group of Creek folks, but also noted entertainers and storytellers such as Cousin Thelma Boltin, and Florida Artists Hall of Fame winners Will McLean and Gamble Rogers. The video was captured on a VHS recorder by volunteers at the festival.