Glenn Ford in HEAVEN WITH A BARBED WIRE FENCE (Full Movie) Richard Conte, Jean Rogers, Ward Bond!

A Word on Westerns
A Word on Westerns
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Published 2024-04-14
HEAVEN WITH A BARBED WIRE FENCE is Glenn Ford’s very first starring movie. It’s from 1939 and Glenn had only appeared on film in one musical short subject two years before. He wasn’t acting in that, merely the host, introducing music acts. In this feature film, 23-year-old Glenn is the star, the male lead. But because no one had ever heard of him, he is forth billed behind Jean Rogers, Raymond Walburn and Marjorie Rambeau! HEAVEN WITH A BARBED WIRE FENCE was directed by actor Ricardo Cortez and was written by Dalton Trumbo (SPARTACUS, LONELY ARE THE BRAVE). It boasts a terrific, villainous performance by Ward Bond and is a surprisingly charming road movie with Glenn meeting an interesting array of folks during his trek. In the movie, Glenn is a New York salesclerk who has saved enough money to buy a little piece of heaven, some land in Arizona, sight unseen. It took all of his money for the purchase, so, with no car or cash, he decides to hitchhike. Also making his film debut in HEAVEN WITH A BARBED WIRE FENCE is actor Richard Conte who had been discovered as a singing waiter in NY by Elia Kazan and John Garfield. Conte is very good in the movie and creates a solid characterization. After this movie was finished, Conte was signed to a long-term contract at 20th Century Fox. Glenn Ford…was not signed but soon landed at Columbia Pictures and become one of the most popular actors in the world. Could you see in Glenn a star in the making? Leave us a comment and let us know how you think Glenn did in his film debut. If you’re not a subscriber, do it now and then please check out our Patreon Page to learn how you can watch all of our content ad free. That ad free membership includes watching movies on WORD’S WAYBACK every Friday and celebrity interviews every Sunday on A WORD ON WESTERNS, plus lots of bonus films only for Patreon members. Thanks for watching.

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All Comments (21)
  • @JanesDough855
    Glenn Ford looks like such a kid. What a great movie!
  • @Paladin1873
    Rob, that was a very entertaining hour my wife and I spent watching this delightful movie. All the actors gave wonderful performances. It's hard to believe it's been 85 years. My, how our can-do spirit has changed. I look forward to its return someday. Until then, I'll enjoy past classics and forgotten gems such as this one.
  • @preciousprecious6358
    Great actors and all star cast . Ford was a natural and Conti was also great ...Two stars were born .
  • @OdeeOz
    23 Year old Glenn Ford... What a career of his expanded after this movie. Thanks for sharing with us all. 👍👍 10👑
  • @ollierobinson4339
    What a great movie. Every movie you have recommended has never been a disappointment ❤
  • @JesseOaks-ef9xn
    I had to laugh when he said he bought 20 acres in Arizona. He was fresh off the turnip truck.
  • @bckrypto9837
    Thank you for the wonderful movie. I really enjoyed all the main actors in this one. Jean Rogers, Glen Ford, Richard Conti and Raymond Walburn all did splendid jobs. Watching their friendships develop over an cross country adventure was captivating. Totally different era for sure. Always enjoy looking back through these vignettes of times past. Many thanks to you Rob Word. ❤️ 👍
  • @sandymackintosh539
    Great film....they were all brilliant in their parts and wonderful to see Glen Ford in his first starring role...he was excellent!!!
  • @RealBigBadJohn
    Many thanks for a Sunday Morning Movie!👍⬆ (Can't beat Glenn Ford!)
  • @03itsjustme
    Great little flick. Young Ward Bond playing the toughie!
  • @josdesouza
    Awesome film based on a Dalton Trumbo's story. Always to be remembered.
  • @debrasmith915
    Right off the bat Glen ford showed his great acting potenial. How could they not see it.
  • @diannemiller1895
    Adorable. Loved it❤. He's so young. Hav noticed all his early films, he has such innocence, and sweetness .
  • @terryhurlburt9113
    Glen Ford did a wonderful job. I so hate that when actors like FORD, get older, they always get the villain part. Your Nutcracker collection rivals my 2 sister's collections. For years I bought them each different ones as I could find them. Thanks for another fun film to eat popcorn and enjoy .
  • @Down_with_Plutocrats
    This is a really good movie. I never knew that this was only his first/ second movie. It is no wonder that Glenn Ford became a great star.
  • @WhatstheSizzle
    I really liked this film. I absolutely was blown away by both Glenn & Conti. I can see where they were "naturals" on film. Thoroughly enjoyed this gem.
  • @ericthered760
    Hey Rob- Thanks for posting this ! Wow – Glenn Ford’s and Richard Conte’s first movie. Amazing ! A little bit “Sullivan’s Travels,” a little bit “Wild Boys of the Road,” and a little bit “Emperor of the North.” In answer to your question, and with all due respect to Glenn Ford, I’d say Richard Conte shows the greatest potential here. IMHO, Conte was great in just about everything he did, from this .. to playing his final major role as Barzini in “The Godfather.” Just finished watching Conte (along with Susan Hayward) in Joe Mankiewicz’s “House of Strangers” (1949), which I had never seen before. Brilliant! I loved Glenn in “Gilda,” which of course made Rita Hayworth the superstar she became, noirs like "The Big Heat," and westerns like “3:10 to Yuma;” but if I had to choose between him and Conte in this picture, it would have to be Conte. Love this stuff and AWOW– please let’s have more !