Hometown History #104: The Return of Broderick Crawford

Above, publicity photo of Broderick Crawford (center) at the Morse Theater in Franklin, Nov., 1951.

Only people of a certain age have a clear recall of Broderick Crawford, at one time a leading box office attraction. Such was the case in November of 1951 when the arrival of “Brod” Crawford in Franklin was heralded in the Franklin Sentinel and, since he was a graduate of Dean Academy, activities at the school came to a virtual standstill to welcome home a famous alum.

Crawford appeared on stage, in film, radio, and television, typically in tough-guy roles starting in the early 1930s and was best known for his Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Willie Stark in All the King's Men (1949).

Originally from Philadelphia – both parents were vaudeville performers -- he graduated from Dean Academy, at the time a preparatory school, and then attended Harvard, albeit briefly. He reportedly quit after three weeks to become a stevedore on the docks of New York.

But by the 1930s he had a solid career in radio (with the Marx Brothers), on stage in London, and in a wide range of film roles, especially the Huey Long-like character he portrayed in
All the Kings Men, considered the peak of his career.

His visit to Dean was described in the Sentinel as follows.

“Last Tuesday was recorded as one of the great days in the annals of Dean Academy and Junior College because Brod Crawford, one of the school’s most illustrious graduates, returned to greet the student body. Earlier in the morning, through the courtesy of Columbia Pictures and Walter E. Mitchell, the faculty and graduates enjoyed a private showing of Mr. Crawford’s latest picture, “The Mob,” at Morse Theater. He is making a personal appearance throughout the country in connection with its presentation, and by his own request, Dean was included in the New England itinerary.”

At the end of the event, the Sentinel recorded, that Crawford graciously signed autographs and spoke with students, especially the girls, who took a great interest in his visit.

Crawford took to television with the hit 1955-1959 series Highway Patrol and was active for many years in the entertainment field, dying in his 70s in 1986.