Part 1 of 3: Movie stars from Iowa

 

(Publisher’s note: Part 1 of Iowa History Journal’s special three-part series Heartland to Hollywood highlights some of the most famous movie stars from Iowa. Part 2 will focus on Iowans behind the scenes in our July/August issue. Part 3 will focus on the movie industry in Iowa in our September/October issue.)

 

By John Busbee

 

“It this heaven?” No marketing campaign could match the branding power of that question and its Kevin Costner delivered response, “No, it’s Iowa.” Many have hooked their promotional wagons to this line from the 1989 fantasy sports film “Field of Dreams” with its core location in eastern Iowa. While no one believes that Iowa or any other state will knock Hollywood off its industry-leading pedestal, “Field of Dreams” is a wonderful reminder that Iowa has had its share of influencers in the film industry’s success. 

 

There are so many larger-than-life stars, iconic phrases and pop culture references that liberally influence society as stories delivered through film can become cultural reference points. One film becomes “our film” for one couple. Another becomes a bonding experience for friends. Cinematic references are scattered throughout our lives as profusely as stars in the heavens.  

 

The catalysts for these memories are the actors delivering them. Costner’s image and voice immediately pops into our minds when we think of that line from “Field of Dreams.” Famous Iowans have delivered some of these moments. “Never apologize, mister. It’s a sign of weakness.” (“She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” 1949, John Wayne). Mary’s response to George Bailey when he asks, “Mary Hatch, why in the world did you ever marry a guy like me?” Reply: “To keep from being an old maid!” (“It’s a Wonderful Life,” 1947, Donna Reed). And, of course, “I am Frau Blücher (horse whinny).” (“Young Frankenstein,” 1974, Cloris Leachman).

 

Although the world of cinema and Hollywood seem synonymous, a movie star native to Tinseltown is about as rare as hen’s teeth. It seems that most everyone in Los Angeles is from somewhere else. Iowa has been a contributor to the pantheon of luminaries that have filled our imaginations and lives through their cinematic portrayals. 

 

This is the first of a three-part series exploring how Iowa has contributed to the fabled history of film. The global, immersive world of film has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations, young and old, since those initial flickering images entranced viewers in the late 1800s. The stars have become the storytelling spokespersons of this industry, which is a two-sided coin of creativity and profit. This introduction to Iowa film will cover some of the stars and bits of their histories. Grab a box of buttered movie theater popcorn, some candy and a soda, and let the opening reel begin.

 

TO READ THE ENTIRE STORY AND OTHER FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store, including more about John Wayne and his legacy.