TV's Favorite Colonel

Some alumni may remember a fine performance by the Dartmouth Players in 1921 in which a certain Paul Ford '24, a freshman, played a very comic Sir Lucius O'Trigger in "The Rivals"; many more have enjoyed his weekly performances as Colonel Hall, post commandant on the "Phil Silvers Show" on CBS-TV. Although he has had no connection whatever with the Army, Ford also portrayed top Army brass in a very long and successful run as Colonel Wainwright Purdy III in the Broadway hit, "Teahouse of the August Moon," and now he has the same role in the movie version released last month.

When Ford left Dartmouth after his freshman year, he did not immediately head for Broadway. His career with The Players (one of his most enjoyable college experiences) behind him, he turned to business. It was not until he had spent a few disappointing years selling advertising that he again thought of acting. This was during the depression and show business was poor business, especially for a beginner with a wife and five children. He started by making puppets for Federal Theater projects and filling his pocket by odd jobs. From puppet-making he progressed to bit parts, stock companies, off-Broadway plays and finally in the Thirties more lucrative roles in radio soap operas. In 1943 his chance came; he auditioned for and was given a role in "Decision" which established him on Broadway. Since then he has played a variety of roles on the New York stage a cop in "Decision," a house dick in "Lower North," a cello player in "Another Part of the Forest," a Southern congressman in "Command Decision," and an inflexible army officer in "Teahouse of the August Moon."

Besides his current role on the "Phil Silvers Show," TV watchers may also have seen him in "The Egg and I," in the thriller series, "Suspense" and "Danger," or in the ambitious and interesting plays of "Studio One."

Experienced in radio, TV and Broadway, Ford has also spent some time in Hollywood where he has played in "The Kid from Texas," "Perfect Strangers," "Naked City," and "All the King's Men." His performances have not been confined to Hollywood and New York; in 1950 he toured the West and Midwest with the traveling company of "Death of a Salesman."

Ford's future plans include making a film and visiting his six grandchildren. Despite the rigors of breaking into show business during the depression, Ford managed successfully to raise five children. He and his wife now live in Brooklyn.

A scene from the movie "The Teahouse of the August Moon" in which Paul Ford plays the part of Colonel Purdy. He is reprimanding Glenn Ford as Marlon Brando gleefully watches.

Paul Ford '24 in the role of Colonel Hall inPhil Silvers' Sergeant Bilko TV show.