This article, another interview with Eric Fleming, after his release from Rawhide, i decided to share to dispel some myths of one I read recently on the internet that claimed he was "difficult" and that he left the show because he wanted a million dollars to do it. So thought what would be a better answer than from Fleming himself. READING EAGLE; September 9, 1965 By Bob Thomas Hollywood – Viewers of the long run western “Rawhide” will be wondering why co-star Eric Fleming went that a way. Like most matters in television, it was a question of money. The ruggedly handsome actor can be found these days at MGM without the sideburns and shaggy hair he sported in “Rawhide”. He is well clipped and tailored for his role in the new Doris day comedy “Glass Bottom Boat”. “You can imagine how pleasant it is to work with a washed face and have a rug under your feet,” he said. “And with girls. There is something deadly about working for seven years with a male cast.” Don’t get the idea that Fleming is complaining. He seems to be one of the best-adjusted actors around. He didn’t even mind being dropped from “Rawhide” although it meant the loss of a tidy fortune. Fleming admitted that he entered the series haphazardly. After 10 years of median success on Broadway, he decided to head for the Pacific isles he had known during the war. But Hollywood kept delaying his departure with acting jobs. One was in the pilot of a western series. “I figured nothing would come of it,” he recalled. “The first script was aimed at the guest stars and I was only one of eight regulars. I was astounded to see the final version and find Clint Eastwood and I were the stars.” “Still, I never thought it would sell. CBS couldn’t give the show away, finally put it on the air in mid-season with half sponsorship. With in a month sponsors were in line to sign up.” Six and a half years later, it looked as if “Rawhide” had come to the end of its dusty trail, CBS announced the series was being dropped, then a change of management reversed the decision. “At first I decided I wouldn’t continue with the show for a million dollars” said Fleming. “But then they came up with a deal that amounted to a million dollars! I had to reconsider.” Fleming told the network he would be willing to continue but then the bosses apparently had second thoughts. It was decided to continue “Rawhide” with Clint as solo star. “That’s perfectly understandable.” said Eric, “It’s the natural progression of a television series to save money.” “Take ‘Wagon Train’, it started out with 24 wagons and long locations. In the second season there were 12 wagons and fewer locations. They ended up with one wagon, half a wagon for process shots and no locations.” Fleming finds himself in the delightful position of never having to work again, his earnings having been spread into future years. “I’m learning to live again.” He said, “I’m getting back to the things that interest me – art, writing, oceanography, fishing. This picture came along and I might do one in Europe, where ‘Rawhide’ was even more popular.” “But most of all, I want to get back to those islands. But when I go this time, I will go to stay.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 15:03:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015