Henry Jaynes Fonda

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(1943-1950)
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'''Henry Jaynes Fonda''' (1905-82), American Actor
 
'''Henry Jaynes Fonda''' (1905-82), American Actor
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Original article at [http://www.countyhistorian.com/cecilweb/index.php/Henry_Jaynes_Fonda "Henry Jaynes Fonda"], at Countyhistorian.com
  
 
This page is written and copyright 2008 by Will Johnson, Freelance biographer, [mailto:wjhonson@aol.com wjhonson@aol.com].
 
This page is written and copyright 2008 by Will Johnson, Freelance biographer, [mailto:wjhonson@aol.com wjhonson@aol.com].
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<table><tr><td>The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart_(actor) Wikipedia biography of Jimmy Stewart] citing Houghton (1951) and also Eliot (2006) states that Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullavan married on Christmas Day 1931 in Baltimore where the University Players were for an 18-week Winter season, but by the following Summer of 1932 their marriage had ended.  I've now found a contemporary newspaper announcement that they did marry on Christmas Day, 1931, but the place is not specified. Sweeney [http://books.google.com/books?id=cXscbDlSt0cC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PPA8,M1 states on page 8] that they married "in the dining room of the Kernan Hotel in Baltimore.  He was 26, she was 20"  Henry's daughter Jane says, "After a year and a half of courting her, he proposed and they married. They lived in Greenwich Village, New York City, but the marriage only lasted about four months." Sweeney says "as lovers they fought ceaselessly...as husband and wife they fought even more" (page 8)  By Feb or Mar, they had separated according to Sweeney, Henry announced he would not be returning to the Players and moved into a "flea-bitten hotel below 42nd Street".</td><td>http://s3.amazonaws.com/findagrave/photos/2001/222/fondahenry.jpg</td></tr></table>
 
<table><tr><td>The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart_(actor) Wikipedia biography of Jimmy Stewart] citing Houghton (1951) and also Eliot (2006) states that Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullavan married on Christmas Day 1931 in Baltimore where the University Players were for an 18-week Winter season, but by the following Summer of 1932 their marriage had ended.  I've now found a contemporary newspaper announcement that they did marry on Christmas Day, 1931, but the place is not specified. Sweeney [http://books.google.com/books?id=cXscbDlSt0cC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PPA8,M1 states on page 8] that they married "in the dining room of the Kernan Hotel in Baltimore.  He was 26, she was 20"  Henry's daughter Jane says, "After a year and a half of courting her, he proposed and they married. They lived in Greenwich Village, New York City, but the marriage only lasted about four months." Sweeney says "as lovers they fought ceaselessly...as husband and wife they fought even more" (page 8)  By Feb or Mar, they had separated according to Sweeney, Henry announced he would not be returning to the Players and moved into a "flea-bitten hotel below 42nd Street".</td><td>http://s3.amazonaws.com/findagrave/photos/2001/222/fondahenry.jpg</td></tr></table>
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Jane Fonda, who probably knew Margaret Sullavan later in life, describes her in her autobiography as "a petite, talented, flirtatious, temperamental, Scarlett O'Hara-style southern belle...."(''My Life'', p36)
  
 
===1932===
 
===1932===
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Henry met his next wife Frances Seymour in London in Jun/Jul 1936 where she was vacationing from New York, and while she was visiting the set of ''Wings of the Morning'', in which he was starring.  On [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=214&did=88689550&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218582714&clientId=54310 24 Aug 1936 the ''New York Times''] is reporting the engagement of "Mrs Frances Seymour Brokaw of 646 Park Avenue... to Henry Fonda noted screen star.  Mrs Brokaw is now in Paris.  She has been traveling with Miss Fay Devereux Keith, of this city, who is engaged to Mrs. Brokaw's brother Ford de Villers Seymour.  Mrs Brokaw and Mr Fonda met for the first time in London this June.  They became engaged in Germany...."  A glamourous picture of Frances appears on the next day [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=215&did=87983707&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583435&clientId=54310 here].
 
Henry met his next wife Frances Seymour in London in Jun/Jul 1936 where she was vacationing from New York, and while she was visiting the set of ''Wings of the Morning'', in which he was starring.  On [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=214&did=88689550&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218582714&clientId=54310 24 Aug 1936 the ''New York Times''] is reporting the engagement of "Mrs Frances Seymour Brokaw of 646 Park Avenue... to Henry Fonda noted screen star.  Mrs Brokaw is now in Paris.  She has been traveling with Miss Fay Devereux Keith, of this city, who is engaged to Mrs. Brokaw's brother Ford de Villers Seymour.  Mrs Brokaw and Mr Fonda met for the first time in London this June.  They became engaged in Germany...."  A glamourous picture of Frances appears on the next day [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=215&did=87983707&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583435&clientId=54310 here].
  
On his return from London in Sep 1936 to New York, he lists his address as "233 North Carmetina, West Los Angeles", he also on this slip lists his birthplace as "Grand Island, Nebraska".  Soon after their return to New York, they were married.  Frances was a wealthy widow with a young daughter Frances "Pan" Brokaw (b 10 Oct 1931) from her prior marriage to George Tuttle Brokaw (1879-1935) (see [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=218&did=88694858&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583638&clientId=54310 here]), a retired lawyer and sportsman "and on one occasion producer of musical comedy" ([http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=112&did=95896342&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219102070&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'', 29 Mar 1929]).  George, many years her senior, had died of a heart attack on 28 May 1935, at the Hartford Retreat in Hartford, Connecticut where he had been a patient for a year.  His obituary mentions that his father had left a "net estate of $12,318,569 of which Mr Brokaw's share was $1,947,302" (see [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=15&did=94616463&SrchMode=1&sid=4&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219103463&clientId=54310 here]).  George Brokaw had previously been married to Ann Clare Booth in Aug 1923, they divorced and Clare later married Henry Robinson Luce, and as "Clare Booth Luce" became quite famous, as an editor, playwright, journalist, and congresswoman.  George and Ann had one daughter Ann born 21 Apr 1926.  George's second wife Frances was the executrix and residuary heir.  At the time of his death in 1935, she is stated to be living at "60 East 67th Street".  Frances Seymour Brokaw was allowed to spend $1,000 per month for the maintenance of their daughter Frances.  The child at the time of her father's death inherited an annual income of $31,000 plus interest in property worth five million ([http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=3&did=93500118&SrchMode=1&sid=5&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219104532&clientId=54310 see here]).
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On his return from London in Sep 1936 to New York, he lists his address as "233 North Carmetina, West Los Angeles", he also on this slip lists his birthplace as "Grand Island, Nebraska".  Soon after their return to New York, they were married.  Frances was a wealthy widow with a young daughter Frances "Pan" Brokaw (b 10 Oct 1931) from her prior marriage to George Tuttle Brokaw (1879-1935) (see [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=218&did=88694858&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583638&clientId=54310 here]), a retired lawyer and sportsman "and on one occasion producer of musical comedy" ([http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=112&did=95896342&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219102070&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'', 29 Mar 1929]).  George, many years her senior, had died of a heart attack on 28 May 1935, at the Hartford Retreat in Hartford, Connecticut where he had been a patient for a year.  His obituary mentions that his father had left a "net estate of $12,318,569 of which Mr Brokaw's share was $1,947,302" (see [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=15&did=94616463&SrchMode=1&sid=4&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219103463&clientId=54310 here]).  George Brokaw had previously been married to Ann Clare Booth in Aug 1923, they divorced and Clare later married Henry Robinson Luce, and as "Clare Booth Luce" became quite famous, as an editor, playwright, journalist, and congresswoman.  George and Ann had one daughter Ann born 21 Apr 1926.  George's second wife Frances was the executrix and residuary heir of his estate.  At the time of his death in 1935, she is stated to be living at "60 East 67th Street".  Frances Seymour Brokaw was allowed to spend $1,000 per month for the maintenance of their daughter Frances.  The child at the time of her father's death inherited an annual income of $31,000 plus interest in property worth five million ([http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=3&did=93500118&SrchMode=1&sid=5&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1219104532&clientId=54310 see here]).  "Frances immediately moved her mother, sister Marjory, and brother Rogers from Fairhaven to New York City to live with her and help look after Pan." (''My Life'', p29).
  
 
Frances' family on both sides came from some sort of high-society as her engagement announcement makes clear.  Henry was to spend a few days in New York, and on [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=219&did=87989590&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583654&clientId=54310 9 Sep 1936 the ''New York Times''] is reporting that Walter P. Chrysler Jr (the founder of Chrysler Corporation) gave a reception for the engaged-couple at the Waldorf-Astoria.  The article mentions the names of about 40 people who were present.  The next day, the New York Times is reporting that they obtained a marriage license at the Municipal Building (New York City) and that they would be married within a few days.  A long article about his travel in Europe is [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=222&did=85420860&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584075&clientId=54310 here].  They were to be married, per a [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=225&did=88696250&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584362&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'' article], on the 16 Sep 1936 in Christ Church, at Park Avenue and Sixtieth, New York City.  Then the marriage took place and was announced yet again! (See [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=226&did=93529126&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584385&clientId=54310 here]).  Her sister Miss Marjory Capell Seymour was her maid-of-honor, and Joshua Logan was the best man.  The ushers were Leland Hayward and H. Roger Seymour, another brother of the bride.  "They will make their home in Beverly Hills."  This article is where we learn that her first husband George Brokaw died in May 1935.  Unlike a few other cases such as [[Elizabeth Montgomery]] and her father [[Elizabeth Montgomery#Robert Montgomery|Robert Montgomery]], the marriage of "the former Mrs Frances Ford Seymour Brokaw to Henry Fonda, the movie actor" did not cause her to be expelled from the ''Social Register''.  She still appeared in the relevant issue, with the marriage recorded under her name. (See [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=240&did=88085649&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584775&clientId=54310 here]).
 
Frances' family on both sides came from some sort of high-society as her engagement announcement makes clear.  Henry was to spend a few days in New York, and on [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=219&did=87989590&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218583654&clientId=54310 9 Sep 1936 the ''New York Times''] is reporting that Walter P. Chrysler Jr (the founder of Chrysler Corporation) gave a reception for the engaged-couple at the Waldorf-Astoria.  The article mentions the names of about 40 people who were present.  The next day, the New York Times is reporting that they obtained a marriage license at the Municipal Building (New York City) and that they would be married within a few days.  A long article about his travel in Europe is [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=222&did=85420860&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584075&clientId=54310 here].  They were to be married, per a [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=225&did=88696250&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584362&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'' article], on the 16 Sep 1936 in Christ Church, at Park Avenue and Sixtieth, New York City.  Then the marriage took place and was announced yet again! (See [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=226&did=93529126&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=7&retrieveGroup=0&VType=PQD&VInst=PROD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584385&clientId=54310 here]).  Her sister Miss Marjory Capell Seymour was her maid-of-honor, and Joshua Logan was the best man.  The ushers were Leland Hayward and H. Roger Seymour, another brother of the bride.  "They will make their home in Beverly Hills."  This article is where we learn that her first husband George Brokaw died in May 1935.  Unlike a few other cases such as [[Elizabeth Montgomery]] and her father [[Elizabeth Montgomery#Robert Montgomery|Robert Montgomery]], the marriage of "the former Mrs Frances Ford Seymour Brokaw to Henry Fonda, the movie actor" did not cause her to be expelled from the ''Social Register''.  She still appeared in the relevant issue, with the marriage recorded under her name. (See [http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=240&did=88085649&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218584775&clientId=54310 here]).
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In late 1936, or early 1937, Margaret Sullavan married her last husband, Fonda's agent Leland Hayward and "lived just down the street" in California, this according to the autobiographies of both daughter Jane Fonda, and son Peter Fonda.  Jane goes on to state, that at a later time, after the Fonda's had moved to Connecticut, the Haywards also moved to that same area and the children were all friends with each other, and went to the same school. This would have been perhaps in the late 1940s or early 1950s.  Jane includes a photograph in her book showing her, Brooke Hayward and another girl on bunkbeds at a summer camp.  Margaret Sullavan eventually committed suicide in the 1960's.  Her daughter Brooke Hayward (b 1937) wrote a book ''Haywire'' about her parents Margaret and Leland Hayward.
 
In late 1936, or early 1937, Margaret Sullavan married her last husband, Fonda's agent Leland Hayward and "lived just down the street" in California, this according to the autobiographies of both daughter Jane Fonda, and son Peter Fonda.  Jane goes on to state, that at a later time, after the Fonda's had moved to Connecticut, the Haywards also moved to that same area and the children were all friends with each other, and went to the same school. This would have been perhaps in the late 1940s or early 1950s.  Jane includes a photograph in her book showing her, Brooke Hayward and another girl on bunkbeds at a summer camp.  Margaret Sullavan eventually committed suicide in the 1960's.  Her daughter Brooke Hayward (b 1937) wrote a book ''Haywire'' about her parents Margaret and Leland Hayward.
  
Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour were the parents of actors [[Jane Fonda]] (b. 21 Dec 1937) and [[Peter Fonda]] (b. 23 Feb 1940).  Even though the family was living in California, Frances decided to fly to New York to have each of her children Jane and later Peter.  So Jane was born in New York City while Henry was filming ''Jezebel'' with [[Bette Davis]]William Wyler, the director of Jezebel, was none other than the next husband of Henry's ex-wife Margaret Sullavan.  William and Margaret had married at the end of 1934, but by the time of this film, were already divorced.  Watch two minutes of Jezebel [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XGivFuMQos here on YouTube].
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Henry in 1937 returned again to Broadway for a brief run in ''Blow Ye Winds''.  He would not again return to Broadway for eleven years.
  
Henry had had it written into his contract that if his wife gave birth while they were shooting ''Jezebel'', he could fly back to New York to be with them.  Jane comments in her biography, how her father stated that he took dozens of pictures while there at the hospital, and that she has themShe wistfully comments that in none of these pictures is there one of her mother holding her.
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Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour were the parents of actors [[Jane Fonda]] (b. 21 Dec 1937) and [[Peter Fonda]] (b. 23 Feb 1940).  Even though the family was living in California, Frances decided to go to New York to have each of her children Jane and later PeterSo Jane was born in New York City by cesarean section at Doctor's Hospital (''My Life'', p40) while Henry was filming ''Jezebel'' with [[Bette Davis]].  William Wyler, the director of Jezebel, was none other than the next husband of Henry's ex-wife Margaret SullavanWilliam and Margaret had married at the end of 1934, but by the time of this film, were already divorced.  Watch two minutes of Jezebel [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XGivFuMQos here on YouTube].
  
Henry in 1937 returned again to Broadway for a brief run in ''Blow Ye Winds''.  He would not again return to Broadway for eleven years.
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Henry had had it written into his contract that if his wife gave birth while they were shooting ''Jezebel'', he could fly back to New York to be with themThey named the child "Lady Jayne Seymour Fonda".  Jane comments in her biography, how her father stated that he took dozens of pictures while there at the hospital, and that she has them.  She wistfully comments that in none of these pictures is there one of her mother holding her.
  
 
===1938-1940===
 
===1938-1940===
 
The year 1938, saw Henry's appearence in ''Spawn of the North'' starring George Raft and Dorothy Lamour.  You will of course remember George Raft because of the role he played in the relationship between [[Lucille Ball]] and Desi Arnaz.  In 1939 Henry "had a leading role" in ''The Story of Alexander Graham Bell'' also starring Don Ameche and Loretta Young.  In newspaper articles, at this time, is where we find the appropos mention that Henry had written a thesis on communication systems while he was in college.  Also that same year, Henry Fonda played the title role in 1939's ''Young Mr. Lincoln''. You can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301798783/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301798783 buy it here] or watch two minutes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0n6NAXBlC0 here on YouTube].
 
The year 1938, saw Henry's appearence in ''Spawn of the North'' starring George Raft and Dorothy Lamour.  You will of course remember George Raft because of the role he played in the relationship between [[Lucille Ball]] and Desi Arnaz.  In 1939 Henry "had a leading role" in ''The Story of Alexander Graham Bell'' also starring Don Ameche and Loretta Young.  In newspaper articles, at this time, is where we find the appropos mention that Henry had written a thesis on communication systems while he was in college.  Also that same year, Henry Fonda played the title role in 1939's ''Young Mr. Lincoln''. You can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301798783/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301798783 buy it here] or watch two minutes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0n6NAXBlC0 here on YouTube].
  
<table border=2><tr><td>Pregnant with Peter, Frances again flew to New York City and gave birth to him on 23 Feb 1940 at the Le Roy Sanitarium.  The birth was announced in the ''New York Times''.  Peter in his autobiography states that "as soon as she was able" his mother moved to the Pierre Hotel, but that he stayed at Le Roy for seven weeks "the only baby in the hospital."  Henry, at the time making ''The Return of Frank James'' flew to New York City and brought Peter home with him to Brentwood.
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<table border=2><tr><td>Pregnant with Peter, Frances again flew to New York City and gave birth to him on 23 Feb 1940 at the Le Roy Sanitarium, according to Peter. Jane however states that Frances gave birth "in the same hospital she'd delivered me in"(''My Life'', p42).  (Did it change names from Doctor's Hospital to Le Roy Sanitarium?) The birth was announced in the ''New York Times''.  Curiously the birth announcement states that the Fondas are "of this city and of Hollywood"([http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=7&did=109344329&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1220334211&clientId=54310 25 Feb 1940, p38]).  Neither Jane nor Peter state that their mother or parents were living in New York City in 1940, but obviously they were.  Peter in his autobiography states that "as soon as she was able" his mother moved to the Pierre Hotel, but that he stayed at Le Roy for seven weeks "the only baby in the hospital." Jane speculates that her mother had post-partum depression. Henry, at the time making ''The Return of Frank James'' flew to New York City and brought Peter home with him to Brentwood, California.
  
 
In 1940 Henry received his first Oscar nomination playing in arguably his best-known role, as Tom Joad in the 1940 20th-Century Fox film ''The Grapes of Wrath'' based on the novel by Steinbeck.  Watch this entire movie on YouTube, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sywcp7DUlAQ Part 1], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMUkbULE1rk Part 2], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ0MO8tfzbc Part 3], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS_qK7wH99w Part 4], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhNz0yMp8Y8 Part 5], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAsAmzZ7dus Part 6], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_uSJ64-xmU&feature=related Part 7], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtcFtdCAaBQ Part 8], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OivSBVLaUz0 Part 9], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LBKctsNpwo Part 10], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWkVJ21H6_w Part 11], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At0Qn88MypE Part 12], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJmOis7kPXE Part 13].</td><td>http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514GNJP58EL._SL500_AA240_.jpg
 
In 1940 Henry received his first Oscar nomination playing in arguably his best-known role, as Tom Joad in the 1940 20th-Century Fox film ''The Grapes of Wrath'' based on the novel by Steinbeck.  Watch this entire movie on YouTube, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sywcp7DUlAQ Part 1], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMUkbULE1rk Part 2], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ0MO8tfzbc Part 3], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS_qK7wH99w Part 4], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhNz0yMp8Y8 Part 5], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAsAmzZ7dus Part 6], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_uSJ64-xmU&feature=related Part 7], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtcFtdCAaBQ Part 8], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OivSBVLaUz0 Part 9], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LBKctsNpwo Part 10], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWkVJ21H6_w Part 11], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At0Qn88MypE Part 12], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJmOis7kPXE Part 13].</td><td>http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514GNJP58EL._SL500_AA240_.jpg
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To get the role of Tom Joad, he had agreed to a seven-year contract which compelled him to play in the romantic-comedy ''The Lady Eve'' in 1941 with [[Barbara Stanwyck]].  In 1942 he was in ''The Male Animal''.
 
To get the role of Tom Joad, he had agreed to a seven-year contract which compelled him to play in the romantic-comedy ''The Lady Eve'' in 1941 with [[Barbara Stanwyck]].  In 1942 he was in ''The Male Animal''.
  
<table border=2><tr><td>http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wjhonson/Famous/TheBigStreet1.JPG<br>Henry Fonda in ''The Big Street''<br>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301328035/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301328035 Buy it now at Amazon]</td><td>Also that same year Henry Fonda co-starred opposite [[Lucille Ball]] in ''[[The Big Street]]''. Lucille Ball plays a hard, snobby, gold-digging, nightclub singer.  Henry Fonda plays a busboy deeply in love with her.  When Lucy tries to leave the man she's been dating, he pushes her down the stairs and she is confined to a wheelchair for the rest of the picture.  Now destitute, she must rely on Fonda who takes care of her.  The singing of "Who Knows" is not Lucy's voice, it was dubbed in by Martha Mears.  As one of the supporting cast in this movie notice [[Agnes Moorehead]].  You can watch the entire movie, in nine parts, on Youtube.  You can also read my detailed synopsis of the movie [[The Big Street|here]].  Henry first appears at time 2:52. Watch [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRlDpNAFDfI Part 1], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwx9qP2MyTM Part 2], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2mGtnErklo Part 3], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-aCLeEwYE0 Part 4], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJJtAJYMlvw Part 5], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwZelh9rQv0 Part 6], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzSZN9Ey2VM Part 7], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIexCunpEyU Part 8], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Hy_Ip8eI8 Part 9].
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<table border=2><tr><td>http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wjhonson/Famous/TheBigStreet1.JPG<br>Henry Fonda in ''The Big Street''<br>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301328035/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301328035 Buy it now at Amazon]</td><td>Also that same year Henry Fonda co-starred opposite [[Lucille Ball]] in ''[[The Big Street]]''. Lucille Ball plays a tough, gold-digging, nightclub singer.  Henry Fonda plays a busboy deeply in love with her.  When Lucy tries to leave the man she's been dating, he pushes her down the stairs and she is confined to a wheelchair for the rest of the picture.  Now destitute, she must rely on Fonda who takes care of her.  The singing of "Who Knows" is not Lucy's voice, it was dubbed in by Martha Mears.  As one of the supporting cast in this movie notice [[Agnes Moorehead]].  You can watch the entire movie, in nine parts, on Youtube.  You can also read my detailed synopsis of the movie [[The Big Street|here]].  Henry first appears at time 2:52. Watch [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRlDpNAFDfI Part 1], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwx9qP2MyTM Part 2], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2mGtnErklo Part 3], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-aCLeEwYE0 Part 4], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJJtAJYMlvw Part 5], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwZelh9rQv0 Part 6], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzSZN9Ey2VM Part 7], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIexCunpEyU Part 8], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Hy_Ip8eI8 Part 9].
  
 
Also in 1942, the movie ''Tales of Manhattan'' was released (you can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6303957005/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6303957005 buy it here]).
 
Also in 1942, the movie ''Tales of Manhattan'' was released (you can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6303957005/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6303957005 buy it here]).
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Meanwhile, Henry Fonda and Frances, had been building a house at 600 Tigertail.  Peter Fonda states they they "moved in increments from 1942 to 1944" (''Don't Tell Dad'', p8).</td></tr></table>
 
Meanwhile, Henry Fonda and Frances, had been building a house at 600 Tigertail.  Peter Fonda states they they "moved in increments from 1942 to 1944" (''Don't Tell Dad'', p8).</td></tr></table>
  
==1943-1950==
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===1943-1950===
Henry Fonda even though exempt, left in 1943 for the war.  After boot camp he went of officer candidate school (OCS) in Quonset, Rhode Island and trained as a Naval Air Combat Intelligence officer. (''Don't Tell Dad'', p9)  He would later, for this received a Bronze Star.  The children saw little of their father between Peter's birth and his departure for the war, as he made ten films during this time.  For a while, an artist in need of a place to stay, bunked out in the playhouse.  "I think my mother had an affair with him.  I hope she did" (''Don't Tell Dad'', p10)
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Henry Fonda even though exempt, left in 1943 for the war.  After boot camp he went to officer candidate school (OCS) in Quonset, [[Rhode Island]] and trained as a Naval Air Combat Intelligence officer. (''Don't Tell Dad'', p9)  He would later for this, receive a Bronze Star.  The children saw little of their father between Peter's birth and his departure for the war, as he made ten films during this time.  For a while, an artist in need of a place to stay, bunked out in the playhouse.  "I think my mother had an affair with him.  I hope she did" (''Don't Tell Dad'', p10)  In Jane's book she states that his name was Joe Wade.  Quoting Laura (Clark) Pyzel about Joe Wade "He was divinely attractive, a real party boy!  She was crazy about him.  All the girls were."(''My Life'', p23)
  
 
Henry Fonda and [[Jimmy Stewart]] were best friends according to Peter Fonda.  And it must be just after Henry returned from the war, that Peter relates a story of how Henry and Jimmy built a glider for hours together, exchanging only a few words.  Both were men of few words.
 
Henry Fonda and [[Jimmy Stewart]] were best friends according to Peter Fonda.  And it must be just after Henry returned from the war, that Peter relates a story of how Henry and Jimmy built a glider for hours together, exchanging only a few words.  Both were men of few words.
  
<table><tr><td>In the school year 1945-6, Peter Fonda states that three of Frances' children &mdash; himself, Jane and Pan &mdash; attended the private Brentwood Town and County School, as he says did Brooke, Bridget and Bill Hayward, children of Leland Hayward and Margaret Sullavan.  But the following year, Peter was sent, at least part of that year to the Barton School for Boys.  He details several pages of horrible experiences there before his aunt Harriet Peacock rescued him (''Don't Tell Dad'', p22).
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<table><tr><td>In the school year 1945-6, Peter Fonda states that three of Frances' children &mdash; himself, Jane and Pan &mdash; attended the private Brentwood Town and County School, as he says did Brooke, Bridget and Bill Hayward, children of Leland Hayward and Margaret Sullavan.  But the following year, Peter was sent, at least part of that year to the Barton School for Boys, along with his friend Danny Pyzel.  He details several pages of horrible experiences there before his aunt Harriet Peacock rescued him (''Don't Tell Dad'', p22). Danny Pyzel, was the son of Laura (Clark) Pyzel who had met Frances, just after she was widowed from her first husband, before she married Henry Fonda. Laura and her son Danny had moved to Los Angeles around WWII and Frances helped her find an apartment.(''My Life'', p21-23)
  
In 1946 Henry Fonda played Wyatt Earp in ''My Darling Clementine''.  You can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301798759/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301798759 buy it here] or watch several minutes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WXwO7Hqluo here on YouTube].
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In 1946 Henry Fonda played Wyatt Earp in ''My Darling Clementine''.  You can [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6301798759/102-9279843-7223326?ie=UTF8&tag=countyh-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=6301798759 buy it here] or watch several minutes [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WXwO7Hqluo here on YouTube].</td><td>http://www.hotmoviesale.com/dvds/27209/1/Henry-Fonda-The-Signature-Collection.jpg<br>(Credit HotMovieSale.com)</td></tr></table>
  
 
Around this time, when Peter was "six or seven", he and his mother Frances went to visit Pan who was in the Garrison Forest boarding school on the East Coast.  Peter relates a bizarre and terrifying experience, not explained to him at the time, of being "checked for a tapeworm" at Johns Hopkins. (''Don't Tell Dad'', p27-9)
 
Around this time, when Peter was "six or seven", he and his mother Frances went to visit Pan who was in the Garrison Forest boarding school on the East Coast.  Peter relates a bizarre and terrifying experience, not explained to him at the time, of being "checked for a tapeworm" at Johns Hopkins. (''Don't Tell Dad'', p27-9)
  
In 1948 Henry returned to Broadway starring in ''Mister Roberts'' for it's multi-year run, ending sometime in 1950.  He would reprise this role for the 1955 film version.</td><td>http://www.hotmoviesale.com/dvds/27209/1/Henry-Fonda-The-Signature-Collection.jpg<br>(Credit HotMovieSale.com)</td></tr></table>
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In 1948 Henry returned to Broadway starring in ''Mister Roberts'' for it's multi-year run, ending sometime in 1950.  He would reprise this role for the 1955 film version.
  
 
===1949-1954===
 
===1949-1954===
<table><tr><td> Jane Fonda states that Henry was a man of dark moods and that they "...lived in constant awareness of the minefield we had to tread so as not to trigger his rage." (''My Life'', p 35).  On 14 Oct 1950 his then-wife Frances Seymour killed herself by slitting her throat while in a mental hospital.
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<table><tr><td> Jane Fonda states that Henry was a man of dark moods and that they "...lived in constant awareness of the minefield we had to tread so as not to trigger his rage." (''My Life'', p 35).  On 14 Oct 1950 his then-wife Frances Seymour killed herself by slitting her throat while in a mental hospital. Decades later Jane Fonda enlisted lawyers and finally pried her medical records from the Austen Riggs Center.  These included eight typed pages that Frances had composed herself on her admission, with her own hand-written corrections. (''My Life'', p 25)  Jane describes her mother Frances as a "beautiful but damaged butterfly, unable to give me what I needed...because she could not give it to herself." (''My Life'', p30)
  
Three months later, in Dec 1950, Henry married the much-younger Susan Blanchard, and went on their honeymoon to the Caribbean, returning Jan 1951.  Henry and Susan adopted a baby named Amy, possibly this occurred in 1951.  Henry Fonda and Susan Blanchard divorced in 1956.  Peter Fonda refers to Susan Blanchard, in his book as "Mom2".
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Three months after Frances' suicide, in Dec 1950, Henry married the much-younger Susan Blanchard.  They honeymooned in the Caribbean, returning Jan 1951.  Henry and Susan adopted a baby named Amy, possibly this occurred in 1951.  Henry Fonda and Susan Blanchard divorced in 1956.  Peter Fonda refers to Susan Blanchard, in his book as "Mom2".
  
 
On Broadway, Henry played businessman Charles Gray in 1951's ''Point of No Return'', which ran into 1952.  He was the prosecuting attorney Lt. Greenwald in 1954's ''The Caine Mutiny Court‐Martial''.
 
On Broadway, Henry played businessman Charles Gray in 1951's ''Point of No Return'', which ran into 1952.  He was the prosecuting attorney Lt. Greenwald in 1954's ''The Caine Mutiny Court‐Martial''.
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*[http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=214&did=88689550&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218582714&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'', 24 Aug 1936, page 12], "Mrs G T Brokaw, Fiancee of Actor"
 
*[http://scplweb.santacruzpl.org:2249/pqdweb?index=214&did=88689550&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1218582714&clientId=54310 ''New York Times'', 24 Aug 1936, page 12], "Mrs G T Brokaw, Fiancee of Actor"
 
*[http://content.ancestry.com/iexec/?htx=View&r=an&dbid=7488&iid=NYT715_5860-0051&fn=Henry&ln=Fonda&st=r&ssrc=&pid=21298558 ''New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957''], sailing on the S.S. Bremen, out of Southampton 30 Aug 1936, arriving New York 4 Sep 1936 : "Henry Fonda, 31, male, single, born 16 May 1905 Grand Island, NE, residence 233 North Carmetina West, Los Angeles, Calif"
 
*[http://content.ancestry.com/iexec/?htx=View&r=an&dbid=7488&iid=NYT715_5860-0051&fn=Henry&ln=Fonda&st=r&ssrc=&pid=21298558 ''New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957''], sailing on the S.S. Bremen, out of Southampton 30 Aug 1936, arriving New York 4 Sep 1936 : "Henry Fonda, 31, male, single, born 16 May 1905 Grand Island, NE, residence 233 North Carmetina West, Los Angeles, Calif"
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*[http://www.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewer.aspx?img=84114064&currentResult=14&src=search&firstvisit=true ''Logansport Pharos Tribune'', 22 Dec 1937, page 1 (UP)] :"Mrs Henry Fonda, wife of the film star, was reported 'doing excellently' at Doctors Hospital today after the birth of a daughter.  Mrs Fonda was Mrs George T Brokaw, widow of the millionaire lawyer."
 
*''California Voter Registration, 1900-1968''
 
*''California Voter Registration, 1900-1968''
 
**[http://content.ancestry.com/Browse/view.aspx?dbid=1249&path=Los+Angeles+County.1936.Roll+39.ALL.865&fn=henry&ln=Fonda&st=g&pid=1280002559&rc=1013,801,1061,815;1075,801,1125,818&zp=50 1936 Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City, Precinct 1674], Henry J Fonda, 233 N Carmelita av, Actor, DS (political party "Declined to State")
 
**[http://content.ancestry.com/Browse/view.aspx?dbid=1249&path=Los+Angeles+County.1936.Roll+39.ALL.865&fn=henry&ln=Fonda&st=g&pid=1280002559&rc=1013,801,1061,815;1075,801,1125,818&zp=50 1936 Los Angeles County, Los Angeles City, Precinct 1674], Henry J Fonda, 233 N Carmelita av, Actor, DS (political party "Declined to State")

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