Glenn Frankel – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

High Noon in Huntsville

By Kaitlyn Tyra

After an eventful week with our guest speakers, Mr. Glen Frankel and Dr. Carl Rollyson, we concluded their visit with one of the LEAP Center’s annual Film Festivals. This year’s feature film was High Noon, the acclaimed western classic starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. Directed by Fred Zinneman and released in 1952, the film tells the story of a marshal (played by Gary Cooper)…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

…who is getting ready to leave his hometown with his new bride (played by Grace Kelly) and begin a new life. However, his plans are thwarted when he learns that convicted killer, Frank Miller (played by Ian MacDonald), has been pardoned and is traveling back to town to seek revenge on the marshal who turned him in.

One of our guests of honor, Mr. Frankel, recently published his newest book on the film, “High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic.”

High Noon, Gary Cooper, Glenn Frankel, LEAP Center, SHSU

After learning so much about the film throughout our week’s conversations, we were all enthusiastic to watch this Hollywood treasure.

With approximately 50 audience members composed of community members, SHSU faculty members, and students, the Wynne Home quickly filled up with gusts enjoying our pre-movie reception. Guests purchased the authors’ books and had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Rollyson and Mr. Frankel before they introduced the film.

Both authors had much to share with guests. Mr. Frankel not only has the expertise in film classics such as The Searchers and High Noon but has many stories to tell as a Pulitzer Prize winner for his journalism through the Washington Post. Similarly, Dr. Rollyson had stories to spare through his diverse biographical research. With subjects spanning from political figures like Michael Foot to Huntsville’s very own Hollywood star Dana Andrews, captivated guests enjoyed their conversations with Dr. Rollyson, just as they did with Mr. Frankel.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

We were happy to visit with not only familiar faces, but also meet new faces to the LEAP Center. Two longtime community members were particularly special to us; Mrs. Bonnie Thorton Blalock and her new husband Mr. Ben Blalock.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Bonnie Thorne Blalock, Ben Blalock

Mr. Blalock was the Mayor of Huntsville from 1968-1972 and Mrs. Bonnie Blalock was a long time librarian and teacher in the community. Both had wonderful stories to share and even offered to show us their recent wedding photographs! It was a real treat to visit with them and we hope to have them at future LEAP events.

But before we knew it, we had to wrap up our conversations and find our seats. The movie was about to begin.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

Gathered in the Wynne Home art gallery, Dr. Rollyson and Mr. Frankel introduced the film.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

As both Hollywood scholars finished offering their remarks on the film, the rumbling drums and the strumming guitar from High Noon’s introductory theme began to play. The 80 minute film went by quickly with audience members glued to their seats, anxious to find out the outcome of the film.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

Afterwards, guests visited and discussed their thoughts before the LEAP Ambassadors headed next door to Carboneros for dinner. SHSU’s Dr. Darren Grant and Mrs. Marcie Grant even joined us making the evening more memorable.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Gary Cooper, High Noon, Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson

We were thankful to have time to visit with Dr. Rollyson and Mr. Frankel before they left Huntsville. Many thanks to the Wynne Home, Mr. Frankel, and Dr. Rollyson!

Hollywood in Huntsvegas: The LEAP Ambassadors Engage in Film Studies at SHSU

October 9, 2017 with Glenn Frankel, Carl Rollyson, and Grant Wiedenfeld

The LEAP Center brought in Dr. Carl Rollyson and Pulitzer Prize winner Glenn Frankel this week to speak with classes, provide mentorship to students on research and writing, and to host a film festival for the University and the community.

But first, they were guest lecturers for Dr. Grant Weidenfeld’s film class, offered through the MCOM department. Rollyson and Frankel discussed two films about which they are experts: Rio Bravo and High Noon. Rollyson has written a biography on Walter Brennan (star of Rio Bravo) and Glenn Frankel recently wrote “High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of An American Classic”.

They showed the first ten minutes of each film, discussed the narrative aspects of film-making, and took questions from the audience. Most of the questions came from LEAP Ambassadors who sat in on the presentation, but some of the students from the class also asked excellent questions…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Glenn Frankel

…which elicited excellent responses from the guest speakers and earned the students free copies of Mr. Frankel’s best-selling book.

October 09, 2017 Dinner with Glenn Frankel and Carl Rollyson, by Christina Perez

The LEAP ambassadors headed to Pizza Shack in Willis for Dinner. It’s a great place for Italian basics, and we enjoyed fried ravioli, bread, spinach dip, and pizza. Dr. Rollyson shared stories with us about the draft and Vietnam (which tied in nicely with last week’s guest speaker, James Reston), his many biographical subjects, and Glenn Frankel discussed his new book, while also sharing stories about his first job at the Washington Post–where he was hired by Ben Bradlee!

It was a great way to start our very eventful week!

October 10, 2017 Lunch with Glenn Frankel and Carl Rollyson, by Makayla Mason

For lunch, we decided to take Dr. Rollyson and Mr. Frankel to one of Huntsville’s main food attractions, the local restaurant, Farmhouse Cafe. The LEAP Ambassadors, Professor Yawn, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication Dr. Grant Weidenfeld, and our guests sat down for a pleasant lunch and conversation.

The waiter delivered their famously scrumptious broccoli cornbread, which Ambassador Makayla encouraged our guests to try, but only Dr. Rollyson braved the cornbread. Apparently, he really enjoyed it, as he ate two more pieces! The conversation began over a few appetizers, fried green tomatoes and pickles, at the request of Mr. Frankel, because as he expressed, he does not get to savor these Southern favorites often up north (but he wouldn’t eat the broccoli cornbread…)

As we bonded over lunch, the conversation centered around films, actors and actresses, and the LEAP Ambassadors themselves. Everyone had different perspectives and backgrounds that made the conversation interesting and allowed all attendees to partake in the dialog. Mr. Frankel was very interested in knowing more about who we are, the different presentations we’ve given in our community, our community engagement, and how a student becomes an ambassador. The ambassadors proudly answered all his questions!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Dr. Carl Rollyson, Glenn Frankel, High Noon, Grant Wiedenfeld

As we left Farm House Cafe, we told Dr. Rollyson and Mr. Frankel that we could not wait to see them at tonight’s heART of Huntsville and that they were in for a treat!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, heART of Huntsville, Glenn Frankel, John Wayne

Celebrating the 60th of The Searchers with John Ford, John Wayne, and Glenn Frankel

Would we miss a thrill-packed screening of an American film treasure accompanied by the expertise of a Pulitzer-Prize wining journalist? As the Duke would say, “That’ll be the day.”

This past Friday, the LEAP Ambassadors saddled up in their western garb and rode down to the Katy and E. Don Walker Education Center to volunteer at the showing of The Searchers. The 1956 western masterpiece, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, follows the story of a Confederate soldier’s return to his Texas home three years after the Civil War. However, the joy of reuniting with his brother and sister-in-law is short-lived, when a Comanche tribe attacks his family. After the raid, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) discovers that his brother’s family has been killed and her two daughters kidnapped by the tribe leader. It is then up to him and his brother’s adoptive son Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter) to journey through Comanche territory in search of little Debbie Edwards (Natalie Woods) and her older sister Lucy Edwards (Pippa Scott).

Before the screening, the guests enjoyed a reception in the Center’s lobby area with popcorn, chips, and a punch of our own concoction. It was during this time that the attendants had the chance to talk with former The Washington Post journalist and author of “The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend”: Glenn Frankel. In his book, Frankel discusses the film’s historical background and significance in American film culture. Apart from providing signatures to his book, Frankel had the opportunity to interact with guests who shared his admiration towards the film.

As a bonus, guests also had the chance to venture into the Walker Education Center’s art gallery, where they could see the wonderful work of Mark Burns. As another treat, SHSU History Professor Dr. Jim Olson stopped by to watch the film. In fact, he brought an autographed copy of his book on John Wayne to give to Mr. Frankel, and Mr. Frankel gave Olson an autographed copy of “The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend.” It was a nice moment.

Moreover, in the center of the foyer was Burns’ 25 foot panorama of the Grand Canyon. Although the film was shot in Monument Valley not the Grand Canyon, the landscape evoked the rugged western landscape of the film very well, and set the stage for a wonderful evening.

The film was introduced by Glenn Frankel whereupon he briefly discussed the topics of his book.

From this presentation, what was really captivating was Frankel’s devotion to learn more about the film, one which ultimately led to his extensive research. By sharing his experiences we were able learn about the film’s capacity to revive Ford’s dejected spirit, the homage offered to western movie legend Harry Carry by John Wayne, the dynamic relationship between all of the actors, and much more. Furthermore, we gained a greater understating of Ford’s artistic ability in directing the film, one which inspired renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. Whether it was our first time or our hundredth to view The Searchers, Frankel was able to instill in us a greater appreciation towards the film. Through the screening of the film, my second time to watch it, it was hard not to wonder how much this movie meant to the rest of our guests.

As a young eighteen year old I lacked the intimate bond of other viewers who had first watched the film closer to its release. The Searchers had the power to foster in Frankel’s youth a love for charismatic characters, intriguing plots, groundbreaking directing techniques, which would later in his life compel him to devote part of his life to the film. Because of this I feel all the more fortunate to have been part of this experience.

Frankel_Group_Cowboys_Web — LEAP Ambassadors with Glenn Frankel (in a John Wayne pose)

After the screening, the ambassadors, Political Science Professor Mike Yawn, English Professor Ralph Pease, Wynne Home operator Linda Pease, and Glenn Frankel enjoyed dinner at Carbonero. It was here that we continued to indulge on the film and had the opportunity to learn more about Frankel’s career in journalism. As the night drew to a close we marked the end of a very restless week, one which will reside within me for a very long time after meeting some of the most fascinating and inspiring people.

Let’s Talk–About Almost Everything!

In the middle of a busy week for the LEAP center, the Ambassadors made time for a day of “Let’s Talk.” This event is one of our favorite, giving us, SHSU faculty and staff, and the community a chance to dine with guest speakers from all over the country. With speakers ranging from paranormal activity investigator Kenneth Rigali to Jiu-Jitsu instructor Daniel Rivas to true-crime author Kathryn Casey to Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, it was difficult to choose which table at which to sit.

But before the actual event itself, the LEAP Center, as the sponsor of four of the speakers, had a day full of activities. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Glenn Frankel, for example, visited with Dr. George Diaz’s Texas History class….

…where he discussed Cynthia Ann Parker and the TX frontier. The students were engaged, and his topic was lively…

Mark Burns also led a classroom discussion, but his classroom was moved to his exhibit space at the Walker Education Center. Dr. Rebecca Finley’s class met there and had the chance to not only meet with Burns, but do so in the midst–literally–of his work.

Things got more interesting as Mr. Burns joined some of us–along with true-crime author Kathryn Casey–at the Texas Prison Museum. Casey and Burns enjoyed the various exhibits, and Burns even spent time in jail…

Following the full day of events, the evening began with a VIP reception, which our speakers attended and met with other speakers…

…then was followed by a more general reception…

…and then by an introduction from President Hoyt and dinner.

I was dining with Mr. Bill Hensel, who was the External Affairs Manager for the Port of Houston Authority. We were joined by former Houston Post journalist Mrs. Hensel, Conroe’s Community Impact Newspaper Editor Jesse Mendoza , a Sam Houston State University web editor, Houston World Affairs Council representative Sandija Bayou and her two colleagues, and Sam Houston State University Political Science Professor Mike Yawn.

Mr. Hensel began with a discussion of the historical background of the port and, particularly, Congressman Tom Ball’s contribution to the Ship Channel. We also learned of the every-day activity of the port, the disruption resulting from weather events, and anti-terrorism measures.

For someone who was not very familiar with the modern marvel that is the Port of Houston, it was a rewarding experience to learn how crucial the Port of Houston Authority is to American commerce. But apart from his current profession, it was just as pleasant to learn of Hensel’s past journalism experience. Before his employment by the Port of Houston Authority, Hensel had worked for the Houston Chronicle. With all of his past experiences in journalism and now local government, combined with the perspectives of all of us sitting in the table, every question and comment directed towards Hensel served as an extra ingredient that at the end would makeup a very rich conversation. At the end of the dinner we all slowly rose from our seats as if we were unable to pull ourselves from our captivating speakers, exchanged business cards, and thanked Hensel for his willingness to share so much about his career.

Even though I had the experience of only one table, we had LEAP Ambassadors at several tables. Austin Campbell, for example, was at astronaut Tommy Hollaway’s table. “He was a very good host,” noted Campbell. “He had a way of making something as complicated as science and NASA understandable to the common person. Food and conversation are fundamental to human nature and mixing the two resulted in an enjoyable evening!” –Austin Campbell

Other Ambassadors sat at the table of Iron Chef Michael Frietsch, the table of artistic directors Andy and Dionne Noble, Paranormal Investigator Kenneth Rigali, and financial advisor Flip Flippen.

Meanwhile our sponsored speakers held their tables captivated, whether it was Mark Burns discussing photography…

…Philip Mudd discussing the CIA and FBI…

…Glenn Frankel discussing the Texas Frontier and John Wayne’s The Searchers…

…or Kathryn Casey discussing murder in Texas…

…the evening was engaging and fun.

With so many bright minds sharing their professional joys and struggles, it was easy to be inspired. Although all the professions practiced by these guests were very different, the spirit that has impulsed their success is identical. Unspoiled by the desire for fame or wealth, this spirit of dedication and passion is what every speaker had to offer. This virtue embodied in our special guests is what made my Let’s Talk experience so rewarding.

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