The Vanishing Virginian (1942), starring Frank Morgan, Kathryn Grayson
Frank Morgan stars in a rare leading role in The Vanishing Virginian and does it well. It’s a sweet, tender story – with moments of bitter-sweetness. The funeral scene for Josh is truly touching, as well as giving Kathryn Grayson an opportunity to sing beautifully.
Cast of characters in The Vanishing Virginian
- Robert Yancey (Frank Morgan, The Wizard of Oz). The family patriarch, a long-term district attorney, who is resistant to the changes in his world.
- Rebecca Yancey (Kathryn Grayson, Lovely to Look At, Thousands Cheer). Robert’s daughter, who is one of the changes. She’s interested in not only driving a car (shocking!), and voting (worse!) and … dating!
- Rosa Yancey (Spring Byington, Heaven Can Wait, Werewolf of London). Robert’s loving wife, who doesn’t want him to run for re-election for a 9th term. Out of concern for how he won’t be able to handle it if he loses.
- Uncle Josh Preston (Leigh Whipper, Of Mice and Men, Road to Zanzibar). Robert’s old friend and farm hand. An older man, very kind and sweet, who risks his own life to rescue a young child who stumbles into a dangerous place.
