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Tab Hunter
1931-
Updated 3/21/2008.
biography
Handsome actor Tab Hunter was born Arthur Andrew Gelien in 1931 in New York City. In 1934, Hunter's parents divorced, and his mother moved Tab and his brother to California, finally settling in Los Angeles. In 1946, at the age of 15, he joined the Coast Guard, lying about his age in order to be admitted. It was during this time that Hunter was bitten by the acting bug, which he did in part to overcome shyness. His 6' 1", 180-pound frame plus his good looks opened doors in Hollywood, and he made his first film appearance at the age of 19 in 1950.
LEFT: With John Bromfield. CENTER A: With Roddy McDowall. CENTER B: Beefcake shot. RIGHT: Tab Hunter was chosen over James Dean for the role of Danny Forrester in Battle Cry. Both actors were under contract with Warner Bros.
The 1952 release Island of Desire proved to be Hunter's big break, and he was soon on his way to stardom. He made a few pictures between 1952 and 1954, before signing with Warner Bros., including Return to Treasure Island. With his Warner Bros. contract, Tab Hunter was one of the last actors who was a product of the studio system. His first film for the studio was Track of the Cat (1954; with Robert Mitchum and William Hopper). With the release of Battle Cry (1955; with Van Heflin and Dorothy Malone), Hunter established himself as a major box-office attraction.
During his tenure at Warner Bros., Hunter embarked on a successful singing career, first recording for the Dot label. He scored a top ten hit with Young Love in 1957. Later, Hunter recorded for Warner Bros. when the studio established a record label.
Hunter's album Young Love
In the 1950s and 1960s, many Warner Bros. actors had difficultly with the studio's rigid contract (such as Clint Walker and James Garner), and Tab Hunter was no exception. Therefore, in the late 1950s, Hunter bought his contract back from Warners and struck out on his own. In 1960, Hunter starred in the NBC situation comedy The Tab Hunter Show, in which Hunter portrayed a cartoonist. Unfortunately, The Tab Hunter Show was cancelled at the end of the 1960-1961 season. Without a major studio behind him, Hunter's film career began to slide, so he concentrated on Broadway instead, doing fewer and smaller films.
the films of tab hunter
Return to Treasure Island (1954)
Images from Return to Treasure Island with Dawn Addams
The Girl He Left Behind (1956)
Images from The Girl He Left Behind. The center photo includes Natalie Wood
Lafayette Escadrille (1958)
Promotional photo from Lafayette Escadrille (1958) with William Wellman Jr., Jody McCrea, and David Janssen
The Tab Hunter Show (NBC, 1960-1961)
Hunter rehearses with glamorous actress Nita Talbot for an October 1960 episode of The Tab Hunter Show
The Golden Arrow (1962)
Hunter starred in the Italian-made swashbuckler The Golden Arrow
Operation Bikini (1963)
Hunter and Frankie Avalon in Operation Bikini
Ride the Wild Surf (1964)
LEFT: With Susan Hart in the beach movie Ride the Wild Surf. RIGHT: Promotional photo
The Fickle Finger of Fate (1967)
Filmed in Spain, The Fickle Finger of Fate was another of Hunter's comedies
Polyester (1981)
With Divine in the John Waters comedy Polyester
Lust in the Dust (1985)
From Lust in the Dust with Divine and Lainie Kazan
tab hunter today
Although Tab Hunter was groomed as the all-American boy next door, he is at his best when playing villains. He has made many dramas yet has turned in a number of fine comedic performances. In addition to films and television, Hunter has also acted in a number of Broadway plays and has given many dinner theater performances. In 1980, he accepted a role in John Waters' Polyester, portraying lothario Todd Tomorrow opposite Divine. Hunter and Divine teamed up again for the 1985 release Lust in the Dust, directed by Paul Bartel and produced by Hunter.
Today, Tab Hunter is as handsome as ever and is still hard at work. He has co-written a screenplay for a new comedy film, Mother of the Bride, for which he will also serve as producer. Also, Hunter published his memoirs, titled Tab Hunter Confidential, in 2005.
Track Of The Cat [DVD](1954) DVD
Noted for its subdued color cinematography and psychological subtexts, director William Wellman's compelling frontier drama is set in a snowbound farmhouse in 1880s Northern California. As jealousies and rivalries tear at the family members trapped inside, a deadly panther waits out in the wilderness. Robert Mitchum, Tab Hunter, Teresa Wright, Diana Lynn, Beulah Bondi, and, as a 100-year-old Indian, Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer star. 102 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital stereo Surround; Subtitles: English; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailer; photo gallery.
John Wayne's Suspense Collection: Presented By Batjac Productions [DVD] DVD
Four-disc set includes "Man in the Vault," "Plunder of the Sun," "Ring of Fear," and "Track of the Cat."
Long John Silver (Return To Treasure Island) (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1954) DVD
Robert Newton returns as the one-legged buccaneer in an all-new adventure film for the whole family. When a rival pirate kidnaps Jim Hawkins and the local governor's beautiful daughter, Long John Silver hatches a plan to rescue them...and get his hands on a medallion that leads to a fabled treasure. With Grant Taylor, Connie Gilchrist, and Kit Taylor as Jim; look closely for Rod Taylor. 106 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; biographies; theatrical trailer.
Battle Cry [DVD](1955) DVD
Gritty war saga, based on the Leon Uris novel, follows a group of marines from basic training to combat fighting during World War II. Van Heflin is the disciplinarian major who whips his men into shape, while Aldo Ray and Tab Hunter are among the jarheads prepping for battle and dealing with domestic predicaments. Mona Freeman, Nancy Olson, James Whitmore, Raymond Massey and John Lupton also star; directed by Raoul Walsh ("White Heat"). 149 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Thai.
The Sea Chase [DVD](1955) DVD
John Wayne is the Hitler-loathing skipper of a decrepit German freighter who faces danger and romance as he tries to steer the ship from Australian waters to Chile during World War II. Lana Turner is the spy who loves him, and Tab Hunter, James Arness and Paul Fix add able support. 117 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround stereo, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French.
John Wayne: Legendary Heroes Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "Tall in the Saddle," "The Sea Chase," "Blood Alley," "The Train Robbers," and "McQ."
Damn Yankees [DVD](1958) DVD
A lifelong Washington Senators fan makes a deal with the devilish Ray Walston and is transformed into a slugger (Tab Hunter), ready to lead his club to the pennant, in this hit adaptation of the Broadway musical comedy from George Abbott (who co-directed with Stanley Donen). Gwen Verdon is Lola, Walston's sultry sidekick; look for choreographer Bob Fosse as a mambo dancer. The score includes "Heart," "Whatever Lola Wants." 111 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Combat!: Season 1, Campaign 1 [DVD](1962) DVD
Sixteen episodes from the first season--including "A Day in June," "The Chateau," "Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd," "Far from the Brave," and "Reunion"--are featured in a four-disc set. 12 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; featurette; bloopers; photo gallery; more.
Ride The Wild Surf [DVD](1964) DVD
Columbia attempted to catch the "beach party film" wave with this more serious look at three surf bums in Hawaii whose ambitions revolve around surfing competitions and girls. Tab Hunter, Susan Hart, Fabian, Shelley Fabares, Peter Brown and Barbara Eden star; theme by Jan and Dean. 101 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English.
The Loved One [DVD](1965) DVD
Outrageous black comedy, promoted as "the motion picture with something to offend everyone!," stars Robert Morse as a British poet who visits California and, after his uncle's death, is introduced to the seamier side of the funeral industry. Rod Steiger, Anjanette Comer, Liberace, and, in a dual role, Jonathan Winters also star in Tony Richardson's adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel. 121 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; featurette; theatrical trailer.
War-Gods Of The Deep (1965)/At The Earth's Core [DVD](1976) DVD
Bizarre imagery and a haunting score highlight "War-Gods of the Deep," a story of a group of smugglers who have discovered the secret of eternal youth in an ancient underwater city. Vincent Price, Tab Hunter, David Tomlinson star. AKA: "City in the Sea," "City Under the Sea." Then, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' fantastic tale, "At the Earth's Core" stars Peter Cushing and Doug McClure as two inventors who bore through to the planet's core, only to find fabulous creatures and monstrous dinosaurs. Special effects-filled fantasy co-stars Caroline Munro. 175 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish.
The Life And Times Of Judge Roy Bean [DVD](1972) DVD
John Huston's flavorful western stars Paul Newman as the legendary, self-appointed "Law West of the Pecos," a one-time wanted man who arrives in the town of Vinegaroon, Texas, takes over as its judge and dispenses his own brand of justice. The great supporting cast Jacqueline Bisset, Victoria Principal, Stacy Keach, Anthony Perkins, and Ava Gardner as Lily Langtry. 123 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Thai, Bahasa, French; theatrical trailer.
The Timber Tramps [DVD](1975) DVD
Saboteurs want the land owned by a woman for their sawmill operation and call on a ranger to help them out. But the woman has her own set of friends who want to help her against the swindlers. Claude Akins, Tab Hunter, Joseph Cotten, Rosey Grier star in this adventure filled with beautiful Alaskan scenery. 98 min. Soundtrack: English.
Polyester [DVD](1981) DVD
Poor Francine Fishpaw (Divine) is living in a suburban nightmare. Surrounded by an unfaithful husband, rebellious children and an unsympathetic mother, can she find happiness with sophisticated drive-in owner Todd Tomorrow (Tab Hunter)? John Waters' off-center satire of the American Dream also stars Edith Massey, Ken King, Mink Stole and Stiv Bators. 86 min.
Very Crudely Yours, John Waters [DVD] DVD
Eight-disc boxed set includes "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," "Desperate Living," "Polyester," "Hairspray," "Pecker," "A Dirty Shame" (NC-17 version), and a bonus disc featuring "John Waters Scrapbook" and other extras.
Grease 2 [DVD](1982) DVD
More marvelous musical fun! Rydell High is up in the air over a mysterious motorcycle master who's charming Pink Lady Michelle Pfeiffer away from T-Bird leader Adrian Zmed. Could he possibly be quiet new student Maxwell Caulfield? Fun-filled '60s sequel also stars Lorna Luft, Tab Hunter, Eve Arden, Didi Conn. 114 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English.
Lust In The Dust [DVD](1985) DVD
When gold is discovered in the sleepy Western town of Chile Verde, a stampede of ruthless gunmen, wanton dance hall girls and laughter follows, in this sagebrush spoof. "Polyester" co-stars Tab Hunter and Divine are reunited, along with Lainie Kazan and Cesar Romero. 84 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; featurette; biographies; theatrical trailer.
Cameron's Closet [DVD](1989) DVD
A lonely boy's closet seems to materialize his deepest fears and violent impulses, starting with the decapitation of his father. A well-written foray into psychic terror starring Mel Harris ("thirtysomething") and Tab Hunter. 86 min.
Rita [DVD](2004) DVD
The enduring cinematic and cultural legacy of Rita Hayworth is examined in this celebratory documentary focusing on the renowned actress and dancer. Along with an in-depth overview of the career of Hollywood's "Love Goddess," this program also explores Hayworth's tumultuous personal life and how her films continue to resonate with audiences. Includes rare footage and interviews, as well as insights from family, friends and co-stars. Narrated by Kim Basinger. 81 min. Soundtrack: English; archival footage; bonus feature "Trouble in Texas" (1937); filmography; interviews; photo gallery.
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tab hunter out-of-print vhs available from amazon.com
Note: These titles are currently not available on DVD.
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filmography
FILMS
Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick (1996) Hunter is featured in vintage film clips
Dark Horse (1992) with Ed Begley Jr., Mimi Rogers, Samantha Eggar, and Tisha Sterling
Cameron's Closet (1989) with Leigh McCloskey
Grotesque (1988) with Linda Blair
Out of the Dark (1988) with Karen Black
Lust in the Dust (1985) with Divine, Lainie Kazan, and Cesar Romero
Grease 2 (1982) with Lorna Luft, Maxwell Caulfield, and Eve Arden
Pandemonium (1982) with Tom Smothers, Debralee Scott, Eve Arden, and Kaye Ballard
Polyester (1981) with Divine, Mink Stole, Edith Massey, and Stiv Bators
The Kid from Left Field (1979) with Gary Coleman
Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold (1978) with Fabian and Don Stroud
Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976)
Timber Tramps (1973) with Claude Akins and Eve Brent
The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972) with Paul Newman, Anthony Perkins, Ned Beatty, Jacqueline Bisset, Ava Gardner, Victoria Principal, Bill McKinney, Steve Kanaly, John Huston, Stacy Keach, Roddy McDowall, and Michael Sarrazin
Sweet Kill (1972) with Roberta Collins
Hacksaw (1971)
San Francisco International (1970) with Pernell Roberts, Clu Gulager, Van Johnson, and David Hartman; once aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000
The Legion of No Return (1969) with Red Ross and Daniele Vargas
The Last Chance (1968) with Daniela Bianchi and Michael Rennie
Shotgun (1968) with Erika Blanc
The Fickle Finger of Fate (1967)
Hostile Guns (1967) with George Montgomery, Yvonne De Carlo, John Russell, Brian Donlevy, and Richard Arlen
Birds Do It (1966) with Soupy Sales and Beverly Adams
City Under the Sea (1965) with Vincent Price and Susan Hart
The Loved One (1965) with Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Milton Berle, James Coburn, John Gielgud, Dana Andrews, Barbara Nichols, and Roxanne Arlen
Ride the Wild Surf (1964) with Fabian, Shelley Fabares, Barbara Eden, and Susan Hart
Troubled Waters (1964)
Operation Bikini (1963) with Jody McCrea, Frankie Avalon, and Scott Brady
The Golden Arrow (1962) with Rossana Podestà
The Pleasure of His Company (1961) with Fred Astaire and Debbie Reynolds
They Came to Cordura (1959) with Gary Cooper and Rita Hayworth
Meet Me in St. Louis (1959) with Jeanne Crain, Patty Duke, and Myrna Loy
That Kind of Woman (1959) with Sophia Loren and Barbara Nichols
Gunman's Walk (1958) with Van Heflin and James Darren
Lafayette Escadrille (1958) with Jody McCrea
Damn Yankees! (1958) with Gwen Verdon and Ray Walston
The Burning Hills (1956) with Natalie Wood
The Girl He Left Behind (1956) with Natalie Wood, Jim Backus, James Garner, and David Janssen
The Sea Chase (1955) with John Wayne and Lana Turner
Battle Cry (1955) with Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, and Anne Francis
Track of the Cat (1954) with Robert Mitchum and William Hopper
Return to Treasure Island (1954) with Dawn Addams
The Steel Lady (1953) with Rod Cameron
Gun Belt (1953) with George Montgomery
Island of Desire (1952) with Linda Darnell
The Lawless (1950) with Macdonald Carey, Gail Russell, and Martha Hyer
TELEVISION
Forever Fernwood, 1977-1978 TV series. Hunter portrayed George Schumway
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman 1976-1978 TV series. Hunter portrayed George Shumway
The Tab Hunter Show, 1960-1961 TV series. Hunter portrayed cartoonist Paul Morgan in 39 episodes.
Match Game, five appearances, orginally aired 1978
links
The Official Tab Hunter Website
Visit Tab Hunter's new official web site, with biographical information, a filmography, and information on Hunter's latest project, Hollywood on Horses. A terrific selection of photos is offered, and each can be autographed.
Tab Hunter at the Potpourri Lounge
The Meeker Museum's Potpourri Lounge, long one of my favorite sites on the Internet, has a terrific section devoted to Tab Hunter, with many rare photos.
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This page premiered August 15, 2000.
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