An Influential Man

Larry Blake in High Noon

Unless you are really into classic film, you don't know who Larry J. Blake was.  If you go to http://www.imdb.com/ , you'll find an list of work in both film and television that impresses, plus the fact he was the first man to play Hitler in a film.  Many of his roles, such as those in High Noon and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, were uncredited, while his performances in Sunset Blvd. at least gave him some billing.  He was never a star, but Larry Blake was always on time, knew his lines and did his job well.  He worked in front of the cameras for forty-two years.

But his work as a character was not why he was one of Hollywood's most influential people ever.  He just happened to found the first chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous the town had.

Of course, in order to get the chapter started, Larry was a recovering alcoholic.  His problems had been noticed and he had been confronted by someone who cared enough to let him know he had a problem.  In turn, he realized something needed to be done.  He cared enough to quit drinking, and in time, Larry started a chapter of AA in Hollywood.  Over time, people would come to him for advice concerning those they cared about.

John Ford, who was known to pull a cork, put together a group from Hollywood for a play in order to raise funds for charity.  Larry Blake was among the cast, as was Pat O'Brien, one of Hollywood's biggest drinkers.  O'Brien loved teasing Larry about his sobriety, and when they were on the train, he mentioned to a priest in the car about Larry being an AA member.  The priest replied, "What chapter?  I belong to one in Milwaukee."  O'Brien was silent the rest of the trip.

Larry was asked to talk to a particular actor in regards to the man's alcoholism, and he told those who'd asked him he would, but if this actor didn't want to be talked to, it wouldn't help.  He went to the set where the man worked, and the star was friendly and open.  At the end of the talk, the man said, "Larry, I appreciate it, but I really don't have a problem."  A year later, Errol Flynn was dead.  Larry knew what was going to happen, but still he gave it his best shot.  He would have done it for anyone.

There were many people in the Hollywood area who were able to sober up due to that chapter Larry Blake started up.  But he didn't do it for the accolades.   He didn't do it for the attention.   Larry did it as someone did it for him, and it was his turn to reciprocate.

His influence will live stretch far longer than those whose names are better known than Larry's.  Those who knew him are proudest of him for this achievement, and rightfully so.