Firecreek (1968)

Directed by Vincent McEveety in 1968, Firecreek is a western starring James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Inger Stevens, Jack Elam, Jacqueline Scott, James Best, Gary Lockwood, and J. Robert Porter.

Farmer Johnny Cobb (James Stewart) takes his two boys to town to fetch a doctor for his wife Henrietta (Jacqueline Scott) who is in labor, but also to attend a church service and stay out of the way during the birth.

Bob Larkin (Henry Fonda) and his gang ride into the sleepy little town. Although Bob is nursing a gunshot wound and wants nothing but rest, his posse have made up their minds to indulge in intoxication, destruction of personal property, physical violence with the menfolk, and sexual violence with the women. Larkin warns his men to stay out of trouble, but he literally allows them to get away with murder before all is said and done.

We soon discover that Johnny's wearing a homemade sheriff's badge, made with pride by his two boys, and signifying his role as honorary sheriff in the town. But the town's never had any trouble before and Johnny's never had to lead. He's clearly uncomfortable around the violent gang and just wants to peacefully reason with them.

Inger Stevens in Firecreek, 1968.

At the inn where he is recuperating, Bob Larkin meets Evelyn (Inger Stevens). Evelyn tends to his wound but is suspicious of his intentions in the town. She knows that Bob's a hired killer and asks him why he wants to lead a bunch of men to kill. Bob answers, "Today I'm one of the few. I lead. That's important to me."

Evelyn is a widow living with her disabled grandfather. We learn about her deceased husband in an exchange between Bob and herself.

Evelyn: He was a wagon scout. Killed in the same Indian raid that crippled my grandfather.

Bob: Did he mean somethin' to ya?

Evelyn: We were good friends.

Bob: How long ago he die?

Evelyn: Ten years.

Bob: And you've buried yourself in this town ever since.

When the attacks on the townspeople grow more violent and end in tragedy, Johnny must take control. He realizes that all of the citizens, like himself, moved here because they did not want to be involved in any action. They like the boring life of the town and knowing what to expect day-to-day. In fact, Johnny learns that a lot of the townspeople led more exciting lives before choosing to come to Firecreek to escape life.

Evelyn, developing feelings for the outlaw, pleads with Bob Larkin to end the siege on Firecreek.

Evelyn: You're humiliating this town.

Bob: It's nothing I want.

Evelyn: I thought you placed such great importance on leading.

Bob: Your so-called town sheriff and me are quite a bit alike.

Evelyn: How do you see that?

Bob: We're both riding a greased pig. Have to hold on. I don't know what's going through his mind but in my case I'm not expected to leave behind one of my men with a bullet in his back.

Evelyn: And you placate these animals you call men?

Bob: Certain things are expected of me.

Evelyn: Well, why not do the unexpected? Ride on alone. You don't need these killers.

Bob: Maybe I been alone. Didn't like it. Maybe I don't have your temperament to accept another empty day.

Sheriff Johnny Cobb must face Bob Larkin and his men alone in the empty streets of Firecreek. Will Johnny fight alone or will the citizens come out and defend their home? Will Bob Larkin have a change of heart or will he continue to be an unapologetic killer?

Although she, as in all of her western roles, plays second fiddle to the men, Inger is essential to this film. Through her character Evelyn's words and actions, Inger has some of the most pivotal scenes. Inger possesses understated power, not just in Firecreek but in every single one of her performances.

Firecreek is my favorite of Inger's westerns. It is a well-written, touching drama that draws its viewer along in anticipation. James Stewart and Henry Fonda are flawless not only as the leaders at war with each other, but as men at war in their own hearts.

The Farmer's Daughter: The Speechmaker

The Farmer's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 1: The Speechmaker, Part 1
Originally aired September 20, 1963

The episode starts with Katy Holstrum (Inger Stevens) riding on a bus and feeling overjoyed to see the Potomac River. Katy has traveled from her home to see Congressman Morley (William Windom) about approving her application to help underprivileged children in the Congo.

The wholesome Katy comes bearing a large, prize-winning squash as a gift and is disappointed that a congressman should keep a visitor waiting. Once the congressman finds time to read over Katy's application, his two boys come down the stairs and everyone notices immediately that Katy is very natural and effective in dealing with them. Ever since their mother died and their father became congressman, the Morley boys, Steve and Danny, have been lacking attention. While Katy waits for the application to be approved, Katy sees the sights in DC and the members of the Morley household (including Grandmother Agatha played by Cathleen Nesbitt) convince her to join them as a governess.

Congressman Morley is interested in the chairmanship of the Committee of Latin American Affairs and is considering how he will present his stance on reclamation to the public—a stance that could make or break his appointment to the chair. When he realizes his oldest son is failing political science, Morley realizes he should be more involved in his sons' lives and agrees to attend a parents' night at the school.

Steve has been enthralled by his father's private conversations on reclamation and, unbeknownst to his father but innocently encouraged by Katy, uses his fathers words in his speech. Although Morley is called away and unable to attend parents' night after all, the speech incites anger in the committee and results in Morley punishing his son. He also confronts Katy in this great exchange.

Congressman: And you, Where were you, his governess?

Katy: At the parents' meeting and where were you, his father?

Congressman: Governing.

Katy: Then we were both in the wrong place.

Katy is the voice of reason between father and son, informing Congressman Morley that he'll regret the way he treats his son and that he should reconsider his priorities. Congressman Morley is unkind to Katy and she leaves for the YWCA and resigns from her position.

Inger Stevens Socks Her Cash Away

In August 1969, Inger talked to reporter Vernon Scott about how she valued and saved the money she had earned as an actress. In typical Inger fashion, she shared this information in a way that did not come across as preachy or braggadocios. She simply shared the personal choices she had made and felt confident about throughout her career.

Inger was proud that she was able to take care of herself and was not dependent on others. She said:

They’ll never hold a benefit for me. And the only reason I’ll ever go to the Motion Picture Country Home is to entertain the old timers out there...I was advised to set up a trust fund for myself many years ago...A girl can take care of herself in this town, but you have to take time to make the right investments and be fortunate enough to earn the money to begin with. 

Still, she shared that her financial decisions came after falling into early trappings of success:

When I first came to Hollywood I fell into the trap of trying to keep up appearances with the right cars, clothes and all that. Then people would advise me to spend my money because everything was a write-off. Not so. I ended up paying cash, not writing off.

Inger did, however, splurge and treat herself to two homes:

I feel guilty about that. I don’t think anyone should own two washers and dryers, two stoves and refrigerators and all that. It seems unfair and such a waste. But I do love both my homes and spend a lot of time in them. 

Although she enjoyed working and did not consider herself to be an extravagant spender, Inger shared that she was looking forward to reaping the rewards of her hard work by truly enjoying life. Tragically, Inger shared these words just eight months before her death.

I’ve worked hard for a long time, and I don’t want to end those years without relaxing and enjoying life. At the moment, my financial situation is such that I’m not being pressed to work. So I can travel and move around. Maybe 10 years from now that won’t be possible...

Source:
Scott, Vernon. “Inger Stevens Socks Her Cash Away.” San Bernardino Sun. August 29, 1969.

Pretty Inger Stevens Says Life of Star Isn't All Glamor—It's Hard Work

While reporter Cynthia Lowry of the Santa Cruz Sentinel vacationed, Inger Stevens took over Lowry's column and wrote about the hectic schedule that acting required.

Inger wrote that her social life was nonexistent during the week:

Besides, my schedule is so impossible I can't imagine any many putting up with it. The alarm clock sounds at 5:15 a.m. and homecoming is usually around 8:30 in the evening. There is only time to remove makeup, eat and study the next day's 13 pages of dialogue before 9:45 bedtime.

Inger explained that she did attend special events that were a part of an actress's job—like film premieres—but that she found having to talk about herself nonstop on promotional trips very hard and that late nights always affected her work the following day.

I hate to be late and can't relax if I don't know the lines.

Inger elaborated that she didn't mind the sacrifices that came with her chosen career.

Frankly, it is no hardship. After being with people all day I enjoy getting home and taking it easy. On the weekend I make up for it and enjoy life with lots of friends, mainly from outside of the business. A favorite Saturday recreation is going to the races.

Inger felt a keen responsibility to be on time, prepared, and professional, because "you look around at all the people working on the set and are aware that they and their families are dependent on the success of the series.

Source:
"Pretty Inger Stevens Says Life of Star Isn't All Glamor—It's Hard Work." Santa Cruz Sentinel. July 6, 1964.