Follow The Sun

Director: Sydney Lanfield (1951)

Producer: Samuel C, Engel

Cast: Glenn Ford, Anne Baxter, Dennis O’Keefe, June Havoc

The 1940’s and 1950’s were the beginning of an era of inspirational sports movies beginning with “Pride of The Yankees,” “ Knute Rockne All American” and “The Winning Team.” These were all films that were made to inspire audiences and tug at their heartstrings.

“Follow The Sun” is a biography of legendary Hall of Fame golfer Ben Hogan that was produced a mere two years after he and his wife were both injured in a car accident in their home state of Texas. Hogan was an up-and-coming golfer relatively new to the PGA. Hogan had a style and grace about him and became a fan favorite of the pro golfing world.

Actor Glenn Ford (Sunset Boulevard) was a great choice to play Hogan, despite never having played the game of golf. Ben Hogan and other pro golfers taught Ford to play, who tutored Ford weeks to play the game and were thrilled with the outcome of his efforts. The film did very well at Box Office and the new medium called television and has continued to have a long afterlife.

Fun Fact:

Once the filming was finished, Glenn Ford gave the production company his golf clubs  never played the game again for the rest of his life.