Fred Stone

Biography

"Though largely forgotten today, if remembered at all, Fred Stone once captivated turn-of-the-century America as an exceptionally versatile circus performer. His repertoire was astounding, encompassing everything from daring tightrope acts and agile acrobatics to whimsical clowning. This early mastery under the big top propelled him to headline vaudeville circuits, achieve stardom on Broadway's musical stages, and secure character lead roles in motion pictures. His journey began in a log cabin in Valmont, Colorado, in the summer of 1873. At just 11, he embarked on an independent life, fleeing home to join a traveling circus. By his adolescent years, Stone had honed his physical prowess, mastering high-wire acts and various athletic feats, quickly establishing his reputation beneath the big top. In 1895, he forged a transformative partnership with fellow performer David Craig Montgomery (1870-1917). As \"Montgomery and Stone,\" they ascended to prominence, dazzling audiences with their song-and-dance routines in burlesque houses and minstrel shows. During the early 1900s, they became a New York sensation, starring in acclaimed revues like \"The Red Mill\" and \"Chin Chin.\" A defining moment arrived in 1903 with the Broadway musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's \"The Wizard of Oz,\" where Stone brilliantly embodied the Scarecrow, complementing Montgomery's portrayal of the Tin Man. This dynamic pair also graced other stages, including \"Wild West\" shows, often alongside esteemed friends such as Will Rogers and Annie Oakley. The partnership tragically dissolved on April 20, 1917, with Montgomery's unexpected passing after a failed operation. Stone then forged a solo path, frequently sharing the stage with his wife, Allene Crater (who performed as Allene Stone or Mrs. Fred Stone), in productions like \"Criss Cross\" and \"Ripples.\" His ambition also extended to the nascent film industry. Though his initial foray into movies was brief, concluding by the early 1920s, he successfully carved out a niche in several comedy and western vehicles. Notable among these were \"The Goat\" (1918), \"Under the Top\" (1919), \"Johnny Get Your Gun\" (1919), \"The Duke of Chimney Butte\" (1921), and \"Billy Jim\" (1922). Stone's return to the silver screen during the sound era proved triumphant, first as Katharine Hepburn's long-suffering father in the poignant classic \"Alice Adams\" (1935), and then as a contentious family member in the rugged western \"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine\" (1936). This enthusiastic reception prompted further opportunities for the 63-year-old, who subsequently headlined a series of secondary features, including the comedies \"The Farmer in the Dell\" (1936), \"Grand Jury\" (1936), \"Quick Money\" (1937), and \"No Place to Go\" (1939). His cinematic run concluded with \"The Westerner\" (1940), where he appeared alongside Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan. In 1950, Fred Stone fully withdrew from the entertainment world. His twilight years were marked by increasing blindness and cardiac issues. He passed away at his Los Angeles residence in March 1959, at the age of 85. Stone left behind a theatrical legacy, as the patriarch of a show-business family; his daughters Dorothy, Paula, and Carol Stone all pursued acting, often sharing Broadway stages with their father. He was also the uncle of veteran character actor Milburn Stone, renowned for his role as 'Doc Adams' in \"Gunsmoke\" (1955). His remarkable life story was finally chronicled in a much-anticipated biography by Armond Fields, published in 2002."