Thursday, February 19, 2009

Lee Marvin Day


February 19 is one of the many lesser-known holidays we like to celebrate here at the Compound: Lee Marvin Day.

February 19 is the birthday of Lee Marvin. Lee Marvin, in addition to being one of the great screen tough guys, was a Marine private during WWII, and received a Purple Heart after being wounded during the Battle of Saipan. He was named "Lee" after Confederate general Robert E. Lee, who was Lee Marvin's cousin. He's buried at Arlington Cemetery.

Of his acting he said:

"I only make movies to finance my fishing."

We like to celebrate Lee Marvin Day with some bourbon and red meat. I'm still hoping for an invitation to join the Sons of Lee Marvin, but I'm old enough to live with disappointment. I understand that's probably not going to happen.

Happy Lee Marvin day!

12 comments:

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

He has a special place in my heart for his work in Cat Ballou.

SkylersDad said...

Ah yes, the Dirty dozen. "Who wants a chance to stick a knife in the Major?"

Gifted Typist said...

Happy LM Day Bubs. I love 'em tool

Doc said...

Boy do I love Lee Marvin movies!

Happy LMD to you bubs!

I'm going to go dig out my copy of Donavan's Reef.

Doc

Eebie said...

Happy Lee Marvin Day! I love the quote. It is now second to "there's a reason it's called fishing and not catching." But on 19 Feb, Lee's will be number 1.

Mnmom said...

Cat Ballou and The Dirty Dozen - two of my all-time favorites. Happy Birthday Lee!

Johnny Yen said...

He was a giant, wasn't he?

They were talking about him on Little Steven's Underground Garage yesterday. He said that he learned acting while in combat as a Marine in the Pacific in WWII, trying to act like he wasn't scared.

Johnny Yen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Randal Graves said...

Paint your wagon!

lisahgolden said...

I'm stealing that line.

"I only work to finance my blogging...."

Erik Donald France said...

Lee Marvin and James Coburn, and Clint Eastwood. Hard to get more tough guy, eh?

Here's to the celebration!

Distributorcap said...

cat ballou