Fred Zinnemann the first 25 American films chosen in 1989 for the National Film Registry. With its psychological and moral examinations of its lawman hero Marshall Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper and its innovative chronology whereby screen time approximated the 80-minute countdown to the confrontational hour, the film broke the mold of the formulaic western. Working closely with cinematographer and longtime friend Floyd Crosby, he shot without filters, giving the landscape a harsh "newsreel" quality that clashed with the more painterly cinematography of John Ford's westerns. During production he established a strong rapport with Gary Cooper, photographing the aging actor in
Fred Burns (actor) Fred Burns (actor) Fred Burns (April 24, 1878 – July 18, 1955) was an American actor who mainly appeared in Western films. He appeared in over 265 films before his death in 1955. Fred Burns was born on April 24, 1878, in Fort Keogh, Montana. For six years, he was in charge of Buffalo Bill Cody's ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. He "broke" wild mustangs for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. He traveled with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and later with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show. By 1916 he had moved to Hollywood to work in movies full-time. He