JORY, VICTOR

(1902–1982)

Canadian-born Victor Jory probably typified the classic Hollywood heavy as much as any other actor in a long career spanning 57 years. Tall and lean, with an oily face, constantly shifting eyes, and a rattling, insecure voice, Jory was perfect for these roles. Every time the camera was on him, every time he said anything, he was clearly thinking about something else, and what he was thinking was not good. He played a Native American in Cheyenne Autumn (1964).

Jory’s sinister presence even in small roles was often a highlight of the film. In the first scene of Budd Boetticher’s Seven Men from Now (1956), ex-sheriff Stride (Randolph Scott) rides through the countryside in pouring rain (on a mission of revenge, we soon find out) and comes to a tent. Two men are inside, one being Jory’s character (uncredited). There is a moment of idle talk over coffee as Jory shiftily considers what to do. We find out the sheriff is in pursuit of some murderers from Silver Springs. “Did they ever catch them fellas who did it?” Jory asks. “Two of them,” the sheriff replies. The camera instantly shifts outside the tent as two gunshots are fired.