Donn Gift

(actual name - Raymond Tanva) Born 14 December 1933 in Danville, Illinois. Died 8 July 1979 in Los Angeles, California.

Film Work

Donn Gift appeared in 5 films during his lifetime, most notably the 1946 production of The Yearling, starring; Gregory Peck as the father, Ezra 'Penny' Baxter; Jane Wyman as the mother, Orry Baxter; Claude Jarman, Jr. (who won an Academy Award [Juvenile]) as the son Jody; Chill Wills as Buck Forrester; Henry Travers (Clarence from It's A Wonderful Life) as the store owner Mr. Boyles; and Forrest Tucker as the dangerous Lem Forrester. Donn Gift played Fodderwing, the crippled friend of Jody.

Films

Man Alive (1945) His first film work was small, appearing uncredited as a messenger boy in 1945's "Man Alive", directed by Ray Enright, and written by John Tucker Battle. This film starred Pat O'Brien, Adolphe Menjou, Ellen Drew, Rudy Vallee, Jonathan Hale and Jason Robards, Sr.

The Yearling (1946) His second film was certainly his most famous role; that of Fodderwing in the 1946 production of The Yearling. In this film he played the crippled and animal-loving friend of Jody (Claude Jarman Jr.), who won an Academy Juvenile Award for his performance. Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman were also nominated for Academy Awards for their work in this film.

The Enchanted Valley (1948) In 1948 he worked in two films, The Enchanted Valley and Fighting Father Dunne. Enchanted Valley was directed by Robbert Emmett Tansey and was written by Frances Kavanaugh. It starred Alan Curtis, Anne Gwynne, Charley Grapewin and Lash La Rue. Dunn played the role of Timmy.

Fighting Father Dunne (1948) In his second film of 1948, Dunn once again worked with Pat O'Brian. Director Ted Tetzlaff and writer William Rankin tell the story of a parish priest who Father Dunne becomes aware of The Plight of homeless boys who survive by selling newspapers on the streets. The film starred Darryl Hickman, Charles Kemper, Una O'Connor, Arthur Shields, Harry Shannon and Jason Robards Sr.

The Happy Years (1950) His last film was 1950's "The Happy Years", a William A. Wellman production of a Harry Ruskin screenplay. This film also starred Dean Stockwell, Darryl Hickman, Scotty Beckett, Leon Ames, Samuel H. Stover Sr., Margalo Gillmore, and Leo G. Carroll. A young and uncredited Robert Wagner makes an appearance in this, his first film.