November 15, 2011
I just found that Ned Scott photographed a film for Columbia Studios called “Snafu” in 1945. The film starred Conrad Janis, Robert Benchley and Barbara Jo Allen. Jack Moss directed the movie for Columbia. This is a war movie made just after War II ended. It capitalized on the often heard slogan from many a G.I.–S.N.A.F.U., or Situation Normal, All Fowled UP. Conrad Janis plays a fourteen year old boy who joins the Marine Corps without parents’ consent or knowledge. He is deployed to the Pacific theater, survives and becomes a decorated soldier. The plot thickens when his parents discover the truth. But the really interesting thing is that the portrait photograph of Conrad Janis bearing Ned Scott’s credit stamp was probably one of the first ever taken of Janis in his long film making career. “Snafu” was his first movie. Since then, Conrad Janis has been steadily active in film production. He is best known for his roles in “The Buddy Holly Story”, “The Cable Guy” and “Bad Blood”. His range of film making activity in addition to acting includes director (3 titles), producer (3) titles and editor (2) titles. He was active in the stage as well. Conrad Janis is currently active today with his role in “Sweetwater”, starring James Caan and William Forsythe. The prolific and creative man was born in 1928.
Conrad Janis as 14 year old Ronald Stevens in “Snafu” by Ned Scott