Welcome to the 1951 edition of the “Shatner Year In Review.” At the end of each year covered in the review posts I will provide a summary as it relates to Shatner and his career, as well as display some key entertainment statistics.
1951 was an understandably quiet year in the history of Shatner, as he continued his Junior year at McGill University, and then began his Senior year in the fall. He made no on-screen appearances during 1951 while attending school, but he has admitted that he ignored most of his actual schoolwork to focus on extracurricular theater and acting opportunities.
Shatner was president of McGill’s Radio Workshop, and acted in, directed and produced the Red and White Review/Revue for three of his four years at the university.
There was, however, one very momentous event that happened in 1951…
In his autobiography, Up Till Now, Shatner writes that during Junior year he sat down with his father and broke the news to him that he wanted to seriously pursue an acting career after graduation. His father was understandably shocked and disappointed, as the original plan was for young Bill would to join him at the family’s clothing business after graduating with a Business degree. But his father told him that he could go and follow his dreams as long as he didn’t become a “hanger-on” (dependent on other people for money), and that there would always be a place for him back in Montreal (and in the clothing business) if he should fail.
Spoiler alert: He did not fail.
Best Shatner Appearance of 1951: N/A
Worst Shatner Appearance of 1951: N/A
1951 – Selected Statistics
US President: Harry S. Truman
Canada Prime Minister: Louis St. Laurent
- Quo Vadis
- Show Boat
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- David and Bathsheba
- An American in Paris
- The African Queen
- A Place in the Sun
- Strangers on a Train
- Pandora and the Flying Dutchman
- The Day the Earth Stood Still
Best Picture of 1951: An American in Paris
My favorite film of 1951 (of the ones listed above): Strangers on a Train – One of my favorite films from one of my very favorite directors of all time.
- Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts
- Texaco Star Theater
- I Love Lucy
- The Red Skelton Show
- The Colgate Comedy Hour
- Arthur Godfrey and His Friends
- Fireside Theatre
- Your Show of Shows
- The Jack Benny Show
- You Bet Your Life
- “Too Young” – Nat King Cole
- “Unforgetable” – Nat King Cole
- “Cry” – Johnnie Ray
- “High How the Moon” – Les Paul & Mary Ford
- “Be My Love” – Mario Lanza
Best 1951 Song that I own: “Farewell, Farewell To Love” – Frank Sinatra
Runner up for Best 1951 Song that I own: “Jungle Flower” – Les Baxter
- Genius of Modern Music, Vol 1 – Thelonious Monk
- An American in Paris – George Gershwin
- Genius of Modern Music, Vol 2 – Thelonious Monk
- Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Carols – Mario Lanza
- A Streetcar Named Desire – Alex North
Best 1951 Album that I own: N/A
Share this:
