Lemmon, Former HDC Star, Wins Academy Award

John U. Lemmon, III '47, a former HDC star, won an Oscar Wednesday as the best supporting actor of 1955. He received the award for his portrayal of Ensign Pulver in "Mr. Roberts."

Lemmon's college acting career was marked by his performance in "The Playboy of the Western World," a play which had been banned in Boston. He also starred in "Adam the Creator," and several Hasty Pudding productions.

After some acting on television, Lemmon moved to Hollywood and the movies. He tried for eight years to get the role of Pulver, but when "Mr. Roberts" first opened as a play, he did not have enough experience and later also lost out in the casting for the road company.

Lemmon finally got the role by accident, when, wandering onto the wrong stage, he met Jack Ford, the director. Two months later Ford gave Lemmon the part.

Anna Magnani, of "The Rose Tattoo," won an Oscar as best actress of the year, while Ernest Borgnine, "Marty," was voted the best actor. Jo Van Fleet gained an award as best supporting actress for her role in "East of Eden."

"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" took four awards: for the best song, story, dramatic scoring, and color costume design. "The Rose Tatoo" received awards for its black and white cinematography and direction. "Oklahoma" won an Oscar for the best musical scoring, and "Interrupted Melody" was voted the movie with the best story and screen play.