I got to know Lon back in the mid 70s when I was a pottery instructor on Mercer Island in Washington State.
I was his instructor and we got to know each other that summer in and out of class. He told me about his career in Holliwood which I was unfamiliar with then but soon realised his significance. he mentioned his relationship with Julie London during and after the film was made. He said in those days his was known as the best gin party in Hollywood. He told me he made four to five hundred dollars a week during the war, a fortune then, Julie was his main squeeze.
He was also gay and we argued about that over drinks while I knew him then.
I was straight, 25 and insensitive.
I regret misunderstanding that now and always will.
He was a decent man and he felt this film was his best work.