Ruth Hale was a remarkable individual whose impressive array of talents and accomplishments spanned multiple disciplines, with her multifaceted career encompassing roles as a writer, actress, and theatre owner.
Throughout her remarkable career, Ruth Hale penned an astonishing total of over seventy plays, each one a testament to her remarkable writing prowess and artistic vision.
However, it was her work as an actress and theatre owner that brought her the most widespread recognition and acclaim, as she effortlessly transitioned between the stage and behind the scenes, leaving an indelible mark on the world of theatre.
Ruth Hale's remarkable achievements as an actress and theatre owner were made possible through her collaboration with her husband Nathan, with whom she co-founded a series of community theatres in California, Utah, and Arizona.
The Hale family's legacy continues to thrive to this very day, a testament to the enduring impact of Ruth's remarkable life and work, which has left a lasting imprint on the world of theatre and beyond.
Ruth's formative years were characterized by her academic pursuits at the University of Utah, a esteemed institution of higher learning, where she devoted two years to furthering her knowledge and skills before opting to embark upon a career in education. For a period of nearly two decades, she dedicated herself to the noble profession of teaching, sharing her expertise and passion with countless students. However, her calling to serve others took a dramatic turn when, at the tender age of 19, she felt compelled to leave her teaching post and embark upon a two-year religious mission in the eastern United States, as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the LDS Church or Mormons.
Following her relocation back to Utah, Ruth Hale embarked on a new chapter in her life, this time forming a romantic union with Nathan Hale. The couple's talents and passion for drama soon led to an invitation to spearhead the drama program within their local Mormon congregation, affectionately referred to as a ward. To circumvent the expense of royalties, they took on the creative challenge of writing their own original plays, which would go on to become a hallmark of their artistic endeavors. For a period of eight consecutive years, Ruth and Nathan toured the Salt Lake Valley, presenting their productions to enthusiastic audiences and solidifying their reputation as a dynamic duo in the world of theater.
Nathan Hales, a talented individual, made the bold decision to relocate to the sun-kissed state of California in the year 1943. In pursuit of a more flexible schedule, he embarked on a career as a milkman, allowing him to balance this occupation with his true passion for acting. His dedication to his craft led him to participate in various productions, including a notable stint with the esteemed Altadena Players at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse.
Meanwhile, Ruth, his partner in both life and art, continued to hone her skills as a playwright, churning out original works that would eventually fetch impressive sums, with some selling for as much as a hundred dollars apiece.
It was a pivotal moment in the Hales' careers when they received an unexpected opportunity to collaborate with Judge Whitaker, a prominent figure in the Mormon community, on a groundbreaking project that would lay the foundation for the Mormon Church's foray into the world of film production.
Their big break came in 1946 when Judge Whitaker approached them with a unique proposal: to produce two films that would showcase the Mormon welfare program in all its glory. This marked a significant turning point in the history of the Mormon Church's involvement in the film industry, as it marked the beginning of their foray into film production.
The Hales' involvement in this project not only showcased their talent as filmmakers but also demonstrated their ability to work closely with the Mormon Church to produce high-quality films that would resonate with audiences. The success of this project paved the way for future collaborations between the Hales and the Mormon Church, cementing their reputation as a dynamic filmmaking duo.
As a result of their work on the Mormon welfare program films, the Hales were able to establish themselves as respected figures in the film industry, and their partnership with the Mormon Church would go on to produce many more successful films that would be cherished by audiences for generations to come.
Their collaboration with Judge Whitaker and the Mormon Church also marked a significant milestone in the history of the Church's involvement in film production, as it demonstrated their commitment to using film as a powerful tool for storytelling and education.
The impact of the Hales' work on the Mormon welfare program films was far-reaching, as it not only showcased the Church's humanitarian efforts but also provided a unique glimpse into the lives of those affected by the program. The films served as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving the history of the Mormon Church.
In conclusion, the Hales' collaboration with Judge Whitaker and the Mormon Church on the welfare program films marked a significant turning point in their careers and in the history of the Church's involvement in film production. Their work on these films not only showcased their talent as filmmakers but also demonstrated their ability to work closely with the Church to produce high-quality films that would resonate with audiences for generations to come.
As the years went by, the film industry's creative output began to dwindle, prompting the Hales to explore alternative avenues for artistic expression. In 1947, they embarked on a new venture by establishing the Glendale Centre Theatre in Glendale, California, a decision that would prove to be a resounding success.
The theatre's popularity can be attributed, in part, to the Hales' conscious decision to stage productions that eschewed profanity and illicit love affairs, opting instead for a more wholesome and family-friendly approach. This innovative move resonated with church groups from various denominations, who were drawn to the theatre's commitment to artistic integrity and moral values.
As a result, the theatre soon found itself in high demand, necessitating an expansion to accommodate the influx of bookings. The Hales' decision to create a space that catered to a broader audience, free from the trappings of sensationalism and controversy, not only ensured the theatre's financial viability but also helped to establish it as a beacon of artistic excellence in the community.
The offspring of the Hales family, a talented troupe of young thespians, made their mark on the theatre scene by participating in numerous productions, showcasing their skills and versatility. The family's matriarch, Ruth, drew heavily from her own life experiences when crafting her plays, often basing her work on her personal anecdotes and relationships.
The illustrious Hale's theatre, a renowned institution that served as a launching pad for numerous prominent actors, boasting an impressive roster of talent that includes the likes of Gordon Jump, a versatile actor known for his memorable roles in television and film, Mike Farrell, a talented thespian with a wide range of credits to his name, Connie Stevens, a beautiful and talented actress who has appeared in countless productions, Richard Hatch, a seasoned actor with a long and distinguished career, and Melissa Gilbert, a talented young actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, the Hales, a devoted couple with a passion for the performing arts, also ventured into film production, creating three Mormon-themed movies between 1955 and 1957, with the able assistance of their nephew, William Hale, and numerous members of the Glendale West Ward, a testament to their dedication to their craft and their community.
Ruth Williamson's creative endeavors did not cease with the passing of time, as she persisted in her pursuits of writing and acting, exhibiting her remarkable versatility and dedication to her craft. In fact, Ruth's illustrious career continued to flourish, with a notable appearance in the 2002 film "The Singles Ward", marking a significant milestone in her life's work. This cinematic endeavor held particular significance, as it marked the directorial debut of her grandson, Kurt Hale, a testament to the strong family bonds and artistic talents that ran through their lineage. Furthermore, Ruth's legacy extended to her grandsons, with Will Swenson also making a name for himself in the world of LDS Cinema, helming the 2004 film "Sons of Provo".
Ruth Hale, a trailblazing figure in the realm of theatre and film, left an indelible mark on the industry, even in the face of her untimely passing in 2003. Despite her physical departure from the world, her remarkable legacy has continued to flourish, as numerous family members have heeded the call to follow in her esteemed footsteps, ensuring that her name and contributions remain forever etched in the annals of history.
