Main Cast: Glenn Ford, Anne Baxter, Dennis O'Keefe, June Havoc, Larry Keating
Release Year: 1951
Country: US
Run Time: 93 minutes
Plot
Follow the Sun is the filmed biography of golf champion Ben Hogan. Glenn Ford, no mean duffer himself, stars as Hogan, here depicted as a single-purposed individual to whom golf is everything. Anne Baxter co-stars as Hogan's supportive wife Valerie, who sticks with him through thick and thin. On the brink of his greatest success, Hogan is seriously injured in an auto accident. His recovery and return to the links provides the dramatic momentum of the film's final reels. Co-starring as themselves in Follow the Suns are such golfing legends as Sam Snead, Jimmy Demaret, and Dr. Cary Middlecoff. An uncredited Harold Blake appears as Ben Hogan at the age of 14. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Roland Winters - Dr. Graham; Nana Bryant - Sister Beatrice; Sam Snead - Himself; James Demarest - Himself; Dr. Cary Middlecoff - Himself; Harold Blake - Ben Hogan, age 14; Ann Burr - Valerie, age 14; Harmon Stevens - Mr. Johnson; Louise Lorimer - Mrs. Clinton; Harry Antrim - Dr. Everett; Jeffrey Sayre - Photographer; William Forrest - General; Gil Herman - Sportswriter; Jewel Rose - Nurse; Emmett Vogan - Temporary Chairman; Grantland Rice - Toastmaster; James Flavin - Henry Gibbs; Myrtle Anderson - Grace; Lester Dorr - Attendant; Gene Garrick - Orderly; James Pierce - Proprietor; Esther Somers - Mrs. Edwards; John Trebach - Waiter; William Walker - Golf Club Waiter; Warren Stevens - Radio Announcer
In Fort Worth, Texas, Ben Hogan (Glenn Ford) works as a golf caddy to help support his family. He romances and marries Valerie Fox (Anne Baxter), then with her support, decides to become a professional golfer. At first, Hogan has little success, but he gradually improves. Meanwhile, the Hogans become friends with Chuck Williams (Dennis O'Keefe), a popular fellow pro.
After serving in the military for World War II, Hogan returns to golfing and eventually becomes a top player. However, he has acquired an image of a robotic, cold competitor.
After winning a tournament (beating Williams), Hogan is very seriously injured in a car accident. Doctors hold out little hope for him walking, let alone golfing again. During his convalescence, Hogan is amazed to by the outpouring of regard from his fans. Through sheer determination, he recovers and goes on to become one of the great golfers of his time.
