Frank Shugrue

b.December 11, 1910 in Alameda, California, USA
       d.January 12, 1995 (age 84) in Orange, California, USA

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James Frances Shugrue was born in Alameda (California) on December 11, 1910, to Thomas F. and Isabelle Shugrue. Frank's father was employed at M.G.M. as an electrician. Frank was hired by M.GM. in 1935 as a member of the recently created Front Office Crew.

The duties of those that have been appointed to the Front Office Crew is to escort studio parties, deliver special messages, and to do general errand duty and personal call work.

"It is imperative that the front office men learn how all the other departments on the lot function and this knowledge has proven a stepping stone to better paying position in many cases."

Previously some of those that started “up front” moved on to the following departments or positions: assistant director, Publicity, Sound department, Make-Up department, Advertising, Location.

All have found Front Desk training invaluable in learning the picture business.

In 1945, Frank is credited as the first camera assistant on Victor Fleming's "Adventure" for MGM in 1945. In 1948 he is first credited as Still Photographer joining the ranks of others at M.G.M.: Virgil Apger, Kenny Bell, Milton Brown, Eric Carpenter, Otto Dyar, Bud Graybill, Jerry Hester, Eddie Hubbell, Bert Lynch, Samuel Manatt, and others.

Still taken during the filming of Raintree County. This still is believed to have been taken by Robert Hanley "Bob" Willoughby (June 30, 1927 – 18 December 2009) .
The fellow on the far right holding a camera is Frank Shugrue.
Special thanks to Chrisophe Canto for locating this photo and verifying with Frank Shagrue's family.
Christophe has much more information on Frank Shugrue on his website: Morcki's

Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift.
This appears to be the photo that Frank either just took or is about to take in the above photo.

For about 20 years Frank worked for M.G.M. Studios exclusively. From the mid sixties he worked more freelance including work for the following: Universal, Warner Brothers, and Paramount in addition to other independent producers.

Christophe Canto has done much more research on Frank Shagrue and has created a website dedicated to him and mostly his work on The Time Macihne as well as other productions. Be sure to visit Chrisophe's website: Morcki's