James Craig & Jackie “Butch” Jenkins

James Craig and Jackie “Butch” Jenkins in Boys Ranch

Young Jackie “Butch” Jenkins played in four films with grownup James Craig. Their first film together,The American Comedy (1943), Jackie’s first film, was not a vehicle that found them together in any one scene, but their next three films—Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945), Little Mr. Jim (1946), Boy’s Ranch (1946)—positioned Jackie in front of the camera for frequent takes with James Craig, who assumed roles and relationships with the young actor’s progressively precocious character that included, respectively, family friend, father, and mentor.

Jackie “Butch” Jenkins and James Craig with Margaret O’Brien in the middle in a scene from Our Vines Have Tender Grapes

It is also noteworthy, that Frances Gifford, who teamed with James Craig in four films (click this link to see which ones), also appeared with Jackie and Mr. Craig in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes and Little Mr. Jim—in each case as the romantic interest for James Craig’s character.

Jackie “Butch” Jenkins and James Craig, with Frances Gifford from Little Mr. Jim