When we think of Hollywood's greatest duos, we often picture human partners—but some of the most unforgettable collaborations involve four-legged friends. Jimmy Stewart's partnership with his horse Pie is a shining example, a bond that spanned 17 Western films and left an indelible mark on cinema history. While Stewart's human co-stars like John Wayne and Henry Fonda are legendary, Pie was the silent partner who helped define Stewart's rugged on-screen persona.
A Bond That Defied Hollywood Norms
Jimmy Stewart, known for classics like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and Bend of the River, rode Pie in a remarkable 17 Westerns. According to NPR, their relationship was the stuff of folklore. Tom Hanks, who visited Stewart in his later years, revealed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that the only movie memorabilia in Stewart's home was a painting of Pie, gifted by Henry Fonda. Hanks noted that Pie died just a week after Fonda gave Stewart the painting, underscoring the deep emotional connection.
Scott Eyman, author of Hank and Jim: The Fifty-Year Friendship of Henry Fonda and James Stewart, shared a touching story from the set of The Cheyenne Social Club (1970). The elderly Pie was unwell and often needed medical breaks. During one such break, Fonda—a talented painter—created an oil portrait of Pie. After filming, Fonda presented it to Stewart, who was amazed. This painting now resides with Stewart's son Michael, illuminated by a light that never goes off.
Pie's Unique Language with Stewart
Their on-screen chemistry was matched by an off-screen understanding that seemed almost telepathic. During the filming of The Far Country, director Anthony Mann needed Pie to walk alone down a street for a long shot—a seemingly impossible task. Stewart recalled in an NPR archive: "I said, 'Pie,' (laughter) 'now, this is tough because you're a horse. But you have to walk straight down there, and I'm not going to be on you, you see.'" To everyone's astonishment, Pie executed the move perfectly. "I loved him. I loved the horse," Stewart said simply, his voice filled with emotion.
A Horse Who Broke Hearts Before Stewart
Pie wasn't always the gentle companion he became with Stewart. According to Steve Hulett, author of Mouse in Orbit, Pie had a reputation for being difficult. War hero Audie Murphy and actors Glenn Ford and Kirk Douglas all rode Pie, with Ford having a particularly harrowing experience—Pie ran him straight into a tree. Stewart recalled, "I saw [Pie] when I started making Westerns. Audie Murphy rode him a couple of times. He nearly killed Glenn Ford... But I liked this darned little horse." Their bond was immediate, a love story that captivated audiences and even President Truman, who once said, "If Bess and I had a son, we'd want him to be just like Jimmy Stewart."
Pie belonged to Stevie Myers, who rented him out to Hollywood productions. Stewart tried repeatedly to buy Pie, but Myers refused to sell. Despite this, their partnership continued until Pie's death. Stewart buried his beloved horse in a secret grave in the San Fernando Valley, a testament to a bond that transcended the typical human-animal relationship.
For fans of Westerns and classic cinema, the story of Jimmy Stewart and Pie is a reminder of the magic that happens when an actor and his animal co-star share an unbreakable connection. It's a tale that deserves to be remembered alongside the greatest partnerships in film history.
