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classicfilmCrossposted from my blog.
Claude Rains is one of the finest actors to ever step in front of the camera. He is more than just a character actor or supporting player. He has charm, sophistication, real substance. With that lovely, distinctive voice and those expressive eyes (and eyebrows) Rains is a pleasure to listen to and watch. He is a scene stealer--and that is meant as a compliment. Very few actors could steal the spotlight from such stars as James Stewart, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant; but Rains did and with great ease and class.
I think about his performance in Casablanca. Yes, the chemistry between Bogie and Ingrid keeps the film moving along. And I adore Paul Henreid. But every single moment Rains' Renault is present, even if he's just standing there, he's stealing the scene. He has the greatest lines and the best facial expressions. The only other person who steals scenes in the film? Sydney Greenstreet. What I wouldn't give to have the two of them have a scene together! That would be something else!
Claude as Captain Renault with Conrad Veidt as Major Strasser in Casablanca
Another performance that I adore is Rains in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Senator Paine has been taken in by the corrupt nature of Washington and it's not until Jefferson Smith (Stewart), with his innocence and upstanding morals and ethics, that Paine finally realizes the error of his ways. The final scene where Paine finally breaks down is so moving. Every scene leading up to that one, Rains is absolutely stellar. Even though he is corrupt, you know he will be redeemed. Perfectly played.
As Senator Joseph Harrison Paine in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
One of my favorite of his performances is in Notorious. Who else could play a Nazi that gains the viewer's sympathy? Even though you want Devlin (Grant) and Alicia (Bergman) to be together in the end, you can't help but pity Alex. Maybe it's because he was taken by Alicia. Maybe it's because he's in a hell of a lot of trouble with his Nazi pals. Maybe because he has a crazy, controlling bitch of a mother. Probably all three.
Alex Sebastian suspects his wife Alicia of being an American agent in Notorious
Two Englishmen take time for tea: Rains and Grant on the set of Notorious. One of my favorite pictures.
Claude was nominated for 4 Academy Awards for his roles in the 3 films mentioned here, and for Mr. Skeffington, another amazing, heartbreaking performance. He never won, which is an absolute shame. When I think about all the actors who didn't win Oscars it's really quite surprising, but then it makes me wonder if the damn thing is worth anything to begin with. A lot of people were completely ignored...but then again a lot of great actors were given recognition. So who knows.
Happy 120th Birthday, Claude. You are one of the greatest!
Claude Rains is one of the finest actors to ever step in front of the camera. He is more than just a character actor or supporting player. He has charm, sophistication, real substance. With that lovely, distinctive voice and those expressive eyes (and eyebrows) Rains is a pleasure to listen to and watch. He is a scene stealer--and that is meant as a compliment. Very few actors could steal the spotlight from such stars as James Stewart, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant; but Rains did and with great ease and class.
I think about his performance in Casablanca. Yes, the chemistry between Bogie and Ingrid keeps the film moving along. And I adore Paul Henreid. But every single moment Rains' Renault is present, even if he's just standing there, he's stealing the scene. He has the greatest lines and the best facial expressions. The only other person who steals scenes in the film? Sydney Greenstreet. What I wouldn't give to have the two of them have a scene together! That would be something else!
Claude as Captain Renault with Conrad Veidt as Major Strasser in Casablanca
Another performance that I adore is Rains in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Senator Paine has been taken in by the corrupt nature of Washington and it's not until Jefferson Smith (Stewart), with his innocence and upstanding morals and ethics, that Paine finally realizes the error of his ways. The final scene where Paine finally breaks down is so moving. Every scene leading up to that one, Rains is absolutely stellar. Even though he is corrupt, you know he will be redeemed. Perfectly played.
As Senator Joseph Harrison Paine in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
One of my favorite of his performances is in Notorious. Who else could play a Nazi that gains the viewer's sympathy? Even though you want Devlin (Grant) and Alicia (Bergman) to be together in the end, you can't help but pity Alex. Maybe it's because he was taken by Alicia. Maybe it's because he's in a hell of a lot of trouble with his Nazi pals. Maybe because he has a crazy, controlling bitch of a mother. Probably all three.
Alex Sebastian suspects his wife Alicia of being an American agent in Notorious
Two Englishmen take time for tea: Rains and Grant on the set of Notorious. One of my favorite pictures.
Claude was nominated for 4 Academy Awards for his roles in the 3 films mentioned here, and for Mr. Skeffington, another amazing, heartbreaking performance. He never won, which is an absolute shame. When I think about all the actors who didn't win Oscars it's really quite surprising, but then it makes me wonder if the damn thing is worth anything to begin with. A lot of people were completely ignored...but then again a lot of great actors were given recognition. So who knows.
Happy 120th Birthday, Claude. You are one of the greatest!
(no subject)
Date: 2010-03-25 03:52 am (UTC)Also: I'd never seen that picture of Claude and Cary before, and I'm glad you posted it. :)
(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-01 06:26 pm (UTC)Mind if I add you? I always love meeting other clasic film fans.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-04-01 09:37 pm (UTC)Oh, yeah, go ahead!