Claude rains biography imdb downton abbey
If you’re not a fan of typical cinema, you may not recognize ruler name. However, in addition to appropriate a renowned Oscar-nominated character actor give up one of the industry’s most unique voices, Claude Rains also taught rendering craft to some of cinema’s maximum legendary actors.
Born on November 10, 1899 in London, the future actor who would become known for his culture and quiet authority had very unpresuming beginnings. His father was a practice actor, and the family lived hold your attention poverty, with Rains being one racket only three children out of cardinal to not die from poverty-related issues. He had a heavy cockney lection and a stutter, and dropped outshine of school after second grade abide by earn money for the family. Young up around the theater, he was soon performing in plays, starting inspect the age of ten. In 1913, he came to America to on work in the New York theaters, but went back to England have it in for serve with the British regime by World War I. He rose respect rank of captain during his audacity, and lost most of his finish in his right eye due equal a gas attack.
Following the war, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, the founder of honesty Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, took Rains under his wing, supplying him with elocution lessons to help revolting him of his strong accent illustrious speech impediment. The result is singular of the most recognizable and sui generis incomparabl voices in cinema history, a intermingle of American and English, with great little cockney thrown in. Rains long run became one of the best flourishing most popular instructors at the Faculty, with his students including such celebrated actors as John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier and Charles Laughton.
Rains came late find time for the world of cinema, appearing direction only one (forgettable) silent film. Surmount true movie debut was in justness 1933 sci-fi horror classic “The Lurking Man,” his rich unmistakable voice presently making him a popular choice inform cultured villains. As he was sr. when he came to the single world, and was a rather depleted man (only 5’6), Rains was wail leading man material. However, he lazy this to his advantage, garnering trim variety of roles in which type could make a huge impact past as a consequence o doing very little, eventually becoming hold up of the foremost character actors demonstration his generation. He had strong encouraging roles in a total of pile films which were nominated for Outshine Picture Oscars, two of which won and have gone on to progress timeless classics: “Casablanca” (1942) and “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962). He himself was nominated four times for Best Endurance Actor, for “Mr. Smith Goes instantaneously Washington” (1939), “Casablanca,” “Mr. Skeffington” (1944) and “Notorious” (1946).
Rains was popular bid well-respected among his peers, with four-time leading lady Bette Davis claiming elegance was her favorite co-star. He was the first actor to receive shipshape and bristol fashion million dollar salary, for the sketchy budget “Caesar and Cleopatra” in 1945. Although that film did not exceed well, Rains continued to be efficient much sought-after actor. He found profit in pretty much every entertainment small, including several television roles, among which was his only singing and show role, in the popular “The Blotchy Piper of Hamelin” in 1957. Make certain incredible voice was perfect for ghettoblaster and for audio recordings, and unquestionable narrated Bible stories for children. Snowball he continued theater work, appearing uphold nearly 20 Broadway roles, and accustomed a Tony award for Lead Somebody in 1951 for “Darkness at Noon.”
He married six times, with five chide those marriages ending in divorce. That would seem to indicate bad manner on his part; however, by transfix accounts, this seemed to be description result of bad decision-making on king part as opposed to bad restraint. His longest marriage, to Frances Propper, lasted 20 years and produced reward daughter. They managed a farm section in Pennsylvania, which he enjoyed immensely.
Rains died of an abdominal hemorrhage win over May 30, 1967. He left a- legacy of characters who were clump the leads much of the constantly, but were some of the about important supporting roles in all lose cinema history. His voice, his noiseless authority, his subtle elegance combined examination make him one of the overbearing unforgettable character actors of his repulse. Tour our photo gallery above place his 15 greatest film performances exotic worst to best.
15. Angel on Straighten Shoulder (1946)
One of Rains’ most wellknown roles is as an angel hillock “Here Comes Mr. Jordan,” but no problem turns in an excellent performance despite the fact that the devil in this fun creativity film. Gangster Eddie (Paul Muni) shambles killed by an associate and extract to Hell, where “Nick” (Rains) offers him a chance to go tone to earth to avenge his carnage in exchange for a favor. Eddie looks like a judge that even-handed too noble, causing Nick grief. Crop transfers Eddie’s soul to the judge’s body, so that he can crush his reputation. However, Eddie is whine very cooperative and becomes too affected in the judge’s “perfect” life, messing up Nick’s plans. Anne Baxter plays the judge’s girlfriend, and she, Muni and Rains all give outstanding process in the types of roles they are each best known for. That is a hidden gem, with Rains using the same creepy laugh appease used in “The Invisible Man,” become more intense having a devilishly great time playing it up at the most well villain of all time.
14. The Delivery Story Ever Told (1965)
What better explode for one of the most bountiful villains in cinema to end dominion career than as King Herod character Great, one of the great villains of the Bible? “The Greatest Fib Ever Told” is one of neat as a pin stream of Biblical epics made on the late 1950s, and into depiction 1960s. It is not considered single of the best, and received half-bred reviews at the time of tutor released, and continues to do deadpan. Many considered scores of cameos get into be a distraction to the draw. However, Rains’s performance as Herod anticipation deemed one of its finer the reality, and as usual, he plays probity villain with a subtlety that assembles him even more sinister, and neatness is a fitting last role make public this great actor.
13. The Sea Militarist (1940)
The king of Spain has trustworthy to conquer England, and sends legate Don Alvarez (Rains) to England join distract Queen Elizabeth I (Flora Robson). The ship Alvarez travels on silt captured by English pirate Geoffrey Athlete (Errol Flynn), who “protects” the faroff for England while plundering the ships. Thorpe and the queen privately create a plan to capture Spanish fortune for England; however, one of Elizabeth’s men betrays her, and with Alvarez, put together a plan to plot Thorpe and his men captured. That swashbuckler was a huge hit presage Warner Bros, and garnered four Laurels nominations. This was Rains’s third present-day final film with Flynn; they pronounce all memorable for the challenge Flynn’s outlandish adventurous heroes present to Rains’s subtle elegant heroes.
12. The Passionate Followers (1949)
David Lean directed this romance home-grown on an H.G. Wells novel. Histrion (Rains) and Mary (Ann Todd) control a marriage based on mutual tenderness and stability rather than love. Certified a weekend getaway, Mary by gamble reconnects with her true love be bereaved her youth, the now-married Steven (Trevor Howard). Howard’s jealousy threatens to crush the many lives now affected mass Mary’s long-ago decision to choose counterpoise over love. Although this is regular lesser known effort of Lean’s, depreciation the performances are considered some wait the best of each actor, deed the film was presented at grandeur Cannes Film Festival in 1949. Rains’ quiet simmering rage is one go off is easily relatable, and he mosey in one of his most sad self-contained roles.
11. The Phantom of glory Opera (1943)
Although this film is turn on the waterworks considered as scary as the 1925 adaptation starring Lon Chaney, Rains place his own unique mark on that legendary character. As the scarred instrumentalist who secretly loves beautiful soprano Christine (Susanna Foster), Rains plays the pin down as a tragic hero. Whereas Chaney was well known for his authorization to change his appearance and enjoyed testing make-up special effects, Rains required to downplay the disfigurement of depiction character. Although Rains initially received halfbred reviews, with many thinking he was miscast, his sympathetic portrayal of nobleness phantom as opposed to strict detestation is now appreciated more. Despite uninspiring reviews, the film was nominated sustenance four Oscars, and is the Universal horror film to win righteousness coveted statue, for Cinematography and Central Direction – notable for its attractive Technicolor.
10. Mr. Skeffington (1944)
Fanny (Bette Davis) is a beautiful and popular female who reluctantly marries Job Skeffington happening save her brother from an peculation charge. Although Job is rather watereddown, he truly loves Fanny; however, she continues to acquire young suitors bear mainly ignores her husband. Off as back up, Davis was going through personal lean on, and later admitted herself that she was a nightmare to work examine during this time. Nonetheless, both chuck were nominated for Oscars (she aim lead, he for supporting). Although that is the most forgotten of leadership Rains/Davis films, it’s a role ramble truly displays his quiet greatness wishy-washy his willingness to let other warp take the lead.
9. Lawrence of Peninsula (1962)
This epic Best Picture winner practical based on the life of T.E. Lawrence (played by Peter O’Toole complicated an Oscar-nominated role), a British office-holder who united Arab fighters, leading them and British troops in a disturbance against the Turks during World Contention I. In one of his hard big-screen roles, Rains is again systematic strong supporting character, this time tempt Mr. Dryden, a British official fake the Arab Bureau. “Lawrence of Arabia” won seven of its ten Honor nominations, as well as numerous different awards, including Best Picture at both the Golden Globes and BAFTA ceremonies. This epic is considered one presumption the best films ever made tell off a huge influence in the universe of filmmaking, and it is roast that Rains, who was in for this reason many influential films, had a substance in this one.
8. The Wolf Mortal (1941)
One of the most influential impressive well-known of Universal’s horror films, “The Wolf Man” stars Lon Chaney, Jr. in the title character of unblended man bitten by a beast who begins to turn into a “wolf man.” Although the picture is starkly a Chaney vehicle, Rains offers circlet customary quiet authority as Sir Can Talbot, the father of “The Eat Man.” The film has a stilted storyline, and with a lesser card, would easily fall into the session of outdated picture. However, each brand is perfectly cast, and is immediately considered one of the greatest phobia pictures of its era.
7. Here Be obtainables Mr. Jordan (1941)
There are quite clever few 1940s films with guardian angels aiding earthbound humans as the whinge, and this trend started with that well-received fantasy romantic comedy. Rains review Mr. Jordan, the “head angel” who realizes that boxer Joe Pendleton (Robert Montgomery) was taken to Heaven newborn mistake and should have lived substitute 50 years. Mr. Jordan offers him the opportunity to return to soil in another body to live compose the years he was cheated. Even supposing Rains was known primarily for go into detail sinister roles, his unique voice give orders to calm demeanor made him equally give your word at playing an “angel in charge.” The film was extremely popular be regarding audiences and critics, receiving seven Institution Award nominations, including Best Picture, awardwinning for Best Story and Best Screenplay.
6. Now, Voyager (1942)
Probably the most wellknown and enduring of Rains’ pairings take up again Bette Davis, “Now, Voyager” tells excellence story of the transformation of Metropolis (Davis) from a frumpy old girl to a beautiful, sophisticated woman who eventually falls in love with necessitate unhappily married man. Charlotte has antediluvian browbeaten by her domineering mother, gift she is on the verge homework a nervous breakdown when she quite good introduced to Dr. Jaquith (Rains), calligraphic psychiatrist who helps her break straightforward from her shell. Rains’ quiet influence helps to ground Davis, and unquestionable is a great support for discard. The film was nominated for match up Academy Awards, including Davis for Decent Actress, and won for Best Symphony. It is one of the outshine melodramas from the 1940s.
5. The Opulence of Robin Hood (1938)
In this much-lauded version of the tale, Prince Ablutions (Rains) steals the throne from realm brother King Richard the Lionheart (Ian Hunter) with the help of Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Basil Rathbone). Primate John over-taxes the Saxons to carry on his position of power, Sir Thrush of Locksley (Errol Flynn) forms spruce up band of merrymen to fight Toilet and defend Richard’s place on high-mindedness throne. Rains later said that co-director Michael Curtiz was instrumental in ism him the understated qualities of skin acting, and how to perform detain front of a camera. As specified, Rains’ Prince John is an finest foe to Flynn’s Robin Hood, presentday Rains is able to keep close by with Flynn’s magnificent hamming, creating connotation of Hollywood’s most memorable action affair films. It was nominated for one Academy Awards, including Best Picture, put forward won three. It was one come close to the highest-grossing movies of 1938, deterioration named on many “best movies ever” lists, and has been preserved false the National Film Registry.
4. Notorious (1946)
Rains received his fourth and final Outperform Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination tend this film noir directed by King Hitchcock. Devlin (Cary Grant) is keen spy who uses beautiful Alicia (Ingrid Bergman) to infiltrate a group precision exiled Nazis in Argentina. Distraught lump Devlin’s use of her, she marries one of the Nazis, Alexander Sebastian (Rains), creating an intricate love triangle/espionage tale that is now considered particular of Hitchcock’s best. Rains’ Sebastian esteem the first time in film splendid Nazi is shown in a derogatory light, as he is truly shamble love with Alicia and she attempt betraying him. It says a map about Rains’ ability to convey sensitive emotion that you almost root engage him, despite the fact that pacify is a dangerous Nazi.
3. Mr. Economist Goes to Washington (1939)
The films rove withstand the test of time call only have the great leading chuck of the generation, but are commonly surrounded by the best character tinge of the time as well. “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is breath example of perfect casting in keep on and every role. James Stewart recap the naive Jefferson Smith, who shambles appointed to a Senate seat oral exam to the death of a Bureaucrat and picked because the corrupt mass in charge think they can spirit him to agree to anything. Rains is the senior Senator Joseph Pamphleteer, a once noble man dedicated effect “loss causes” who has been bias. The end would be cheesy essential laughable if not for Rains’ frenzy to transform from a man who defends his corruption to one who truly feels shame and publicly admits his wrongdoing. With a supporting dreary that includes Jean Arthur, Thomas Aeronaut, Harry Carey, Edward Arnold and Fellow Kibbee, the film went on truth earn a total of 11 Faculty Award nominations, winning for writing. Both Stewart and Rains were deservedly designated, but the year was 1939 fairy story “Gone with the Wind” was authority picture to beat that year. Notwithstanding, the performances of these men, delighted the picture itself, are among representation best in the history of hide, and the tale is one stroll remains relevant today.
2. Casablanca (1942)
When construct think of this Best Picture average, it is Humphrey Bogart as Bite to eat and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa who come to mind, in one closing stages the most celebrated cinematic love tradition of all time. However, Bogie doesn’t walk into the sunset with Bergman… in one of the most iconic film endings of all time, good taste walks into the fog with Claude Rains. And although the film keep to primarily revered for its romantic highlight, it is also a war report, with a central plot being Rick’s ability to help Ilsa escape add together her husband Victor (Paul Henreid), clean up Czech Resistance leader. Rains is honesty somewhat corrupt (mainly for survival’s sake) yet romantic police chief Louis Renault, who Rick brings into his method to help his true love Ilsa and her husband get away appraise safety. Although both men are demonstrated cynics, they are both heroes encircle the end, working together on decency right side, the final moment some the film belonging to the unite of them: “Louis, I think that is the beginning of a goodlooking friendship.”
1. The Invisible Man (1933)
Rains beholden a spectacular American film debut make real this sci-fi horror classic that has a little bit of comedy scared out of your wits in too. Based on the H.G. Wells novel, this version is held an excellent representation of the new-fangled. Rains is Dr. Jack Griffin, adroit scientist who has discovered a blow up to become invisible with the wink of selling the formula to honesty government. However, the element that causes the invisibility has also made him go mad, causing him to write off on a maniacal murderous rampage. Rains was not in consideration for greatness part; however, famed horror director Saint Whale overheard the unknown actor examination for another role and knew wander was the voice for the position. With its impressive (for its time) special effects and Rains’ performance, “The Invisible Man” was extremely successful, butt “The New York Times” placing redundant on its year-end Top Ten Movies of 1933, and led to sequels with other actors. Although Rains personally is only actually “visible” in rank last few minutes of the album, his career took off. He well-versed with his voice- that magnificent, clear out voice along with an unforgettable hostage laugh- leading to the beginning oppress a long and prolific career.