With the possible exception of Dwight Frye, few actors were often -- if ever -- recognized for their supporting roles in horror films. There was a spot here and there in the trade and fan movie magazines, but the focus was more on their mainstream work. In any event, they were almost completely overshadowed by top stars such as Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.
Now, of course, thanks to the growing appreciation for a larger portion of a film's cast, most of the actors listed in this article from a past issue (1990's ? -- didn't retain a date of these clippings) of MOVIE COLLECTOR'S WORLD have received more of their due than they did during the days they were active. Even here, there was the question of coverage of these fine actors in their own right. The author aims to set this straight, and mostly from a source that makes sense, but still may surprise you.
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One thing I really enjoy about even low-budget British films is the high quality of the acting. The premise and the special effects might be suspect, but the acting always rocks. During the classic monster era that was the case as well. Some of these vehicles were pretty lame, but the personalities in supporting roles often drove them forward. I'm a bit Lionel Atwill fan and will jump on any movie he shows up in, however slight. When he's playing a villain, he's amazingly evil in that banal way which makes one really shiver. That guy could really exist you think. When he's not the bad guy, he's the best red herring in classic films. Dwight Frye is also fun, but he was not given the same range after Fritz. Tor is limited but always fun to watch, especially when he's not the center of the action. Otto Krueger leaves me cold a little bit, I have a hard time caring about him. Naish is probably the best of the bunch at doing different kinds of things. Strange came late to the party but was effective. Rondo Hatton is stunning, a true human oddity who is unnerving in the extreme when he's some version of the Creeper.
ReplyDeleteStrange was no Karloff but he played a very respectable Frankenstein monster. I always liked Zucco, especially as Prof. Andoheb. And I definitely agree about Rondo's Creeper -- he was very creepy!
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