Paul (in back) and Humphrey Bogart in "Casablanca".
Paul played Victor Laszlo in the crictically acclaimed movie, "Casablanca", which also starred Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet. I absolutely love Victor...he's so sweet! My favorite part is when he sings "La Marseillaise" when the Germans are singing "Wacht am Rhein". Even though Victor knows he will get in serious trouble with Major Strasser for singing it, he does it anyway. I always get the same look of admiration on my face as Ilsa does at that part.
Also in 1942, Henreid starred with Bette Davis in "Now, Voyager", which also featured Claude Rains and Gladys Cooper. Paul played Jerry Durrance, the man who helped ugly ducking to swan Bette Davis realize how much the world needs her. He accomplishes this by not only devoted himself to her (even though he's married) but also allowing his daughter, Tina, to accompany her everywhere. Charlotte (Davis) relates to the girl because Tina believes that she is a worthless, unwanted child. This is what Charlotte used to think, because her overbearing mother (Cooper) convinced her that she was unwanted and unloved. But Charlotte changes her mind with the help of Jerry and Dr. Jacquith (Rains). This is a must-see movie! It's almost as good as "Casablanca"...almost!! =)
In 1944, Paul starred with his "Casablanca" co-stars Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre in "The Conspirators". Also that year, Paul joined a very famous group of celebrities for "Hollywood Canteen". The stars included such notable names as Bette Davis, Jack Benny, Joan Crawford, Eddie Cantor, and many more.
In 1946, Paul starred as Reverend Arthur Nicholls in the movie, "Devotion", which also starred Olivia de Havilland and Ida Lupino. I've never seen this movie, but I would like to because it's about the Bronte family. And everyone knows how much I like "Jane Eyre". =)
In 1948, Henreid starred in the film-noir movie, "Hollow Triumph", co-starring Joan Bennett. He also produced this film. In the 1950's, Paul directed some episodes of famous television shows, including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and " "Bonanza".
Henreid also directed the 1964 movie "Dead Ringer", starring his old co-star Bette Davis, Karl Malden, and Peter Lawford. It's about a woman, Edith, played by Davis, and her struggles to help her financial situation. She has an estranged twin sister, Margaret, who married the love of Edie's life, only for money. Edie kills her sister, and takes her place. It's very suspenseful, because not only does Edie no nothing about her sister, Maggie had a domineering boyfriend, played by Lawford. Edie's boyfriend, Jim (Malden), is also a detective in the case of Maggie's husband's death. People think that it might be murder, considering that Maggie never loved him, and because of the boyfriend Tony. But since Edie is now Maggie, if they find evidence against her, she will have to take the blame. This is a great movie, and I highly recommend it!
Although Henreid never really recaptured the magic he had in "Casablanca" and "Now, Voyager", he distinguished himself as a great actor, and a wonderful producer and director. He also starred in some of the most memorable movies ever. His portrayal as Victor Laszlo is magnificent, and you know it must have to be, because Ilsa stays with him even though she loves Rick. Paul Henreid died on March 29th, 1992 of pneumonia. Although some people may not know who he is today, he will live on as the courageous and devoted Victor Laszlo.
Links to other sites on the Web
Elizabeth's Humphrey Bogart Page
Elizabeth's Bette Davis Page
Elizabeth's Gladys Cooper Page
Elizabeth's Olivia de Havilland Page
Author's Note
Please click on the link above to take you to my note from the author. Hopefully, this will help solve some problems that have been occuring lately.
people have visited this site since July 1999
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