Remembering Claude's Reign During Hollywood's Golden Age

One of the most versatile actors ever to appear on the silver screen was born on November 10, 1889 in London, England. I am speaking of Claude Rains. As a huge fan of Bette Davis and Warner Brothers' films, I grew up on a steady diet of Claude Rains. I can honestly say Claude never disappointed me. The film might be mediocre, but he never was. I decided he deserved a birthday tribute -- so here it is!

During the Halloween season, my husband David and I were watching many movies from our various Universal Legacy Collections. The Invisible Man was part of viewing. We also watched the bonus features that came with the DVD. There was an interview with Claude's daughter Jessica which revealed that Claude grew up with a strong Cockney accent. Apparently, he would tell her bedtime stories as a child that he had learned as a boy. Jessica said she really could not understand what her father was saying. David and I were shocked. Claude Rains has one of the most articulate voices in the history of film. It made me appreciate Claude Rains even more. Obviously, it was through hard work and determination that he cultivated his great voice.

The Invisible Man was the perfect American film debut for Rains. The role of Dr. Jack Griffin required unique talent. After all, the audience doesn't get to see the title character until the very end of the movie. Rains was outstanding at using his vocal intonations to communicate Griffin's moods and state of mind. How many actors could have made such a strong first impression "sight unseen" ? I'm even more in awe of his performance in The Invisible Man after doing some research  for this article. I discovered that  Rains needed numerous elecution lessons to overcome a speech impediment as well as his cockney accent. Claude Rains truly can be described as a self made man.

To me, Claude Rains was fearless in so many ways. First of all, Claude was 44 years old by the time he made his first American motion picture. Rather than choose roles that were too young for him, Rains took on middle aged roles. His success indicates that he chose wisely. I love him as Adam Lemp in  Four Daughters, Four Wives, and Four Mothers. He brings a quiet strength to the role of father of four spirited young women. While this series was designed to showcase the Lane sisters, it is obvious that Rains is the anchor of these films. During this same time period, Claude Rains took on another middle aged role as Senator Paine in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Rains' portrayal of Paine is brilliant. The audience hates what Paine does to the title character. However, Rains successfully communicates the genuine affection Paine has for Smith. Therefore, the audience does not hate Paine the man. It is hard distinction to play well but Claude Rains pulls it off.

Second, Claude Rains was willing to act in a variety of genres. Many actors found their niche and stuck with it. Claude Rains did period pieces like Anthony Adverse and The Prince and the Pauper. He costarred in adventure films like The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Sea Hawk. Rains was adept in comedies like Here Comes Mr. Jordan and Angel on my Shoulder. He brought style and class to horror movies like The Wolfman and Phantom of the Opera. Rains even dared into the world of epics costarring in Lawrence of Arabia and The Greatest Story Ever Told. Whatever the genre, Claude Rains brought something special to production. You never got the feeling that Rains was "just going through the motions."   He seemed put just much time into developing characters in smaller productions as he did in big budget motion pictures.

Third, Claude Rains was willing to act with the best. Ego or fear often prevented some actors from working with other high caliber actors. Rains held his own with some of screen's strongest personalities. He costarred four times with Bette Davis and she never out acted him. In fact, she greatly respected Rains and her performances with Rains are some of her best. My favorite Davis-Rains pairing was Mr. Skeffington. Claude takes a role which could have been quite dull and makes him someone we care about deeply. Job Skeffington has an innate decency and kind hearted nature. His vain wife Fanny often mistakes this naivete. However, the audience recognizes Job's intelligence and admires his ability to tolerate and love his spouse unconditionally. It is one of my favorite performances by Claude Rains.

My other two favorite portrayals by Claude Rains have to be Alex Sebatian in Notorious and Captain Louis Renault in Casablanca. In Notorious, Rains is a Nazi hiding out in South America. We should absolutely hate this man. However, Rains makes us feel sorry for Sebastian. Yes, he is poisoning his wife (Ingrid Bergman), but she is spying on him for the US government. Rains successfully helps us see Alex Sebastian is not just a Nazi criminal. He is also a man who believes he has a second chance at life because of this young woman. Only Claude Rains could make us understand the betrayal Alex felt as husband not just the betrayal he feels to his Nazi cause. I actually feel a bit sorry for Alex at the end of the film when he is found out. Rains plays the final scene with such desperation it's hard not to have a little sympathy for Alex Sebastian.

To me, Rains was at his best in Casablanca. Captain Louis Renault is the most interesting character in the film in my opinion. On the surface, he is just a manipulative man trying to take advantage of his position. In fact, Renault refers to himself as "poor, corrupt official." However, Renault does show loyalty to Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) throughout the film. In addition, it is refreshing to see a character who is not pretending to be something he's not. Louis admits that he looks out for his own interests and enjoys the perks that come with being head prefect. Claude Rains plays Renault as a flawed yet charming man.  Therefore, the audience accepts and likes Renault in spite of his faults.

Claude Rains endures as one of the great actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. He was wise enough to avoid typecasting. Therefore, his "type" never went out of style. To me, the delivery of  his lines was impeccable. In particular, I love when Claude is playing the villain we hate yet we can't help but like too. Why do we like his villains? I think it's because Claude gave his villains humanity. He could deliver the lines of a villain with a clever wit and sly gestures. In addition, Claude's villains seemed to be gracious in defeat.

I will be enjoying some of the films starring this great actor during TCM's birthday tribute on November 10th to Claude Rains. The schedule will be:
6 AM          Anthony Adverse
8:30 AM     Four Daughters
10:15 AM   Daughters Courageous
12:15 PM    Four Wives
2:15 PM      Four Mothers
3:45 PM      Here Comes Mr. Jordan
5:30 PM      Mr. Skeffington

Tune in and judge for yourself!