Charles Laughton | Hollywood Yesterday

Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton in Witness for the Prosecution

November 10, 2021 By Joi

Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton in Witness for the Prosecution

See the picture above? You’re looking at a little too much talent for one photograph to contain. The great Elsa Lanchester and the great Charles Laughton were as talented as talented comes. Every single performance, every single scene each ever gifted us with was mesmerizing perfection.

Witness for the Prosecution is just one of the gifts they left us and is it ever a masterpiece?! The 1957 Crime/Mystery/Drama was directed by Billy Wilder and also stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, John Williams, Una O’Connor, Norma Varden, Ian Wolfe, and Henry Daniell.

If you’ve never seen this outstanding movie, I hope you’ll find it SOON, it’s absolutely wonderful.

You can find the excellent Witness for the Prosecution on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the film on Prime Video.

Mutiny on the Bounty: Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone

August 20, 2021 By Joi

Movita, Clark Gable, and Charles Laughton, Mutiny on the Bounty

In Mutiny on the Bounty, Clark Gable plays first mate Fletcher Christian who leads a revolt against his cruel commander, Captain Bligh (played to perfection by the wonderful Charles Laughton).

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) was based on the real-life 1788 mutiny.

Directed by Frank Lloyd, the drama also stars (among others) Franchot Tone, Movita, Spring Byington, Herbert Mundin, and Donald Crisp.

Clark Gable (who had to shave his notorious mustache for historical accuracy) was less than thrilled when Franchot Tone was added to the cast. The two had fought famously for the affections of Joan Crawford while making Dancing Lady (Tone won and was, at this time, married to the beautiful actress). However, as shooting progressed, the two became good friends!

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Mutiny on the Bounty: Movita and Clark Gable

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935… I keep giving the date in an effort to make sure it is never confused with the latter film starring Marlon Brando) was the only film to receive THREE nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor: Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone.

It was due to this that the Academy introduced a Best Supporting Actor Oscar shortly afterward to ensure this situation would not be repeated.

Each of these three actors lost to Victor McLaglen (The Informer, 1935). I honestly am, to this day, amazed that Charles Laughton didn’t win.

MGM wanted Cary Grant to play Byam (Franchot Tone’s role), and, what’s more, he wanted the role. Problem was, he was under contract to Paramount Pictures and they refused to release him.

If you’ve never seen Mutiny on the Bounty, I hope you’ll either watch it on Prime Video or buy Mutiny on the Bounty on dvd (Amazon link). It’s wonderful classic and Clark Gable, Franchot Tone, and Charles Laughton give extraordinary performances.

Mutiny on the Bounty: Movita, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone, and Mamo Clark

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Maureen O’Hara and the MAGNIFICENT Charles Laughton

April 10, 2021 By Joi

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

One of the all-time great cinematic masterpieces, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939, wonderfully directed by William Dieterle), airs on TCM tonight (please check your local listings for time). Charles Laughton simply does NOT get enough credit today. The man was an absolute powerhouse of an actor and blows me away each time I see this film.

As a VERY emphatic person (meaning I literally FEEL what others are going through… fictional or not), this is a difficult movie for me to watch. However, as someone who loves old movies, Maureen O’Hara, and great acting, it’s a difficult movie for me not to watch.

Maureen O’Hara and Charles Laughton

Be sure to watch the movie on TCM tonight or, at the very least, record it on dvr. While I have a huge dvd collection, I love watching films live on TCM – not only does it feel as though I’m supporting a very important channel (let’s make that vital and essential channel!), I love the commentary their wonderful hosts give before and after a movie. It feels as though I’m watching it with them and that’s pretty darn cool.

And I don’t even have to share my popcorn! Also cool.

You can find The Hunchback of Notre Dame on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Charles Laughton as Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Maureen O’Hara and Charles Laughton: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Publicity Photos

March 16, 2021 By Joi

Maureen O’Hara

I have many favorite actresses and actors (one glance at my About page certainly backs up this claim). However, if push came to shove and I was forced to name my number one ride-or-die favorite actress… well, you’re looking at her.

There’s just something about her talent, beauty, charisma, and extemporary character that resonates with me. It has since I was a little girl and saw my first Maureen O’Hara movie, Miracle on 34th Street and it does today, many years and many Maureen O’Hara movies later.

While I love Maureen and Charles Laughton’s performances in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), I don’t rewatch this one as often as I do her other films. As someone who is incredibly emphatic (meaning I STRONGLY feel other people’s emotions – whether they’re real or fictional), sad movies/books actually break my heart a little and cause a black cloud to follow me around for a bit.

Who has time for that?!

It is, however, an extraordinary movie and I do schedule “re-watches” every now and again because the performances are so very strong. I simply make sure I follow it up (quickly!) with a light comedy or musical. Elvis movies always hit the spot.

You can find The Hunchback of Notre Dame (link to the dvd on Amazon) on dvd or watch it on Prime Video. Be prepared for the great Charles Laughton to both amaze you and break your heart a little. The man was such a phenomenal actor.

Jamaica Inn Lobby Cards: Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara

August 13, 2020 By Joi

Maureen O’Hara and Charles Laughton, Jamaica Inn

Maureen O’Hara’s only Alfred Hitchcock film was also her first “official” movie, Jamaica Inn (1939). When Charles Laughton was signed for the role, he insisted that his protege, Maureen O’Hara be cast in the role of Mary. As possibly the biggest Maureen O’Hara fan of all time (I will make concessions for her family members, of course), I owe such a debt of gratitude to Charles Laughton. He saw the special talent, charisma, and potential in the (very) young and (very) inexperienced actress.

His influence on her cannot be stressed strongly enough. He mentored her and took her under his wing – any suggestion that there was anything more is complete and utter garbage. Unable to have children, Laughton even commented once that he wished he could adopt young Maureen. There was nothing unseemly about their friendship in the least.

This was Alfred Hitchcock’s last film in England before he took Hollywood by storm. Unfortunately, even though the film was a box office success, Hitchcock was not completely satisfied or happy with it. From all indications, he and Charles Laughton didn’t work too well together. Both had such strong opinions and had their own way of working. Surprisingly, however, the two worked together again in the 1947 film The Paradine Case.