TCM Summer Under the Stars: Day Twenty-Eight — Paul Henreid

Smooth. Like butter.

Charming. Dangerous. Tender. Courageous. Mysterious.

The handsome and versatile Paul Henreid was all these and more.

IN THE BEGINNING:

Sources differ on the name Paul Henreid was given at birth – some say it was Paul George Julius Henried, according to others it was Paul George Julius von Hernreid, and still others say he was Paul Georg Julius Freiherr von Hernreid Ritter von Wasel-Waldingau. Whatever name is accurate, he was born on January 10, 1908, in Trieste, in the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Italy), the son of a banker, Baron Carl Alphons. He grew up in Vienna and attended the famed Maria Theresa Academy and the Institute of Graphic Arts.

In Goodbye, Mr. Chips. You can see Henreid over Donat’s shoulder, on the left.

Although his family wasn’t in favor of his choice, Paul was determined to become an actor. He trained for the theater at night, earning a living by day as a translator and book designer for a publishing company. One of his acting school performances caught the attention of Otto Preminger, who was then working as managing director for famed stage director Max Reinhardt. Preminger introduced Paul to Reinhardt, and in 1933, Paul debuted at the Reinhardt Theatre in Faust. Over the next few years, Paul went on to become a prominent player in Reinhardt’s theater, and also appeared in several Austrian films. He later left Austria and moved to London, appearing as Prince Albert in Victoria the Great, and in 1939, he made his English-speaking feature film debut in Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

OTHER STUFF:

Henreid with his wife and daughter Monika

• Henreid’s last name is pronounced “HEN-reed.” I know this because his daughter, Monika, schooled me at the 2019 TCM Film Festival.
• The actor’s best known films were both released in 1942 – Now, Voyager and Casablanca.
• In the 1950s, Henreid stepped behind the camera and directed numerous television shows and feature films, including close to 30 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
• Henreid was blacklisted as Communist sympathizer by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

MY SUTS PICK:

See it.

Although both Now, Voyager and Casablanca are airing on Paul Henreid Day (and by all means, you should treat yourself by checking them out), I am selecting Hollow Triumph as my pick. In this film, Henreid plays a dual role – as a gangster on parole, and the psychologist whose identity the gangster endeavors to assume. I’ve loved this film since the first time I saw it – Henreid is outstanding and the story is unique and riveting. And the ending is noir-perfect. Don’t miss this one.

And join me for Day 29 of Summer Under the Stars!

~ by shadowsandsatin on August 28, 2020.