June 26 . . .
He planned, and studied, to be a psychiatrist. Instead, he ran away from home to become an actor. Good thing, too -- imagine confessing your inner-most thoughts, fears and dreams to Peter Lorre.
He was born Laszlo Lowenstein on this day, 1904, in Hungary. Chaplin called him the greatest actor of the screen. Adolf Hitler agreed, extending a generous invitation to make films under the Third Reich. Lorre declined, reportedly saying, "I'm afraid there's room for only one mass murderer of my ability and yours in Germany."
Peter Lorre had an otherworldly quality that was absolutely unique - an uncanny ability to tap into the creepiest corners of the human psyche (that psychiatric training came in handy) while projecting a childlike charm and vulnerability. He could play a sadistic killer, a bewildered immigrant, or a cowering weasel - often all in the same part (check out his Raskolnikov in Von Sternberg's 'Crime and Punishment'). Hitchcock used him to wonderful effect in two early films, 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (the actor's first film in English; he learned his lines phonetically) and 'Secret Agent'. He was notorious for his scene-stealing ad-libs and on-set practical jokes. During the filming of 'Casablanca', he was observed exiting from Ingrid Bergman's dressing room, zipping up his pants and saying "Thanks, Ingrid!" in front of a set full of visiting nuns. In later life, he was hobbled by ill health and obesity, and was a morphine addict for much of his life.
His greatest role was as the tortured child killer in Fritz Lang's 'M' (1930). It's an astonishing performance. Lorre creates a sense of dread as the murderer (he can be heard whistling Grieg's 'Peer Gynt Suite' before he strikes). But when he's chased down and cornered by a makeshift tribunal of the city's criminals, he pathetically pleads that he cannot help what he does - and you believe him; miraculously, he turns from monster to victim in front of your eyes.
Click here to watch Lorre's pivotal confession in 'M' . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvxBvqvuY7I
2 comments:
"M" is such a excellent film, and Peter Lorre's performance is much of the reason.
He was a great actor. I did not know about his having studied psychology. And ironic that, like Bela Legosi, he suffered from the morphene addiction. How apropriate to the kinds of rolls that he typically got.
Naturally, you could not list all of his work. But you left out two of my favorites: "Arsenic and Old Lace," in which he sort of paradies himself (how few actors get the chance to do THAT), and "The Beast with Five Fingers." Since childhood, I have treasured the scene in which he is trying to stop the hand from strangling him. As with "M," you can feel his fear.
Great article, Steve.
Thanks Becky. 'Beast With 5 Fingers' was an excellent, creepy thriller, complete with Alan Alda's dad. And Lorre was great in 'Arsenic & Old Lace' - he was funny. Did you ever see Lorre's sole directorial effort, 'Der Vorleone' (sp?) - 'The Lost One'? Dark, depressing and derivative (mostly of 'M'), but unforgettable.
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