Charles McGraw Lives!

Posted by rhsmith on November 13, 2007

Charles McGraw in THE THREAT Attention Angelenos:

Alan K. Rode, author of the definitive Charles McGraw biography Charles McGraw: Biography of a Film Noir Tough Guy , just published by McFarland, will be signing copies of the book prior to a two-fisted vintage Charles McGraw double feature, this Thursday, November 15, 7:30pm, at Hollywood's Egyptian Theater!

From the American Cinematheque website:

THE THREAT, 1949, Warner Bros., 66 min. A vicious gang leader escapes from Folsom Prison on a juggernaut mission of vengeance targeting the L.A.P.D. detective (Michael O’Shea) and D.A.(Frank Conroy) who sent him up. In a breakthrough performance comparable to Widmark (KISS OF DEATH) and Cagney (WHITE HEAT), Charles McGraw (THE NARROW MARGIN) orchestrates a virtual highlight reel of kidnapping, torture and flight from L.A through the Inland Empire into the High Desert. Director Felix Feist (THE DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE; TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY) possessed an unsettling flair for fast-paced eruptions of cruelty and violence on screen, and this little-known thriller is chock-full of them! Also starring the willowy Virginia Grey as the most unfortunate moll along for the wildest of rides. Don’t miss this tough-as-nails noir programmer that resulted in Charles McGraw being inked to a seven year RKO contract! NOT ON DVD.

McGraw bio THE BLACK BOOK (aka REIGN OF TERROR), 1949, Sony Repertory, 89 min. Director Anthony Mann’s classic, breakneck-paced thriller set during the French Revolution was shot in classic noir style by pantheon cinematographer John Alton with fulsome production design supervised by all-time great, William Cameron Menzies. When Robespierre (Richard Basehart in powdered wig and high dudgeon), becomes increasingly guillotine-happy, the more rational citizens of the French Revolution assign undercover operative Robert Cummings to filch Robespierre’s fabled "black book" of enemies that will topple the dictator if made public. Cummings hooks up with beautiful spy Arlene Dahl, and the two are soon on the run from Robespierre’s fanatical minions. Charles McGraw, who appeared in six of Mann’s films, plays one of Robespierre’s most notoriously sadistic enforcers — his fight with Cummings at the fiery climax, rendered in Alton’s gorgeous chiaroscuro lighting, is a triumph of suspense. Don’t miss this rarely screened classic produced by the legendary Walter Wanger for Eagle-Lion Studios!

Alan K. Rode will sign books starting at 6:30 as well as between features. Be there! Don't make us tell you twice!

Also, every Sunday is Charles McGraw day at West Hollywood's Silent Movie Theater. This week: Armored Car Robbery!

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2 Responses Charles McGraw Lives!

Posted By Andrew Monroe : November 14, 2007 3:46 pm

A double feature that seriously tempts me to make the trek out west. Those that can make it, enjoy a double THREAT of one of the all-time great tough guys. We`ll never be graced with the unforgettable likes of Mr. McGraw again. Mr. Rode`s book is a loving, yet unflinching look at a noir icon. Highly, highly recommended for fans of Charles McGraw, and film noir fans in general.

Posted By Ken Greenwald : November 30, 2007 8:31 pm

I had the great pleasure of knowing Charlie McGraw. We met in the unemployment line at the Hollywood office. I went up to him, introduced myself, and told him how much I not only enjoyed his work in films, but how wonderful he was as a radio actor. He commented that he loved working in radio. He co-starred with Frank Lovejoy in "Murder and Mr. Malone." I asked Charlie if he had any copies of the radio shows he appeared on. No, he did not. I told him that I worked at the PACIFIC PIONEER BROADCASTERS RADIO ARCHIVES, and that I would bring him cassette copies of many of his radio performances. Two weeks later, we met again on line. I handed him copies of 12 broadcasts. He was flabberghasted that I would do that for him. "You kept your promise, Ken. Most people don't. I'm indebted to you!" I told him it was my pleasure. He certainly deserved it. Though he always seemed to play tough guys, in reality, he was a gentle, kind man. I spent a number of hours talking with him about his career. A delight. I miss him, for he was a rare talent — he acted with great honesty in every role he undertook.

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