I have just finished reading a biography on Claude Rains, and it makes special mention of "Deception". I rented it from Netflix recently. WOW!
No one could tinge a gourmet dinner with such malice!
Had Hannibal Lecter been a film character in 1940s cinema, Mr. Rains would have been the man to play him.
Oh, I have to disagree about Hannibal Lector being played by Claude. Hopkins was perfect, though Rains was the greater actor. I just don't think an evil role THAT evil would have suited Claude.
And yes, Hollenius is one of his greatest characterizations ever!
I don't think I will ever hear "trout", "venison", or see the game hens that he was inspecting the same way again!
shareAfter seeing a number of films with Claude and Bette I can see why he was her favorite co-star. In Deception he was the best character and performance.
share"I know! We'll have the woodcock!"
I adore Claude Rains! The man's a genius of malevolence!
Had Hannibal Lecter been a film character in 1940s cinema, Mr. Rains would have been the man to play him.
What did the biography say in particular about "Deception"? Did the three actors all enjoy making the film? Did they laugh while shooting the dinner scene???? I wish they themselves were all alive to provide the commentary directly on DVDs of their own films. I wish we had more actors like them. I sound like my parents, for goodness sake, but there is something to be said for these films. Some might call the manner and language employed in films and by actors rather affected back then, but if the dialog is really paid attention to in the great film classics, it's often priceless.
I just think that this film is pitch-perfect from start to finish, no pun intended.
As someone who was used to Rains' Casablanca-nice character, I find this Rains a real shocker. What an actor!
shareClaude Rains' performance in this really steals the whole movie - he is superb. Although Bette Davis and Paul Henreid are on top of their game as well. This movie is actually a favourite of mine and certainly the best film Davis did in the later half of the 1940s.
shareIt's been a while since I've seen "Deception" but it is a joy to see Ms. Davis, Mr. Henreid and Mr. Rains in the film. Mr. Rains in particular is extraordinary as Maestro Hollenius and, as far as I am concerned this is his finest moment on film.
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