Barry Norton | WatchedThis

Barry Norton

Barry Norton

Acting

Biography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Barry Norton (born Alfredo Carlos Birabén; June 16, 1905 – August 24, 1956) was an Argentinian-American actor. He appeared in over 90 films, starting in silent films from 1925 until his death in 1956. He is perhaps best known for his role as Juan Harker in Universal Pictures' Spanish-language version of Drácula in 1931, the English language role of Jonathan Harker originated by David Manners. Arriving in Hollywood in the 1920s, Norton first appeared as an extra in The Black Pirate (1926) but was soon cast in Fox Films' The Lily that same year. His big break came when he was given the role of Pvt. "Mother's Boy" Lewisohn in What Price Glory?, which turned out to be a huge commercial success. He landed substantial roles in Legion of the Condemned and 4 Devils (both 1928), which were also very successful. His acting was well received by audiences and critics at the time, and during the silent era he avoided being typecast as a Latin lover. One theater owner in Golden City, Montana said, "[Norton] has as yet to show me a bad performance. There's a boy that is a 'natural'." In the early 1930s, Norton could still get leading roles in major films. Major Hollywood studios started producing alternate-language versions of their prestige productions, and he became one of dozens of Latino actors needed. Drácula was one of these films, but Norton also appeared in Spanish-language versions of Paramount on Parade (1930), The Benson Murder Case (1930), and The Criminal Code (1931). In a few cases, he appeared in both versions of a film. Examples include Storm Over the Andes (Spanish version: Alas sobre El Chaco), The Sea Fiend (El diablo del Mar), and Captain Calamity (El capitan Tormenta), the latter film reuniting him with Lupita Tovar, his romantic interest from Dracula. In addition to roles in Spanish-territory films, he had roles in numerous major films, usually playing sophisticated Europeans. With the decline in Spanish-language film production in Los Angeles, Norton's opportunities for leading roles became less and less frequent. Though he had a pleasing voice, his Argentine accent seemed incongruous with his appearance. According to some sources, he never mastered English very well. In 1933, he secured what would be his last important role, playing Jean Parker's Spanish fiancé in Frank Capra's Lady for a Day (1933). Although he would continue to work for another 15 years, Norton's last credited screen role would be Should Husbands Work? (1939). For the rest of his career, Norton continued to reside in Los Angeles and obtain small roles in films. Many films he appeared in are now considered to be classics.

Filmography Movies

Acting

CurmudgeonMOVIE
MOVIE

Curmudgeon

10.0(0.0K)
Curmudgeon
Poster for Storm Over the Andes
MOVIE

Storm Over the Andes

7.0(0.0K)
Storm Over the Andes
Diaz
Poster for The Canyon of Light
MOVIE

The Canyon of Light

9.0(0.0K)
The Canyon of Light
Ricardo Deane
Poster for Lady for a Day
MOVIE

Lady for a Day

7.1(0.1K)
Lady for a Day
Carlos
Poster for Without Reservations
MOVIE

Without Reservations

6.2(0.0K)
Without Reservations
Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Poster for The Strange Door
MOVIE

The Strange Door

6.1(0.0K)
The Strange Door
Poster for What Price Glory
MOVIE

What Price Glory

6.4(0.0K)
What Price Glory
Pvt. Kenneth 'Mother's Boy' Lewisohn
Poster for Dishonored
MOVIE

Dishonored

6.8(0.1K)
Dishonored
Young Lieutenant - Firing Squad
Poster for Cocktail Hour
MOVIE

Cocktail Hour

5.3(0.0K)
Cocktail Hour
Philippe
Poster for No Man of Her Own
MOVIE

No Man of Her Own

6.9(0.0K)
No Man of Her Own
Country Club Patron (uncredited)

Gallery

Barry Norton portrait
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