Claude Rains


A very formal looking Claude Rains

Although not best known for his roles in horror movies, Claude Rains was convincing as the Invisible Man, even if his face was rarely seen.  A British stage actor, Rains came to America in 1914.  Due his great on stage presence, he was given many great roles through his long career, including parts in such classics as Casablanca, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Alfred Hitchcock's Notorious, all of which Rains recieved Best Supporting Actor nominations.  Claude Rains also appeared with Lon Chaney, Jr. in The Wolf Man, and later in his career played a diplomat in Lawrence of Arabia.

L.C. Subject Headings

The following Library of Congress Subject Heading is for use in searching the on-line catalog for materials pertaining to Claude Rains.

Biographies

Soister, John T.  Claude Rains: a Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to his Work in  Film, Stage, Radio, Television and Recordings.  Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland &  Co., 1999.
[Davis, 7th floor stacks: PN2287.R225 S66 1999]

The only work available for Claude Rains, this book covers all aspects his career.  Unfortunately, the actual biography portion of this book is rather slim, but this is made up for in the filmography section, which is very well written and very detailed.  The pictures included in Soister’s book are good, not great, and there are many other sources in print and on the Web that can accommodate a photograph hunter better than this book can.

Essays and Criticism

Stein, Jeanne.  "Claude Rains: In Becoming a Proficient Actor he Overcame a Handicap."  Films in Review, vol. XIV, no. 9 (November 1963), p. 513-528.
[Davis, 7th floor stacks: PN1993.F6473 v.14 1963]

An interesting article that follows the life of this actor from his early days in England though becoming a motion picture star.  This article is worth taking a look at for an approach to the life of Claude Rains which, although rather brief, sums up the acomplishments of the actor quite well.  There is good explanation about the transition from playing "either an insane man or one who went through a period of madness," to the more dramatic roles that he was cast in later in his career.  There is short filmography at the end of the article which lists Rains' co-stars and a brief description of the film.

World Wide Web Resources

All Things Claude

All Things Claude probably contains more information about any of the actors listed here.  Aside from the normal lists expected on these sites, this Claude Rains tribute has a list of all the plays he appeared in before he was on the big screen, and also has a list of all his wives, some of which have small biographies.  Unlike the other horror actor sites, this one has a message board which allows fans to discuss this distinguished actor.
 

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