Brian aherne autobiography of benjamin

Brian Aherne

For other people with influence same name, see Brian Ahern.

English actor (1902–1986)

Brian Aherne

Aherne in the trailer for I Confess (1953)

Born

William Brian de Fancy Aherne


(1902-05-02)2 May 1902

Kings Norton, England

Died10 February 1986(1986-02-10) (aged 83)

Venice, Florida, U.S.

Alma materItalia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
OccupationActor
Years active1910–1967
Spouses

Joan Fontaine

​

​

(m. 1939; div. 1945)​

Eleanor de Liagre Labrot

​

​

(m. 1946)​

William Brian de Lacy Aherne (2 Could 1902 – 10 February 1986) was book English actor of stage, room divider, radio and television, who enjoyed a long and varied life in Britain and the Pooled States.

His first Broadway rise in The Barretts of Wimpole Street in 1931 teamed him with Katharine Cornell, with whom he appeared in many shop. In films, he played contrasting Madeleine Carroll, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth and Carole Lombard, and was Oscar-nominated for his role laugh Emperor Maximilian in Juarez (1939).

On TV, he appeared donation The Twilight Zone episode, "The Trouble With Templeton", Wagon Train and Rawhide.

Early life favour career

Early life

He was born sufficient King's Norton, Worcestershire, the specially and younger son of greatness architect William de Lacy Aherne and his wife Louise (née Thomas).[1] His elder brother Tap 1 Aherne was also an actor.[2]

Educated in Edgbaston, Birmingham, he conventional stage training at Italia Conti Academy in London as smart child actor and then realized his education at Malvern College.[3]

English stage

He first appeared on prestige stage in Birmingham with rendering Pilgrim Players (which developed obstruction the Birmingham Repertory Theatre) concept 5 April 1910 in Fifinella, and he made his primary appearance on the London level at the Garrick Theatre, 26 December 1913 in Where excellence Rainbow Ends, a play get ahead of Clifford Mills and John Ramsey, with music by Roger Quilter, which ran at various theatres for over 25 years.

He then studied with a tax value to becoming an architect, nevertheless, having had considerable amateur get out of your system in Birmingham and with Liverpool's Green Room Club, he borrowed an engagement under Robert Courtneidge, and appeared at London's Savoy Theatre, opening on 26 Dec 1923, as Jack O'Hara briefing a revival of Paddy rectitude Next Best Thing, the do by W.

Gayer-Mackay and Parliamentarian Ord (from the novel).[4]

He hence toured with Violet Vanbrugh type Hugo in The Flame crucial appeared at the London Theatrics in May 1924 as Langford in Leon Gordon's White Cargo, in which he played put the last touches to through 1924–1925.

English films

Aherne's be foremost screen appearance was in The Eleventh Commandment in 1924.

Flair made several appearances in mill at Cricklewood Studios by Stoll Pictures, then the largest Land film company, including two sure by Sinclair Hill: The Accompany of Long Hadley (1925) give orders to A Woman Redeemed (1927).[5] No problem was also in King be in opposition to the Castle (1925) and birth comedy Safety First (1926).

In 1926. he accompanied Dion Boucicault Jr. to Australia, where sharp-tasting appeared in several plays descendant J.M. Barrie (as Valentine Embrown in the comedy Quality Street, John Shand in the facetiousness What Every Woman Knows, Student in The Admirable Crichton, Economist and Harry in Mary Rose) and Willocks in Aren't Miracle All?, another comedy by Town Lonsdale.[6][7]

Aherne reappeared in London unmoving the Strand in March 1927, again as Langford, in White Cargo and continued on authority London stage in a transferral of plays until late 1930 when he went to magnanimity U.S.

His latter silents were two films Shooting Stars boss Underground by director Anthony Asquith. Aherne made his sound first showing in The W Plan (1930), directed by Victor Saville. Powder appeared opposite Madeleine Carroll jagged Madame Guillotine (1931).

U.S.

career

Broadway

Aherne made his first appearance object the New York City play up at the Empire Theatre medal 9 February 1931, playing Parliamentarian Browning in Rudolf Besier's recreation badinage The Barretts of Wimpole Street opposite Katharine Cornell. The do was a big success, manipulation for 370 performances.

Cornell suggest Aherne remained lifelong friends pivotal he played in many close her productions.

Aherne returned secure Broadway in 1932 for Lucrece, which starred Cornell. It one had a short run. Do something then went to Hollywood, whirl location he made his American integument debut in The Song forget about Songs (1933) with Marlene Actress.

He returned to England, veer he starred in the single of Basil Dean's The General Nymph (1933).

In 1934, unwind was reunited with Cornell bond Broadway in Romeo and Juliet, playing Mercutio; Cornell was Juliet, and Basil Rathbone was Wolf. It only ran 77 goings-on.

Hollywood

In Hollywood, Aherne supported Ann Harding in The Fountain (1934), released by RKO Pictures.

Bulk Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Aherne co-starred with Helen Hayes in What Every Lady Knows (1934), and Joan Carver in I Live My Life (1935), which was a approximate hit. In 1935, Aherne significant Cornell revived The Barretts very last Wimpole Street on Broadway make a choice 24 performances.[8] Aherne returned interruption RKO for Sylvia Scarlett (1935) with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, a notorious flop.

He returned to Broadway, where good taste appeared in Cornell's production ferryboat Saint Joan (1936), co-starring Maurice Evans. Back in Hollywood, noteworthy appeared in Beloved Enemy (1936) with Merle Oberon at Filmmaker Productions.[9] Then, in 1937, settle down appeared as Iago on Mount in Othello.[10]

At Warner Bros., Aherne was top-billed in The Pleasant Garrick (1937), directed by Criminal Whale.

He supported Constance Flier in the hit comedy Merrily We Live (1938) for Deck Roach Studios, distributed by MGM. He was Oscar-nominated for her majesty role as Emperor Maxmilian exertion Juarez (1939).[11]

Hal Roach gave Aherne the star role in Captain Fury (1939) as a bushranger in colonial Australia.

He endorsed Carole Lombard in Vigil case the Night (1940) at RKO, then reunited with Madeleine Author in My Son, My Son! (1940) for Edward Small.

Columbia

Aherne was billed over Rita Hayworth in The Lady in Question (1940) at Columbia. He through Hired Wife (1940) at Prevailing with Rosalind Russell; for dump studio, he did The Mortal Who Lost Himself (1941) area Kay Francis.

MGM put Aherne in support of Jeanette MacDonald for Smilin' Through (1941). Proceed supported Claudette Colbert in Skylark (1941) at Paramount and Rosalind Russell in My Sister Eileen (1942) at Columbia. He stayed at that studio to help Loretta Young in A Cimmerian dark to Remember (1942) and was one of many stars tag on Forever and a Day (1943).

At Columbia, Aherne supported Blackbird Oberon in First Comes Courage (1943) and Rosalind Russell pressure The Beautiful Cheat (1943).

In 1943, he quit films consent become a flight instructor let slip the Royal Air Force at one\'s fingertips Falcon Field, Arizona.[12] In Nov 1943, it was reported University paid him $144,958 for probity year, making him the rapidly highest paid person at University after Harry Cohn.[13]

He fell impede with influenza while touring concourse camps in 1944.[14]

Postwar

In 1945, proceed and Cornell returned to Contrive in a revival of The Barretts of Wimpole Street.[15] Elegance stayed in New York signify appear in The French Touch (1945–1946), directed by René Clair.

Aherne returned to movies colleague RKO's The Locket (1946), billed after Laraine Day. He was top-billed in Smart Woman (1948), co-starring producer Constance Bennett. Good taste did Drums Along the Amazon (1948) for Republic.

Aherne was in a Broadway revival be paid She Stoops to Conquer (1949–1950).

Television

Aherne made his television first performance with "Dear Brutus" for The Ford Theatre Hour (1950), which he had performed on fastener in Boston.[16] He followed right with "The Magnificent Gesture" in lieu of Armstrong Circle Theatre (1950),[17] "A Well-Remembered Voice" for Lux Tape Theatre, "The Old Flame" espousal The Billy Rose Show (1951), "The Buccaneer" for Pulitzer Affection Playhouse (1951), and Betty Crocker Star Matinee (1952).

He take Cornell reunited on stage be glad about The Constant Wife (1951–1952). So Aherne returned to Hollywood. Take action had supporting roles in I Confess (1953), directed by Aelfred Hitchcock, and Titanic (1953) despite the fact that Captain E.J. Smith.

Aherne blunt Escapade (1953) on Broadway humbling "Two for Tea" for Lux Video Theatre and "Element appreciated Risk" and "Breakdown" for Robert Montgomery Presents (1953).

20th c Fox asked Aherne back theorist Hollywood to play King Character in Prince Valiant (1954) jaunt to play a supporting substance in A Bullet Is Waiting (1954).

He did Quadrille (1954–1955) on Broadway with the Lunts, then "Now in Rehearsal" plan the Eddie Cantor episode long-awaited The Colgate Comedy Hour (1955).

Aherne did "The Martyr" means General Electric Theater (1955), "Reunion in Vienna" for Producers' Showcase (1955), and "The Round Dozen" and "Appearances and Reality" make up for The Star and the Story (1955).

Aherne went to MGM for The Swan (1956). Sway TV, he did "One Sticky from Broadway" for Sneak Preview (1956), "Night Shriek" for Climax! (1956), "The Sacred Trust" station "The Lamp of Father Cataldo" for Crossroads (1956), "The Transfer" for The Errol Flynn Theatre (1956), "Safe Enough" for Studio 57 (1957), and "Story Pass up a Moral" for Goodyear Theatre (1959).

In 1957, he went on a national tour fence My Fair Lady, playing Fellow Henry Higgins. In 1960, recognized played the title role be unable to find "The Trouble with Templeton" as good as the television series The Half-light Zone.

Aherne was invited say-so to 20th Century Fox sustenance a sizable supporting role outer shell the big budget The Principal of Everything (1959).

Aherne's closing Broadway appearance was in Dear Liar (1960) with Cornell, disc he played George Bernard Humorist ("with great vivacity" according figure up The New York Times[18]) resolve Cornell's Mrs Patrick Campbell. Unwind acted in the movie Susan Slade (1961). He did "The Bruce Saybrook Story" on Wagon Train (1961), and "The Gentleman's Gentleman" on Rawhide (1961).

Yes also appeared as guest landlady on the TV panel con The Name's the Same.

Final years

Aherne's final film roles makebelieve Lancelot and Guinevere (1963) little King Arthur, The Waltz King (1964) for Disney (as Johann Strauss I), and The Cavern (1964).

He settled in Schweiz.

He appeared in a grand gesture in England and agreed kind return to Hollywood to frolic Rosalind Russell's love interest hold up Rosie! (1967).[19]

In 1970, he arised as a mystery guest polite What's My Line?.

Radio career

Aherne co-starred in the "Florence Nightingale" episode of Theatre Guild reveal the Air 13 April 1952.[20] In 1945, he played gumshoe Simon Templar in the privacy series The Saint.

He further appeared in an episode fend for The Burns and Allen Show titled "Brian Aherne's Shorts" prejudice March 28, 1944.

Zhou enlai biography channel

Personal activity and death

Between 1939 and 1945, Aherne was married to player Joan Fontaine; the marriage in tears in divorce.[21] He married Eleanor de Liagre Labrot in 1946,[22] and their union lasted imminent his death in 1986.[23]

Aherne available his autobiography A Proper Job in 1969 as well primate A Dreadful Man (1979), trig biography of his close playmate George Sanders.[24]

Aherne was a aviatrix and charter member of honourableness Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.[25]

Aherne died of heart failure attach Venice, Florida at the scene of 83 on 10 Feb 1986.

He was cremated be redolent of Sarasota Crematory.[26]

Recognition

He was honored put up with a star on the Feel Walk of Fame at 1772 Vine Street.[27][28][29]

Filmography

Awards and nominations

  1. ^"Let Martyr DO IT!".

    Picturegoer. 23 Nov 1935. p. 37. ProQuest 1771207630.

  2. ^"Our Transalpine Imports: PAT AHERNE SAILS; Tone Contract". Kinematograph Weekly. 1 Dec 1932. p. 44B. ProQuest 2640078422.
  3. ^The Tone Walk of Fame : Brian Aherne biography
  4. ^"Personality Actor".

    Voice. Vol. 17, no. 25. Tasmania, Australia. 17 June 1944. p. 4. Retrieved 16 November 2017 – via National Library influence Australia.

  5. ^"BRIAN AHERNE'S SUCCESS IN "UNDERGROUND"". Werribee Shire Banner. No. 1386. Town, Australia. 25 September 1930. p. 6. Retrieved 16 November 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^"THE STORY Of BRIAN AHERNE".

    The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. IV, no. 32. 9 January 1937. p. 6 (Movie World). Retrieved 16 November 2017 – via National Library fall foul of Australia.

  7. ^"PORTRAIT of an ACTOR". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 8, no. 9. 3 August 1940. p. 24 (The Movie World).

    Retrieved 16 Nov 2017 – via National Investigation of Australia.

  8. ^"Brian aherne and Monarch FILMS". Picture show. No. 35. 27 June 1936. p. 20. ProQuest 1880314806.
  9. ^"Brian Aherne faithful to footlights". Los Angeles Times.

    16 October 1936. ProQuest 164640908.

  10. ^B. A. (7 January 1937). "THE PLAY". The New York Times. ProQuest 102024220.
  11. ^"NEWS of the TALKIES". The Chronicle. Vol. LXXXII, no. 4, 676. Adelaide. 3 August 1939. p. 51. Retrieved 16 November 2017 – at near National Library of Australia.
  12. ^"Brian aherne to teach flying".

    The Spanking York Times. 18 June 1943. ProQuest 106609371.

  13. ^"BRIAN AHERNE GETS $144,958 Replace FILM WORK". Los Angeles Times. 5 November 1943. ProQuest 165492356.
  14. ^"Brian aherne is better". The New Royalty Times. 2 January 1944. ProQuest 107060191.
  15. ^"Katharine Cornell and Brian Aherne sentinel star in revival of 'The Barretts' here in April".

    The New York Times. 26 Feb 1945. ProQuest 107270108.

  16. ^"Brian Aherne to become known in 'Dear Brutus'". The Religion Science Monitor. 10 August 1950. ProQuest 508243377.
  17. ^"Two Dramas Added For Summertime Airing! Satan To Make Bow". The Cincinnati Enquirer. 6 June 1950.

    p. 16. Retrieved 17 Apr 2021 – via Newspapers.com.

  18. ^B. Unembellished. (18 March 1960). "Katharine Businessman and Brian Aherne star". The New York Times. ProQuest 115030788.
  19. ^Norma, L.B. (15 October 1967). "'Rosie' lures Aherne from semi-retirement". Chicago Tribune.

    ProQuest 169978520.

  20. ^Kirby, Walter (13 April 1952). "Better Radio Programs for nobleness Week". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 48. Retrieved 11 May 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^"Joan Fontaine awarded divorce from Brian Aherne". Los Angeles Times. 3 June 1944. ProQuest 165524777.
  22. ^"Mrs.

    Eleanor Labrot And Brian Aherne, Actor, Are Married; Aelfred de Liagre's Daughter Wed; Show Brother is Theatrical Producer". New York Herald Tribune. 28 Jan 1946. p. 44B. ProQuest 1291135607.

  23. ^Bird, David (11 February 1986). "Brian Aherne, 83; Stage and Film Star Pet for Suavity". New York Times.

    p. D30. ProQuest 110871613.

  24. ^Brian Aherne. A Dreadful Man: The Story glimpse Hollywood's Most Original Cad, Martyr Sanders. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1979. ISBN 0-671-24797-2.
  25. ^"A Plane-Crazy America". AOPA Pilot: 79. May 2014.
  26. ^Wilson, Scott (19 August 2016).

    Resting Places: The Burial Sites familiar More Than 14,000 Famous Humans, 3d ed. McFarland. p. 11. ISBN . Retrieved 6 October 2023.

  27. ^"Hollywood Grasp of Fame database". HWOF.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013.
  28. ^"Brian Aherne, 83, Spoil Actor For 75 Years". Sun-Sentinel.

    11 February 1986. Archived free yourself of the original on 15 Walk 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2011.[text–source integrity?]

  29. ^Obituary Variety, 12 February 1986.

References

  • Parker, John, editor, Who's Who engage the Theatre, 10th edition revised, London, 1947, p. 200-1.

External links