After “Gaslight” (which is his most remembered role), he worked two more times with Ingrid Bergman ( Arch of Triumph” in 1948, and in his final film, “A Matter of Time” in 1976). Among his other classic films are "The Garden of Allah", "Love Affair", "Hold Back the Dawn", "Tales of Manhattan", "Casino Royale", "All This, and Heaven Too”, and “Mayerling”.
His superb performance in “Gaslight” earned him a third nomination, and his fourth and final came with the 1961 film, “Fanny”. īoyer also appeared opposite Greta Garbo in 1927’s “Conquest”, as “Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte”, and earned the first of four Best Actor Academy Award nominations, earning his second nomination the following year for “Algiers”. His breakthrough came with the 1935 film, “Private Worlds”, opposite Claudette Colbert, and he became one of Hollywood’s top matinee idols, starring opposite such giant stars as Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Arthur, Bette Davis, and Olivia de Havilland. As his English improved, Charles Boyer began to appear in English speaking films, including a small pivotal role in the Jean Harlow vehicle, “Red Headed Woman” in 1932. His deep sensual voice was an asset with the coming of sound films, and he made his way to Hollywood in 1929 under contract to MGM, where he appeared in foreign-language versions of MGM films for European audiences. After studying acting at the Paris Conservatory, he became one of the most popular romantic leading men on the 1920’s Paris stage while beginning to appear in silent French films in 1920. Born in France, Charles Boyer aspired to become a theatre actor at a very young age. Boyer was the perfect choice for this role, as he had become one of the screen’s great lovers, known for portraying sophisticated, often unattainable romantic leads. I’ll have a bit more to say about his performance after you watch the film. He brings an irresistible sweetness and romance. Watch him early in the film on the balcony of the Hotel Del Lago with “Paula”. With his French accent and suave demeanor, Boyer manages to seduce “Paula” and the viewer. “Gaslight” stars Charles Boyer as “Gregory Anton/Sergis Bauer”. I’ve written about George Cukor in five previous posts, “Camille”, “Born Yesterday”, “ The Philadelphia Story”, “ Gone With the Wind”, and “The Wizard of Oz”, where you can find out more about him and his stellar career. A 1940 British film version starring Anton Walbrook and Diana Wynyard was made prior to this Hollywood interpretation. “Gaslight” is further proof of that expertise, as this film is based on a 1938 British play by Patrick Hamilton titled “Gas Light” (called "Angel Street” in the US production). He was a crackerjack at adapting theatrical plays into films, such as "Dinner at Eight,", "Romeo and Juliet", " The Philadelphia Story", "My Fair Lady", and "Born Yesterday”. His work here is inseparable from the film’s greatness. Through his use of creative camera angles and movements, shadows, ceilings, flickering gas lamps, and knowing the perfect spot to place the camera, Cukor creates an authentically vivid and fearsome world. In fact, to this day "gaslight" has become an expression - which I'll talk about in the READ AFTER VIEWING SECTION below. He manages to infuse “Gaslight” with just enough uneasiness and alarm to keep the film riveting, while remaining plausible.
The man behind this fantastic film is none other than legendary director George Cukor. If you want to get lost in electrifying entertainment, this film will do it. “Gaslight” was nominated for seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture), and won two. This film is a rich example of the best of classic cinema. After focusing on the mind-blowing direction of George Cukor and the incomparable set design, I’ve ultimately come to realize “Gaslight” is a shining, rare film in which all of its elements masterfully blend in a seamless fashion, simply creating first-class entertainment. When I paid close attention to the compelling story and tight script, I thought that might be the power behind this classic. Then there are also the spot-on performances of Joseph Cotten, Dame May Whitty, Angela Lansbury, and Barbara Everest. A few screenings later I noticed the brilliance of leading man Charles Boyer, and I thought this film stood out because these two were so believable and had such exciting chemistry. I first thought the allure of the film came solely from the astonishing performance by its leading lady Ingrid Bergman.
Even after you know its twists and turns, this suspenseful love story gone awry is so gripping it still keeps you glued to your seat. Other films come and go, but “Gaslight” remains on my Top Ten Favorite Films list ever since I first saw it decades ago.
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