Alternate Best Actor 1947: Results

5. Cary Grant in The Bishop's Wife- Grant never falters in his portrayal of a just about perfect character. He brings a great deal of charm, and wit to the role that makes it an absolutely winning performance.

4. Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past- Mitchum gives a strong commanding performance that perfectly fits his world weary on screen persona.

3. Rex Harrison in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir- Harrison is terrific in his role bring both mysterious as well as quite humorous in the role of the titular entity.

2. Charlie Chaplin in Monsieur Verdoux- Chaplin finds just the right tone to brings the life his cynical but also humorous serial killer who treats his murders as just a normal job.

1. Richard Attenborough in Brighton Rock- There was no question here of who was the very best of year with Attenborough tremendous performance as a young thug. Attenborough gives a striking performance that never strives from the harsh truths of his character.

Overall Rank:

1. Richard Attenborough in Brighton Rock
2. Ronald Colman in A Double Life
3. James Mason in Odd Man Out
4. Charlie Chaplin in Monsieur Verdoux
5. Rex Harrison in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
6. Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past
7. Cary Grant in The Bishop's Wife
8. David Niven in The Bishop's Wife
9. Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street
10. William Powell in Life With Father
11. John Garfield in Body and Soul
12. John Payne in Miracle on 34th Street
13. Michael Redgrave in Mourning Becomes Electra 
14. Dana Andrews in Boomerang!
15. Victor Mature in Kiss of Death
16. Robert Young in Crossfire
17. Gregory Peck in The Paradine Case
18. Gregory Peck in Gentleman's Agreement

Next Year: 1965

Alternate Best Actor 1947: Richard Attenborough in Brighton Rock

Richard Attenborough did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Pinkie Brown in Brighton Rock.

Brighton Rock is a very effective crime thriller about a young criminal who tries desperately to cover up his murder, which becomes far more complex than he bargained for.

Richard Attenborough despite having a very long career as an actor has been only ever nominated for producing and directing Gandhi. He never once was nominated for his acting efforts despite winning two golden globes. Attenborough though is another prolific actor whose efforts deserve to be noticed here, particularly his performance here that came early in his career. Of course it would be difficult for an actor to be noticed for this role, even though to be fair Ronald Colman murdered someone in A Double Life, but I suppose at least he did it by going completely insane. Attenborough's portrayal of Pinkie though is cold blooded from the start.

Attenborough creates a terrific portrait of this very young criminal in charge of a gang of men. When we first see him Pinkie actually is not the one standing ready to order the others around as their leader as they go to search for someone they have very ill intents for. In fact he is sitting in a bed, but his very first glimpse is unforgettable nevertheless. Attenborough makes it clear from the very beginning of the film who will be in charge of the story, making it obvious from the start that Pinkie always will do things his way. When he and his gang for approach the man they have targeted, Pinkie is in the corner almost looking away, yet Attenborough is easily the most magnetic presence in the scene.

Attenborough does something amazing in his portrayal of Pinkie which is both bringing the life the thug completely to life, but still enabling his character to be truly charismatic. As the thug Attenborough does not make a single excuse for his character, nor does he try ever to hide just who Pinkie is. In his eyes there is nothing but a psychotic. Some killers in film show that a man can be normal but can be brought about to violence, but Attenborough shows a man who seems to be constantly having to hold back his hidden murderous feelings. There is nothing good about Pinkie, Attenborough does not want the slightest bit of sympathy from the audience.

The amazing part though is Attenborough is absolutely watchable in the role, and as distasteful as his character is the charisma Attenborough has in the role voids this. As horrendous of a man as Pinkie is Attenborough has a presence here that absolutely controls the screen. You can't help but watch Attenborough here no matter how horrible of things that Pinkie does along the way. He has an incredible sway in his performance where he even makes it entirely convincing when he even tells someone to commit suicide for him. Obviously this is an unlikely thing to do, but Attenborough has such allure in the role it seem entirely possible.

An important aspect of the character of Pinkie is that he is a completely selfish character, but he asks almost everyone around him to do something for him. This is the most true in that Pinkie goes about seducing a young waitress Rose who has information that can send him to jail. I actually think that in this relationship might be a time in which many actors would try to make Pinkie likable in some way or hint that there may be more to him. Attenborough though never strives away from the truth of the character which is he is the lowest of the low any love he shows for her is just to get his end nothing else. Attenborough makes the center relationship painfully truthful in that behind any sentiment of love Pinkie might show to the girl, there is always disgust behind it.

As a villain Attenborough makes Pinkie coldly efficient as a killer. Attenborough though shows that all Pinkie is a psychopath he really does not ever push the idea that Pinkie is enjoying the killing, nor does he show that Pinkie is disliking it either. Rather Attenborough chillingly shows that it is simply just that is what Pinkie is doing simple as that, in the same way he would be doing anything else. There is no hesitation in Attenborough's performance even though both he and Pinkie are very young men. Attenborough most of the time does not factor in his age except for when something does not go according to plan for Pinkie.

These moments are made especially powerful by Attenborough because he really shows the true nature of Pinkie. The youth of Pinkie does appear along with the inexperience. Every time something goes terribly wrong for him Attenborough portrays it as utter surprise in Pinkie's mind, showing that Pinkie always believed he was on top of everything. When he really gets into trouble due to a failed plan Attenborough brings out just what a pathetic sort Pinkie is. The show of confidence and strength of before leave and Attenborough brings him into nothing more that a lowly brat who has gotten in over his head. This is absolutely compelling work from Attenborough that makes Pinkie into a very memorable creation because he never once cheats his own character portraying him that exact way he should be to the bitter end.

Alternate Best Actor 1947: Cary Grant in The Bishop's Wife

Cary Grant did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Dudley in The Bishop's Wife. 

The Bishop's wife is an enjoyable and heartwarming tale about an angle who helps a Bishop (David Niven) who has become distant from his wife (Loretta Young) while attempting to get a Cathedral built.

I must say one great joy of doing these alternates is getting to revisit performances by actors who were constantly snubbed by the academy. Cary Grant is the biggest who was nominated only twice, was not nominated for this performance despite this film received five nominations tied for the second most of the year, including picture and director. I suppose Grant just never was the Oscars cup of tea after all Grant was only nominated for an decidedly non Cary Grant role in None But the Lonely Heart, I suppose they figured they rewarded enough of Grant for his performance in the weepie Penny Serenade.

Cary Grant here portrays the angle who helps the titular character finds his way, and bring him back to properly appreciating what he has. In a way you could actually say that his role is an expanded version of Clarence from It's A Wonderful Life, although Dudley here is far more confidant of an angle. In fact he is quite sure of himself as he should be as he absolutely knows how to handle the situation. He knows exactly what to do at every point of time, never failing to fulfill what needs to be done for the good of the bishop or anyone else he happens to simply pass by.

Grant really does portray his character on basically one note. Now this is not in the negative of being a one note performance since Dudley would be portrayed incorrectly if he showed a very wide range of emotion he is practically a perfect character therefore he should be portrayed in a very much contained fashion.The funny thing was originally Niven was going to be Dudley and Grant the Bishop, well that in a way shows what works so well about Grant's performance, Niven would perhaps seemed a bit devious in the role, whereas Grant finds the perfect tone for his character.

Grant uses just the right degree of his unique and quite remarkable charm. It is in a low key style for Grant and does not use it to the almost controlling fashion, here though Grant uses his charisma to make Dudley properly otherworldly. There is something truly special in Grant's little smile, and twinkle in his eye that effectively conveys the wondrous quality of this angle. He does not overplay the perfection of Dudley too much, because he shows in such a quiet way. His performance never makes Dudley boastful or prideful but in a way appropriately meek and quite likable in his style of just being so helpful.

It is not the most complex of roles but Grant is absolutely spot on with his performance all the time making Dudley the likable presence he should be. Dudley never seems like a phony or saccharine character either, Grant always manages to make every one of his character appropriately heartwarming without every overplaying him or underplaying him. He fulfills his role all the way through. Now by the nature of the character he is not an especially complex character, even his later scenes where he shows that he may be in love with Young's character, Grant plays that as genuine but still part of Dudley plan to make the Bishop realize what he has been missing. Nevertheless Grant makes the absolute most of his role, and achieves something quite special with the role that could fallen quite short in lesser hands.

Alternate Best Actor 1947: Charlie Chaplin in Monsieur Verdoux

Charlie Chaplin did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying the titular character of Monsieur Verdoux.

Monsieur Verdoux is an interesting as well as sometimes amusing film about a man who marries than murders rich old women to support his own family.

In a strange way many histories of Chaplin it always seems that his filmography ends with his first sound film The Great Dictator. Chaplin though did make a few more films after that film including this one. This is a particular film for Chaplin where his character has absolutely no connection with his character of the Tramp, the barber in Dictator held many similarities to the tramp. Something else important is that there is not a great deal of slapstick humor which permeated through all of his older silent films, and even most of the Great Dictator there is not a great deal of it found here in this film though.

There quite a bit of it at the very beginning of the film when Chaplin's Verdoux first appears in the film. Chaplin almost seems to ease the viewers in to his role here by giving us some of the good old Chaplin here, which is certainly enjoyable as he does his usual physical work well as his excellent comedic reactions. Now as with his other two performances that I have reviewed I must say a great deal of what makes this work is Chaplin's direction of these scenes. Nevertheless this sort of comedy is reduced to a minimal form for a Chaplin film, and we are brought into the world of this very different character for Chaplin.

It is easy to see why Chaplin carefully brings us into this new character for him as Monsieur Verdoux is not just someone a little different from his lovable Tramp character but instead a unrepentant murderer. Although of course Chaplin's character can easily be described as a villain he is indeed the protagonist of the film, and the only character we ever really get to know. Every other character are pretty much just straw people impossible to really sympathize with, therefore making it rather difficult for us to truly hate Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux. This is of course very clever writing and direction on Chaplin's part, but his performance as well does greatly contribute to this.

Chaplin does not portray his character as evil or as good. He is a murderer, but at the same time he is always caring about his family, Chaplin though never makes him to be a villain or a hero of the film. He instead wants to make a very particular creation that never apologizes for his crimes in any way, but nor does he particularly make his character ever obviously taking pleasure in it. Instead Chaplin portrays Verdoux in an entirely satirical fashion, portraying his serial killer as nothing more than a business man. I have referred to men carrying out crimes in this fashion before, it is not even in the cold calculated sense of the word, but  rather just as a pretty standard day to day casual business man.

It is in this approach where the satire comes from as when he is going to make a killing in the market Monsieur Verdoux literally makes his killing from killing. Chaplin is actually quite excellent in finding the right tone for his character. He actually does take his character seriously, but does not mind putting in bits of physical humor whenever he wishes as well. Chaplin handles it all in a very low key fashion, never overdoing the comedy but always making it a part of his character. It is a bizarre but very effective dynamic he creates within the strangeness of Monsieur Verdoux.

Chaplin is almost oddly compelling here as he shows Verdoux go about his business. Whether it is murdering one of his wives casually, or even just keeping another one in line he does it with the same peculiar style that brings to life this character. Chaplin makes what is a horrible murderer completely watchable with his unique portrayal that could only ever be brought about by Charlie Chaplin. He is particularly excellent late in the film as all of Verdoux's efforts have become pointless as he loses all his money to the depression and both his wife and child die. The degree of humor is completely lost, and there is only cynicism left toward the world. In the end is when Chaplin does become quite chilling in how pure and unforgiving he makes Verdoux's belief in the whole world leaving a very striking impression at the end. This is not the widest performance in turns of sides of the whole of this man, but more of finding an incredible note of fatalism that is very memorable especially coming from the tramp himself. 

Alternate Best Actor 1947: Rex Harrison in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

Rex Harrison did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Daniel Gregg in The Ghost of Mrs. Muir.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a very enjoyable as well as later moving film about a widow Lucy Muir (Gene Tierney) who moves in a secluded home with her daughter (Natalie Wood) which seems like it might be haunted by its deceased owner who was a sea Captain.

Rex Harrison is the titular ghost of the film, and for the first twenty minutes we do not see him only rather are we alluded to his presence. At most we hear of him is a fierce haunting cackle of the apparition.This is until he finally confronts Mrs. Muir directly one night in full view, and we find out the true nature of the ghost. Well it turns out that the ghost is not nearly as scary as the haunting earlier might have suggested being in no way an evil spirit. In fact the ghost of the sea captain Daniel Gregg is quite down to earth for something of his sort anyway.

Rex Harrison is excellent here, and his style of acting is a perfect fit for this film and the role of Daniel Gregg the ghost. Although he is properly spooky and scary in his early laughs but the moment he finally starts talking he eases into the rather casual tone of the ghost well. Harrison is terrific here because he just does not simply stop being a ghost, he effectively conveys an otherworldly quality to his stares and manner particularly in the first time we see his face, but he always humanizes Gregg at the same time. Rex Harrison's casual fashion of acting is perfect in expressing just how human Gregg is.

When Harrison is telling about Gregg's whole haunt is just to keep people out of his home, and that he really did not commit suicide but rather just accidentally kicked over a kerosene later he does it all in a distinctly non ghostly manner. He is instead quite matter of fact so matter of fact that he is actually quite amusing. He does not show any real anguish over his death, the sort of man the Captain is he shouldn't, but Harrison amusing portrays it as a low key annoyance over more of the perception of him after his death more than the death itself.

Harrison portrays the part of Gregg as an old sea salt in his manner and accent, and I must say that he does it pretty well. Although his accent is not always especially consistent it does help in expresses just who Gregg was before his untimely demise. Harrison has just a great deal with the mannerisms and the sometimes crudeness of Gregg who inherited it from being a sailor in life. Harrison gives no apologizes for his character's behavior, and clearly shows that Gregg is perfectly happy with the sort of man he is. He was a man's man, and Harrison shows that the Captain is proud of it.

Most of the film though focuses on the Ghost's relationship with Mrs. Muir. Tierney and Harrison have a nice chemistry here, and their dynamic works well for the film. Her showing at first a great deal of amazement, but Harrison showing Gregg being slightly impressed by her, but mostly just bemused by her company. They play off each other well as they make various trades to allow her to live in his home, but in turn he will stop being a haunting nuisance. It is a most comedic dynamic at first and Harrison's playful performance plays off Tierney's straight one well.

Slowly though their relationship does grow as they come close in their schemes together. Harrison eases into a transition of Gregg being just a little bit amused by her, but than slowly falling in love with her. Harrison effectively shows a hesitation though in Gregg affections he gains slowly. This is not from the Captain not being sure of his love or anything similar, but Harrison bluntly shows that all Gregg is doing is being a bit angry that he cannot go any further because well he is a ghost after all.

After the seem to slowly drift apart due to their living and dead difference, Harrison carefully brings back the mysterious quality he had at the very beginning of his performance. He eases back into it sadly showing the realization of Gregg that his time with Mrs. Muir has passed. Harrison portray of the Captain's final goodbye is particularly moving as he honestly brings to life both the genuine affection the Captain feels for her, but as well he conveys the force that separates the two of them. It is a heartbreaking moment, and effectively makes the ending all the more joyous. This is a very strong performance by Harrison who finds perfect tone for his performance that easily could have been played too much for laughs, or taken the material too seriously. Harrison knows just how to play him in this very likable and entertaining portrayal.

Alternate Best Actor 1947: Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past

Robert Mitchum did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Jeff Bailey in Out of the Past.

Out of the Past is a well made and interesting film noir about a gas station owner in a small town whose past comes to haunt him.

At the beginning of this film we meet Michum's Jeff who is just a gas station owner in an unassuming town who is going out with a local girl and just apparently content with this small town life. Mitchum is convincing enough at being just a man enjoying this life, but he also of course shows that there is much more to him found in history. Quickly though Jeff tells of his past in which he was a private detective working for a shady man named Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas) who hires him to find his girlfriend Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer) who he claims shot him and stole 40,000 dollars from him.

Jeff quickly finds Kathie but finds that he is quickly drawn to her, and hesitates in informing his employer. Mitchum is good here in showing the Jeff of the past who seems happier and quite invested in this relationship. This is not some sort of big romance that seems larger than life by any means, but there is some connection there between them. Mitchum does not portray this as really Jeff love of his life, but something he can't help but fall into here as it just seems something so natural and easy to do. Mitchum makes it a bit more of circumstance than of unending passion.

When first confronted of this situation in this past scene Mitchum does not have a particular calm and cool here that works well in showing really that at this time Jeff has not learned to handle such situations. When he lies to Whit about Kathie there is an uncertainty in him that Mitchum portrays as Jeff not being entirely in his element here. Mitchum usually is an actor who cannot be messed with by anyone due to his remarkably strong presence, but early on he effectively makes Jeff not entirely capable of maneuvering within the twists and turns of the noir world.

Mitchum's usual presence though does come out as we see Jeff after has had his own problems due to a double cross and the results from that. When he gets back involved in the plot Mitchum shows Jeff quite differently as he becomes extremely cynical in his portrayal. Jeff does not seem to care about what is going on, and seems very embittered by the whole affair now, and Mitchum world weary face fits this attitude perfectly. Mitchum makes it clear that Jeff only really is now involved with the whole thing because he is in too deep from before.

Mitchum effectively conveys this sad state of Jeff for the rest of the film, but at the same he also bring about the change of Jeff's abilities within the world. He has learned from his experience and Mitchum commands most of the rest of the film. When Mitchum takes over he really takes over, and he does not leave a question to Jeff abilities to maneuver through the plot. Mitchum shows a great intelligence in his performance convincing that Jeff would be able to be the man in charge, even though all the while he still is in a rock and a hard place due to what happened in the past.

If I were to have a complaint, and I really don't, the film has moments where they proclaim that Jeff is in some way bad. There really is not anything that really would say that he is in any way a troublesome man, but this is just a minor flaw in the film that really with Mitchum's portrayal. Mitchum really is very strong in the role, and he is a great noir hero who is easy to follow through his sad journey. I won't say that this is Mitchum's greatest performance by any means, but it is an effective performance which spotlights his unique screen persona very well.

Alternate Best Actor 1947

And the Nominees Were Not:

Cary Grant in The Bishop's Wife

Richard Attenborough in Brighton Rock

Robert Mitchum in Out Of The Past

Rex Harrison in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

Charlie Chaplin in Monsieur Verdoux