Happy 113th birthday to the very dashing and debonair George Brent. (March 15, 1899-May 26, 1979)
Born in Ireland with the name George Brendan Nolan, Mr. Brent, who was capable in both comedic and dramatic roles, began his career on the stage. Always an extremely solid leading man, he very much complemented any actress with whom he was paired. Far and away, the lady with whom Mr. Brent co-starred the most was Bette Davis. The two of them appeared together in eleven films...and they truly were magical together. Actually, he seemed to be quite magical with any of the lovely ladies he worked with...Miss Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, Myrna Loy, Claudette Colbert, Jean Arthur, Merle Oberon, and on and on. He even made a film with future wife Ann Sheridan, and though their marriage didn't last long, they made a great couple on screen. (Mr. Brent also starred opposite another of his wives---Ruth Chatterton---in four films, though I haven't seen any of those to judge their chemistry.)
George Brent is easily one of my top 20 favorite actors, and I enjoy several of his films. My all-time favorite is Dark Victory (reviewed HERE). That beloved movie, in which he stars with the sensational Bette Davis, is actually one of my 20 favorite movies of all-time. It is a totally beautiful movie, and the dashing Mr. Brent gives one of his very best performances.
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Rounding out my list of five favorite George Brent films are:
2. Tomorrow Is Forever (with Claudette Colbert and Orson Welles---reviewed HERE)
4. The Old Maid (with Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins---although Mr. Brent isn't in this film for long, I'm still counting it among my favorite of his films. Reviewed HERE)
5. More Than a Secretary (with Jean Arthur---reviewed HERE)
So, here's to you, George Brent, on your 113th birthday---thank you for making so many beautiful movies! You will always be one of my favorite actors!
