Born James Lablache Stewart in London, this handsome Englishman began his show business career as a film extra, before taking to the British stage, alongside such greats as Robert Donat, Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. Theatre work eventually led to film work, with success coming first in Britain, then in America.
In the very early days of Stewart's film career, it was determined that a name change was in order. With a popular young American actor also having the name of James Stewart, confusion would undoubtedly result. Thus, James Lablache Stewart dropped the James, moved Stewart to his first name, and took on the surname Granger---the maiden name of one of his grandmothers. Although officially Stewart Granger and no longer in danger of being confused with the American James Stewart, his family and friends would always call him "Jimmy."
Since I've only gotten to know Stewart Granger in the last two years, there are many of his films I have yet to see. So, while my list of favorites may change as I catch more of his films, at the present time, my all-time favorite Stewart Granger film is The Prisoner of Zenda. Also starring Deborah Kerr and James Mason, this completely charming film features a terrific swashbuckling scene. (Reviewed HERE)
Rounding out my list of five favorite Stewart Granger films are:
2. Moonfleet (with George Sanders, Joan Greenwood, and John Whiteley---reviewed HERE)
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3. King Solomon's Mines (with Deborah Kerr, it took me 2 viewings to appreciate this film)
4. Salome (with Rita Hayworth---reviewed HERE)
5. All the Brothers Were Valiant (with Robert Taylor and Ann Blyth---reviewed HERE)
With Scaramouche and Beau Brummell on my list of soon-to-watch Granger films, this list could find itself changing very shortly.
So, here's to you, Mr. Stewart Granger, on your centennial birthday! You were a wonderful, very entertaining actor, and you will always be one of my faves. I'm glad you left so many great films by which we can remember you, for in the words of George Eliot, "Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them."
