Alternate Best Actor and Supporting Actor 1948: Results

5. John Garfield in Force of Evil - Garfield gives one of his better performances in his nearly uncompromising portrayal of a sleazy lawyer. 

Best Scene: Falling from comfort.

4. Rex Harrison in Unfaithfully Yours - Harrison gives an appropriately entertaining and irreverent portrayal of a romantic falling into madness.

Best Scene: Failing to murder.

3. Ray Milland in The Big Clock - Milland gives a terrific wrong man performance that is particularly effective in realizing the film's tricky tone throughout.

Best Scene: Confrontation.

2. Robert Donat in The Winslow Boy - Donat delivers on the promise of playing a barrister, by delivering a powerful portrayal of a man capable of weaponizing his passions.

Best Scene: Interrogating the boy.

1. Takashi Shimura in Drunken Angel - Good Predictions Anonymous, Robert, Bryan and RatedRStar. Shimura gives one of his greatest turns against type, before he had his type, in delivering the mess of  man that covers the noble spirit of the titular angel.

Best Scene: Pondering the Yakuza.

Updated Overall

Updated Supporting Overall 

Next Year: 1975 Lead

Alternate Best Actor 1948: Rex Harrison in Unfaithfully Yours

Rex Harrison did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Sir Alfred de Carter in Unfaithfully Yours.

Unfaithfully Yours is a rather enjoyable dark comedy about a famed conductor plotting revenge against his wife after receiving evidence of potential infidelity.

Rex Harrison once again is featured in a review of mine, and I ponder again on the actor. As this is again a successful performance of his, and I think about in comparison to his less successful work. There almost seems a requirement for some element for Harrison to disregard the material at least to an extent, as wholly earnest doesn't quite seem to suit his presence. This is helped naturally by being in a film written/directed by Preston Sturges who never minded putting his tongue firmly into his cheek. We are granted this quite quickly in the film's presentation of the married couple and their entourage. We have at the center Harrison's conductor Sir Alfred de Carter along with his perhaps excessively devoted wife Daphne de Carter (Linda Darnell). These scenes are purposefully overdone with showing just how much the two love each other, and technically here we fall upon a more earnest side. Not quite though. Harrison actually excels by getting to overdo the charm, and debonair style a bit to just lay on a bit thick with just how romantically charged the two are together. It isn't this great love affair or chemistry in normal screen terms, but rather works as this more nearly artificial creation to purposefully make any change in it a earth shattering event for the couple. That earth shattering event that is obviously to be on the way shortly in order to grant that titular unfaithfulness.

Now on a brief note we do have other scenes with Struges's sprite dialogue as Sir Alfred goes about his day outside of his loving moments with his wife. Harrison's idiosyncratic proper voice being a perfect fit for the wry style of Struges. Of course that more wry style slowly develops once the idea of the unfaithfulness is seeded. This is through a series of unfortunate mix ups, aren't they all, to convince Sir Alfred that his wife has betrayed their marriage.  Once we are granted this setup is when Harrison's performance fully takes off, though he is certainly entertaining up to that point. In fact this right within the conducting scene where Sir Alfred is left to ponder what he is learned through a series of orchestral pieces. Harrison's modes of conducting are worth mention in their, not so much for specific technique but rather the emotional context he grants each piece. In each we are granted both the entrance into his thought process, and the result of it. Harrison manages to do this both in terms of actually fulfilling a bit of dramatic intention, and the more expected comedic approach. The dramatic is in simple moments yet Harrison is quite effective in creating it in his conducting reactions such a sense of somberness within the mood that develops his initial wish for understanding of his situation, but also one potential avenue for resolving it.

That is perhaps the better side of Sir Alfred, which Harrison handles well, but really what plays to the actor's strength is when it takes a bit of a darker turn. This being announced as he begins to conduct at a more aggressive tempo and Harrison reveals a beautiful sort of madness in his face fitting to a man who has lost all sense of propriety. This is shown through the darkest bit of comedy when Sir Alfred imagines one of his options being to murder his wife then frame her presumed lover for the murder. This technically could easily slant in the wrong direction however it works through Harrison's performance which brings the right intensity, but also the right lack of sincerity in his performance. In that, even as Harrison plays up the derangement of Sir Alfred as he unleashes his plan with his brilliantly maniacal expressions, he twists it towards an absurd level that properly makes the sequence funny rather than disturbing. Harrison's great because he plays it as this grandiose villain rather than a genuinely demented husband keeping the tone from ever become too unwieldy. This is the basis for the entire strength of his work which Harrison handles so well by never letting things really get too serious, except when we see Sir Alfred's better solutions.

In those moments Harrison brings a more genuine sincerity, now seemingly earned by his burdens, that offers enough of an emotional honestly to his situation. Of course those are just respites to the fun of his performance which is through the foolishness of Sir Alfred's thoughts. As he not contemplates murder, but also suicide. Again another scene where Harrison's daffy take is what makes work allowing the moment, as Sir Alfred plays Russian roulette, to be appropriately silly rather than harrowing. My favorite part of his performance actually comes in the finale of sorts as Sir Alfred, after his performance as conductor, chooses the path of murder. A potentially disturbing idea is made hilarious through Harrison's performance, which I especially love because he differentiates from his mad fantasy version. In this version Harrison is great by just being so awkward at every point. His physical work is great because he is neither realistic nor typical slapstick as one physical calamity after another befalls Sir Alfred as he attempts to put his plan into motion. Harrison is terrific by showing in every moment how utterly helpless he is to accomplish anything, and how pathetic he appears in every opportunity to be the perfect murderer. Harrison finds again the perfect tone for the moment as now he does bring a certain genuine quality but only in terms of his reactions of exasperation at his abject failure. Harrison embodies just a man wholly out of his element at every point making this planned murder absolutely delightful to observe. That is the entirety of this performance as Harrison excels in this role which plays certainly on his debonair charm, but more importantly a certain subversion of it that truly makes him shine as a performer. 

Alternate Best Actor 1948

And the Nominees Were Not:

Takashi Shimura in Drunken Angel

Rex Harrison in Unfaithfully Yours

Ray Milland in The Big Clock

Robert Donat in The Winslow Boy

John Garfield in Force of Evil

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.

Best Scene: Dudley first meets the Bishop.

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

 Best Scene: Jeff finds out Kathie has come back to Whit.

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.

Best Scene: The ghost complains about the cause of his death.

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.

Best Scene:  Verdoux defends his murders.

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.

Best Scene: Pinky's hit goes wrong.

Overall Rank:

1. James Mason in Odd Man Out 
   
2. Pierre Fresnay in Monsieur Vincent
3. Ronald Colman in A Double Life
4. Tyrone Power in Nightmare Alley
5. Charlie Chaplin in Monsieur Verdoux
6. Takashi Shimura in Snow Trail
7. Rex Harrison in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
8. Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past
9. Isao Numasaki in One Wonderful Sunday
10. Cary Grant in The Bishop's Wife
11. Claude Rains in The Unsuspected 
12. Bernard Blier in Quai des Orfèvres
13. Robert Montgomery in Ride The Pink Horse 
14. Cary Grant in The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer
15. James Cagney in 13 Rue Madeleine
16. Robert Mitchum in Pursued
17. Edward G. Robinson in The Red House
18. Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street
19. David Niven in The Bishop's Wife
20. William Powell in Life With Father
21. Burt Lancaster in Brute Force
22. John Garfield in Body and Soul
23. Orson Welles in the Lady From Shanghai
24. John Payne in Miracle on 34th Street
25. Humphrey Bogart in Dark Passage 
26. William Powell in The Song of the Thin Man
27. Danny Kaye in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
28. Michael Redgrave in Mourning Becomes Electra  
29. Joseph Cotten in The Farmer's Daughter 
30. Lawrence Tierney in Born to Kill
31. Dana Andrews in Boomerang! 
32. Fred MacMurray in The Egg and I
33. Victor Mature in Kiss of Death
34. Dick Powell in Johnny O'Clock
35. Robert Young in Crossfire 
36. Robert Ryan in The Woman on the Beach
37. Gregory Peck in The Paradine Case
38. Lon McCallister in The Red House
39. Gregory Peck in Gentleman's Agreement

Next Year: 1965

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

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

Best Actor 1963: Results

5. Rex Harrison in Cleopatra- Harrison is the only performance that stands far apart from the others, which is a bad thing. Harrison is miscast as Caesar, and his at ease style may work well for Henry Higgins but as Julius Caesar it leaves much to be desired.

4. Albert Finney in Tom Jones- Finney gives a brilliantly charming performance that is winning during every moment that he has.

3. Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field- Poitier gives a wonderful performance, filled with charm, and charisma. I love every minute of this performance, and I really could watch this particular performance over and over again.

2. Richard Harris in This Sporting Life- Harris gives a complex and powerful performance, which shows the depth of what may seem like the depth less.

1. Paul Newman in Hud- Paul Newman gives another complex realistic performance that never takes an easy solution in the development of his character. He shows Hud as the amoral man he is, and whenever he does show more about Hud, it is always well placed and within Hud's realm.

Deserving Performances:
Sean Connery in From Russia With Love

Best Actor 1963: Rex Harrison in Cleopatra

 Rex Harrison received his first Oscar nomination for portraying Julius Caesar in Cleopatra.

Cleopatra has quite the reputation that precedes it, a reputation that it is a overlong, overblown mess, well that probably is accurate. My only question is why has Cleopatra been made into a film so many times, and at such cost, is it really all that great of a story?

Rex Harrison portrays Julius Caesar which is a good thing since he dies less than half was through this egregiously long film, that way when one reviewing him they do not have to burden themselves with the whole film more than once. Harrison although only in less than the first half is the lead when he is there, so his nomination position is technically correct. 

I think something quite clear about Harrison's performance is that he was rather miscast as Julius Caesar. He really is much too casual fellow to be the powerful commanding Caesar. Harrison does not adjust himself either he plays the part in a rather standard Harrison way, that is far more fitting of Professor Henry Higgins than the commander of Rome.

Harrison just really does not have the right command for the part, he does not suggest anything of why Caesar was a great leader, or why he became power hungry later on. He seems far too at ease with everything he does, there never is the right determination or strength in his portrayal to be at all convincing.

He really does not have any chemistry with Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra either. There is nothing special in their scenes together, and their whole romance just sort of occurs as a requirement of the plot more than anything else. Harrison really fails to display any passion in the scenes together he more of just goes through the motions of the romance rather than really getting involved with it.

I really do not think there is all that much that needs to be said about this performance. It really is quite a standard uninteresting performance, that never for a moment feels like the great commander of men. Harrison just is rather dull, and his entire approach to the part is dull. I will grant he does not wildly overact like so many other members of the cast, but still this is not a performance that needed to be nominated for anything.

Best Actor 1963

And the Nominees Were:

Albert Finney in Tom Jones

Rex Harrison in Cleopatra

Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field

Paul Newman in Hud

Richard Harris in This Sporting Life 

Best Actor 1964: Results

5. Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady- Harrison effectively plays Henry Higgins throughout the film, and is perfectly cast in the part of the snobbish English Professor.

4. Richard Burton in Becket- Richard Burton gives a quietly effective performance as Thomas Becket.

3. Peter O'Toole in Becket- I would have not minded giving Peter O'Toole two wins for playing King Henry the II because he plays him very differently even though he still shows the same man. O'Toole shows a younger Henry and gives an effective and in many ways entertaining performance as Henry.

2. Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove- Peter Sellers succeeds completely in making all three characters different  and he gets a good amount of laughs from each.

1.Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek- Quinn is another perfectly cast actor, and he makes the most out of his role filling it with a great amount of life and depth. Who really could have played this role besides Quinn?

Best Actor 1964: Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady

Rex Harrison won his only Oscar from his second and final Oscar nomination for playing Professor Henry Higgins an English professor who decides to mold a flower girl into a proper lady.

My Fair Lady is one of the over the top 60's musicals. I did kind of enjoy it well enough, even though it is a bit too long, and slightly too slow at times.

Rex Harrison is a lead in a musical, but he really does not sing any songs. He strangely talks through them instead. It is a bizarre method but it does work for the character who is a bit too stuck up to sing. That really represents his whole performance though. Everything he does in the performance no matter how strange it seems to be it works very well for the character. He never really changes his facade very much and even when he does it is very minimal. But again that seems exactly as Higgins should be. Harrison really does play Higgins definitively. Would anyone else really seem correct in his role, I do not think so. Harrison simply personifies Higgins perfectly. Harrison never does falter and always comes off correctly as the overly proper English professor. Harrison plays the role with the proper amount of determination and humor. His posture and mannerisms are always positively proper and his arm gestures and everything else. Harrison is always somewhat enjoyable to watch in this, because he stays the same way basically throughout the film. His role though is not one of over complication because of this. Everything is fairly on the surface with this performance, and he is not entertaining as some performances.

Best Actor 1964

 And the Nominees Were:

Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady

Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek

Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove

Peter O'Toole in Becket

Richard Burton in Becket

Who do you Predict? Who do you Pick?