Maxwell Reed: Difference between revisions
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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===Early Years=== |
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Reed was born in Dublin. He left school aged fifteen to work on ships, including as a blockade runner. He wanted to act and ended up studying at RADA for a year. During World War Two he served in the RAF and then the Merchant Navy. After demobilisation he worked as an extra and in repertory. He did a screen test for Riverside Studiosat [[Rank Organisation|Rank]] and joined [[The Company of Youth]] at the age of 27.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britmovie.co.uk/1970/01/01/the-forgotten-man-the-films-of-maxwell-reed/ |title=The Forgotten Man: The Films of Maxwell Reed |publisher=Britmovie.co.uk |date=1970-01-01 |accessdate=2014-08-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730131058/http://www.britmovie.co.uk/1970/01/01/the-forgotten-man-the-films-of-maxwell-reed/ |archivedate=30 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128665242 |title=THE DEVIL'S IN THE STRINGS |newspaper=[[The Longreach Leader]] |volume=25 |issue=1573 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=7 March 1947 |accessdate=7 September 2017 |page=27 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
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Reed made his film debut in ''[[The Years Between (film)|The Years Between]]'' (1946) and then appeared in ''[[Gaiety George]]'' (1946). In both he had unbilled roles. |
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===Leading Man=== |
===Leading Man=== |
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Producer [[Sydney Box]] thought Reed had star potential and promoted him to leading man status for ''[[Daybreak (1948 film)|Daybreak]]'', |
Producer [[Sydney Box]] thought Reed had star potential and promoted him to leading man status for ''[[Daybreak (1948 film)|Daybreak]]'', a film noir which Box produced and co-wrote with his wife Muriel; Reed played an employee of Eric Portman who lusts after Portman's wife, played by Ann Todd. The film was made in 1946, but not released until 1948 due to censorship issues. <ref>THE LIFE STORY of Maxwell REED |
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Picture Show; London Vol. 51, Iss. 1318, (Jun 28, 1947): 12.</ref> |
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Box cast Reed in the lead role in a film made immediately after but released before ''Daybreak'': ''[[The Brothers (1947 film)|The Brothers]]'' (1947).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22398099 |title=BRITAIN MAKES A STAR... |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)|The Argus]] |issue=31,277 |location=Melbourne|date=27 November 1946 |accessdate=7 September 2017 |page=6 (Woman's Magazine) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> |
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Reed followed it with ''[[Dear Murderer]]'' (1947), from a script by Box, starring Portman, and then he made two films opposite Anne Crawford, ''[[Night Beat (1947 film)|Night Beat]]'' (1947), and ''[[Daughter of Darkness (1948 film)|Daughter of Darkness]]'' (1948). |
Reed followed it with ''[[Dear Murderer]]'' (1947), from a script by Box, starring Portman, and then he made two films opposite Anne Crawford, ''[[Night Beat (1947 film)|Night Beat]]'' (1947), and ''[[Daughter of Darkness (1948 film)|Daughter of Darkness]]'' (1948). |
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===Hollywood=== |
===Hollywood=== |
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Reed moved to Hollywood permanently in the late 1950s and portrayed the title role in the 1950s television series ''[[Captain David Grief]]'', based on [[short story|short stories]] by [[Jack London]]. |
Reed moved to Hollywood permanently in the late 1950s and guest starred on TV shows like ''[[Celebrity Playhouse]]'' and ''[[The Betty Hutton Show]]''. More notably, he portrayed the title role in the 1950s television series ''[[Captain David Grief]]'', based on [[short story|short stories]] by [[Jack London]]. This was the first television series made on location in Hawaii, and ran for two seasons in syndication.<ref>'Captain Grief' plied the airlong before 'Lost' or 'Five-0' |
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McWhorter, A J. Honolulu Star - Advertiser; Honolulu, Hawaii [Honolulu, Hawaii]09 Feb 2014. </ref> |
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Reed had support roles in films like ''[[The Notorious Landlady]]'' (1962) and appeared as a guest star in television series such as ''[[Bonanza]]'', ''[[Kraft Mystery Theater]]'', ''The Beachcomber'', ''[[The Lloyd Bridges Show]]'', ''The Great Adventure'', ''[[Perry Mason (TV series)|Perry Mason]]'' and ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/maxwell-reed-p59277 |title=Maxwell Reed movies, photos, movie reviews, filmography, and biography |publisher=AllMovie |date=1974-08-16 |accessdate=2014-08-26}}</ref> |
Reed had support roles in films like ''[[The Notorious Landlady]]'' (1962) and appeared as a guest star in television series such as ''[[Bonanza]]'', ''[[Kraft Mystery Theater]]'', ''The Beachcomber'', ''[[The Lloyd Bridges Show]]'', ''The Great Adventure'', ''[[Perry Mason (TV series)|Perry Mason]]'' and ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/maxwell-reed-p59277 |title=Maxwell Reed movies, photos, movie reviews, filmography, and biography |publisher=AllMovie |date=1974-08-16 |accessdate=2014-08-26}}</ref><ref>Maxwell Reed Guest |
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Los Angeles Times 22 Sep 1965: D19. </ref> |
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His last feature film was ''[[Picture Mommy Dead]]'' (1966). |
His last feature film was ''[[Picture Mommy Dead]]'' (1966). |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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He was the first husband of actress [[Joan Collins]], whom he married on 24 May 1952. |
He was the first husband of actress [[Joan Collins]], whom he married on 24 May 1952. They were separated in 1954 and the marriage ended in divorce in 1956, after which Reed sued her for alimony.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71790087 |title=He wants alimony from her |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 March 1956 |access-date=18 June 2020 |page=2 |via=Trove }} </ref> Reed claimed in 1956 that he had earned only $1,000 over the previous 12 months.<ref>Seeks $1250 a Month in Separate Maintenance Suit Which Charges Desertion |
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Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]02 Mar 1956: 2. </ref> He later withdrew this claim.<ref>Joan Collins Gets Divorce |
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New York Times 30 May 1956: 13. </ref> Collins said Reed tried to model his career on [[Stewart Granger]].<ref>LARNE MAN ENDED UP IN LA-LA-LAND [Ulster Region] |
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The Sun; London (UK) [London (UK)]27 Nov 2014: 5. </ref> |
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He died from cancer, aged 55, in London |
He died from cancer, aged 55, in London |
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Revision as of 11:22, 18 June 2020
Maxwell Reed | |
|---|---|
 Autographed publicity still | |
| Born | 2 April 1919 Larne, County Antrim, Ireland |
| Died | 16 August 1974 (aged 55) London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1946–1966 |
| Spouse | |
Maxwell Reed (2 April 1919 – 16 August 1974) was a Northern Irish actor[1] who became a matinee idol in several British films during the 1940s and 1950s.[2]
Biography
Early Years
Reed was born in Dublin. He left school aged fifteen to work on ships, including as a blockade runner. He wanted to act and ended up studying at RADA for a year. During World War Two he served in the RAF and then the Merchant Navy. After demobilisation he worked as an extra and in repertory. He did a screen test for Riverside Studiosat Rank and joined The Company of Youth at the age of 27.[3][4]
Reed made his film debut in The Years Between (1946) and then appeared in Gaiety George (1946). In both he had unbilled roles.
Leading Man
Producer Sydney Box thought Reed had star potential and promoted him to leading man status for Daybreak, a film noir which Box produced and co-wrote with his wife Muriel; Reed played an employee of Eric Portman who lusts after Portman's wife, played by Ann Todd. The film was made in 1946, but not released until 1948 due to censorship issues. [5]
Box cast Reed in the lead role in a film made immediately after but released before Daybreak: The Brothers (1947).[6]
Reed followed it with Dear Murderer (1947), from a script by Box, starring Portman, and then he made two films opposite Anne Crawford, Night Beat (1947), and Daughter of Darkness (1948).
Reed had more of a support role in The Lost People (1949), co-diected by Muriel Box, and Madness of the Heart (1949), with Margaret Lockwood. He had the lead in Blackout (1950), opposite Dinah Sheridan.
Reed had a support role in The Clouded Yellow (1950) with Jean Simmons, then had the lead in some B pictures, The Dark Man (1950) and There Is Another Sun (1951). Reed said in June 1950 that "they tried to make me a star too soon."[7]
Reed moved to the U.S. to make Flame of Araby (1952). He returned to Britain for support parts in Sea Devils (1953) and The Square Ring (1953).
After making Captain Phantom (1953) in Italy, Reed starred in some British B,s Marilyn (1953), Before I Wake (1954) and The Brain Machine (1956). He appeared in episodes of Theatre Royal had a small role in Helen of Troy (1956).
Hollywood
Reed moved to Hollywood permanently in the late 1950s and guest starred on TV shows like Celebrity Playhouse and The Betty Hutton Show. More notably, he portrayed the title role in the 1950s television series Captain David Grief, based on short stories by Jack London. This was the first television series made on location in Hawaii, and ran for two seasons in syndication.[8]
Reed had support roles in films like The Notorious Landlady (1962) and appeared as a guest star in television series such as Bonanza, Kraft Mystery Theater, The Beachcomber, The Lloyd Bridges Show, The Great Adventure, Perry Mason and Daniel Boone.[9][10]
His last feature film was Picture Mommy Dead (1966).
Personal life
He was the first husband of actress Joan Collins, whom he married on 24 May 1952. They were separated in 1954 and the marriage ended in divorce in 1956, after which Reed sued her for alimony.[11] Reed claimed in 1956 that he had earned only $1,000 over the previous 12 months.[12] He later withdrew this claim.[13] Collins said Reed tried to model his career on Stewart Granger.[14]
He died from cancer, aged 55, in London
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | The Years Between | American | UK, uncredited |
| 1946 | Gaiety George | Prince (on stage) | UK, uncredited |
| 1947 | Dear Murderer | Jimmy Martin | UK |
| 1947 | The Brothers | Fergus Macrae | UK |
| 1947 | Night Beat | Felix Fenton | UK |
| 1948 | Daughter of Darkness | Dan | UK |
| 1948 | Daybreak | Olaf | UK |
| 1949 | The Lost People | Peter | UK |
| 1949 | Madness of the Heart | Joseph Rondolet | UK |
| 1950 | Blackout | Chris Pelley | UK |
| 1950 | The Clouded Yellow | Hick | UK |
| 1951 | The Dark Man | The Dark Man | UK |
| 1951 | There Is Another Sun | Racer | UK |
| 1951 | Flame of Araby | Prince Medina | US |
| 1953 | Sea Devils | Rantaine | US / UK |
| 1953 | The Square Ring | Rick Martell | UK |
| 1953 | Capitan Fantasma | Don Inigo da Costa | Italy |
| 1953 | Marilyn | Tom Price | UK |
| 1955 | The Brain Machine | Frank Smith | UK |
| 1955 | Before I Wake | Michael Elder | UK |
| 1956 | Helen of Troy | Ajax | US / Italy |
| 1961 | Pirates of Tortuga | Fielding | US, uncredited |
| 1962 | The Notorious Landlady | Miles Hardwicke | US |
| 1966 | Picture Mommy Dead | Anthony Flagmore | US |
External links
References
- ^ Wintle, Angela. "Joan Collins: My family values". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ Born: 2 April 1919, LarneDied: 31 October 1974. "Maxwell Reed | BFI". Explore.bfi.org.uk. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "The Forgotten Man: The Films of Maxwell Reed". Britmovie.co.uk. 1 January 1970. Archived from the original on 30 July 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
- ^ "THE DEVIL'S IN THE STRINGS". The Longreach Leader. Vol. 25, no. 1573. Queensland, Australia. 7 March 1947. p. 27. Retrieved 7 September 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ THE LIFE STORY of Maxwell REED Picture Show; London Vol. 51, Iss. 1318, (Jun 28, 1947): 12.
- ^ "BRITAIN MAKES A STAR..." The Argus. No. 31, 277. Melbourne. 27 November 1946. p. 6 (Woman's Magazine). Retrieved 7 September 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The King Has Been Kept Waiting, Too". Truth. No. 3151. Sydney. 18 June 1950. p. 44. Retrieved 30 August 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ 'Captain Grief' plied the airlong before 'Lost' or 'Five-0' McWhorter, A J. Honolulu Star - Advertiser; Honolulu, Hawaii [Honolulu, Hawaii]09 Feb 2014.
- ^ "Maxwell Reed movies, photos, movie reviews, filmography, and biography". AllMovie. 16 August 1974. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
- ^ Maxwell Reed Guest Los Angeles Times 22 Sep 1965: D19.
- ^ "He wants alimony from her". The Argus (Melbourne). Victoria, Australia. 3 March 1956. p. 2. Retrieved 18 June 2020 – via Trove.
- ^ Seeks $1250 a Month in Separate Maintenance Suit Which Charges Desertion Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]02 Mar 1956: 2.
- ^ Joan Collins Gets Divorce New York Times 30 May 1956: 13.
- ^ LARNE MAN ENDED UP IN LA-LA-LAND [Ulster Region] The Sun; London (UK) [London (UK)]27 Nov 2014: 5.
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