By Andrea K. Hammer
As one astute film viewer recently observed, the classics retain their power, in part, because of strong supporting roles. These “secondary” characters often add depth, dimension and flavor in memorable and sometimes overlooked performances. Here are some noteworthy ones, contributing to the magnetic quality of movies inviting repeated screenings:
An Affair to Remember: Playing the endearing grandmother Janou, Cathleen Nesbitt shapes her role with complete tenderness. As the elderly relative with visible fragility, her strong relationship with playboy Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) has the power to draw him for visits to her remote and isolated retreat. In scenes that remain permanently imprinted on the mind and in film history, Cathleen Nesbitt adds gentle wisdom as a grounding force during interactions with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (Terry McKay).
The Bishop’s Wife: In this classic, with special effects ahead of their time, Cary Grant (the angel Dudley) and Loretta Young (Julia Brougham) unquestionably hold the star power. However, Monty Woolley (Professor Wutheridge) offers a strong shoulder for Loretta Young‘s character, as she struggles through a difficult period with her husband, Henry (David Niven). As the attentive maid Matilda, Elsa Lanchester conveys a breathless sense of awe for Dudley, which is thoroughly charming in another notable supporting role.
It Happened One Night: This film, which won five Academy Awards (including Best Writing, Adaptation by Robert Riskin), was the first movie receiving all four major Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Clark Gable), Best Actress (Claudette Colbert) and Best Director (Frank Capra). Clark Gable (Peter Warner) and Claudette Colbert (Ellie Andrews) make sparks fly in this surprising pairing and unforgettable scenes about the Walls of Jericho. However, as Ellie’s exasperated but loving millionaire father, Walter Connolly adds subtle humor in scenes about settling accounts with Peter Warner (Clark Gable) and offering Ellie (Claudette Colbert) an escape during an unwanted marriage to King Westley (Jameson Thomas).
Roman Holiday: Without a doubt, Audrey Hepburn (Princess Ann) and Gregory Peck (reporter Joe Bradley) hold mega-star power in this award-winning classic. Gregory Peck, a leading actor in his own right, generously shines light on Audrey Hepburn in her well-deserved Oscar-winning performance. However, Eddie Albert (photographer Irving Radovich) solidly rounds out the trio as Joe Bradley’s side-kick and a supporting actor who perfects the art of pratfalls as Gregory Peck tips his chair over and spills drinks on him.
Sabrina: Audrey Hepburn (Sabrina Fairchild) joins Humphrey Bogart (Linus Larrabee) and William Holden (David Larrabee) as part of another memorable trio with prime star wattage. However, as Sabrina’s father Thomas Fairchild, John Williams is another key supporting actor who adds quiet strength to the film. His understated role belies his subservient position as the chauffeur and provides an important reality check in this star-studded film.