Barry Norton
AKA: Alfredo Carlos Birabén
Birthday: 1905-06-16
Died: 1956-08-24
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Barry Norton (born Alfredo Carlos Birabén; June 16, 1905 – August 24, 1956) was an Argentinian-American actor. He appeared in over 90 films, starting in silent films from 1925 until his death in 1956. He is perhaps best known for his role as Juan Harker in Universal Pictures' Spanish-language version of Drácula in 1931, the English language role of Jonathan Harker originated by David Manners. Arriving in Hollywood in the 1920s, Norton first appeared as an extra in The Black Pirate (1926) but was soon cast in Fox Films' The Lily that same year. His big break came when he was given the role of Pvt. "Mother's Boy" Lewisohn in What Price Glory?, which turned out to be a huge commercial success. He landed substantial roles in Legion of the Condemned and 4 Devils (both 1928), which were also very successful. His acting was well received by audiences and critics at the time, and during the silent era he avoided being typecast as a Latin lover. One theater owner in Golden City, Montana said, "[Norton] has as yet to show me a bad performance. There's a boy that is a 'natural'."
In the early 1930s, Norton could still get leading roles in major films. Major Hollywood studios started producing alternate-language versions of their prestige productions, and he became one of dozens of Latino actors needed. Drácula was one of these films, but Norton also appeared in Spanish-language versions of Paramount on Parade (1930), The Benson Murder Case (1930), and The Criminal Code (1931). In a few cases, he appeared in both versions of a film. Examples include Storm Over the Andes (Spanish version: Alas sobre El Chaco), The Sea Fiend (El diablo del Mar), and Captain Calamity (El capitan Tormenta), the latter film reuniting him with Lupita Tovar, his romantic interest from Dracula.
In addition to roles in Spanish-territory films, he had roles in numerous major films, usually playing sophisticated Europeans. With the decline in Spanish-language film production in Los Angeles, Norton's opportunities for leading roles became less and less frequent. Though he had a pleasing voice, his Argentine accent seemed incongruous with his appearance. According to some sources, he never mastered English very well. In 1933, he secured what would be his last important role, playing Jean Parker's Spanish fiancé in Frank Capra's Lady for a Day (1933). Although he would continue to work for another 15 years, Norton's last credited screen role would be Should Husbands Work? (1939). For the rest of his career, Norton continued to reside in Los Angeles and obtain small roles in films. Many films he appeared in are now considered to be classics.
Filmography
Character: Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Character: Self - Master of Ceremonies
Character: Pvt. Kenneth 'Mother's Boy' Lewisohn
Character: Young Lieutenant - Firing Squad
Character: Prince Philippe de Longville
Character: Country Club Patron (uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Character: Carousel Club Diner (uncredited)
Character: Robert Jackson
Character: Man at Train Station / Café Guest (uncredited)
Character: Prince Vladimir Gleboff
Character: Jacques Girard (1924)
Character: Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Character: Plane Passenger (uncredited)
Character: Frenchman (uncredited)
Character: Diner / Party Guest (uncredited)
Character: Del Rio Club Patron (uncredited)
Character: Man at Van Barth's (uncredited)
Character: Plane Passenger (uncredited)
Character: Restaurant Patron (uncredited)
Character: Party Guest (uncredited)
Character: Co-Worker in Office (uncredited)
Character: Byron Dashwood
Character: Gambler at Rick's (uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Character: Restaurant Diner (uncredited)
Character: Reginald Van Lear
Character: Benefit Attendee (uncredited)
Character: Young Officer at Beer Garden (Uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron
Character: Rocket Roof Patron (uncredited)
Character: Waiter (uncredited)
Character: Ronald McDonald
Character: Robert Jackson
Character: Ballroom Dancer / Kissing Couple (uncredited)
Character: Hotel Guest (uncredited)
Character: Garden Party Guest (uncredited)
Character: Passenger on Ship (uncredited)
Character: Man at Ship Dock (uncredited)
Character: Golf Spectator (uncredited)
Character: Youth (uncredited)
Character: Ship's Officer (uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Character: Party Guest (uncredited)
Character: Reporter (uncredited)
Character: Boy Scout Ceremony Attendee (uncredited)
Character: Dissaproving Theatre Patron (uncredited)
Character: Racetrack Spectator (uncredited)
Character: President Garfield's Secretary (uncredited)
Character: Rasputin's Assassin (uncredited)
Character: Robert Tranter
Character: Extra (uncredited)
Character: One of Maria's Suitors (uncredited)
Character: Charity Ball Guest (uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron
Character: Nightclub Patron
Character: German Cafe Patron (Uncredited)
Character: Bowler (uncredited)
Character: Ball Guest (uncredited)
Character: Amos, a Centerville Clerk
Character: Jerry (Uncredited)
Character: Lawyer at Seminar (uncredited)
Character: Christmas Parade Spectator (uncredited)
Character: Young Man Proposing Toast (uncredited)
Character: Club Patron (uncredited)
Character: Man in Tweeds (uncredited)
Character: Party Guest (uncredited)
Character: Emile (uncredited)
Character: Palm Beach Casino Patron (Uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (Uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (Uncredited)
Character: Nightclub Patron (Uncredited)