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RAYMOND BURR
AND FILM NOIR


Raymond Burr made a significant impact on the film noir genre with his compelling performances in several notable films of the era. While he is perhaps best known for his television work, Burr's roles in film noir showcased his versatility and contributed to the overall atmosphere and narrative of the genre.

One of Burr's memorable performances in film noir came in the classic Alfred Hitchcock film "Rear Window" (1954). In the film, Burr portrayed Lars Thorwald, a neighbor suspected of committing a murder. Burr's portrayal of the menacing and suspicious character added an element of suspense and tension to the film. His physical presence and deep voice gave Thorwald a commanding and intimidating presence, contributing to the film's noir atmosphere.

Another significant contribution by Burr to the film noir genre was his role in "Desperate" (1947). In this crime thriller directed by Anthony Mann, Burr played a cold-blooded gangster named Walt Radak. His portrayal of Radak as a ruthless and calculating criminal further emphasized the dark and dangerous world of the film.

Burr's ability to portray morally ambiguous and complex characters was well-suited to the film noir genre. His performances often added depth and intensity to the stories, as he skillfully portrayed characters with hidden motives and layered personalities. Whether as a villain or a suspect, Burr's performances in film noir were memorable and left a lasting impact on the genre.

It is worth noting that Burr's impact on film noir extended beyond his individual performances. As a versatile actor, he contributed to the overall development and popularity of the genre. His presence in films added credibility and depth to the narratives, helping to shape the dark and shadowy world that defines film noir.

While Raymond Burr is often associated with his television roles, his contributions to the film noir genre cannot be overlooked. His performances in films like "Rear Window" and "Desperate" demonstrated his talent and versatility, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and contributing to its enduring appeal.

AVAILABLE FILMS:


ABANDONED (1949)
ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN (1948)
BORDERLINE (1950)
BRIDE OF THE GORILLA (1951)
COUNT THREE AND PRAY (1955)
CRIME OF PASSION (1957)
CRY IN THE NIGHT, A (1956)
DESIRE IN THE DUST (1960)
DESPERATE (1947)
FBI GIRL (1951)
FORT ALGIERS (1953)
HIS KIND OF WOMAN (1951)
I LOVE TROUBLE (1947)
M (1951)
MAN ALONE, A (1955)
PITFALL (1948)
PLEASE MURDER ME (1956)
RAW DEAL (1948)
RED LIGHT (1949)
RUTHLESS (1948)
SAN QUENTIN (1946)
SLEEP, MY LOVE (1948)
STATION WEST (1948)
THEY WERE SO YOUNG (1954)
WALK A CROOKED MILE (1948)
WHIP HAND, THE (1951)

VIDEO TRIBUTE


Raymond Burr


Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr, born on May 21, 1917, and passed away on September 12, 1993, was a Canadian-American actor known for his remarkable career in film and television. He was born Raymond William Stacy Burr in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.

Burr began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the late 1940s. He gained recognition for his role as the prosecuting attorney in the film "A Place in the Sun" (1951), starring Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor. However, Burr's most enduring and iconic roles came in the realm of television.

He is best remembered for his portrayal of defense attorney Perry Mason in the long-running series "Perry Mason" (1957-1966). Burr's portrayal of the brilliant and relentless defense lawyer earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series. "Perry Mason" was a major success and established Burr as a prominent television star.

Burr's other notable television role came in the series "Ironside" (1967-1975), in which he played the wheelchair-bound Chief of Detectives, Robert T. Ironside. The show was another success and further solidified Burr's position as a versatile and talented actor.

In addition to his television work, Burr also appeared in several films throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "Rear Window" (1954), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" (1956), where he provided the voiceover for the character Steve Martin.

Raymond Burr was known for his deep, authoritative voice and his ability to command the screen with his presence. He had a versatile acting range, portraying both heroic and villainous characters with equal skill.

Burr was a private individual and kept his personal life out of the public eye. He never publicly discussed his sexuality during his lifetime, and it wasn't until after his death that it was revealed that he was gay. He had been in a long-term relationship with actor Robert Benevides since the 1960s.
​
Raymond Burr passed away on September 12, 1993, in Healdsburg, California, at the age of 76. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of the most recognizable and respected actors in television history, with his performances in "Perry Mason" and "Ironside" earning him a place in the pantheon of iconic television characters.

Quotes:

[about his character in Perry Mason (1957)] "Let's just say that the part isn't conducive to leisurely living the way I once knew it. I only hope that I can regain my own identity, once I decide that Perry Mason and myself have come to the parting of the road. Perry Mason has become a career for me . . . all I know is that I work, eat and sleep Perry Mason."

"Try and live your life the way you wish other people would live theirs."



- Raymond Burr

Trivia:

After he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he refused to undergo surgery so that he could star in his final television movies: The Return of Ironside (1993) and Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss (1993).

Before dying from cancer he threw parties to say farewell to many of his friends.

While working with Errol Flynn, Flynn told him that if he died with $10 in his pocket he hadn't done a good job. This inspired him to always share his wealth with all.

Was incredibly generous, giving most of his money to charities and sharing it with friends.

Was considered for the role of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke (1955). In an 8/23/75 article in "TV Guide" called "When Chester Forgot to Limp" commemorating trivia from the show as it was about to leave the air, the show's first producer, Charles Marquis Warren, recalled, "His voice was fine, but he was too big. When he stood up, his chair stood up with him". William Conrad, who played Matt Dillon on radio, was rejected for the TV version for similar reasons. In a memorial article in "TV Guide" published shortly after Burr's death, the original producers of Perry Mason (1957) almost rejected Burr for that role, again because Burr was overweight. He went on an intensive diet to get down to a size acceptable to the producers.
Explore the simpler time of yesteryear... 
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*** new features ***

Film Noir: The Men
Meet the hard-boiled detectives, cynical antiheroes, and ruthless villains
Film Noir: The Women
Meet Hard-Boiled Women, good girls gone bad, and femme fatales
Film Noir: The Directors
Meet the master storytellers who weave their ill-fated tales in an unforgiving dark, shadowy world.

Picture
Meet The Women who pushed the boundaries of moral, social, and artistic conventions... 
Part I
Part II