Edward Everett Horton in The Gay Divorcee (1934). Image: Bombshells.com
Have you ever done this: Have you ever watched a movie just for the supporting characters?
It would mean disregarding the main characters and, to an extent, the plot itself, but what a trippy experience to gambol through a movie’s parallel universe.
When it comes to old movies, Lazar observes, “The action, it seemed to me, was on the sidelines.”
His new book is more than a collection of essays; it’s a curation of love letters to the great character actors from the 1930s to the 1960s.
In fact, Lazar’s observations make you want to re-watch all your favourite old films and never pay attention to the leads. Why be distracted by Ginger and Fred when you can immerse yourself in the likes of Eric Blore or Edward Everett Horton?
It’s the sort of radical thinking that could turn movie-watching On Its Head.
Thelma Ritter in All About Eve (1950). Image: The WOW Report
Why do character actors appeal to us, besides their obvious entertainment value?
First, says Lazar, they’re Efficient. They accomplish a lot with very little screen time, and directors like Preston Sturges knew the value these actors bring when you’re In A Crunch.
Secondly, he says, “the virtue of a character actor [is] they’ve been there before, and the histories of their roles come with them.”¹
Finally, Lazar says, character actors are appealing because they’re not the A-List demigods. They have flaws, like the rest of us mortals, and many were allowed to keep their birth names. (As you know, not all A-Listers were allowed to keep their names; just look at Issur Danielovitch Demsky, says Lazar, better known as Kirk Douglas.)
“[C]haracter actors could have names with character,” he writes, “suggesting quirks or strangeness, even, at times, ethnic connections.”²
Lazar has a delightful way of looking at legendary character actors, and here are some of his random analyses:
Celeste Holm had “one of the most playful voices of Hollywood actresses”.³
Jack Carson sometimes “walks into a room as though he’s looking to be congratulated and killed simultaneously”.4
Thelma Ritter was “jaded but not jaundiced. There’s a difference.”5
Celeste Holm Syndrome is like gossiping, in the best possible way, with a dear friend about the people you both adore.
Celeste Holm in Champagne for Caesar (1950). Image: Pinterest
What is, then, Celeste Holm Syndrome? Lazar defines it as (A) a crush on Celeste Holm (he waxes poetic about her “slight asymmetrical beauty”); and (B) an admiration of women who are a little older, but are also sophisticated and self-assured.
In other words, women like the 1950s Celeste Holm.
Lazar’s writing is a dessert buffet, full of unusual treats and surprises. He basks in long paragraphs and colons, and has a tongue-in-cheek, deconstructionist approach to film criticism.
(However, his essay on “Movie Mothers”, an exploration of the Oedipal complex, is something we won’t delve into here.)
Let us raise a glass to these character actors, and toast them for their enduring appeal. They – all of them – have gifted us with enriched movie experiences.
ℂ
This post is part of the WHAT A CHARACTER BLOGATON, hosted by Paula’s Cinema Club, Once Upon a Screen, and Outspoken & Freckled.
Notes
Lazar, David. (2020) Celeste Holm Syndrome: On Character Actors from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.
It was about time that someone gave the spotlight they deserve to the golden sidekicks of Hollywood. You just mentioned my favorite Edward Everett Horton, who was in both of my beloved Arsenic and Old Lace and Pocketful of Miracles (where another famous actor could be found in a secondary role, a certain Peter Falk…). And what would Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope have been without the too diligent Thelma Ritter who was inches away to find the body? And what about Singin’ in the Rain, Debbie Reynolds was adorable but how charming Cyd Charisse was? And Syd Caesar, the funniest in Silent Movie and in Grease; and no Front Page would have been possible without the sweet Susan Sarandon waiting (in vain) for Jack Lemmon to leave Walter Matthau! I’d better stop now or I could go on forever, thanks for your post!
Those descriptions are delightful and the book I’m sure would be a fine companion.
However, this premise doesn’t seem like radical thinking to me. Our dad raised us to appreciate the character people. We were admonished to learn their names and never (under any circumstances NEVER) to refer to them as “whats-his/her-name.”
This was wonderful. I know this sensation well. For Horton and Blore, I was happy to watch San Diego, I Love You (and for Buster Keaton). Many of these actors were in so many movies it often feels like they have a wonderful continuity. We can know and appreciate them across each movie even if it’s only a bit part.
I agree with your thoughtful and insightful review of this book. I had actually read a review of it somewhere else, and because I too, think that character actors are oftentimes the best thing in a movie, bought it. I have always appreciated character actors, and make it a point to watch for them/their roles, during a particular moment. For example, I love, love, Thermal Ritter; she’s fabulous. I first paid attention to her, years ago, while watching “Miracle on 34th Street” and even though her role was very short, and uncredited, her character was the one that stayed with me for a long time. Another favourite Thelma Ritter character, I have so many, is Sadie Duggan, in “A Letter to Three Wives.” As the maid, who’s unionized she’ll have you know, she all but steals the movie. That’s how fabulous she is. I feel the same way about James Gleason, but that’s another story for another time.
Well, I finished the book last weekend, and am about to re-read it this coming weekend. I think David Lazar’s book, at least for me, another thoughtful and delightful way to get through this terrible year. Let’s hear it for Celeste, Thelma, Eve (Arden), etc.
Have I ever watched a film just for the supporting actors in it? All the time,Ruth! There are many great stars past and present who I will watch in anything, but there are even more character actors that I will do that for.
The big stars rightly deserve every bit of praise they get, but the character actors deserve the same too. There are so many who deserve to be in the spotlight again. It’s shocking to me that there could be people out there who don’t know the likes of Thelma Ritter, Hattie McDaniel, Henry Travers, Geoffrey Keen, Eric Blore, Edward Everett Horton etc.
You’re right, Maddy. Charactor actors deserve every bit of praise & recognition that the Big Names receive. You’ve certainly been an ardent cheerleader for them! 🙂
Oh my gosh this is so true. My husband and I just watched White Christmas the other day (a holiday favorite of ours) and I have to say I always enjoy Vera Ellen in that movie more than anyone else. She’s mesmerizing and makes that dancing look like a cake walk!
I love that quote about Jack Carson. I’m always going to think of that every time I see him now.
I love character actors and I think I notice more about them on screen than I do the stars. Because they were used so often, interchangeably (some did not belong to certain studios but got work wherever they could), they are so familiar to us, even if we do not know their names. Because most of the lesser ones never got, or seldom got, screen credit, it’s a blast to pick them out when watching a movie.
Debbi, I think you’d really like this book. The author is very amusing and smart. It’s a fabulous tribute to character actors who, as you said, never lack work.
I was trying to think of some of today’s character actors and found a great list on IMDB, although the one person who wasn’t on it that I would also consider is Zachary Quinto, who I just saw in The Boys in the Band, which was a brilliant film.
Zachary Quinto always gives you your money’s worth, doesn’t he? I really liked him in Margin Call, but haven’t yet seen him in The Boys in the Band. Will look for it – thanks!
The book sounds like a must-have, even though I’m not particularly taken with Celeste Holm. But Jack Carson, William Demarest, Thelma Ritter, Eve Arden and so many others – I’m there!
It’s ironic that the purpose of the character actor is not to distract from the stars. In the case of the good ones, that’s often what happens because they are so talented at what they do. I love Barbara Stanwyck in Christmas in Connecticut, but S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall steals every scene he’s in!
Girl, you always have great book recommendations!
I agree with what the author said about why character actors appeal to us: they are people like us, common. We are quirky Edward Everett Hortons, not fancy Ginger Rogers dancing backwards and in heels. I must say I laughed at Jack Carson’s description and I probably have the Celest Holm Syndrome – a quite unharmful disease, right?
Kisses!
Love to see character actors steal scenes from the stars! Claude Rain is probably my favorite. Charles Durning and Harry Dean Stanton are also among my favorites. Nice post! 🙂
Silver Screenings 
Hi. You know, I think I would be too distracted, and not enjoy a movie, if I concentrated on the secondary actors.
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I know what you mean, but maybe try it with a film you’ve seen many times and see if it becomes a different experience in a way.
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It was about time that someone gave the spotlight they deserve to the golden sidekicks of Hollywood. You just mentioned my favorite Edward Everett Horton, who was in both of my beloved Arsenic and Old Lace and Pocketful of Miracles (where another famous actor could be found in a secondary role, a certain Peter Falk…). And what would Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope have been without the too diligent Thelma Ritter who was inches away to find the body? And what about Singin’ in the Rain, Debbie Reynolds was adorable but how charming Cyd Charisse was? And Syd Caesar, the funniest in Silent Movie and in Grease; and no Front Page would have been possible without the sweet Susan Sarandon waiting (in vain) for Jack Lemmon to leave Walter Matthau! I’d better stop now or I could go on forever, thanks for your post!
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Agreed! You state your case eloquently, as usual.
I hope you get the chance to read this book. I have a feeling you’d really enjoy it.
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Those descriptions are delightful and the book I’m sure would be a fine companion.
However, this premise doesn’t seem like radical thinking to me. Our dad raised us to appreciate the character people. We were admonished to learn their names and never (under any circumstances NEVER) to refer to them as “whats-his/her-name.”
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Your father was really onto something. I admit I am guilty of the Whats-His/Her-name syndrome, but books like this are helping me mend my ways. 😉
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This was wonderful. I know this sensation well. For Horton and Blore, I was happy to watch San Diego, I Love You (and for Buster Keaton). Many of these actors were in so many movies it often feels like they have a wonderful continuity. We can know and appreciate them across each movie even if it’s only a bit part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true! And beautidully said. They become like dear friends, don’t they?
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I agree with your thoughtful and insightful review of this book. I had actually read a review of it somewhere else, and because I too, think that character actors are oftentimes the best thing in a movie, bought it. I have always appreciated character actors, and make it a point to watch for them/their roles, during a particular moment. For example, I love, love, Thermal Ritter; she’s fabulous. I first paid attention to her, years ago, while watching “Miracle on 34th Street” and even though her role was very short, and uncredited, her character was the one that stayed with me for a long time. Another favourite Thelma Ritter character, I have so many, is Sadie Duggan, in “A Letter to Three Wives.” As the maid, who’s unionized she’ll have you know, she all but steals the movie. That’s how fabulous she is. I feel the same way about James Gleason, but that’s another story for another time.
Well, I finished the book last weekend, and am about to re-read it this coming weekend. I think David Lazar’s book, at least for me, another thoughtful and delightful way to get through this terrible year. Let’s hear it for Celeste, Thelma, Eve (Arden), etc.
Betty
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It’s a terrific read, isn’t it? David Lazar is such a witty writer.
As for Thelma Ritter, she’s worth her weight in solid gold. I love LOVE every one of her performances I’ve seen, comedy or drama.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Have I ever watched a film just for the supporting actors in it? All the time,Ruth! There are many great stars past and present who I will watch in anything, but there are even more character actors that I will do that for.
The big stars rightly deserve every bit of praise they get, but the character actors deserve the same too. There are so many who deserve to be in the spotlight again. It’s shocking to me that there could be people out there who don’t know the likes of Thelma Ritter, Hattie McDaniel, Henry Travers, Geoffrey Keen, Eric Blore, Edward Everett Horton etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, Maddy. Charactor actors deserve every bit of praise & recognition that the Big Names receive. You’ve certainly been an ardent cheerleader for them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh this is so true. My husband and I just watched White Christmas the other day (a holiday favorite of ours) and I have to say I always enjoy Vera Ellen in that movie more than anyone else. She’s mesmerizing and makes that dancing look like a cake walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True! Vera Ellen is STUNNING in that film, isn’t she? You can hardly take your eyes off her.
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I love that quote about Jack Carson. I’m always going to think of that every time I see him now.
I love character actors and I think I notice more about them on screen than I do the stars. Because they were used so often, interchangeably (some did not belong to certain studios but got work wherever they could), they are so familiar to us, even if we do not know their names. Because most of the lesser ones never got, or seldom got, screen credit, it’s a blast to pick them out when watching a movie.
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Isn’t that a great quote about Jack Carson? I nearly spewed my tea when I read it.
You’re right when you talk about how much fun it is to pick out the lesser-known actors. I’m always, “Hey, there’s that guy!”
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This sounds like my kind of book. Character actors have the appeal that comes from being the sidekick or mentor. 🙂 And they never lack work!
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Debbi, I think you’d really like this book. The author is very amusing and smart. It’s a fabulous tribute to character actors who, as you said, never lack work.
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This does sound a good and interesting book and love the descriptions.
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It’s a terrific book – very funny and insightful. A great book to read if you’re feeling a bit down.
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Thanks. Sounds like one of those books you can’t put down..
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I was trying to think of some of today’s character actors and found a great list on IMDB, although the one person who wasn’t on it that I would also consider is Zachary Quinto, who I just saw in The Boys in the Band, which was a brilliant film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Zachary Quinto always gives you your money’s worth, doesn’t he? I really liked him in Margin Call, but haven’t yet seen him in The Boys in the Band. Will look for it – thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The book sounds like a must-have, even though I’m not particularly taken with Celeste Holm. But Jack Carson, William Demarest, Thelma Ritter, Eve Arden and so many others – I’m there!
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Oh yes, this book is worth it even if you’re not a Celeste Holm fan. It’s a witty, loving tribute to the likes of Thelma Ritter et al.
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It’s ironic that the purpose of the character actor is not to distract from the stars. In the case of the good ones, that’s often what happens because they are so talented at what they do. I love Barbara Stanwyck in Christmas in Connecticut, but S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall steals every scene he’s in!
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So true! When Sakall is on the screen, a person is all “Barbara Who?”
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Girl, you always have great book recommendations!
I agree with what the author said about why character actors appeal to us: they are people like us, common. We are quirky Edward Everett Hortons, not fancy Ginger Rogers dancing backwards and in heels. I must say I laughed at Jack Carson’s description and I probably have the Celest Holm Syndrome – a quite unharmful disease, right?
Kisses!
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Haha! Le, you are the best. I think you’d really enjoy this book. It’s full of insightful and witty observations – much like Critica Retro. -Ruth
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This was a very interesting read, thank you!!
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Thanks for dropping by. It’s a really interesting – and funny – book.
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No problem, thank you for sharing!
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Love to see character actors steal scenes from the stars! Claude Rain is probably my favorite. Charles Durning and Harry Dean Stanton are also among my favorites. Nice post! 🙂
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Those actors you listed are definitely scene stealers. Claude Rains might be my favourite, too.
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