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Charles-Marie Vanel (21 August 1892 – 15 April 1989) was a French actor and director. During his 65-year film career, which began in 1923, he appeared in more than 200 films and worked with many prominent directors, including
Alfred Hitchcock Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (13 August 1899 – 29 April 1980) was an English film director. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 featu ...
,
Luis Buñuel Luis Buñuel Portolés (; 22 February 1900 – 29 July 1983) was a Spanish and Mexican filmmaker who worked in France, Mexico and Spain. He has been widely considered by many film critics, historians and directors to be one of the greatest and ...
,
Jacques Feyder Jacques Feyder (; 21 July 1885 – 24 May 1948) was a Belgian film director, screenwriter and actor who worked principally in France, but also in the US, Britain and Germany. He was a director of silent films during the 1920s, and in the 193 ...
, and Henri-Georges Clouzot. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as a desperate truck driver in Clouzot's '' The Wages of Fear'' for which he received a Special Mention at the
Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Film Festival (; ), until 2003 called the International Film Festival ('), is the most prestigious film festival in the world. Held in Cannes, France, it previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around ...
in 1953.


Biography


Early life

Charles-Marie Vanel was born in
Rennes Rennes (; ; Gallo language, Gallo: ''Resnn''; ) is a city in the east of Brittany in Northwestern France at the confluence of the rivers Ille and Vilaine. Rennes is the prefecture of the Brittany (administrative region), Brittany Regions of F ...
in Brittany. He came from a seafaring family and his parents were traders who moved to Paris when he was twelve years old. He was expelled from all the schools he attended. He tried to enlist in the navy, but was rejected due to his poor eyesight. In 1908, he began to perform in the theater, appearing in ''
Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a Shakespearean tragedy, tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, the play (the ...
''. His first film was the 1912 ''Jim Crow'' directed by Robert Péguy. He was mobilized for the First World War in July 1915, but was diagnosed in September with "mental disorders" and sent home. During the war, he took numerous theatrical tours, notably a tour to the US under the direction of Lucien Guitry. He became a member of the
Firmin Gémier Firmin Gémier (; 1869–1933) was a French actor and director. Internationally, he is most famous for originating the role of Père Ubu in Alfred Jarry, Alfred Jarry’s play ''Ubu Roi''. He is known as the principal architect of the popular theat ...
theatre company at the Théâtre Antoine, before devoting himself exclusively to cinema. His first major contract was with Russian producers Joseph Ermolieff and Alexandre Kamenka, who taught him using Stanislavski's system.


Film career

He began a successful career as an actor, appearing in numerous silent films in the 1910s and 1920s, particularly in the roles of gruff and bitter characters. He considered his "real" film debut to be in Robert Boudrioz's '' Tillers of the Soil'', which was produced by
Abel Gance Abel Gance (; born Abel Eugène Alexandre Péréthon; 25 October 188910 November 1981) was a French film director, producer, writer and actor. A pioneer in the theory and practice of montage, he is best known for three major silent films: ''J'ac ...
in 1919 but held up for release. He also appeared in Alexandre Volkoff's 10-part
serial film A serial film, film serial (or just serial), movie serial, or chapter play, is a motion picture form popular during the first half of the 20th century, consisting of a series of short subjects exhibited in consecutive order at one theater, gene ...
'' The House of Mystery'' (1923) which pleased audiences and critics. He appeared in six films directed by Jacques de Baroncelli, including ''Pêcheur d'Islande'' (1924), based on the
novel A novel is an extended work of narrative fiction usually written in prose and published as a book. The word derives from the for 'new', 'news', or 'short story (of something new)', itself from the , a singular noun use of the neuter plural of ...
by Pierre Loti, which was one of the most popular French films of the decade and showed Vanel's greater range and depth. Others for de Baroncelli included maritime dramas '' Nitchevo'' (1926) and ''Feu!'' (1927). With the advent of sound films, his voice, and the inflections he gave, consolidated his popularity as a character actor with a wide range of colorful roles. At the beginning of the 1930s he signed a contract with Pathé-Natan and stood out in three films by Raymond Bernard, Pathé's lead director – ''
Montmartre Montmartre ( , , ) is a large hill in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement of Paris, 18th arrondissement. It is high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Rive Droite, Right Bank. Montmartre is primarily known for its a ...
'' (1931) as a pimp; '' Wooden Crosses'' (1932) as World War I infantryman; and as Javert alongside Harry Baur in ''
Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' (, ) is a 19th-century French literature, French Epic (genre), epic historical fiction, historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published on 31 March 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. '' ...
'' (1933). He was also directed by
Maurice Tourneur Maurice Félix Thomas (; 2 February 1876 – 4 August 1961), known as Maurice Tourneur (), was a French film director and screenwriter. Life Born Maurice Félix Thomas in the Épinettes district (17th arrondissement of Paris), his father was a w ...
in '' Accused, Stand Up!'' (1930) and ''
Dance Hall Dance hall in its general meaning is a hall for Dance, dancing, but usually refers to a specific type of twentieth-century venue, with dance clubs (nightclubs) becoming more popular towards the end of the century. The palais de danse was a term ap ...
'' (1931), both of which also featured Gaby Morlay. He appeared as a barkeeper in '' Le Grand Jeu'' (1934) directed by Jacques Feyder and as an airman in
Anatole Litvak Anatoly Mikhailovich Litvak (10 May 1902 – 15 December 1974), commonly known as Anatole Litvak, was a Russian-American filmmaker. Born to Jewish parents in Kiev, he began his theatrical training at age 13 in Saint Petersburg, St. Petersburg, ...
's ''L'Équipage'' (1935). The poetic realism film movement in France in the mid to late 1930s saw him appear in
Marcel Carné Marcel Albert Carné (; 18 August 1906 – 31 October 1996) was a French film director. A key figure in the poetic realism movement, Carné's best known films include ''Port of Shadows'' (1938), ''Le Jour Se Lève'' (1939), ''Les Visiteurs du Soi ...
's debut film '' Jenny'' (1936) and in
Julien Duvivier Julien Duvivier (; 8 October 1896 – 29 October 1967) was a French film director and screenwriter. He was prominent in French cinema in the years 1930–1960. Amongst his most original films, chiefly notable are ''La Bandera (film), La Bandera'', ...
's Popular Front drama '' La Belle Équipe'' in which he was Jean Gabin's friend and romantic rival. The following year, he appeared opposite
Erich von Stroheim Erich Oswald Hans Carl Maria von Stroheim (born Erich Oswald Stroheim, ; September 22, 1885 – May 12, 1957) was an Austrian-American director, screenwriter, actor, and producer, most noted as a film star and avant-garde, visionary director of ...
in '' The Rail Pirates'' directed by
Christian-Jaque Christian-Jaque (byname of Christian Maudet; 4 September 1904 – 8 July 1994) was a French filmmaker. From 1954 to 1959, he was married to actress Martine Carol, who starred in several of his films, including ''Lucrèce Borgia'' (1953), ''M ...
and, in 1938, opposite Jules Berry in '' Crossroads'' by Kurt Bernhardt. In 1939, he appeared as a Canadian Mountie hunting Michèle Morgan and Pierre Richard-Willm in '' La Loi du nord''. In Occupied France, he never stopped working but his credits were fewer. He appeared with Fernandel in '' The Marvelous Night'' directed by Jean-Paul Paulin. One of his best films and roles was in Jean Grémillon's '' The Woman Who Dared'' starring alongside Madeleine Renaud. Another was ''Les affaires sont les affaires'' (1942) by Jean Dréville. At the Liberation of France in 1944, he was worried by the
French Resistance The French Resistance ( ) was a collection of groups that fought the German military administration in occupied France during World War II, Nazi occupation and the Collaboration with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy#France, collaborationist Vic ...
. He explained that his support for
Marshal Pétain Marshal is a term used in several official titles in various branches of society. As marshals became trusted members of the courts of Medieval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for elevated of ...
was because of his memories as a veteran of the First World War. Vanel denounced the excesses of
Vichy France Vichy France (; 10 July 1940 – 9 August 1944), officially the French State ('), was a French rump state headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II, established as a result of the French capitulation after the Battle of France, ...
, and above all, being a patriot, did not endorse collaboration with the Germans. After the war, his career slumped and was no longer considered bankable. From 1948, he toured extensively in Italy and appeared in many Italian films, including '' In the Name of the Law'' (1949) by
Pietro Germi Pietro Germi (; 14 September 1914 – 5 December 1974) was an Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor, noted for his development of the Italian neorealism, neorealist and genres. His 1961 film ''Divorce Italian Style'' earned him a Ac ...
.


''The Wages of Fear''

Henri-Georges Clouzot helped get him back on track, choosing him to co-star in '' The Wages of Fear'' (1953) where he played a tough truck driver who gradually reveals his inner fragility. Vanel won an award for best actor at the
Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Film Festival (; ), until 2003 called the International Film Festival ('), is the most prestigious film festival in the world. Held in Cannes, France, it previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from all around ...
. Vanel was again directed by Clouzot two years later in '' Les Diaboliques'' and in ''
The Truth The Truth may refer to: Film * ''The Truth'' (1920 film) starring Madge Kennedy * ''The Truth'' (1960 film) or ''La Vérité'', a French film by Henri-Georges Clouzot starring Brigitte Bardot * ''The Truth'' (1988 film), a Hong Kong trial cri ...
'' (1960). He also appeared as a prosecutor in '' ''L'Affaire'' ''Maurizius'''' (1954) by
Julien Duvivier Julien Duvivier (; 8 October 1896 – 29 October 1967) was a French film director and screenwriter. He was prominent in French cinema in the years 1930–1960. Amongst his most original films, chiefly notable are ''La Bandera (film), La Bandera'', ...
and in
Sacha Guitry Alexandre-Pierre Georges "Sacha" Guitry (; 21 February 188524 July 1957) was a French stage actor, film actor, director, screenwriter, and playwright of the boulevard theatre (aesthetic), boulevard theatre. He was the son of a leading French ac ...
's '' Royal Affairs in Versailles'' (1954). He won best actor at the
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (, KVIFF) is an annual film festival held in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The Karlovy Vary Festival is one of the oldest in the world and has become Central and Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Eur ...
for ''L'Affaire'' ''Maurizius''. In his only Hollywood production, shot on the
French Riviera The French Riviera, known in French as the (; , ; ), is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is considered to be the coastal area of the Alpes-Maritimes department, extending fr ...
, he played Bertani, a restaurant owner and friend of the character played by
Cary Grant Cary Grant (born Archibald Alec Leach; January 18, 1904November 29, 1986) was an English and American actor. Known for his blended British and American accent, debonair demeanor, lighthearted approach to acting, and sense of comic timing, he ...
in Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 film, '' To Catch a Thief''. In 1956, in '' Death in the Garden'' by Luis Buñuel, he appeared alongside Simone Signoret. He was Best Actor at the 1957
San Sebastián International Film Festival The San Sebastián International Film Festival ( SSIFF; , ) is an annual FIAPF A category film festival held in the Spain, Spanish city of Donostia, Donostia-San Sebastián in September, in the Basque Country (autonomous community), Basque Countr ...
for '' Le feu aux poudres''.


Television

The growth of French television gave him new opportunities and in 1972, he triumphed as a patriarch in ''Les Thibault'', an adaptation of the novel by Roger Martin du Gard. He remained very active during this decade, in particular in the role of a judge in '' The Most Wonderful Evening of My Life'' directed by
Ettore Scola Ettore Scola (; 10 May 1931 – 19 January 2016) was an Italian screenwriter and film director. He received a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film in 1978 for his film ''A Special Day'' and over ...
. A special tribute was given to him at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival. He received a nomination for Best Actor at the
César Awards The César Award is the national film award of France. It is delivered in the ' ceremony and was first awarded in 1976. The nominations are selected by the members of twelve categories of filmmaking professionals and supported by the French Min ...
for '' Sept morts sur ordonnance'' in 1975 and in 1979, he received an honorary César Award for his career Francesco Rosi directed him in some of his best later performances in '' Illustrious Corpses'' (1976) and '' Three Brothers'' (1981) where, almost in his nineties, he plays the character of an old farmer from
Apulia Apulia ( ), also known by its Italian language, Italian name Puglia (), is a Regions of Italy, region of Italy, located in the Southern Italy, southern peninsular section of the country, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Strait of Ot ...
, who is visited by his three children. In Italy he won the David di Donatello for best actor in a supporting role. In 1986, he recorded the song "La vie rien ne va est la" with
Mireille Mathieu Mireille Mathieu (; born July 22, 1946) is a French singer. She has recorded over 1,200 songs in eleven languages, with more than 122 million records sold worldwide. Biography and career Early years Mireille Mathieu was born on July 22, 1946, ...
. His last film appearance was in Jean-Pierre Mocky's film ''Les Saisons du plaisir'' in 1988.


Directing

Vanel directed his only feature film in 1929, '' Dans la nuit''. In 1931, he shot another short film, ''Affaire Classé'' with
Pierre Larquey Pierre Larquey (10 July 1884 – 17 April 1962) was a French film actor. He appeared in more than 200 films between 1913 and 1962. Born in Cénac, Gironde, France, he died in Maisons-Laffitte at the age of 77. Selected filmography * ''P ...
and Gabriel Gabrio, released in 1935 under the title '' Le Coup de minuit''. In 2002, at the request of filmmaker
Bertrand Tavernier Bertrand Tavernier (; 25 April 1941 – 25 March 2021) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer. Life and career Tavernier was born in Lyon, France, the son of Geneviève (née Dumond) and René Tavernier, a publicist and writer, ...
, Louis Sclavis composed and recorded music for ''Dans la nuit''.


Death

Vanel retired to Mouans-Sartoux in
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (commonly shortened to PACA), also known as Région Sud, is one of the eighteen Regions of France, administrative regions of France, located at the far southeastern point of the Metropolitan France, mainland. The main P ...
, near
Cannes Cannes (, ; , ; ) is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a communes of France, commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes departments of France, department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions Internatio ...
, where he lived with Arlette Bailly (1928–2015), his third wife, 36 years his junior. He was hospitalized in Cannes on the night of Friday, 14 April 1989 and died in the early hours of the morning the following day. Part of his ashes were scattered off the coast of
Menton Menton (; in classical norm or in Mistralian norm, , ; ; or depending on the orthography) is a Commune in France, commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera, close to the Italia ...
, the rest were placed in the cemetery of Mougins or Mouans-Sartoux.


Awards

* 1953: Cannes International Film Festival – Special Mention – '' The Wages of Fear'' * 1954:
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (, KVIFF) is an annual film festival held in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The Karlovy Vary Festival is one of the oldest in the world and has become Central and Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Eur ...
– Best Actor – ''L'Affaire'' ''Maurizius'' * 1957: San Sebastian International Film Festival – Best Actor – '' Le feu aux poudres'' * 1979: Honorary
César Award Cesar or César may refer to: Arts and entertainment * César (film), ''César'' (film), a 1936 French romantic drama * César (film), ''César'' (play), a play by Marcel Pagnolt Places * Cesar, Portugal * Cesar Department, Colombia * Cesar R ...
for his career * 1981: David Di Donatello Award – Best Supporting Actor – '' Three Brothers''


Selected filmography


References


External links

* *
Photographs and literature
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vanel, Charles 1892 births 1989 deaths Mass media people from Rennes French male film actors French male silent film actors French film directors David di Donatello winners César Honorary Award recipients Order of the Francisque recipients 20th-century French male actors Actors from Rennes