Post by manfromplanetx on Apr 11, 2021 0:33:57 GMT
The son of Sicilian immigrants, Jack La Rue was born Gaspare Biondolillo in 1902 New York City. Often typecast as a henchman, the villain or gangster thug many of his early roles were uncredited, surprisingly he did briefly become a priest, at times a comedian….
In the early thirties deep voiced, photogenic La Rue was sometimes mistaken for Humphrey Bogart. His big break away from one-dimensional supports came in the controversial film, “The Story of Temple Drake” (1933) his first starring role.
George Raft was scheduled to play the part of the sadistic bootlegger ‘Trigger’, but he refused the demanding and offensive part. La Rue seized the opportunity, extending his acting skills with great characterization he showed that he could successfully carry a major film.
Surprisingly though, throughout the 30s La Rue never received another quality role equaling the notoriety and interest of his “Trigger” in “Temple Drake”. Subsequent starring roles for example playing racketeer Vic Monroe in Hard Guy (1941) were lower grade “Poverty Row” productions. In demand however he was never without work. La Rue appeared in over 100 films, several Broadway productions and television series, his last film appearance was at 75 years of age in 1977.
Jack La Rue’s acting career/ability was not exceptional, nor did he ever rise to A grade star. Nevertheless with such a distinctive persona, appearance and acting style, no matter how small the part the presence of Jack La Rue made an impact. Never to be forgotten he will always be honoured for the substantial role he played in Classic film history …
In his book “Whatever Became Of” author Richard Lampaski tracked down Jack in the late 70s. La Rue actually abhorred violence, he was living with his sister in a high security complex apartment, he remarked to Richard… “You have got to be very careful these days, there are some terrible people out there”.
Jack La Rue died January 11, 1984.
No Orchids for Miss Blandish is a UK film noir set in New York with all the essential ingredients of the genre, women are dolls and diamonds are rocks. The dark drama caused a scandal upon its release for its spontaneous violent outbursts and the outlandish vision of sex and love. Written by James Hadley Chase the film is 100% British with the exception of actor Jack La Rue starring as Slim Grisson. He plays a tough gangster with a soft heart for his “doll” Miss Blandish (Linden Travers)...
Following on from the recent British gangster film thread we watched again, the third viewing over many years surprised us here, greatly entertained, even hilarious at times, dice rolling Slim steals the show and carries the film to its brutal tragic end...
Stills, posters, favourite roles any thoughts on Jack LaRue most welcome ...
Uncredited henchman, Three On a Match 1932
Slim Grisson
Thanks Jack ....
In the early thirties deep voiced, photogenic La Rue was sometimes mistaken for Humphrey Bogart. His big break away from one-dimensional supports came in the controversial film, “The Story of Temple Drake” (1933) his first starring role.
George Raft was scheduled to play the part of the sadistic bootlegger ‘Trigger’, but he refused the demanding and offensive part. La Rue seized the opportunity, extending his acting skills with great characterization he showed that he could successfully carry a major film.
Surprisingly though, throughout the 30s La Rue never received another quality role equaling the notoriety and interest of his “Trigger” in “Temple Drake”. Subsequent starring roles for example playing racketeer Vic Monroe in Hard Guy (1941) were lower grade “Poverty Row” productions. In demand however he was never without work. La Rue appeared in over 100 films, several Broadway productions and television series, his last film appearance was at 75 years of age in 1977.
Jack La Rue’s acting career/ability was not exceptional, nor did he ever rise to A grade star. Nevertheless with such a distinctive persona, appearance and acting style, no matter how small the part the presence of Jack La Rue made an impact. Never to be forgotten he will always be honoured for the substantial role he played in Classic film history …
In his book “Whatever Became Of” author Richard Lampaski tracked down Jack in the late 70s. La Rue actually abhorred violence, he was living with his sister in a high security complex apartment, he remarked to Richard… “You have got to be very careful these days, there are some terrible people out there”.
Jack La Rue died January 11, 1984.
No Orchids for Miss Blandish is a UK film noir set in New York with all the essential ingredients of the genre, women are dolls and diamonds are rocks. The dark drama caused a scandal upon its release for its spontaneous violent outbursts and the outlandish vision of sex and love. Written by James Hadley Chase the film is 100% British with the exception of actor Jack La Rue starring as Slim Grisson. He plays a tough gangster with a soft heart for his “doll” Miss Blandish (Linden Travers)...
Following on from the recent British gangster film thread we watched again, the third viewing over many years surprised us here, greatly entertained, even hilarious at times, dice rolling Slim steals the show and carries the film to its brutal tragic end...
Stills, posters, favourite roles any thoughts on Jack LaRue most welcome ...
Uncredited henchman, Three On a Match 1932
Slim Grisson
Thanks Jack ....
