Cinememorial robert mitchum biography

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1952 saw Mitchum free of his RKO contract and he was freelancing when he appeared with Marilyn Monroe, in 1954's 'River of No Return' which was a major box-office hit and even that was outshone the following year by 'Not as a Stranger', which was one of 1955's biggest hits.

'The Night of the Hunter' 1955

1955 also saw the release of 'The Night of the Hunter', the movie in which Mitchum gives what is generally regarded as his greatest performance.

Arrested for vagrancy, Mitchum faced serious injuries that nearly resulted in the amputation of his leg.

Finding Purpose in Acting

Returning home, Mitchum reconnected with his future wife, Dorothy Spence. He didn't rely on grand gestures or dramatic displays, preferring instead to let the audience read between the lines.

Cool and Calm Demeanor

Mitchum’s characters often exuded a sense of calm and composure, even in the most turbulent situations.

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Washington Post, July 2, 1997, pp. It is a compelling and chilling drama which was, strangely, panned by the critics on first release but is now regarded as a landmark film of the decade, and Mitchum's performance has gained in stature in the years since then.

After several forgettable, run of the mill movies, Mitchum starred in 1957 with Deborah Kerr in the John Huston-directed 'Heaven Knows, Mr.

Allison', showing a gentler side to his acting abilities, and for which he was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actor.

In 1960 he was named best actor of the year by the National Board of Review, first for 'The Sundowners', again with Deborah Kerr, and then for 'Home from the Hill'.

Robert Mitchum Academy Awards

No Wins:
One Unsuccessful Nomination:
Best Supporting Actor ...

He gave another powerful performance as the psychopathic ex-con in the original 'Cape Fear' in 1962 and played a notable role in 'The Longest Day' in the same year but for most of the 1960's he appeared in mediocre, forgettable movies which rarely used his unique screen presence to its fullest.

The 1970 David Lean film 'Ryan's Daughter' saw Mitchum in a new type of role as a mild-mannered schoolteacher in Ireland at the start of the Troubles.

His approach to his roles was often described as understated, minimalist, and naturalistic, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Minimalism and Understatement

Mitchum was masterful at delivering powerful performances with minimal effort. He was given a bigger role in the Western 'Nevada' later in the year, and in 1945, on loan from RKO to United Artists, he appeared in 'The Story of G.I.

Joe', a film which followed the life of Mitchum, playing an ordinary G. I., through the eyes of a journalist, played by Burgess Meredith. The film is a remake of the 1962 movie in which Mitchum played the antagonist, Max Cady.

Robert Mitchum

American film actor, writer, composer and singer

Date of Birth: 06.08.1917
Country: USA

Content:

Robert Mitchum: A Hollywood Legend
A Troubled Youth and Wanderlust
Finding Purpose in Acting
Rise to Stardom
The Noir Icon
Controversies and Success
Later Career and Legacy

Robert Mitchum: A Hollywood Legend

Early Life and Childhood

Born on August 6, 1917, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Robert Charles Durman Mitchum's parents were Norwegian and worked in the shipyard and railroad industries.

He was versatile enough to successfully make the transition to television later in his career and he appeared in the highly popular series 'The Winds of War' in 1983 and 'War and Remembrance' in 1988.

For his performance in 'Story of G.I. Joe' in 1945 Mitchum received his only Academy Award nomination, for Best Supporting Actor.

In 1932 he was arrested in Savannah, Georgia and put on a chain gang, but escaped and went back to riding the rails.

In 1936 Mitchum moved to Long Beach, California and lived with his sister, Julie. After serving a week in the county jail, Mitchum then spent over a month at a Californian prison farm. This cool demeanor made him particularly effective in roles that required a strong, silent type, such as in film noir and Western genres.

Deep Voice and Physical Presence

Mitchum’s deep, resonant voice was one of his most distinctive features, adding gravity and authority to his performances.

'Crossfire', also released in 1947, includes themes of anti-Semitism and the failings of army training. However, a nervous breakdown led him to seek opportunities in the film industry.

Rise to Stardom

After small roles in Western films, Mitchum's breakthrough came in the 1943 war drama "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo." His performance impressed RKO Radio Pictures, who signed him to a seven-year contract.

She worked in the film industry in various capacities and co-authored books about Hollywood and its history.

Author: She co-wrote “Hollywood Hoofbeats: Trails Blazed Across the Silver Screen,” a book that explores the role of horses in the film industry.

TV career and last movies

In the 1970s and 1980s, Mitchum transitioned into television, earning acclaim for his role in the World War II miniseries "The Winds of War" (1983) and its sequel "War and Remembrance" (1988).

Typical of the genre were 'Hoppy Serves a Writ' and 'Lone Star Trail' in 1943 and the propaganda film 'Mr. A renowned actor with a distinctive style, Robert Mitchum left an enduring legacy in cinema.

He died in his sleep at his home in Santa Barbara, California. The cause of death was reported as complications related to emphysema and lung cancer, conditions he had battled for a considerable period of time.

Mitchum had been a smoker for most of his life, and his health had deteriorated in the years leading up to his death.

His ability to bring his unique qualities to different types of roles demonstrated his skill and range as an actor.

In summary, Robert Mitchum’s acting style was characterized by its understated power, cool demeanor, naturalism, and enigmatic presence.