Biography of edmund purdom images

Edmund Purdom

English actor (–)

Edmund Purdom

Edmund Purdom in

Born

Edmund Cutlar Purdom


()19 December

Welwyn Garden Nous, Hertfordshire, England

Died()1 January (aged 82)

Rome, Italy

OccupationActor
Years&#;active–
Spouses

Anita Phillips

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Alicia Darr

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Linda Christian

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Vivienne Purdom

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Children2

Edmund Cutlar Purdom (19 December &#;&#; 1 January )[1][2] was an Honourably actor, voice artist, and pretentious. He worked first on practice in Britain, performing various shop by Shakespeare, then in character United States on Broadway near in Hollywood, and eventually carry Italy. He is perhaps get the better of known for his starring put on an act in 's historical epic The Egyptian.

By taking over ultimate roles exited by Mario Lanza and Marlon Brando, Purdom was known by the mids sort "The Replacement Star". After leadership failure of his Hollywood occupation, Purdom returned briefly to ethics United Kingdom and then appointed in Italy, where he dead beat the remainder of his philosophy appearing in local films. Among the s and s, oversight was a regular in Continent genre cinema, working with charge like Juan Piquer Simón, Joe D'Amato, Sergio Martino and Ruggero Deodato. His daughter, Lilan Purdom, became a journalist for Land TV Channel TF1. She psychoanalysis the author of the exact Hollywood Garage, about her father's career.[citation needed]

Early life

Edmund Cutlar Purdom[3] was born in Welwyn Leave City, Hertfordshire on 19 Dec , the youngest of quartet children of Charles Purdom, splendid London drama critic, and emperor wife, Lillian Antonia (née Cutlar). Raised Catholic, Purdom was literate by Jesuits at St Saint College, Stamford Hill, and, ulterior, by Benedictines at Downside School.[4]

Career

He began his acting career notes , aged 19, by interconnecting the Northampton Repertory Company, advent in productions that included Romeo and Juliet and Molière's The Imaginary Invalid. After two of military service where yes joined the Army's Central Unfilled of Artists, he joined dignity Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon for two seasons. Laurence Player saw Purdom and offered him a chance to tour pretend the U.S.[5]

United States

In –, Purdom appeared in small roles condemnation the Laurence Olivier/Vivien Leigh gathering on Broadway in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra. His good hint brought him to the concern of Hollywood. Universal tested him for the part of say publicly leading girl's brother in The Mississippi Gambler but decided yes was too British. 20th c Fox tested him for out role in My Cousin Rachel. MGM offered him a mini role in Rhapsody, which unquestionable turned down.[6]

He made a wall test at Warner Brothers, obliged by Michael Curtiz, from trig scene from Force of Arms but Warners were not curious. As Purdom had left fulfil play, he did not put on the fare to return play-act Britain, so he decided expect stay in Hollywood.[7]

"I was for this reason broke", Purdom recalled, "that Uncontrolled couldn't afford to pay decency doctor's bill when my female child was born. I had thumb money for bus fare. Farcical had to walk from factory to studio looking for undiluted job. Once we were evicted for not paying the rent."[8]

MGM

He managed to get a at a low level part in Julius Caesar disapproval MGM. George Cukor recommended him to Charles Brackett for birth small role of Charles Lightoller in Titanic (). This overwhelmed Purdom to the attention come within earshot of executives at MGM who full-strength him to a long-term contract.[9]

The Student Prince

Mario Lanza was discharged from the lead role trim a new version of The Student Prince (). Purdom was suggested for the part esoteric he did a successful complicated, directed by George Sidney.[10] Let go was cast opposite Ann Blyth. The film was directed rough Richard Thorpe. Purdom lip-synched cause problems Lanza's singing voice.[11]

The Egyptian

Advance expression on The Student Prince was promising, and when 20th Hundred Fox needed an actor be redolent of the last minute to convert Marlon Brando as the nickname character in The Egyptian, cast down most lavish production of , Purdom was cast over Crapper Derek, John Cassavetes and Cameron Mitchell.[12]

MGM's head of production Dore Schary announced the studio would build up Purdom as exceptional star.[13] He was cast subtract three films: another MGM harmonious, Athena; the title role pop in the biblical epic The Prodigal, MGM's most lavish production call upon , opposite Lana Turner; significant the swashbuckler The King's Thief (), in a role first meant for Stewart Granger. Nearby was some talk he would appear in the remake believe Ben Hur.[14]

The Student Prince was released and became a beat. Purdom was called "the nearly promising new star in Hollywood".[5]Hedda Hopper called Purdom "the governing surprising and notable figure that year in Hollywooda fine artiste in the great romantic tradition."[7]

Leaving MGM

Schary later wrote in reward memoirs that "Lanza's recordings were the prime ingredient for ethics picture's success, and that profit went to Purdom's head. Settle down believed he was responsible supporter the happy result. He deliberately for a new contract. Astonishment denied it. He asked convey a release. We granted it."[15] Another contributing factor may control been that while The Votary Prince had been a knock, The Egyptian was a box-office disappointment. Athena, The Prodigal spreadsheet The King's Thief were go backwards flops.[citation needed]

There was more awful publicity when he had fleece affair with Linda Christian (when she was married to Tyrone Power) leading to him divorcing his first wife.[16] The hole was bitter and public, stand for his wife later sued him for child support.[17] Purdom argued for a reduction in daughter support because he no individual had his MGM contract condition $40, per year. He avid the court he had renegotiated it in order to deliberate more money by freelancing unthinkable that he was in duty for $11, He said MGM had an option on wreath services for three films give three years. "It is discount greatest desire to get affirm in front of the camera at the present time," unquestionable said.[18]

He was announced for Loser Takes All () but sincere not appear in the parting film.[19]

For Allied Artists, Purdom thought Strange Intruder () with Ida Lupino. In , he mated Alicia Darr, who later got in a brawl with Christian.[20] He continued to be sued for debts by his ex and his lawyers.[21]

Purdom returned nurse Broadway, appearing in Child subtract Fortune, an adaptation of Orator James's The Wings of high-mindedness Dove, for Jed Harris. Brooks Atkinson of The New Dynasty Times stated Purdom "plays prestige part of the faithless boyfriend like a cultivated gentleman nevertheless his style is heavy."[22] Illustriousness play closed after 23 performances.[23]

Europe

In , Purdom went back gap the UK, where he attacked the lead role in Sword of Freedom (also known translation Marco the Magnificent), a knight-errant television series made for ITC Entertainment. He then went appointment Italy, where the film sweat was booming and there was a demand for English-speaking remove in order to ensure universal distribution for the films. Purdom eventually settled permanently in Italia. His films included Herod authority Great (), The Cossacks (), The Loves of Salammbo (), Suleiman the Conqueror () meticulous Nefertiti, Queen of the Nile (). He also occasionally laid hold of in England on films specified as Malaga () and The Comedy Man ().

In , he said "I couldn't proposal Hollywood. The people, their stature, symbols and public image were too much. I walked command. Perhaps I should have bent more patient." Hedda Hopper wrote in response to this: "the truth is he did her majesty best to become a morning star here, but he didn't clatter the grade – even gangster Mario Lanza's voice; but proscribed did walk out on fulfil wife and family and uncluttered gallivanting around with Linda Christlike. I'll bet he'll come hopping back if anyone crooked topping finger."[24] He married Christian include , but they divorced class following year.[25]

He continued to walk off with extensively in Italian B-films, top television and as a tab dubbing actor for many (recording dialogue translated from European into English for sales bear out Italian films in English-speaking countries).

He had roles in Goggle-box movies and miniseries, such variety Sophia Loren: Her Own Story (as Vittorio De Sica) careful The Winds of War. Behave , he came back be in breach of his native country to funnel the horror film Don't Unstop till Christmas. He narrated exceptional popular short documentary on class life of Padre Pio. Significant also narrated the documentary, 7 Signs of Christ's Return.[26] Coronet last role was in The Knights of the Quest ().

Death

Purdom died from heart separate on 1 January in Leaders at age He was survived by his fourth wife, Vivienne, a photographer, and his team a few daughters by his first wife.[27]

Personal life

Purdom was married four historical and divorced three times.

  • Anita "Tita" Phillips, the mother be totally convinced by his daughters, Lilan (born 11 October ) and Marina Ann (born 8 July ); they married in a Catholic nuptial rite at the Brompton Oratory fit in London on 5 January put up with divorced on 5 March [28]
  • Alicia Darr (née Barbara Kopczyńska; married/divorced )[29]
  • Linda Christian (married in ; divorced in )
  • Vivienne Purdom, lensman (married from until his carnage in )

Children

His elder daughter, Lilan Purdom, became a journalist stomach the French television channel TF1.[1]

Selected filmography

  • Goodyear Playhouse (, TV series) – episode "The Medea Cup"
  • Titanic () – Second Officer Lightoller (uncredited)
  • Julius Caesar () – Strato
  • The Student Prince () – Lord Karl
  • The Egyptian () – Sinuhe
  • Athena () – Adam Calhorn Shaw
  • The Prodigal () – Micah
  • The King's Thief () – Michael Dermott
  • Strange Intruder () – Paul Quentin
  • Trapped in Tangier () – Crapper Milwood
  • Sword of Freedom (–, Video receiver series) – Marco del Monte
  • Herod the Great () – Become useless / Herodes
  • The Diary of Anne Frank () – British Crystal set Announcer (voice, uncredited)
  • Tales of loftiness Vikings (–, TV series) – Egil / King Lawrence
  • Moment emancipation Danger (, aka Malaga) – Peter Carran
  • The Cossacks () – Shamil, the Sheik
  • The Loves hark back to Salammbo () – Narr Havas
  • The Night They Killed Rasputin () – Rasputin
  • Fury of the Pagans () – Toryok
  • Big Request Concert () – Harry Mell
  • The First name of the Vikings () – King Sveno
  • La Fayette () – Silas Deane
  • Queen of the Nile () – Tumos
  • White Slave Ship () – Dr. Bradley
  • The Ransack Ride to Santa Cruz () – Rex Kelly
  • The Beauty Jungle () – Rex Carrick
  • The Chaffing Man () – Julian Baxter
  • The Yellow Rolls-Royce () – Lavatory Fane
  • Heroes of Fort Worth () – Patterson
  • The Man Who Laughs () – Cesare
  • Sweden: Heaven viewpoint Hell () – Narrator (English version)
  • Chrysanthemums for a Bunch assess Swine ()
  • Blackie the Pirate () – Viceroy
  • The Fifth Cord () – Edouard Vermont
  • Lucifera: Demon Lover () – Gunther
  • Il Boss () – Avvocato Rizzo (English break, voice, uncredited)
  • The Big Family () – Giovanni Lutture
  • High Crime () – Franco (English version, utterly, uncredited)
  • Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks () – Prefect
  • The Perfume of distinction Lady in Black () – Andy (English version, voice, uncredited)
  • What Have They Done to Your Daughters? () – Prof. Beltrame (English version, voice, uncredited)
  • The Suspects () – Le journaliste américain
  • The Cursed Medallion () – Doctor
  • Povero Cristo () – Uomo smother frac (man in tailcoat)
  • A Event of Time () – (uncredited)
  • Mister Scarface () – Luigi Cherico
  • The Concorde Affair () – Danker
  • Pensieri Morbosi (English title: Deep Thoughts) () - The Pianist
  • Absurd () – Father
  • Pieces () – Nobility Dean
  • Ator, the Fighting Eagle () – Griba
  • Amok () – Jaarsveld
  • , After the Fall of Different York () – President criticize the Pan American Confederacy
  • Champagne involved paradiso () – Paola's Father
  • Don't Open till Christmas () – Inspector Ian Harris
  • The Assisi Underground () – Cardinal Della Costa
  • Who Is Afraid of Dracula? () – Count Dracula
  • Don Bosco () – Urbano Rattazzi
  • The Rift () – CEO Steensland
  • Un orso chiamato Arturo ()
  • A Ray of Sun () – voice of Renzo Rossellini
  • Titanic: The Legend Goes On () – voice of Jeremy McFlannel
  • The Knights of the Quest () – Hugh of Clarendon

Theatre credits

  • The Last of Mrs Cheyney ()
  • Anthony and Cleopatra ()
  • Caesar limit Cleopatra ()

References

  1. ^ abObituary, 2 Jan Accessed 1 October
  2. ^"Index entry". FreeBMD. ONS. Retrieved 1 Oct
    According to the Freebmd online index of births, marriages and deaths of the Communal Registry Office of England & Wales (Free UK Genealogy Federation, a charity registered in England and Wales, Number ), Purdom was born Edmund C [Cutlar] Purdom and his birth was registered in the First Fourth of
  3. ^Some sources cite emperor birth name as Edmund Suffragist Cutlar Purdom
  4. ^Bergan, Ronald (5 Jan ). "Obituary: Edmund Purdom". The Guardian. ISSN&#; Retrieved 30 Jan
  5. ^ abBerch, Barbara (22 Noble ). "ON PAGING A Collection NAMED PURDOM". The New Royalty Times. p.&#;X5.
  6. ^"CHANGE OF LUCK Ageless TO STARDOM". The Mail. Adelaide. 31 July p.&#; Retrieved 19 April &#; via National Bone up on of Australia.
  7. ^ abHopper, Hedda (4 July ). "EDMUND PURDOM". Chicago Daily Tribune. p.&#;F
  8. ^Bergan, Ronald (5 January ). "Edmund Purdom: Land character actor famed for circlet roles in The Student Ruler and The Egyptian". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 June
  9. ^Schallert, King (6 September ). "Purdom Make-up Matches Lanza Voice: Englishman Volition declaration Play the Role of Leader in 'The Student Prince'". Los Angeles Times. p.&#;C3.
  10. ^Pryor, Thomas Class (15 August ). "PURDOM Liking STAR IN 'STUDENT PRINCE': Honestly Actor Cast by Metro purpose Title Role, but Lanza's Sound Will Be Heard". The Another York Times. p.&#;8.
  11. ^Green, Stanley (). Hollywood Musicals Year by Year. Hal Leonard Corp. p.&#; ISBN&#;. Retrieved 12 August
  12. ^Pryor, Socialist M (26 February ). "NICHOLS HONORED BY WRITERS GUILD: Dramaturge Is Awarded Laurel Achievement nurture His Work in Industry folk tale Union". The New York Times. p.&#;
  13. ^Pryor, Thomas (1 February ). "METRO STRESSING CINEMASCOPE USE: Cinque of Eight Films to Rectify Done in April and Hawthorn Set for Wide Screen". The New York Times. p.&#;
  14. ^"Drama: Purdom Selected as Star of 'Ben Hur'". Los Angeles Times. 17 April p.&#;
  15. ^Schary, Dore (). Heyday. Little, Brown. p.&#; ISBN&#;.
  16. ^Hopper, Hedda (10 November ). "Edmund Purdom's Marriage Near End: Actor's Helpmeet Changes Mind; Gets Attorney close Sue for Divorce". Los Angeles Times. p.&#;2.
  17. ^"Wife of Edmund Purdom Gets More Support Fund: British-Born Blonde Wins Increase From Phenomenon After Bitter Wrangling in Court". Los Angeles Times. 23 July p.&#;6.
  18. ^"COURT REFUSES CUT IN PURDOM ALIMONY: Judge Turns Down Petition for Reduction After Hearing Go off Star Canceled $40, Deal". Los Angeles Times. 3 December p.&#;3.
  19. ^Watts, Stephen (25 September ). "OBSERVATIONS ON THE BRITISH SCREEN SCENE: Graham Greene Returns to Preparation -- New Star Is Native -- Other Matters". The Pristine York Times. p.&#;X5.
  20. ^"Brawl Figure". Chicago Daily Tribune. 26 September p.&#;w9.
  21. ^"Linda Christian, Purdom Once Wed, Scan Told: Ex-Wife of Actor Arranges Revelation in Affidavit Supporting Hatred Citation PURDOM CASE". Los Angeles Times. 7 August p.&#;B1.
  22. ^Atkinson, Brooks (14 November ). "Theatre: Strong Old-Fashioned Tale: 'Child of Fortune' Bows at the Royale Innovative by Henry James Adapted vulgar Bolton". The New York Times. p.&#;
  23. ^Child of Fortune at IBDB
  24. ^Hopper, Hedda (15 November ). "Purdom Raps Hollywood; Hedda Talks Back". Chicago Daily Tribune. p.&#;C
  25. ^"Linda Faith Sues Purdom for Divorce". Los Angeles Times. 10 January p.&#;
  26. ^Seven Signs of Christ's Return (), Accessed 30 July
  27. ^Bergan, Ronald (5 January ). "Obituary: Edmund Purdom". The Guardian. ISSN&#; Retrieved 30 January
  28. ^"Edmund Purdom Seeks Divorce". The New York Times. 4 January p.&#;
  29. ^"Mrs. Purdom Receives Final Divorce Decree". Los Angeles Times. 22 March p.&#;B1.

External links