Known For
Acting
Born
Jun 16, 1905
Died
Aug 24, 1956
Place of Birth
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Credits
112 titles
Barry Norton
Biography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Barry Norton (born Alfredo Carlos Birabén; June 16, 1905 – August 24, 1956) was an Argentinian-American actor. He appeared in over 90 films, starting in silent films from 1925 until his death in 1956. He is perhaps best known for his role as Juan Harker in Universal Pictures' Spanish-language version of Drácula in 1931, the English language role of Jonathan Harker originated by David Manners. Arriving in Hollywood in the 1920s, Norton first appeared as an extra in The Black Pirate (1926) but was soon cast in Fox Films' The Lily that same year. His big break came when he was given the role of Pvt. "Mother's Boy" Lewisohn in What Price Glory?, which turned out to be a huge commercial success. He landed substantial roles in Legion of the Condemned and 4 Devils (both 1928), which were also very successful. His acting was well received by audiences and critics at the time, and during the silent era he avoided being typecast as a Latin lover. One theater owner in Golden City, Montana said, "[Norton] has as yet to show me a bad performance. There's a boy that is a 'natural'." In the early 1930s, Norton could still get leading roles in major films. Major Hollywood studios started producing alternate-language versions of their prestige productions, and he became one of dozens of Latino actors needed. Drácula was one of these films, but Norton also appeared in Spanish-language versions of Paramount on Parade (1930), The Benson Murder Case (1930), and The Criminal Code (1931). In a few cases, he appeared in both versions of a film. Examples include Storm Over the Andes (Spanish version: Alas sobre El Chaco), The Sea Fiend (El diablo del Mar), and Captain Calamity (El capitan Tormenta), the latter film reuniting him with Lupita Tovar, his romantic interest from Dracula. In addition to roles in Spanish-territory films, he had roles in numerous major films, usually playing sophisticated Europeans. With the decline in Spanish-language film production in Los Angeles, Norton's opportunities for leading roles became less and less frequent. Though he had a pleasing voice, his Argentine accent seemed incongruous with his appearance. According to some sources, he never mastered English very well. In 1933, he secured what would be his last important role, playing Jean Parker's Spanish fiancé in Frank Capra's Lady for a Day (1933). Although he would continue to work for another 15 years, Norton's last credited screen role would be Should Husbands Work? (1939). For the rest of his career, Norton continued to reside in Los Angeles and obtain small roles in films. Many films he appeared in are now considered to be classics.
Known For
Filmography
The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema
Around the World in 80 Days
Extra (uncredited)
Written on the Wind
Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Serenade
Party Guest (uncredited)
Slightly Scarlet
The Square Jungle
Boxing Match Spectator (uncredited)
It's Always Fair Weather
Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
To Catch a Thief
Frenchman (uncredited)
White Christmas
Carousel Club Diner (uncredited)
A Star Is Born
Benefit Attendee (uncredited)
The Caine Mutiny
Ship's Officer (uncredited)
Lucky Me
Diner / Party Guest (uncredited)
How to Marry a Millionaire
Plane Passenger (uncredited)
Small Town Girl
Party Guest
Trouble Along the Way
Party Guest
The Jazz Singer
Nightclub Patron
Four Star Playhouse
Man in Audience / Backstage Guest (uncredited)
The Merry Widow
Club Patron (uncredited)
Pat and Mike
Golf Spectator (uncredited)
Young Man with Ideas
Lawyer at Seminar (uncredited)
Something to Live For
Man in Tweeds (uncredited)
Room for One More
Boy Scout Ceremony Attendee (uncredited)
The Strange Door
Strangers on a Train
Tennis Match Spectator (uncredited)
Hollywood Story
Christmas Parade Spectator (uncredited)
Pier 23
Waiter (uncredited)
On the Riviera
Party Guest (uncredited)
Mister 880
Restaurant Diner (uncredited)
Born to Be Bad
Charity Ball Guest (uncredited)
The Toast of New Orleans
Restaurant Patron (uncredited)
Rocketship X-M
Reporter (uncredited)
Young Man with a Horn
Man at Train Station / Café Guest (uncredited)
No Man of Her Own
Country Club Patron (uncredited)
East Side, West Side
Del Rio Club Patron (uncredited)
Johnny Allegro
An Innocent Affair
Rocket Roof Patron (uncredited)
Easter Parade
Diner (uncredited)
The Big Clock
Man at Van Barth's (uncredited)
The Gangster
Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Variety Girl
Plane Passenger (uncredited)
Monsieur Verdoux
Garden Party Guest (uncredited)
Twilight on the Rio Grande
Rurale
Devil Monster
Robert Jackson
Without Reservations
Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
Christmas in Connecticut
Restaurant Patron (uncredited)
Maisie Goes to Reno
Nightclub Patron (Uncredited)
Above Suspicion
German Cafe Patron (Uncredited)
Mission to Moscow
Ball Guest (uncredited)
Keeper of the Flame
Casablanca
Gambler at Rick's (uncredited)