James Mason Overview:

Legendary actor, James Mason, was born James Neville Mason on May 15, 1909 in Huddersfield, England. Mason appeared in over 150 film and TV roles. His best known films include Madame Bovary (as Gustave Flaubert), A Star Is Born 1954 (opposite Judy Garland as Norman Maine), 20000 Leagues Under the Sea (as Captain Nemo), North by Northwest (as Phillip Vandamm), Journey to the Center of the Earth (as Sir Oliver S. Lindenbrook), Lolita (as Prof. Humbert Humbert), and Georgy Girl (as James Leamington). Mason died at the age of 75 on Jul 27, 1984 in Lausanne, Switzerland and was laid to rest in Corsier Cemetery, Corsier-Sur-Vevey in Vaud Canton, Switzerland.

MINI BIO:

James Mason had a rich, mellow voice and saturnine, sardonic looks. The darker the drama, the more effective he proved, especially as suave villains, men on the run or characters trapped by circumstance. His scathing comments on the British film industry of the forties ostracized him for a time, and he went to Hollywood where, although alternating quality product with utter tosh, he gradually became one of the world's most respected actors.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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Although Mason was nominated for three Oscars, he never won a competitive Academy Award.

Academy Awards

YearAwardFilm nameRoleResult
1954Best ActorA Star Is Born (1954)Norman Maine/Alfred HinkelNominated
1966Best Supporting ActorGeorgy Girl (1966)James LeamingtonNominated
1982Best Supporting ActorThe Verdict (1982)Edward ConcannonNominated
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He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television. James Mason's handprints and footprints were 'set in stone' at Grauman's Chinese Theater during imprint ceremony #107 on Mar 30, 1954.

James Mason BlogHub Articles:

Joan Bennett and James Mason in "The Reckless Moment"

By Stephen Reginald on Jul 25, 2022 From Classic Movie Man

Joan Bennett and James Mason in "The Reckless Moment" Max Ophuls, a renowned German director who only made four films in the United States, directed The Reckless Moment (1949). It starred Joan Bennett and James Mason. It was only Mason’s third American film. The film is based on The Blank... Read full article


James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes, and Robert Ryan are "Caught"

By Stephen Reginald on Jul 18, 2022 From Classic Movie Man

James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes, and Robert Ryan are "Caught" Caught (1949) is an American film noir directed by Max Ophuls and starring James Mason, Barbara Bel Geddes, and Robert Ryan. The screenplay was by Arthur Laurents from the novel Wild Calendar by Libbie Block.Leonora Eames (Bel Geddes... Read full article


James Mason is the “Odd Man Out”

By Stephen Reginald on Nov 27, 2020 From Classic Movie Man

James Mason is the “Odd Man Out” Odd Man Out (1947) is a British film directed by Carol Reed and starring James Mason and Robert Newton. The film made Mason an international film star and elevated Reed to the ranks of the top directors of the day.Johnny McQueen (Mason) is a member o... Read full article


45th Annual Seattle International Film Festival: A Collage of James Mason Clips in Invest in Failure (Notes on Film 06-C, Monologue 03) (2018)

By KC on May 21, 2019 From Classic Movies

While I think that it is usually best to go into a film cold in order to enjoy it fully, the work of Austrian filmmaker Norbert Pfaffenbichler benefits from some explanation. His experimental works are accessible, but require preparation. Invest in Failure (Notes on Film 06-C, Monologue 03) (2018), ... Read full article


THE James Mason BLOGATHON: 5 Fingers (1952)

on Oct 5, 2018 From Caftan Woman

The James Mason Blogathon hosted by Maddy Loves Her Classic Movies runs on October 5th and 6th. Click HERE for the tributes to the revered actor. Based on a true story, the spy drama could easily fall into the category of the post-war film-noir docudramas, but as it was directed by and was co-writt... Read full article


See all James Mason articles

James Mason Quotes:

Ulysses Diello: So many more people go into German embassies than have come out. I've often wondered what attractuin could keep them there so long.


Timonides: Men of Rome, men of Rome! Do not touch these people, they have become your brothers. They're Roman now. The whole Northern people will answer with fire and blood, their hatred will live for centuries. Men of Roman blood will pay for this. You will make nations to kill us all. Let us live in peace!Peace!
[Timonides is killed with a javelin in the chest]


Captain Nemo: Think of it. On the surface there is hunger and fear. Men still exercise unjust laws. They fight, tear one another to pieces. A mere few feet beneath the waves their reign ceases, their evil drowns. Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free! Imagine what would happen if they controlled machines such as this submarine boat. Far better that they think there's a monster and hunt me with harpoons.


read more quotes from James Mason...



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James Mason Facts
Was scheduled to play James Bond 007 in a 1958 TV adaptation of From Russia with Love, which was ultimately never produced. Later, despite being in his 50s, Mason was a contender to play Bond in Dr. No (1962) before Sean Connery was cast.

Reportedly, he once saved the life of Max Bygraves' son Patrick. Max Bygraves and his son Patrick were at a party at Judy Garland's house. Patrick fell into the pool and Max didn't notice. James Mason did notice and, fully clothed, he jumped into the water and pulled Patrick out.

He suffered a severe heart attack in 1959.

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