Herbert Marshall, English actor (b. 1890)

Herbert Marshall: A Versatile Star of Stage, Screen, and Radio

Herbert Brough Falcon Marshall (1890–1966) was a distinguished English actor whose career spanned stage, screen, and radio, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age. Celebrated for his urbane charm, sophisticated demeanor, and distinctive voice, Marshall became a highly sought-after leading man in the 1930s and 1940s, captivating audiences in numerous popular and critically acclaimed films before transitioning to impactful character roles in his later career.

From London Stages to Hollywood Limelight

Born into a theatrical family, the son of actors Percy Marshall and Ethel Mayall, Herbert Marshall inherited a natural aptitude for performance. He honed his craft during a successful theatrical career that flourished on both sides of the Atlantic, establishing him as a prominent stage actor in the United Kingdom and North America. His commanding presence and refined delivery made him an ideal candidate for romantic leads and sophisticated characters, qualities that Hollywood quickly recognized. After building a significant reputation in the theatre, Marshall transitioned to the burgeoning film industry, becoming an in-demand star. He frequently graced the screen in romantic melodramas, often portraying the calm, intelligent, and sometimes morally complex gentlemen, though he also showcased his versatility in occasional comedic roles.

An Enduring Screen Presence: Iconic Roles and Star Collaborations

Marshall's filmography boasts an impressive array of iconic performances alongside some of Hollywood's most legendary figures. He is particularly remembered for his nuanced portrayals in a diverse range of cinematic masterpieces:

• In Ernst Lubitsch's sophisticated pre-Code comedy Trouble in Paradise (1932), Marshall delivered a memorable performance as François Filiba, the charming and wealthy suitor.
• He appeared in two pivotal films by master director Alfred Hitchcock: the early British thriller Murder! (1930), where he played Sir John Menier, and the acclaimed espionage film Foreign Correspondent (1940), portraying the cool and collected British intelligence agent Stephen Fisher.
• Marshall delivered two of his most poignant performances for director William Wyler: as Robert Crosbie, the tragically cuckolded husband in the gripping drama The Letter (1940), opposite Bette Davis, and as the ailing Horace Giddens in the powerful family saga The Little Foxes (1941), again with Davis.
• He took on the role of the refined art critic and narrator Geoffrey Strickland in Albert Lewin's visually striking adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence (1942), offering a compelling perspective on the life of a rebellious artist.
• In Edmund Goulding's adaptation of Maugham's philosophical novel The Razor's Edge (1946), Marshall played the role of Elliott Templeton, a cultured and worldly socialite.
• Later in his career, he ventured into the burgeoning science fiction genre with a memorable performance as the father, François Delambre, in Kurt Neumann's classic horror film The Fly (1958), a role that solidified his appeal across different film genres.

Throughout his celebrated career, Marshall shared the screen with an extraordinary roster of Hollywood's most prominent leading ladies, showcasing his captivating chemistry with stars such as the enigmatic Greta Garbo, the alluring Marlene Dietrich, the dramatic Joan Crawford, and the formidable Bette Davis, further cementing his status as a key figure of the Golden Age.

A Distinctive Voice: Radio and Television Contributions

Beyond his prolific film work, Herbert Marshall cultivated a significant presence in radio, where the distinctive quality of his voice—often praised for its clear articulation, calming tone, and inherent sophistication—made him a natural fit for the medium. From 1944 to 1952, he starred in his own popular radio series, The Man Called 'X', where he played a suave, globe-trotting secret agent for the U.S. government, embarking on thrilling adventures across the world. In addition to his starring role, Marshall made numerous guest appearances on various radio programs and hosted several shows, becoming a familiar and trusted voice for millions of listeners. His adaptability also extended to the nascent medium of television, where he made notable appearances as it grew in popularity.

Resilience, Personal Life, and Lasting Legacy

Marshall's life was marked by both professional triumphs and personal challenges. Known for his charm and magnetic personality, his private life periodically garnered attention in gossip columns, particularly due to his five marriages. He was married to fellow actress Edna Best (with whom he often performed), Micheline Cheirel, the iconic Gloria Swanson, Dorothy "Dee" Marshall, and Patricia Marshall, reflecting a sometimes turbulent personal journey. A testament to his remarkable resilience, Marshall endured a severe injury during the First World War, where he lost his right leg at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917 while serving with the London Rifle Brigade. This personal experience profoundly shaped his commitment to public service. During the Second World War, he dedicated considerable effort to the rehabilitation of injured troops, particularly focusing on aiding fellow amputees, drawing on his own lived experience to offer support and advocacy. For his significant contributions to cinema, Herbert Marshall was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, a lasting tribute to his multifaceted talent and enduring impact on entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herbert Marshall

What was Herbert Marshall primarily known for?

Herbert Marshall was a highly regarded English actor known for his extensive work across stage, screen, and radio. He gained significant fame as a leading man in Hollywood's Golden Age, particularly in romantic melodramas and later as a distinguished character actor.

Which iconic films did Herbert Marshall star in?

He starred in numerous classic films, including Ernst Lubitsch's Trouble in Paradise (1932), Alfred Hitchcock's Murder! (1930) and Foreign Correspondent (1940), William Wyler's The Letter (1940) and The Little Foxes (1941), Albert Lewin's The Moon and Sixpence (1942), Edmund Goulding's The Razor's Edge (1946), and the cult sci-fi horror film The Fly (1958).

Did Herbert Marshall serve in the military?

Yes, Herbert Marshall served in the First World War. He sustained a severe injury during the conflict, losing his right leg at the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.

How did Herbert Marshall's wartime injury impact his later life and career?

Despite the loss of his leg, Marshall continued his successful acting career. His personal experience also motivated him to dedicate efforts to the rehabilitation of injured troops, especially fellow amputees, during the Second World War.

What was Herbert Marshall's radio show?

From 1944 to 1952, Herbert Marshall starred in his own popular radio series titled The Man Called 'X', where he portrayed a globe-trotting secret agent.

Was Herbert Marshall recognized with any major awards or honors?

Yes, Herbert Marshall received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to motion pictures, solidifying his place in cinematic history.