Not Scared Away........

Ok....just in case, this gets hidden in the "rough and tumble":

.....Just been busy with offline family business (historical arms and armour) and running a PC game Official website.

I read through quite a few of the posts here before beginning one. So was not put off by any thing I read and do understand.

First, I went looking for my letters (have two). As soon as I can find a scanner, I will have these done to post here:

The first letter is dated March 5, 1965 after sending him a "fan letter of appreciation" earlier in 1964. Sent this after finding his New Hampshire address in the (then) current "Who's Who" at my local library then. I was about 14 then and in Junior High School. That was about time when local TV stations had their versions of SciFi and/or Horror programs on Saturday afternoons and at night (i.e. "Jeeper's Keeper") Was reading Famous Monsters of Filmland and other magazines like these then. But I was already a film buff and loved watching the different old Hollywood movie genres.

I really did not expect an answer when sending mine. So was quite surprised upon receiving this. This is his handwritten one done in ink (split head..not ballpoint)and letter head. It is a very intense personal and emotional one from him. Even as a young teen, I remember being saddened by this news.
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Dear Laurie (maiden name)

Forgive me. I have had no heart to write letters and this is an effort. My wonderful wife, after a very long illness, departed this life on the last day of 1964. She is at peace now.

Thank you for your letter.

Thank you.

Claude Rains
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The second is dated June 29, 1966 after making and sending him a "Valentine's Day Wish" card. This one was dictated and typed on the same letter head stationary. He signed his initials to this one:

Dear Laurie (maiden name)

I have been ill for months but now I'm getting better, and I have your sweet Happy Valentine Day wish before me.

It was very dear of you to think of me in such a way, and I thank you very much and do appreciate it.

Thank you for being such a nice girl.

God bless,
CR

CR:pam
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But where to begin "why" I love watching Claude Rains? Not quite sure how to explain this or describe it.

"Piped Piper" may have been my first introduction to Claude Rains as a little girl of 7. My main draw with this film, I think, was its use of Edvard Grieg's music as I grew up listening to Classical music...and from reading the Robert Browning poem. How it was all put together as a musical made it fun ( I happen to like musicals...anyway). I have watched it several times over the years whenever possible....By the way, Claude Rains as the greedy mayor and his "Tabletop dance" is a hoot! Although made for children back then with a lesson...it's presentation is quite "Faustian"/adult even with its "happy ending".

Thinking back, it might have been then I began wanting to see more of his work as time went on. I am like that, whether in finding a well crafted book by a particular author, composer, actor or something else I may like. I am an avid reader and realize movies are one director's idea and an actor's interpetation. Yet, good acting will bring a book character more "alive" and bring added insights. If I watch the movie first and intrigues me, then I will find the book the movie was based on ...or vice versa, for example.

As time went on, and watching him more, maybe it was Mr. Rain's acting style, or his charm and wit (whether being the "good" or "bad" guy. Playing major or supporting) Turn of phrasing or that gleam in his eye and/or impish smile as if knowing more than you think. Or in others, he seemed so wise and knowledgeable. Teens live through such an awkward phase at times and growing up in the 60s was hard when you could never be as willowy thin as "hippie girls" or like the "surfer girls"...no matter how much you dieted. Or your music tastes ran counter to what was "popular" back then. Or you were a bookworm and artist. Guess one of the reasons I was drawn to the old horror films. I could understand Frankenstein's Monster as Mr. Karloff played the role..or Claude Rains as "The Phantom of the Opera".

But he also played so many roles where you wish you had a mentor like him too. While watching "Now Voyager", I found myself rather like Bette Davis...and wishing there was someone like Dr. Jaquith to help me get through the hard times. Davis and Rains in any of their film pairings is well worth watching! (i.e. "Deception")

As for thinking him "sexy"? He was handsome, true. But I was never drawn to an actor's work just because of a "pretty face". That kind of "beauty" is fleeting. It is what lies behind the mask, and within, that draws me more.

In any case, most of my big and small screen experiences were watching Mr. Rains' in his later years. (i.e. "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "Wagon Train", "Rawhide", "Hallmark Hall of Fame", "Playhouse 90", "Dr. Kildare" for example. On the big screen it was "Battle of the Worlds", "Laurence of Arabia", "The Lost World" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told". All the others, like Casablanca, Notorious, Now Voyager, The Unsuspected and so on, were from watching the "All Night Movies".

I am so glad there is TCM, AMC and Fox that will show these movies uncut now. FINALLY had a chance, recently through TCM, to watch him as Caesar in George Benard Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra"....I read the play several decades ago and always wanted to see the film version.

Worth the wait!

Laurie