Masters of menace: Greenstreet and Lorre

by Ted Sennett

More than three decades after Greenstreet and Lorre moved through the fog-laden streets of Warners' back lots, bent on some disreputable or heinous deed, these actors are warmly remembered. And although they appeared together in only nine films, they are chiefly remembered as a team, even to being known as the Laurel and Hardy of crime. Together or apart, whether exuding an aura of danger and decadence or a charming benignity, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre were solidly professional actors who contributed greatly to our movieging pleasure. The careers of these two consummate actors converged for only five years and they played many roles apart before, during, and after their association. But in the minds of most moviegoers, they are linked together; two thorough professionals who complemented , enjoyed, ans strengthened each other in a number of Warners melodramas. This book, illustrated with 92 photographs, looks at the totality of their live and careers.

Genres: Nonfiction

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[M.R. Dowsing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly well-written but rather cursory look at the Hollywood careers of these two wonderful actors. Quite a lot of the text is taken up in recounting the plots of their films, although this is perhaps understandable given that, when this was published, it would not have been a simple matter to see these films.Don't expect a lot of insight on their relationship either. Some nice pics though.

[Derek Sculthorpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good look at the films of Greenstreet and Lorre but left one wanting more details about the men themselves. Lorre has since been covered in great depth by the Stephen Youngkin biography. I was disappointed that there has never been a decent book about Greenstreet, so I set about writing it myself.

[Ejl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been on a Sydney Greenstreet kick recently, and this is the best (and maybe the only semi-book-length) biography of him around. Even at that, it is a only a few dozen pages (the bulk of the book is about Peter Lorre, who is, admittedly, a more complicated individual). But the facts are welcome and the filmography of both men is invaluable.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The more you read, the more you realize that most of the roles taken by Greenstreet and Lorre - together and separately - were usually beneath them. If all you know is their pairing from The Maltese Falcon, you're really reached a high point. There are other good pairings, but most of the others are in average films at best. Still this is a useful resource, one worth having.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an especially deep book, but Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet are two actors that I've grown up watching, but didn't know much about. This book doesn't add much about their personal lives, but it does go into their filmographies and includes a lot of stills/photographs.