WENDELL COREY
AND FILM NOIR

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Wendell Corey made a notable impact on the film noir genre with his compelling performances and ability to portray complex characters. While he may not be as widely associated with film noir as some other actors, he had significant contributions to the genre and left a lasting impression with his roles.

Corey's work in film noir often showcased his talent for playing morally ambiguous characters and embodying the sense of conflict and ambiguity that is characteristic of the genre. One of his notable film noir roles was in The File on Thelma Jordon (1950), directed by Robert Siodmak. Corey played Cleve Marshall, a married assistant district attorney who becomes involved in a dangerous and illicit affair. His performance captured the internal struggle and vulnerability of his character, contributing to the film's noir atmosphere.

Another noteworthy film noir in which Corey made an impact was The Killer Is Loose (1956), directed by Budd Boetticher. In this film, he portrayed Detective Sam Wagner, who is determined to bring down a criminal seeking revenge. Corey's performance as the relentless detective added depth to the character and heightened the tension in the film.

Corey's ability to convey a sense of authenticity and intelligence in his roles made him well-suited for film noir. He often played characters who were caught up in dangerous circumstances or faced moral dilemmas, and his performances added depth and complexity to these narratives.

While Corey may not be considered a quintessential film noir actor, his contributions to the genre were significant. His performances in The File on Thelma Jordon and The Killer Is Loose demonstrated his range as an actor and showcased his ability to convey the internal conflicts and moral ambiguities that are hallmarks of film noir. His presence in the genre added depth and complexity to the stories being told, leaving a lasting impact on film noir.

AVAILABLE FILMS:

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ACCUSED, THE (1948)
BIG KNIFE, THE (1955)
FILE ON THELMA JORDAN, THE (1950)
HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949)
I WALK ALONE (1948)
KILLER IS LOOSE, THE (1956)
RACK, THE (1956)
SORRY, WRONG NUMBER (1948)

VIDEO TRIBUTE

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Wendell Corey

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Wendell Corey was an American actor who had a successful career in film, stage, and television. He was born on March 20, 1914, in Dracut, Massachusetts, United States. Corey is known for his versatile acting abilities, which allowed him to portray a wide range of characters, from sympathetic heroes to complex villains.

Corey began his acting career in the theater and made his Broadway debut in 1938. He gained recognition for his stage performances and went on to appear in several notable productions, including "The Three Sisters" and "The Ladder." His success on stage led to opportunities in Hollywood, and he made his film debut in 1947.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Corey appeared in a variety of film genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He often played supporting roles but was known for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters. Corey's notable film roles include The Devil's Henchman (1949), Harriet Craig (1950), Rear Window (1954), and The Rainmaker (1956).

In Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, Corey played Detective Lt. Thomas J. Doyle, a friend and confidant to the protagonist played by James Stewart. His performance as a skeptical but determined detective added a layer of tension and realism to the film.

Corey's work in film noir is also noteworthy. He appeared in The Killer Is Loose (1956) as a police detective determined to bring down a vengeful criminal. His portrayal of the detective showcased his ability to convey a sense of authority and determination in the face of danger.

In addition to his film work, Corey also had a successful career in television. He appeared in various TV shows and made-for-TV movies, including the series "The Eleventh Hour" and "Burke's Law."

Corey's personal life was marked by his marriage to actress Alice Wiley, with whom he had one child. He was also involved in politics and served as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1961 to 1963.
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Wendell Corey's career spanned several decades, and he left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His versatile performances and ability to bring depth to his characters made him a respected and admired actor. He passed away on November 8, 1968, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of acting.

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Quotes:

"Acting is like painting on a blank canvas; you have to create something out of nothing."
"Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people from coughing." ​

- Wendell Corey

Trivia:

Kirk Douglas spoke at Corey's funeral. However, many years later he claimed that he had done so only as a kindness to Corey's widow and that he and Corey, who had started out in Hollywood at roughly the same time and worked together in those early days, had in fact disliked each other. He also claimed that Corey was an alcoholic and an anti-Semite.

Father of Jonathan Corey and Robin Corey, who appeared as his children in The File on Thelma Jordon (1949).

Ws set to play Gen. William Quantrell in Red Mountain (1951) but had to drop out due to illness and was replaced by John Ireland.