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Home/People/Barry Norton
Barry Norton profile photo
Born
Jun 16, 1905Died: Aug 24, 1956
Lived 51 years
Place of Birth
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Known For
Acting
Gender
Male

Career Highlights

110
Movies
1
TV Shows
Also Known As
Alfredo Carlos Birabén
IMDb Profile

Barry Norton

Acting

Biography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Barry Norton (born Alfredo Carlos Birabén; June 16, 1905 – August 24, 1956) was an Argentinian-American actor. He appeared in over 90 films, starting in silent films from 1925 until his death in 1956. He is perhaps best known for his role as Juan Harker in Universal Pictures' Spanish-language version of Drácula in 1931, the English language role of Jonathan Harker originated by David Manners. Arriving in Hollywood in the 1920s, Norton first appeared as an extra in The Black Pirate (1926) but was soon cast in Fox Films' The Lily that same year. His big break came when he was given the role of Pvt. "Mother's Boy" Lewisohn in What Price Glory?, which turned out to be a huge commercial success. He landed substantial roles in Legion of the Condemned and 4 Devils (both 1928), which were also very successful. His acting was well received by audiences and critics at the time, and during the silent era he avoided being typecast as a Latin lover. One theater owner in Golden City, Montana said, "[Norton] has as yet to show me a bad performance. There's a boy that is a 'natural'." In the early 1930s, Norton could still get leading roles in major films. Major Hollywood studios started producing alternate-language versions of their prestige productions, and he became one of dozens of Latino actors needed. Drácula was one of these films, but Norton also appeared in Spanish-language versions of Paramount on Parade (1930), The Benson Murder Case (1930), and The Criminal Code (1931). In a few cases, he appeared in both versions of a film. Examples include Storm Over the Andes (Spanish version: Alas sobre El Chaco), The Sea Fiend (El diablo del Mar), and Captain Calamity (El capitan Tormenta), the latter film reuniting him with Lupita Tovar, his romantic interest from Dracula. In addition to roles in Spanish-territory films, he had roles in numerous major films, usually playing sophisticated Europeans. With the decline in Spanish-language film production in Los Angeles, Norton's opportunities for leading roles became less and less frequent. Though he had a pleasing voice, his Argentine accent seemed incongruous with his appearance. According to some sources, he never mastered English very well. In 1933, he secured what would be his last important role, playing Jean Parker's Spanish fiancé in Frank Capra's Lady for a Day (1933). Although he would continue to work for another 15 years, Norton's last credited screen role would be Should Husbands Work? (1939). For the rest of his career, Norton continued to reside in Los Angeles and obtain small roles in films. Many films he appeared in are now considered to be classics.
The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema poster

The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema

Cast
2002
Around the World in 80 Days poster

Around the World in 80 Days

as Extra (uncredited)
1956
Written on the Wind poster

Written on the Wind

as Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
1956
Serenade poster

Serenade

as Party Guest (uncredited)
1956
Slightly Scarlet poster

Slightly Scarlet

Cast
1956
The Square Jungle poster

The Square Jungle

as Boxing Match Spectator (uncredited)
1955
It's Always Fair Weather poster

It's Always Fair Weather

as Nightclub Patron (uncredited)
1955
To Catch a Thief poster

To Catch a Thief

as Frenchman (uncredited)
1955
White Christmas poster

White Christmas

as Carousel Club Diner (uncredited)
1954
A Star Is Born poster

A Star Is Born

as Benefit Attendee (uncredited)
1954
The Caine Mutiny poster

The Caine Mutiny

as Ship's Officer (uncredited)
1954
Lucky Me poster

Lucky Me

as Diner / Party Guest (uncredited)
1954
How to Marry a Millionaire poster

How to Marry a Millionaire

as Plane Passenger (uncredited)
1953
Small Town Girl poster

Small Town Girl

as Party Guest
1953
Trouble Along the Way poster

Trouble Along the Way

as Party Guest
1953
The Jazz Singer poster

The Jazz Singer

as Nightclub Patron
1953
The Merry Widow poster

The Merry Widow

as Club Patron (uncredited)
1952
Pat and Mike poster

Pat and Mike

as Golf Spectator (uncredited)
1952
Young Man with Ideas poster

Young Man with Ideas

as Lawyer at Seminar (uncredited)
1952
Something to Live For poster

Something to Live For

as Man in Tweeds (uncredited)
1952