Book Description

Conrad Veidt, a native of Berlin, began acting in small parts as an extra until called into service during World War I. After his discharge he began a theater career, starring in plays such as The Coral, that subsequently led to a film career and more than one turn as a director. He became best known in Germany for his convincing silent film portrayals of sinister characters, despite his participation also in "enlightenment" films made to spur social reform. He left Germany for a silent film career in the United States at the urging of John Barrymore, who recruited him to play King Louis XI in The Beloved Rogue. Veidt returned to Germany when "talkies" came out and his accent and native German tongue made it difficult for him to adjust to non-silent movies. With the threat of Nazi power in Germany, Veidt then went to Britain, where he made many memorable movies. He returned to the United States and continued to make films with stars such as Joan Crawford and others until his death in 1943. He is remembered for his role as Nazi major Strasser in Casablanca. This work details the film career of Conrad Veidt. It lists all movies that he was involved in and provides a synopsis, cast and crew, and reviews of each film. There are many photographs, a list of films that he is thought possibly to have been involved in, and an extensive bibliography.