Ronald Colman : There was no one like him.

Who can compare to the great Ronald Colman. His looks and that voice of his was a perfect combination for the great roles he played. His triumphs have seldom been equaled by any other actor, from silent films to the golden age to the 1940's. Probably his best role was "Lost Horizon".

Indeed I agree with you metalman.
Who can compare to him ?
He was a great one.
Why so forgotten though?

I never though Colman was forgotten but some of my other favourites are underrated like Dana Andrews, George Murphy, John Payne, Robert Cummings and Arthur Kennedy. All great talents but so unjustly neglected.

Another great 5b4 that seems to be forgotten is Ronnie's great friend, William Powell. People who watch old movies know who he is, but the general public? No. What a shame, he was HUGELY popular in the 20's-40's, just like Ronnie. Bill Powell, Ronald Colman and Richard Barthalmess were called the "three muskateers" (I know I spelled that wrong). Such a shame they aren't as well known as more popular but less talented actors/actresses of the time:(

"All you need to start an Asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people"-(My Man Godfrey)

As Gallant posted preivously, why so forgotten?

A change in TV habits, IMO. 25-30 years ago, I think a lot more old b&w films were shown on TV, at least in Britan and Ireland - I have fond memories of double bills on Saturdays. I grew up watching Coleman (The Lost Horizon and Random Harvest are two that I remember, though I haven't seen them in years), Bette Davis, David Niven, Margaret Rutherford, the list goes on... Unfortunately, these old films are hardly ever broadcast on TV nowadays, it seems to me. Well, not on mainstream channels, anyway. :-(

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Laura, it's getting away from us again!

Why so forgotten?

My dear, we live in an age that has completely cut itself off from everything that happened before the Beatles. Haven't you noticed?

It's not just Colman that has been forgotten.

I would point people toward the remarkable, amazing, incomparable Fredric March! The man was, like Colman, equally skilled at drama and comedy. His athleticism in his younger days is something to see! I would set March up there next to Colman. He's that good. And, he kept a career going from the Twenties to the Seventies, with many accolades.

1952 Nominated Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role
for: Death of a Salesman (1951).

1947 WON Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role
for: The Best Years of Our Lives (1946).

1938 Nominated Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role
for: A Star Is Born (1937).

1932 WON Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role
for: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931).
Tied with Wallace Beery for The Champ (1931/I).

1931 Nominated Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role
for: The Royal Family of Broadway (1930).

His 1937 role is simply marvelous. He goes from genial drunk to a man in love to a man still in love but fallen into despair. I think he also should have been nominated for "Inherit the Wind" (1960), which is a magnificent role in which he matches Spencer Tracy (who was Oscar-nominated) in every battle.

For much of his life, he was so handsome and was a regal-looking elderly man. Though his voice isn't quite as distinctive as Colman's, it quickly becomes familiar to a fan~deep, often throaty, with an occasional teasing edge.

Add him to the ranks of Ronald Colman.

~~MystMoonstruck~~

You are so right I always thought March and Tracy should have shared the Oscar for "Inherit the Wind" it was like watching a great Prize fight called to a draw. Mr. March is the all time Best Actor in American film. Mr. Colman is number two.