Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto
Peter Lorre as Mr. Moto
Lorres Figuren reden nicht viel, sprechen leise, schweigen lange, atmen, pfeifen. Worauf die Aufmerksamkeit seiner Figuren sich richtet, verraten vor allem die Augen.
[Lorre's figures do not talk much. They speak softly, are silent for long periods, breathe, whistle. It’s his characters’ eyes especially that betray what has captured their attention. (ed. trans.)]
Ronny Loewy, Von M zu Mr. Moto, 2001
Compared to many of his German colleagues, the actor Peter Lorre was very successful in Hollywood. He was frequently booked and as “Mr. Moto” even played the starring role in a film, which was highly unusual for a “foreigner”. He played the Japanese detective in a total of eight films from 1937 to 1939. Mr Moto solved his cases using oriental restraint, cunning and surprising Judo tricks. Eye make-up, round glasses and black dyed hair sufficed in making an Asian out of the European Lorre for the American public
When Lorre received his first offer for the role of Mr. Moto only one film was planned. Lorre was annoyed by his constant cast as a villain and agreed without knowing that he would once again be typecast – now as a strange loner. His lavish lifestyle, however, made it very difficult for him to turn down offers of roles.
Gallery
