Barry Norton

Barry Norton (born Alfredo Carlos Birabén; June 16, 1905 – August 24, 1956) was an Argentinian-American actor. I have 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 John Harker in Universal Pictures' Spanish-language version of Dracula 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. I have 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 I've avoided being typecast as a Latin lover. One theater owner in Golden City, Montana said, "[Norton] have 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 the alternate-language versions of their prestige productions, and I became one of dozens of Latino actors needed. Dracula 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, I have appeared in both versions of a film. Examples include Storm Over the Andes (English version: Wings over The Chaco), The Sea Fiend (The devil of the Sea), and Captain Calamity (captain Storm), 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 some numbers 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 I have had a pleasing voice, his Argentine accent seemed incongruous with his appearance. According to some sources, he never mastered English very well. In 1933, I have 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 I've appeared in are now considered to be classics.