MovieChat Forums > Stagecoach (1939) Discussion > The Amazing Claire Trevor

The Amazing Claire Trevor

posted 17 years ago by csu16387
17 replies | jump to latest

I'm a big fan of Claire Trevor. She was a very real, honest actress. I never get a sense of phoniness when Claire Trevor is on the screen. She gives a remarkable performance in Stagecoach. In many films, Trevor played the hooker with a heart of gold. However, she may have played that particular role best in Stagecoach. In a part that could have been boring or too corny, Claire Trevor makes Dallas very human and we're with her every step of the way. Very few actresses could have topped this performance, in my opinion.

Your thoughts on Claire Trevor and her performance in Stagecoach?

"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."

[–] theFoss 17 years ago

CSU...Yes, She was excellent in this film (and was billed ABOVE John Wayne at the time).

Have you seen her oscar winning performance opposite Lionel Barrymore, Bogey, Bacall, and Edward G. Robinson in Key Largo?

An amazing portrayal of an alcoholic mistress of a mobster. Singing "Moanin' Low" a capella for a drink was heart wrenching. And of course, she showed her heart of gold again in the penultimate reel.

[–] csu16387 17 years ago

Yes, I've seen Key Largo. Her Oscar was well-deserved.

I also like Claire Trevor in Murder, My Sweet and Born to Kill. These are probably the two films that really made me a fan.

"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."

[–] luminmadness 17 years ago

She steals the show in Key Largo.

Bogart, Bacall and especially Edward G Robinson all had phenomenal performances in the film yet the scene that you mention is probably the most memorable and moving scene in the film.

[–] LionHearted99 17 years ago

I agree, csu16387. I liked and admired her when I first saw "Stagecoach" as a kid. My opinion has not wavered over the years. She was very real as Dallas and had a screen presence about her only rivaled by a few other actresses. Whatever that "X" ingredient is that comprises genuine acting...Clair Trevor had it in abundance.

"Be not ashamed of your office. You send me to God." "You're very sure of that, Sir Thomas?" "He will not deny one who is so blithe to go to Him."

[–] Tessie2004 17 years ago

Any fan of Claire Trevor's should also try to watch "Dead End." She's only in it for about 5 min, but it's the best 5 min she's ever had on film.

"Tessie" is the Royal Rooters rally cry.
"Tessie" is the tune they always sung.

[–] csu16387 17 years ago

It's been a while since I've seen Dead End. I did find Claire Trevor's performance to be very memorable.

"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."

[–] Clothes-Off 17 years ago

I've always thought that over the years there have been many times that the Oscars in leading categories have not always gone to the one who gave the best performance, but in the Supporting categories they get it right more often. Claire Trevor is certainly an example of that when she won for Key Largo.

She's the kind of performer whom as soon as you see any film of hers you want to see the others.

"Well, for once the rich white man is in control!" C. M. Burns

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] clarinath 15 years ago

Don't forget her other John Wayne film, The High and The Mighty. Her role was a good one and that film hadn't been released for years and just a few years ago started to get air time. It's a good film, and there's lots of Claire Trevor in it.

[–] Diosprometheus 11 years ago

She also made Dark Command and Allegheny Uprising with the Duke.

[–] aapc-2 15 years ago

A sweet, classic portrayal of a 'fallen woman'. Ms. Trevor was so very good, I agree!

[–] jidici 15 years ago

I am Claire Trevors newest fan. She is absolutely gorgeous. Those eyes...THOSE EYES!!! Sigh.

[–] SealordJohn 15 years ago

On the closeup scenes of Claire Trevor, who played Dallas in "Stagecoach", she reminded me of actress Bernadette Peters. Did anyone else notice the resemblence?

[–] MaureenJohnsonLong 15 years ago

Yes! Around the eyes, and the way she pouted a bit as she delivered her lines.

[–] ncgraham 13 years ago

Yes! Lots of Bernadette in her pout! Occasional flashes of Jean Arthur, too, I thought.

[–] clarinath 12 years ago

You guys have it all wrong. There is alot of Claire Trevor in Bernadette Peter's mouth. give credit where credit is due, and Claire was one of the best!

[–] poncedeleroy 11 years ago

She has it!

That scene with Doc Boone where he tells her "Who am I to judge you?" is one of the tops in the whole movie.