Before Hollywood became the center of the entertainment world, its (Jewish) producers used to import British actors to imbue their movies with class and sophistication. This practice became necessary when sound films were made and the quality of the actors’ voices became crucial selling points.
In the ’50s, even Philadelphia heiress, Grace Kelly, aped Audrey Hepburn’s “continental” speaking style.
Attention
Since competition in England was stiff, many of its young actors and actresses chose to go to Hollywood, where they hoped their training, continental personalities and accents could draw moviegoers’ attention.
The notable imports included Laurence Olivier, Ronald Colman, David Niven, Vivien Leigh, Merle Oberon, Greer Garson, Deborah Kerr, Maureen O’Hara, Maureen O’Sullivan, Angela Lansbury and the iconic Cary Grant.
Soon, character actors like Sydney Greenstreet, John Williamson, Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers and John Gielgud followed. In the ’40s, Rex Harrison starred in “Anna and the King of Siam.”
German actors like Peter Lorre and Marlene Dietrich, as well as Austrians like Paul Henreid and Hedy Lamarr also “invaded” Hollywood. Even Scandinavians found a niche with imports like Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Viveca Lindfors and May Britt.
Accent
Hollywood also looked to Australia for “British-type” actors. Before Mel Gibson and Rod Taylor, there was Errol Flynn. Even an American like Orson Welles and Canadians Walter Pidgeon and Joseph Cotton spoke with a British accent!
Oliver Reed and Alan Bates had prosperous careers before Richard Burton came into the picture. Recently, Aussie Hugh Jackman was critically acclaimed for his performance in the stage revival of “Oklahoma.” Hollywood has handed Oscars to many British actors for their fine performances—honors that many of them richly deserve!