Highest rated as cast or director
James Mason's 8 titles from the 1950s have a median Balasaur Score of 76, led by North by Northwest (88) and A Star Is Born (82), against 69 for those from the 1980s.
Biography
James Neville Mason (known as James Mason; May 15, 1909 – July 27, 1984) was an English actor who made a significant impact on both British and American cinema. His acting career began in the 1930s, where he initially gained recognition for his stage performances in London's West End. He made his film debut in 1935 with the British film "Late Extra," marking the start of his illustrious on-screen journey. Throughout his career, Mason showcased his exceptional acting abilities, often portraying complex and morally ambiguous characters. His commanding presence, distinctive voice, and versatile range allowed him to effortlessly transition between genres, from dramas to thrillers and even period pieces. One of Mason's most acclaimed performances came in 1945 when he starred as the troubled and enigmatic Johnny McQueen in the film "Odd Man Out." His portrayal of the wounded Irish nationalist earned him widespread praise and established him as a respected leading man. Mason's notable filmography includes memorable roles in films such as "The Wicked Lady" (1945), "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" (1951), "A Star Is Born" (1954), "North by Northwest" (1959), and "Lolita" (1962). His ability to bring depth, sophistication, and complexity to his characters captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Beyond his film career, Mason also dabbled in producing and directing. He co-produced and starred in the acclaimed film "A Star Is Born," showcasing his multifaceted talent and creative vision. Throughout his life, Mason was recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. He was highly regarded by his peers and critics alike for his impeccable craft and his ability to elevate any production he was a part of.
Acted in 137
2010s
- 2012
Lasseter's Bones
Archival Footage
1990s
- 1991
Halloween Monster Bash
Stephen Deremid (archive footage)
1980s
- 1985
A.D.
Tiberius · 5 episodes
The Shooting Party
Sir Randolph Nettleby
- 1984
Dr. Fischer of Geneva
Dr. Fischer
George Washington
Gen. Edward Braddock · 3 episodes
- 1983
Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Demon
Alexandre
The Father
The Popes and Their Art
Presentor
- 1982
A Dangerous Summer
George Engels
- 1980
1970s
- 1979
Bloodline
Sir Alec Nichols
Murder by Decree
Dr. Watson
- 1978
The Water Babies
Mr. Grimes / Voice of Killer Shark
- 1977
- 1976
Origins of the Mafia
Vianisi · 1 episode
People of the Wind
Jafar Qoli (voice)
Fear in the City
Chief of Police
- 1975
The Flower in His Mouth
Avv. Antonio Bellocampo
Inside Out
Ernst Furben
Autobiography of a Princess
Cyril Sahib
The Left Hand of the Law
Senatore Leandri
- 1974
The Yin and the Yang of Mr. Go
Y.Y. Go
11 Harrowhouse
Charles D. Watts
Frankenstein: The True Story
Dr. John Polidori
The Marseille Contract
Jacques Brizard
- 1973
Frankenstein: The True Story
Dr. John Polidori · 2 episodes
The Last of Sheila
Philip Dexter
- 1972
Child's Play
Jerome Malley
- 1971
- 1970
Spring and Port Wine
Rafe Crompton
1960s
- 1969
- 1968
The Sea Gull
Trigorin
Duffy
Charles Calvert
- 1967
Stranger in the House
John Sawyer
The Deadly Affair
Charles Dobbs
- 1966
Georgy Girl
James Leamington
- 1965
Uncertain Verification
(archive footage)
The Uninhibited
Pascal Regnier
- 1964
The Pumpkin Eater
Bob Conway
- 1963
Torpedo Bay
Captain Blayne
- 1962
Hero's Island
Jacob Weber
Tiara Tahiti
Captain Brett Aimsley
Escape from Zahrain
Johnson
Theatre 62: Rebecca
Maxim de Winter
- 1961
The Marriage-Go-Round
Paul Delville
- 1960
John Brown's Raid
John Brown
The Trials of Oscar Wilde
Edward Carson
Playhouse 90: The Hiding Place
Hans Frick
A Touch of Larceny
Cmdr. Max Easton
1950s
- 1959
- 1958
The Decks Ran Red
Capt. Edwin Rummill
Cry Terror!
Jim Molner
- 1957
Island in the Sun
Maxwell Fleury
Panic!
TV
- 1956
Bigger Than Life
Ed Avery
Forever, Darling
Guardian Angel
- 1954
- 1953
The Man Between
Ivo Kern
Charade
The Murderer / Maj. Linden / Jonah Watson
The Desert Rats
Field Marshal Erwin von Rommel
The Story of Three Loves
Charles Coutray
General Electric Theater
Wayne Sebastian · 1 episode
- 1952
Botany Bay
Capt. Paul Gilbert
The Prisoner of Zenda
Rupert of Hentzau
Face to Face
The Captain
Ellis in Freedomland
The Refrigerator (voice)
5 Fingers
Ulysses Diello
Lady Possessed
Jimmy Del Palma
- 1951
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Captain Vialez, Self - Host · 1 episode
- 1950
One Way Street
Dr. Frank Matson
1940s
- 1949
East Side, West Side
Brandon Bourne
Caught
Larry Quinada
- 1947
The Upturned Glass
Michael Joyce
- 1945
They Were Sisters
Geoffrey Lee
A Place of One's Own
Henry Smedhurst
- 1944
Fanny by Gaslight
Lord Manderstoke
- 1943
They Met in the Dark
Richard Francis Heritage
The Man in Grey
Lord Rohan
The Bells Go Down
Ted Robbins
- 1942
Secret Mission
Raoul de Carnot
Alibi
Andre Laurent
The Night Has Eyes
Stephen Deremid
Hatter's Castle
Dr. Renwick
- 1941
The Patient Vanishes
Mick Cardby
1930s
- 1939
The Miser
Valere - In love with Elise
I Met a Murderer
Mark Warrow
- 1937
The High Command
Capt. Heverell
- 1936
The Secret of Stamboul
Larry
Twice Branded
Henry Hamilton
Prison Breaker
'Bunny' Barnes
- 1935
Late Extra
Jim Martin
Produced 6
1960s
- 1969
1950s
- 1956
Bigger Than Life
Producer
- 1954
The Star of Bethlehem
Producer
- 1953
Charade
Producer
- 1952
Lady Possessed
Producer
1940s
- 1947
The Upturned Glass
Producer
Wrote 4
2010s
- 2016
Bob the Builder: Building Sky High
Writer
1950s
- 1953
Charade
Writer
- 1952
Lady Possessed
Screenplay
1930s
- 1939
I Met a Murderer
Story
Other crew 3
2010s
- 2011
Passion & Poetry: Sam Peckinpah's War
In Memory Of
1950s
- 1956
Bigger Than Life
Additional Writing
- 1950
Directed 1
1950s
- 1954
The Star of Bethlehem
Director
Appearances34
2020s
- 2020
2010s
- 2019
Churchill and the Movie Mogul
Self (archive footage)
- 2013
2000s
- 2009
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1950s: The Golden Era of the Musical
Self (archive)
- 2000
Sir John Mills' Moving Memories
Self (archive footage)
1980s
- 1984
James Mason: The Star They Loved to Hate
Self
- 1983
Group Madness
Self
Unknown Chaplin
Narrator (voice) · 3 episodes
- 1982
The Glory of the Garden
Narrator
Night of 100 Stars
Self
The Making of Agatha Christie's 'Evil Under the Sun'
Self / Odell Gardener
- 1981
The Search for Alexander the Great
Narrator · 4 episodes
- 1980
Hollywood
Self - Narrator · 13 episodes
1970s
- 1977
Homage to Chagall: The Colours of Love
Narrator - English version
- 1973
The Reformation: Age of Revolt
Narrator
John Keats: His Life and Death
Narrator
- 1972
Home, James
Self
The Wind in the Wires
Narrator
- 1971
The Search for the Nile
Narrator · 6 episodes
1960s
- 1968
The London Nobody Knows
Himself - Narrator
- 1967
- 1962
- 1961
1950s
- 1957
- 1956
- 1954
The Star of Bethlehem
Himself
- 1953
The Tell-Tale Heart
Narrator
- 1950
1940s
- 1948
