R.I.P. Farley Granger

There's been a lot said and written about the passing of Liz Taylor last week. But I doubt anyone payed much attention to the passing of another classic star a few days later.  His name was Farley Granger.  Most of you have probably never heard of him, but he was a pretty big star in the 40's and early 50's, and he was a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock.  He was also mighty handsome.  In later years, he worked a lot in European films, as well as on the stage.  If you get a chance, you should check him out in the following movies:

Strangers on a Train - In this movie, Granger plays a man eager to leave his marriage to his cheating wife.  On a train home, he happens to meet another passenger, played by Robert Walker, who is eager to be rid of his overbearing Mother.  In the process of their conversation, Robert Walker proposes that they take care of each other's problems. Incredibly suspenseful, this movie has one of the coolest final scenes ever.  (Note: This picture inspired the later movie "Throw Momma From The Train").  

Rope - Another Hitchcock picture, this one is an experimental film, in that it all takes place in "real time".  In it, Granger plays a young thrill killer, and James Stewart is a prosecutor out to prove how Granger did it.

They Live By Night - Probably my favorite movie of his, directed by Nicholas Ray, who later went on to direct "Rebel Without a Cause".  In this one, Granger plays a young ex-con, in love with a girl, trying desperately to go straight.  No matter how hard he tries, and even with the best of intentions, he keeps getting gradually sucked back in to a life of crime.