Joseph Calleia (1897-1975) was a Maltese-born actor who became a Hollywood star, often cast as a villain or morally complex figure. Among his 62 films, his most famous and enduring role was in Orson Welles' Touch of Evil (1958), where he played Police Sergeant Pete Menzies opposite Charlton Heston and Welles himself.
He was born in Rabat, Malta, on August 4, 1897, as Joseph Alexander Caesar Herstall Vincent Calleja.
After serving in WWI, he moved to the U.S. and began on Broadway, appearing in productions like Broadway (1926), The Front Page (1928), and Grand Hotel (1930).
Signed with MGM in 1931, he quickly became known for playing gangsters, suave villains, and conflicted men in crime dramas and film noir.
He was often called one of Hollywood's most recognized "bad guys," though his talent extended far beyond typecasting.
He retired in 1963 and lived in Sliema until his death in 1975.
Among his most famous films of his 62 the following stand out: The Glass Key, Algiers, Five Came Back, Gilda a classic noir film with Rita Hayworth and Touch of Evil (1958) in which he played Sgt Pete Menzies, his most famous role, praised for depth
and humanity.
Why does Touch of Evil stand out?
Directed by Orson Welles, the film is considered one of the greatest examples of film noir.
Calleia's character, Sergeant Pete Menzies, is torn between loyalty to his corrupt mentor (Welles' Hank Quinlan) and his duty to justice.
His performance brought emotional nuance and tragic dignity, elevating him beyond the "bad guy" stereotype.
The film's legendary opening tracking shot and Welles' direction cemented its place in cinema history, with Calleia's role remembered as his finest.
Joseph Calleia was never a top Hollywood star, nevertheless he was a great character actor in his own right. He could have become a celebrity almost a decade later after he had retired from his brilliant acting career, when the renowned American film director, producer and screenwriter, Francis Ford Coppola, allegedly, offered him the role of don Vito Corleone in the acclaimed movie The Godfather (1972) which Calleia sadly had to decline due to health reasons.
In Alan Fenech's Joseph Calleia: from Little Italy to Little Things, the author writes: in Credits & Acknowledgements: "Special thanks to Joseph Calleia for being such a dignified ambassador for Malta in the cinematic art and an inspiration to all aspiring Maltese actors who are astute and lucky enough to appreciate your talent and artistry."
Thank you Alan for this excellent book.
MARIE BENOIT
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE FEATURE IS SOLELY BASED ON ALAN FENECH'S BOOK AND ON MY VISIT TO THE MAGNIFICENT EXHIBITION ABOUT THE ACTOR SET UP BY THE STORM PETREL FOUNDATION.
The exhibition runs until 15th
December. Opening hours are:
Mornings - Mon to Sat:
10.00am to 1.00pm
Afternoons - Sat & Wed:
4.00pm to 7.00pm
Closed on Sundays, today and
on Saturday 22nd November.