Communication
Gerald Mohr is one of those actors - particularly rare in the USA - who has studied the theory of his profession. These studies, together with close contacts with some of the more interesting writers and actors of our time and much travelling, has made him a recognised teacher in theatre history and drama. The most important ingredient in all acting is "communication", he says.
The Play on the Floor
And he tells a funny and true story that highlights the importance of teamwork for live theatre.
Maxwell Anderson, one of the more well-known American drama writers of the 20th century, was a typical "writer on marble", that is to say, one who did not allow any modifications to his manuscripts. Once, he got into an argument with the great director Guthrie McClintock, who was to stage Anderson's 'Masque of Kings', a play about the Mayerling drama. Anderson claimed that his play had its value regardless of whether actors played it or not. McClintock claimed the opposite. The two gentlemen made a bet. The one that could prove to the other that he was right would win $1,000. The opening night for 'Masque of Kings' came. When the curtain opened McClintock came on stage, turned to the audience and said: "Ladies and gentlemen! I have the great pleasure of presenting Maxwell Anderson's new play, 'Masque of Kings' to you." He then placed the manuscript on the stage floor and left. Anderson ran down from his box in the theatre and paid McClintock a cheque for $1,000, after which the curtain was opened again to reveal the actors on stage.
The Most Honest
Gerald Mohr has had a wonderful time in our country. He cannot emphasise more strongly his enthusiasm for Sweden, Swedish film studios and Swedish actors. The latter he characterises as "the most honest" he has ever met. His work, particularly with Carl-Gustaf Lindstedt, is amongst his happiest memories. The film "Wild West Story" is written so that Gerald Mohr speaks in American English while Lindstedt answers in the language of glory and heroes (synonym for Swedish). This contrast caused much amusement (which the audience probably will get to see sometime after Christmas).
"Actors are similar all over the world." says Gerald Mohr. "I have acted opposite actors from many coutnries, but I give the Swedes top marks!" It is not the first time that Gerald Mohr has visited the home country of Garbo, the two Bergmans, Hasso and Ekberg. He was part of the foreign film troupe that filmed "Foreign Intrigue" in Stockholm a few years ago, a series in which, amongst others, Ingrid Thulin appeared. It was then that Gerald Mohr met his Swedish-born wife Mai-Britt, who at that time worked as a script girl.
And that was sufficient ...
It was at the "St Göran och draken" statue (St George and the Dragon) in Gamla Stan (the old city of Stockholm), where Köpmangatan ends, a scene was being filmed and Gerald caught sight of Mai-Britt. Mai-Britt smiled. "And that was sufficient!" Gerald Mohr laughs. Simply, love at first sight! "Although I had not any makeup on my face, was dressed in an old coat and had a kerchief over straight hair." adds Mai-Britt who, along with her boys Tim, 10 and Thom, 12, share Gerry Mohr's second visit to Sweden in a villa in Lidingö.
Street Scene with Gerald Mohr
It is not certain when this visit will end at time of writing. His wife, Mai-Britt, has presented some fun new ideas for TV's children's theatre section and Gerald would not object to a new role if he is offered it. But it must be a special role, as Gerald has not had time to learn enough Swedish. However, during the first day he worked here, the little Swedish he already knows came in very handy.
