Stewart Granger

The Suave Swordsman of the Silver Screen

Early Life and Education

Born James Lablache Stewart on May 6, 1913, in London, England, Stewart Granger came from a distinguished lineage. His great-grandfather, Luigi Lablache, was a famed 19th-century opera singer, and this artistic bloodline seemed to carry into Granger’s own dramatic flair. Educated at Epsom College with an initial intent to become a doctor, Granger’s life took a sharp turn when he enrolled in Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, where his striking looks and commanding presence quickly stood out.

To avoid confusion with the American actor James Stewart, he adopted the stage name Stewart Granger, combining a piece of his real name with one that would soon become synonymous with romance, action, and gallant heroism.

Stage and Early Film Work

Granger’s early career was grounded in the British theatre, with appearances in repertory and West End productions. He also worked in British cinema throughout the late 1930s and early '40s, often in supporting roles or in lower-budget films such as A Southern Maid (1933) and Convoy (1940).

World War II service interrupted his rising film career—he worked in the medical corps—but after the war, he returned to the screen with renewed vigour, quickly becoming one of the most bankable British stars of the era.

Rise to Stardom in British Cinema

Granger became a household name in Britain during the 1940s, especially through his work with Gainsborough Pictures, the studio behind a series of melodramatic, period costume dramas that were wildly popular with audiences. His breakthrough came with The Man in Grey (1943) and Fanny by Gaslight (1944), opposite Margaret Lockwood and James Mason. These films cemented Granger’s image as a dashing, romantic hero—often flawed but irresistible.

Other notable British films from this period include:

Madonna of the Seven Moons (1945) – a steamy drama co-starring Phyllis Calvert.

Caravan (1946) – a blend of romantic intrigue and exoticism.

The Magic Bow (1946) – where he played the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini.

By the late 1940s, Granger had achieved full-fledged stardom in the UK. His aristocratic bearing, deep voice, and fencing skills made him ideal for roles of nobility, adventurers, or romantic leads.

Hollywood Years: MGM and International Stardom

Hollywood came calling, and Granger signed a contract with MGM in 1949. He made his American debut opposite Deborah Kerr in King Solomon’s Mines (1950), a commercial and critical success that showcased his athleticism and on-screen magnetism. From there, Granger became one of MGM’s go-to leading men for swashbucklers and period epics.

Key MGM and Hollywood Films:

Scaramouche (1952) – His most famous swashbuckler, featuring one of cinema’s longest sword duels.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1952) – A lavish remake, with Granger in a dual role.

Beau Brummell (1954) – A dramatic portrait of the Regency dandy.

Moonfleet (1955) – A Fritz Lang-directed adventure with Gothic overtones.

Bhowani Junction (1956) – A post-colonial drama with Ava Gardner.

Green Fire (1954) and All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953) – adventure films that capitalized on his rugged persona.

Throughout the 1950s, Stewart Granger became one of the most recognizable international stars, beloved for his elegant charm, physical presence, and versatile performances that ranged from romantic leads to complex antiheroes.

Personal Life

Granger was as glamorous off-screen as on. He was married three times, most famously to Jean Simmons, his co-star in several films including Adam and Evelyne (1949) and Young Bess (1953). Their relationship was highly publicized and symbolized Hollywood royalty during the early 1950s.

Known for his candour and often fiery temperament, Granger clashed with studios and directors when he felt artistic integrity was being compromised. Despite this, he was admired for his professionalism and work ethic.

Later Career and Return to Europe

As the Hollywood studio system declined in the late 1950s and early 1960s, so did the demand for the kind of costume adventures that made Granger famous. He returned to Europe and appeared in a variety of European and international co-productions, particularly in Germany and Italy, often in sword-and-sandal or historical films.

Later appearances include:

Sodom and Gomorrah (1962) – a Biblical epic.

The Last Safari (1967) – an African adventure.

The Wild Geese (1978) – a war film with fellow veteran actors like Richard Burton and Roger Moore.

Granger also made several appearances on television, including guest spots in American series like The Men from Shiloh and The Hound of the Baskervilles (1972), playing Sherlock Holmes.

Memoir and Final Years

In 1981, Granger published his candid and entertaining autobiography, Sparks Fly Upward, which offered a frank and witty look at his career and personal life. Never one to shy away from honesty, Granger’s reflections reveal a man who both enjoyed and endured the trappings of fame.

He spent his later years living in Spain and eventually returned to California. Stewart Granger passed away on August 16, 1993, at the age of 80, following a battle with cancer.

Legacy

Though his name may not be as frequently cited today as contemporaries like Errol Flynn or Gregory Peck, Stewart Granger’s legacy is secure among classic film enthusiasts. He remains one of the great swashbuckling icons of mid-20th-century cinema—a combination of aristocratic elegance and physical dynamism that few actors have matched.

He helped define a particular kind of romantic action hero—gallant, quick-witted, morally torn—and brought sophistication to a genre often played for camp. Whether duelling across a theatre stage in Scaramouche or traversing African wilds in King Solomon’s Mines, Granger brought credibility and charm to every role he played.

Summary

Notable Traits:

Master swordsman and athlete

Deep, resonant voice

Commanding presence

Known for romantic and historical dramas

Beloved in both British and Hollywood cinema

Essential Films:

Scaramouche (1952)

The Prisoner of Zenda (1952)

King Solomon’s Mines (1950)

The Man in Grey (1943)

Fanny by Gaslight (1944)

Beau Brummell (1954)

Moonfleet (1955)