Maurice Brierre
Actor
About Maurice Brierre
Maurice Brierre was a French actor who appeared in American cinema during World War II, with his only known film credit being in Frank Capra's acclaimed documentary series 'Why We Fight.' His appearance in 'Divide and Conquer' (1943) suggests he was likely part of the French expatriate community in Hollywood during the Nazi occupation of France. Many French actors, directors, and intellectuals fled to the United States during this period, often contributing to war effort films. Brierre's participation in this particular documentary indicates he was involved in the Allied propaganda efforts to educate American audiences about the war. The film was part of a seven-part series directed by Frank Capra, commissioned by the U.S. government to explain the necessity of American involvement in World War II. Unfortunately, detailed records about Maurice Brierre's life, career, and other potential works have not been preserved in film archives or historical documentation, making him one of cinema's more mysterious figures from this era.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Frank Capra's 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Maurice Brierre's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is part of the larger historical context of French artistic diaspora during World War II. His participation in the 'Why We Fight' series places him among the many European artists who contributed to the Allied war effort through cultural and educational means. The series itself was groundbreaking in its approach to documentary filmmaking and propaganda, winning an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Though his individual role may have been small, Brierre was part of a significant cultural movement that helped shape American understanding of the war and the importance of international cooperation against fascism.
Lasting Legacy
Maurice Brierre represents the countless lesser-known contributors to classic cinema whose individual stories have been lost to time, yet who collectively shaped the film industry during its most crucial periods. His appearance in one of the most important documentary series of the 1940s ensures his name is preserved in film history, even if his complete story remains unknown. He serves as a reminder of the many anonymous artists who contributed to major cinematic works, particularly during wartime when the film industry became an essential tool for education and morale.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited documentation of Maurice Brierre's career and life, his specific influence on other actors or filmmakers cannot be determined. However, his participation in the 'Why We Fight' series contributed to the broader impact of documentary filmmaking as a tool for social and political education, influencing generations of documentary filmmakers who followed.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Maurice Brierre's personal life. As a French actor appearing in American war propaganda films during World War II, he was likely part of the French diaspora that fled Europe following the Nazi occupation. His appearance in a single documentary suggests he may have been a recent arrival in Hollywood or possibly a non-professional actor recruited for authenticity.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film, 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943)
- Participated in Frank Capra's Academy Award-winning documentary series
- Likely part of the French expatriate community in Hollywood during WWII
- The 'Why We Fight' series was commissioned by the U.S. government
- His film was shown to both military personnel and civilian audiences
- The documentary series was instrumental in building American support for the war
- Brierre's name appears in the cast list but his specific role is not detailed in surviving records
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Maurice Brierre?
Maurice Brierre was a French actor known primarily for his appearance in the 1943 documentary 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer.' He was likely part of the French artistic community in exile during World War II and contributed to American war propaganda efforts.
What films is Maurice Brierre best known for?
Maurice Brierre is known for only one film credit: 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer' (1943), which was part of Frank Capra's acclaimed documentary series commissioned by the U.S. government during World War II.
When was Maurice Brierre born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, Maurice Brierre's birth and death dates are not documented in available film archives or historical records, making biographical details about his life scarce.
What awards did Maurice Brierre win?
While Maurice Brierre himself did not receive any known individual awards, the film he appeared in, 'Why We Fight: Divide and Conquer,' was part of a series that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1942.
What was Maurice Brierre's acting style?
Due to limited documentation of his work and the fact that his only known appearance was in a documentary, Maurice Brierre's acting style cannot be definitively determined from available sources.
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Films
1 film
