José Mafra
Actor
About José Mafra
José Mafra was a Brazilian actor who appeared in the classic 1946 film 'The Drunkard' (O Ébrio in Portuguese), which became one of the most significant films in Brazilian cinema history. His career appears to have been brief, with this film being his primary documented work during the mid-1940s period. The film itself was directed by Gilda de Abreu and was based on a popular song by Vicente Celestino, becoming a massive commercial success in Brazil. While details about Mafra's broader career are scarce, his participation in this landmark production places him within the important era of Brazilian cinema's Golden Age. The film's success helped establish Brazilian cinema as a significant cultural force during the 1940s, and all cast members, including Mafra, became part of this important cultural moment. His role, though likely supporting, contributed to the film's powerful narrative about alcoholism and redemption that resonated deeply with Brazilian audiences.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Drunkard' (1946), one of Brazil's most successful films of the 1940s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
José Mafra's contribution to Brazilian cinema, while brief, is significant through his participation in 'The Drunkard' (1946), which became a cultural phenomenon in Brazil. The film was not only a commercial success but also addressed serious social issues like alcoholism, helping to establish Brazilian cinema as a medium for meaningful social commentary. The film's impact was so profound that it became one of the highest-grossing Brazilian films of its era and helped define the Golden Age of Brazilian cinema. All cast members, including supporting actors like Mafra, became part of this important cultural moment that influenced subsequent Brazilian filmmaking.
Lasting Legacy
José Mafra's legacy is primarily tied to his involvement in one of Brazilian cinema's most important films of the 1940s. While his individual career may have been brief, his contribution to 'The Drunkard' ensures his place in the history of Brazilian Golden Age cinema. The film itself continues to be studied and remembered as a landmark in Brazilian cultural history, and all who participated in its creation, including Mafra, are remembered as part of this significant achievement in national cinema.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor in a landmark film, José Mafra's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not well documented. However, his participation in 'The Drunkard' contributed to the film's success, which in turn helped pave the way for more serious dramatic filmmaking in Brazil and demonstrated the commercial viability of domestically produced films addressing social issues.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about José Mafra's personal life, as he appears to have been a character actor with a brief documented career in Brazilian cinema.
Did You Know?
- 'The Drunkard' (1946) was based on a popular Brazilian song by Vicente Celestino
- The film became one of the biggest box office hits in Brazilian cinema history
- Director Gilda de Abreu was one of the few female directors working in Brazil during the 1940s
- The film addressed the serious social issue of alcoholism, which was considered groundbreaking for its time
- The original Portuguese title was 'O Ébrio'
- The film's success helped establish the Brazilian film industry during its Golden Age period
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was José Mafra?
José Mafra was a Brazilian actor best known for his appearance in the 1946 film 'The Drunkard' (O Ébrio), which became one of the most significant and successful films in Brazilian cinema history.
What films is José Mafra best known for?
José Mafra is primarily known for his role in 'The Drunkard' (1946), which appears to be his only documented film credit from the Golden Age of Brazilian cinema.
When was José Mafra born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for José Mafra are not well documented in available historical records, though he was active as an actor in Brazil during the 1940s.
What awards did José Mafra win?
There are no documented awards or nominations specifically for José Mafra, though the film he appeared in, 'The Drunkard,' was a major commercial success in Brazil.
What was José Mafra's acting style?
Specific details about José Mafra's acting style are not well documented, though as an actor in Brazilian cinema's Golden Age, he would have worked within the dramatic conventions of 1940s Brazilian filmmaking.
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Films
1 film
