El Brendel

El Brendel

“The Swede” from Hollywood’s Golden Age

El Brendel rose to fame as a vaudeville comedian before transitioning to the silver screen. Best known for his portrayal of a naive Swedish immigrant, his character, often featured in comedic relief roles, resonated during the silent and early sound film eras.

 Brendel's most notable film appearance was in "Wings" (1927), the first Academy Award winner for Best Picture, where his performance was celebrated for its humor amidst dramatic scenes.

El Brendel (1890 – 1964)

Biography

El Brendel, born Elmer Goodfellow Brendel, was an American vaudeville comedian turned actor, known for his unique "Swedish dialect" character which became his trademark in both silent and sound films. Despite being born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brendel crafted a persona that was based on a simplistic, slightly befuddled Swedish immigrant, a character that resonated with audiences, especially during the 1920s and 1930s.

His career started in vaudeville where he honed his comedic skills before moving into silent films. Brendel's transition to sound films was seamless thanks to his distinctive accent and comedic timing, which were well-suited to the new format. His peak came in the late 1920s and early 1930s, where he starred in several significant films. One of his most notable roles was in the groundbreaking 1927 film "Wings," which highlighted his ability to provide comedic relief in dramatic settings.

Beyond his famous roles in "Wings," "Just Imagine," and "The Big Trail," Brendel appeared in numerous other films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. His popularity waned with the decline of the kind of ethnic humor that characterized much of his work. However, he remained active in the entertainment industry, participating in the early television era and occasionally appearing in films up until the early 1960s.

El Brendel's personal life was relatively stable, especially compared to other Hollywood stars of his time. He was married to Flo Bert, a fellow vaudevillian, in 1921, and their marriage lasted until his death in 1964. The couple did not have any children. El Brendel passed away at the age of 74 and was buried in North Hollywood, California.

Short Video on El Brendel:

1926

• The Cat's Pajamas: Brendel plays a supporting comedic role in this romantic comedy about a man trying to win the love of a woman who is set to marry another.

1927

• Wings: This groundbreaking World War I film, which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, features Brendel as Herman Schwimpf, providing comic relief as a soldier who dreams of flying but ends up serving in the infantry.

1928

• The Wedding March: In this drama directed by Erich von Stroheim, Brendel adds a light touch with his small, yet memorable role.

1929

• The Cock-Eyed World: Brendel continues his comic antics in this sequel to "What Price Glory," playing a lovable fool amidst the brawling marines.

1930

• Just Imagine: Brendel stars in this science fiction musical comedy set in a futuristic 1980, where he helps a young man win the heart of his love interest by reviving a man from 1930.
• The Big Trail: This early widescreen epic features John Wayne in his first starring role, with Brendel providing comic support as Gus, a cook.

1931

• Mr. Lemon of Orange: In this comedy, Brendel plays dual roles in a story about mistaken identity and humorous complications.

1932

• Freaks: Although not a major role, Brendel appears in this controversial and dark cult classic about sideshow performers.
• Handle with Care: Brendel stars in this comedy about postal workers trying to impress their new female supervisor.

1933

• Hot Pepper: Alongside Lupe Vélez, Brendel plays a comedic role in this film about two friends caught up in a series of misadventures.

1934

• Palooka: Based on the comic strip "Joe Palooka," Brendel supports the story of a young boxer making his way to the championship.

1935

• Every Night at Eight: Brendel features in this musical comedy about three girls who form a singing group.

1936

• It Had to Happen: Brendel plays a comedic supporting role in this drama starring George Raft about an immigrant's rise to power in America.

1940

• The Villain Still Pursued Her: Brendel appears in this spoof of melodramas, playing a typical bumbling character.

1945

• A Bell for Adano: In this war drama, Brendel has a small role in the story of an American town major trying to help an Italian village find a new bell for their church after WWII.

1955

• The Far Country: In one of his later film appearances, Brendel has a minor role in this Western starring James Stewart.

1960

• Pepe: One of his final screen appearances, Brendel plays a small part in this comedy about a Mexican vaquero who comes to Hollywood.

El Brendel's acting style was distinctively characterized by his creation and portrayal of a whimsical "dumb Swede" character, which became his signature role throughout his career in both silent and sound films. This character was not merely a stereotype but was imbued with a kind of naive charm and innocent simplicity that made it endearing to audiences, especially during a time when ethnic caricatures were common in American entertainment.

Key Elements of El Brendel's Acting Style:

• Comic Timing: Brendel's knack for comic timing was impeccable. His ability to deliver lines with a perplexed look or a delayed reaction added a humorous depth to his character, making even simple dialogues memorable. This skill was particularly effective in the era of early sound films where the novelty of spoken jokes was still fresh.
   
• Physical Comedy: In the tradition of great silent film comedians, Brendel incorporated a lot of physical humor into his performances. His facial expressions, often characterized by wide eyes and a bewildered smile, along with his slapstick antics, contributed significantly to the comedy. He was adept at using his body language to express confusion or surprise, often amplifying the comedic effect of his scenes.
   
• Accent and Linguistic Style: Brendel's faux Swedish accent was central to his character. He often mispronounced and jumbled English words to humorous effect, a tactic that played up the immigrant aspect of his persona. This use of broken English, while controversial by modern standards, was a significant part of his appeal during his heyday, as it highlighted the cultural and linguistic misunderstandings that could arise in a melting pot society.
   
• Role in Ensemble Casts: In many films, particularly those with dramatic or action-packed plots, Brendel provided comic relief that helped to balance more serious themes. His roles were often crafted to contrast with the main storyline, offering viewers a light-hearted break from the tension of the primary narrative. This strategic use of his comedic talents made him a valuable supporting actor in many ensemble casts.
   
• Character Consistency and Development: Throughout his career, despite the changing dynamics of film genres and styles, Brendel remained true to his character. This consistency helped him maintain a recognizable and beloved persona. However, within this framework, he managed to bring variations that kept his performances fresh and engaging. He could adapt his style to fit into musicals, dramas, and even early science fiction films, showing a versatility that extended beyond simple comedy.

1926 - The Cat's Pajamas

1926 - The Campus Flirt

1926 - The Whirlwind of Youth

1926 - Love 'Em and Leave 'Em

1927 - Wings

1927 - Soft Cushions

1928 - The Wedding March

1928 - The Sawdust Paradise

1928 - The Air Circus

1928 - Loves of an Actress

1929 - The Cock-Eyed World

1929 - Street Girl

1930 - Just Imagine

1930 - The Big Trail

1930 - The Cuckoos

1930 - New Movietone Follies of 1930

1931 - Mr. Lemon of Orange

1931 - One More Chance

1931 - Six Cylinder Love

1932 - Freaks

1932 - Roar of the Dragon

1932 - Handle with Care

1933 - Hot Pepper

1933 - Arizona to Broadway

1933 - Notorious but Nice

1934 - Palooka

1934 - Servants' Entrance

1934 - Helldorado

1934 - The Meanest Gal in Town

1934 - The Captain Hates the Sea

1935 - Every Night at Eight

1935 - Doubting Thomas

1936 - It Had to Happen

1936 - The Harvester

1936 - Happy Go Lucky

1936 - Nobody's Fool

1936 - We're in the Legion Now!

1936 - Champagne Charlie

1937 - She's No Lady

1937 - When's Your Birthday?

1938 - Happy Landing

1940 - The Villain Still Pursued Her

1940 - If I Had My Way

1941 - Tall, Dark and Handsome

1942 - Friendly Enemies

1945 - A Bell for Adano

1950 - Key to the City

1951 - When Worlds Collide

1952 - O. Henry's Full House

1955 - The Far Country

1959 - Journey to the Center of the Earth

1960 - Pepe