Colin Clive

Colin Glenn Clive (born Clive-Greig; 20 January 1900 – 25 June 1937) was a British actor. Known for portraying individualistic, tumultuous characters which often mirrored his personal life, he is most famous for his role as Dr. Henry Frankenstein in the 1931 film Frankenstein and its 1935 sequel, Bride of Frankenstein. Clive’s maniacal delivery of the words, "It's alive, it's alive!" when Dr. Frankenstein confirms his creature is moving, was listed by American Film Institute (AFI) as one of the 100 greatest movie quotes of all time.

Early life Clive was born in Saint-Malo, France, to an English colonel, Colin Philip Greig, and his wife, Caroline Margaret Lugard Clive, a member of the aristocratic Clive family. In a 1935 interview, Clive stated his mother had moved to France to escape the tumult of the ongoing Second Boer War. His family had intended for Clive to embark on a military career, and he attended Stonyhurst College and subsequently the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, where he broke both knees after being thrown from and crushed by a horse. Recuperating from his injuries, Clive decided to become an actor.

In a 1935 interview with Film Weekly, Clive stated that he hated horror films and preferred more serious dramatic roles, only appearing in horror for financial reasons and because his performances were popular with audiences.

When his agent discovered that Clive was only accruing 30% of his actual income due to paying taxes in both the United States and the United Kingdom, Clive refused to obtain American citizenship, which would have removed British taxes, fearing that it would prevent him from serving in the British army if a war broke out.

Personal life Clive was married to Jeanne de Casalis in June 1929. By 1935, Clive and Casalis had been living separately, with Clive in Los Angeles County and Casalis in London.

Clive's alcoholism was apparent to his co-stars. He was often seen napping on set and sometimes was so intoxicated that he had to be held upright for over-the-shoulder shots. Clive was tormented by the medical threat of amputation of his long-damaged leg.

Forrest J Ackerman recalled visiting Clive's body: "I actually saw him in death, lying in a bed at a mortuary where it was possible for the public to view his body. He looked remarkably as he had when lying in bed in The Bride of Frankenstein." Over 300 mourners turned out. One of the pallbearers was Peter Lorre. His cenotaph is located at Chapel of the Pines Crematory.

Roles

Stage Peter and Paul (September 1925) Advertising April (November 1925)

Film Journey's End (1930) as Capt. Dennis Stanhope (film debut) Frankenstein (1931) as Dr. Henry Frankenstein The Stronger Sex (1931) as Warren Barrington Lily Christine (1932) as Rupert Harvey Christopher Strong (1933) as Sir Christopher Strong Looking Forward (1933) as Geoffrey Fielding The Key (1934) as Capt. Andrew 'Andy' Kerr One More River (1934) as Sir Gerald Corven Jane Eyre (1934) as Edward Rochester Clive of India (1935) as Capt. Johnstone The Right to Live (1935) as Maurice Bride of Frankenstein (1935) as Dr. Henry Frankenstein The Girl from 10th Avenue (1935) as John Marland Mad Love (1935) as Stephen Orlac The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo (1935) as Bertrand Berkeley The Widow from Monte Carlo (1936) as Lord Eric Reynolds History Is Made at Night (1937) as Bruce Vail The Woman I Love (1937) as Capt. Thelis (final role)