Charles Boyer dead

Press, 28 August 1978, Page 9

Charles Boyer dead

NZPA Phoenix Charles Boyer, the French-born actor who played opposite most of the top leading ladies in motion pictures during the 1930 s and 19405, has died at a local hospital. He was 78. Boyer had been discovered unconscious at his home on Saturday and was rushed to St Joseph’s Hospital by Fire Department paramedics. He died a short time after he arrived at the hospital. A hospital spokesman said a heart attack was suspected. Boyer, whose wife of 44 years, Patricia, died on Thursday, became Warner Brothers’ top-salary star in 1945. During the 1930 s and 19405, he epitomised the continental gallant —

suave, impeccable of manner and dress. Unlike many a romantic star, he moved easily into character parts with middle age. Perhaps he is best remembered by the public for his role as the thief, Pepe Lemoko, in “Algiers,” Mimics later mimed him with the line he supposedly used to lure Miss Hedy Lamarr: “Come with me to the Casbah.’’

Among his later films were “Is Paris Burning?” “How to steal a Million,” “Casino Royale,” and “Barefoot in the Park.”

Boyer, who was born in Figeac, France, the son of a farm machinery dealer, used his father’s granary as a theatre.