Robert Barrat embarked on a stage career on Broadway from 1918 to 1932, with a brief foray into silent movies starting in 1915, but ultimately returned to his stage work roots. His striking visage and athletic physique hinted at a successful career in films, which he indeed pursued in 1932.
Throughout his film career, Barrat portrayed a diverse range of characters, including lawyers, business owners, officials, detectives, sailors, and desperate individuals. His deep, guttural voice allowed him to deliver unique variations, showcasing his talent in films such as Captain Blood (1935) and Mary of Scotland (1936).
Barrat was an ardent devotee of physical fitness and maintained a robust physique, which he showcased in films like The Last of the Mohicans (1936). He slowed down his pace after 1936, transitioning from an average of twenty films per year to ten films per year until 1940.
During the 1930s, Barrat collaborated with James Cagney on several films, and the two became close friends. Cagney praised Barrat's physical strength, stating that his forearm was the size of the average man's thigh. Barrat continued to take on a wide range of character roles throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, often portraying dignified figures such as fatherly characters, Indian chiefs, military men, and generals.
In 1945, he appeared in the non-speaking role of General Douglas MacArthur in They Were Expendable, showcasing his remarkable resemblance to the real-life general. By 1954, Barrat began to transition to TV playhouse roles, which he continued to take on until 1964. Throughout his career, he challenged himself by mastering accents and delivered memorable performances in over 150 films.
