You're familiar with the "X" Files...now here's the "V-P" Files...evidence that reveals the super-secret facts behind the amazing Hollywood "switch" known as...
(PLEASE NOTE: This alleged "news" article has made the rounds lately and cannot be verified. Thus, most of its "facts" should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt...perhaps with the entire salt shaker! Even though this story is likely untrue, we thought it would provide a grin for both Vincent Price and Conrad Veidt fans, as well as horror fans in general.) (API). Rushing, DE. Was German actor Conrad Veidt, master of disguise, often switching identities with American actor Vincent Price? A forensics specialist at the University of Mohegan, Carl R. Apex, believes that the two men may have been involved in an elaborate identity-switching scheme which may have eventually precipitated the elder Veidt's early demise in 1943. "They were bending to a war-torn Hollywood paranoia, often downplayed or ignored by cinema historians," claims Apex. "We'll never know for sure, but I want to be sure the controversy is placed into the literature for further study."
According to Apex, many films starring Price and Veidt swapped the actors interchangeably, often permitting one or the other to elude international authorities as they shuttled secrets to Washington and back. "Veidt was a patriotic German, fiercely anti-Nazi," notes Apex. "Yet his movie schedule did not permit him to undertake the kinds of missions he preferred, infiltrating hidden Nazi sympathizer cells in America." Enter equally patriotic Vincent Price. "He took over many of Veidt's roles, at least partially--especially in long shots," says Apex. Apex screens scenes from Casablanca to illustrate.
"See," he points at a freeze-frame, "that's not Conrad Veidt (who played the German commander in the film); that's Price doubling for him. At the time, Veidt was in Seattle, Washington, to meet with a German spy only known in the records as Caligari. "It remains one of World War II's more colorful "legends." Apex is quick to remind his listeners that Veidt and Price shared similar physiques and facial contours. "It's quite possible that Price's wearing of a Veidt-like mustache in the 50s and after was a subtle tribute to his clandestine friend." Later, during the McCarthy era, Vincent Price was placed on a blacklist.
"Stupidly dubbed 'Premature Anti-Nazi Sympathizers'", laments Apex. "All because he assisted Conrad Veidt and others in their elaborate masquerades in resistance to the Axis powers in the few years prior to the war." The irony brings a sad smile to the professor's face. "He paid a price, but was later cleared. He didn't suffer like others." And certainly not like Veidt who suffered a "heart attack" in 1943 and died. Apex believes he may have been poisoned. "But politics at the time prevented the truth from being brought out. He was a great patriot. Veidt deserves his own memorial."
At present, Apex is researching records at Universal on a film that may have used an "invisible" Veidt in a Price role: The Invisible Man Returns (1940). "It's hard to prove but I have traced Vincent Price's movements at the time of the filming. He may have asked Veidt to sub for him under the bandages in certain scenes." What was Price up to? "I don't know, yet," says the professor. "He may have needed a break and was calling on some favors." Well, even if this story isn't true, it's pretty amusing (not to mention confusing)! We're sure both "Conny" and "Vinny" would have enjoyed it! Cheers! |
