Art and cars #26 - Solved! Erich von Stroheim chauffeurs a 1929 Isotta-Fraschini

[max]

Fernandel?

[Ray B.]

Although most of his career was in the USA, he wasn't born an American. I can't say if he ever became a US citizen.

This should be enough to exclude Fernandel, wouldn't it?

Let's sum this up:
- An actor, but not only an actor;
- He worked in both the silent era and the 'talkies'
- His nationality and accent got him roles in WWII films
- He died before they shot "The longest day"
- When puzzlers suggested german speaking actors, I never said they should look the other way.

And a clue: the car he is closely related to is a movie car.

[max]

Ouch.  That'll teach me to read the words!

"Nationality and accent got him roles in WW2 films". That certainly narrows it down.  One actor had a thousand faces. I've not seen his minus the Max Factor, but I can imagine this one fitting. He was Conrad Veidt.  As Major Strasser in Casablanca, his car was a Buick Century.

This puzzle is at the opposite pole to Patrick McGoohan. The guy, bless him, kept one face throughout his career.  Only the lines on his forehead changed in depth and direction.  A year or two ago I was a great fan of Danger Man.  Does anyone remember it?

[streamliner]

Possibly Albert Basserman after jowl liposuction?

[Ray B.]

Except for one film written in 1913, Basserman was only an actor.
Our man was maybe more famous as a .... than an actor. Look this way, maybe.

[streamliner]

Then it can only be the one and only Erich von Stroheim, the man you love to hate.  Thanks for the patience...

[streamliner]

...and his 1929 Isotta Fraschini 8A from Sunset Boulevard.

[Ray B.]

Of course. And you found the car at your first try too.
Don't thank me for the patience: many have been fooled by the hat and he died, after all, some 50 years ago.