As I sat down to watch "Deception" for the first time some years ago, my mother, who was a huge Betty Davis fan, nonetheless said Claude Rains' performance in this film blew Davis' out of the water. I had my doubts about the accuracy of that comment, but from the moment Rains makes his first appearance my doubts were dispelled and it was clear which of these players was going to leave me slack-jawed with appreciation of the enormity of their talent. It has been noted by others how strong Rains' performance is. No matter--it cannot be stated too often. His acting here has the force of a hurricane, obliterating the relatively flimsy acting of his peers. Claude Rains is one of the greatest actors ever to step in front of the camera, yet except for his performance in "Casablanca", he would be virtually unknown today. He was much, much more than the performer that gave us that memorably dapper chief of police. He was a notorious scene stealer, filling the molds of his cinematic characters so completely it is virtually impossible to think of another actor in his place. In this film, several times I felt the plot sinking under the weight of its overwrought script and a number of laughable implausibilities. Fortunately, Mr. Rains was always there to right the ship. His character is all arrogance, insufferably backed up with prodigious talent, a powerful intellect, and a razor sharp wit which he uses without qualm to taunt or torture those around him. {Semi-Spoiler} In the final confrontation with Davis' character, you can almost (but not quite) believe she would resort to using the means she does in a futile attempt to level the playing field, so much more powerful is Rains' personality.
This film should not be missed, mainly on the basis of this towering performance. I would think the Oscars should award him with a posthumous career achievement award. No one could be more deserving. All his performances are true gems, from "The Invisible Man," to a heartbreaking characterization on TV's "Dr. Kildare" in 1966. His name in the credits guarantees there being at least one thing in the film worthy of your interest.
This film should not be missed, mainly on the basis of this towering performance. I would think the Oscars should award him with a posthumous career achievement award. No one could be more deserving. All his performances are true gems, from "The Invisible Man," to a heartbreaking characterization on TV's "Dr. Kildare" in 1966. His name in the credits guarantees there being at least one thing in the film worthy of your interest.