Tony Shalhoub isn’t really a frock flicks actor per se, but he’s immensely talented and I absolutely adore him as the cantankerous, intellectual, and loving Abe Weissman in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He has done several historical movies, so let’s celebrate him!
Barton Fink (1991)
A Coen brothers film set in the 1941 about a New York City playwright who is hired to write Hollywood screenplays. Shalhoub plays a “frenetic” Hollywood producer.
Hence the pose, I’m guessing?
Looking nice in a wide-lapel suit!
Addams Family Values (1993)
Is this even period? I don’t remember! But let’s pad, shall we? Shalhoub plays the very small role of “Jorge,” and I have zero memory of what’s involved.
He’s a sailor?
Big Night (1996)
In 1950s New Jersey, two Italian immigrant brothers open a restaurant – and the film chronicles that opening night. Shalhoub plays “Primo,” the elder brother, a perfectionist chef. This is a GREAT movie, and it’s been too long since I’ve seen it!
At work in the kitchen.
Stanley Tucci plays the other brother… and that’s singer Marc Anthony as a waiter!
The Impostors (1998)
In 1938, two swindler actors are forced to stow away on an ocean liner. Shalhoub plays the ship’s first mate in this farcical comedy.
In a crisp naval uniform, along with Alfred Molina and Campbell Scott.
The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)
Another Coen brothers film, this one set in 1949. A barber tries to blackmail his wife’s lover in order to invest in a business. Shalhoub plays the main character’s lawyer.
I love a guy who wears a suit well!
With Frances McDormand in court.
Hemingway & Gellhorn (2014)
The story of Ernest Hemingway’s romance with fellow writer Martha Gellhorn. Shalhoub plays the real-life Mikhail Koltsov, a Soviet journalist and revolutionary.
Hard at work!
Final Portrait (2017)
Set in Paris in 1964, this film is about Swiss painter and sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Shalhoub plays his younger brother, another painter/sculptor named Diego.
Art!
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017- )
Shalhoub shines as Abe Weissman, father of main character Midge. He’s a former math professor, now a journalist. He’s head over heels in love with his wife, with some hilarious jealousy issues. He loves his daughter, but worries. He writes in the bathroom. He makes a guy courting his daughter submit reading lists for his inspection. He desperately wants to be left alone so he can read. And according to interviews, the mustache was his idea.
A nice three-piece suit!
Surrounded by stylish women.
A loving father in high-waisted trousers.
A nicely tipped hat!
Enjoying the intellectual life in Paris.
At synagogue.
More Paris!
What’s your favorite of Tony Shalhoub’s historical roles?
I think in ‘Big Night’, it’s not the opening of their restaurant. They are already open and failing against the other Italian restaurant with the mediocre food. The ‘big night’ is the hope that a promised celebrity will come in and give them positive publicity. Ian Holm is the other restaurant owner. Isabella Rosselini is the ambiguous girl friend (whose side is she on?).
He looks very dashing with that moustache!
Thank you for including “Big Night”, one of my all time favorites!
I tried to find it on streaming. I’m cross I could only find it behind a paywall on Amazon Prime.
Re: Addams Family Values. Jorge and his sailors hang with Debbie during one of her attempts to kill Fester, they sing Macho Man and … that’s about it. I think it’s set vaguely in the late 80s/early 90s.
It’s actually present-day (1993), based on a joke about “serial killer” trading cards (it was a thing at the time) featuring then-notorious “Long Island Lolita” Amy Fisher (who actually shot and wounded– but did not kill– her lover’s wife). It’s one of those “OMG!-funny” jokes that didn’t age well and is now probably incomprehensible tothe majority of viewers.
Love Tony Shalhoub, though!
I still remember his line. “Your husband is a lucky, lucky man.” and Debbie responds, “DON’T SAY THAT.”
A wonderful actor. Not a Frock Flicks selection, but he accomplishes a miracle in “Monk” by playing someone with serious mental health problems, completely respectfully but also funny.
I love all the characters in MMM, but my favorite is Abe Weisman.
Love Tony Shalhoub. Great actor and great choice for MCM. Barton Fink is such a good film, dark and funny.
I also love Big Night (1996).
“I don’t say it rain inside, I say OUTside.”
“Well you don’t have to say outside because it can’t rain inside.”
“… … …What the f*ck?”
It’s like America’s answer to the brilliant Babettes gæstebud (Babette’s Feast) (1987).
I remember watching Big Night and The Imposters right around the same time (Blockbuster rentals!) and loving both, especially thanks to Tony Shalhoub. I love him on MMM, too, especially his scenes with Kevin Pollak.
Isn’t Galaxy Quest part of our “historical documents”.
Absolutely!😁
He’s marvelous himself! I do think we missed a trick here though, not including his exercise “romper” as modelled at the holiday camp in the Catskills. ;-)
He is such a good actor, and handsome in his own unique way. Of the roles listed here, I loved in Big Night. Great MCM choice. I’m 100% here for mature men!!
I love Tony Shalhoub but I hadn’t heard of The Imposters, I must look for it! And I LOVE Big Night, one of the best food movies of all time. Also love him as Abe Weissman in MMM.