KARL MALDEN
(Dan Hilliard)

    For many years, in fact almost since the day he decided to be an actor, Karl Malden has visualized himself playing a romantic, or at least, a somewhat sentimental role. But because he wasn't the typically handsome male, managers failed to see eye to eye with him. His forthright quality, his strong physique and his forceful manner, while they impressed directors, nearly always resulted in Mr. Malden portraying a character which was the antithesis of the "handsome guy who gets the girl." Now at last in "The Desperate Hours" Malden emerges as a true leading man, proving that he had been correct all along in believing such was his forte. In this thriller Malden combines the strong man talents that were obvious along with a flair for the courtliness and gentle approach he so long dreamed of performing.
     He is one of the most steadily employed members of Equity and has achieved stage and screen stardom and is the proud owner of a Hollywood Oscar for his performance opposite Vivien Leigh in the film version of "A Streetcar Named Desire," the role he created in the stage production of the Tennessee Williams drama. His most recent screen portrayal is that of the fighting priest in "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando. In that motion picture he was honored by a nomination--his second--for an Academy Award. Born in Gary, Indiana, of Yugoslav descent, Mr. Malden studied at the Goodman Art Institute in Chicago before coming to New York. As a member of the now defunct but well remembered Group Theatre, he first appeared in their production of "Golden Boy." He will also be recalled by theatre-goers who saw "The Gentle People," "Key Largo," "Flight to the West," "Missouri Legend," "Uncle Harry," "Counterattack," "Sons and Soldiers," "The Assassin," "Truckline Cafe," "Quiet City," "All My Sons," "Peer Gynt," and "Desire Under the Elms." During his service with the Air Corps, he acted in "Winged Victory." In addition to the aforementioned films, Malden had important roles in "Boomerang," "The Gunfighter," "Where the Pavement Ends," "Halls of Montezuma," "Diplomatic Courier," "Ruby Gentry" and "Take the High Ground." He and his petite wife, actress Mona Graham, are the parents of two young daughters.