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Learning his craft at the Paris Conservatory, Algeria-born actor Pierre Blanchar made the first of many memorable stage appearances in 1920. One of France's most popular show business personalities, Blanchar's most famous screen characterizations include Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment (1935) and Napoleon in the British A Royal Divorce (1938). He was also highly praised for his work in Duvivier's Un Carnet du Bal (1937) and Delannoy's La Symphonie Pastorale (1946), the latter film containing perhaps his most touching performance. In 1942, he extended his talents into directing for a brace of films. Pierre Blanchar was the father of actress Dominique Blanchar.