Joseph Calleja took this traditional Maltese tune all the way to Hollywood in the 1930s
The actor was famous for his portrayals of villains in Hollywood and Broadway productions
Locals automatically associate the name Joseph Calleja with the popular and highly successful international Maltese tenor, but there was another Maltese tenor who coincidentally shared the same name and enjoyed widespread success in Hollywood during its Golden Age.
Joseph was born in Mdina on 4th August, 1897 to architect Pasquale and wife Eleonore. His musical inclinations were evident from a young age; at 12 years old, he used his Christmas pocket money to purchase two dozen harmonicas and set up a small band. Profits from the band’s performances quickly soared to 100 British pounds a week from an initial investment of just one pound.
However, his father had other plans for him and Joseph was sent to London to study engineering. There, he made use of his tenor voice to make money in concert halls but he adopted his mother’s maiden name and performed under the alias Joseph Spurin to avoid fuelling his father’s disapproval further.
Joseph joined the British Transport Service at the start of the First World War, and after suffering a serious injury two-and-a-half years into his service due to a torpedo attack on his ship, he was honourably discharged and embarked on a trip around the US.
His first big success across the Atlantic came through Broadway comedy production The Broken Wing. Although he didn’t have a leading part, he understudied all others and appeared on stage as a Mexican pier singing an original song which he composed himself. After touring New York and London, Joseph’s brief return to Malta marked a special event: his reconciliation with his father, who insisted he continue performing under his real name.
Renowned for his depictions of villains on stage, he also transported this excellence to films. Although he loved such roles, he strived to balance out his characters and implement a sympathetic approach. Joseph had already proved himself a talented singer, actor and composer, and he also gave scriptwriting a try with Robin Hood of El Dorado (1936).
It was in those early days that Joseph brought a touch of Malta to Hollywood. Through his role of Joe Calerno in 1936 film The Tough Guy, Joseph introduced the world to Maltese folk songs. In one scene, Joe is captured strolling through a field casually (yet very clearly) singing the song.
Watch (& hear) it for yourself here.
Do you recognize the song?