Recognized for his genuine talent and immense sensitivity, Vasco Santana was one of the greatest actors in Portuguese theatre and cinema. His acting was second to none, often improvising, instilling in his characters touches of clever and subtle humour and brilliant puns. He starred in several films of the 1930s and 40s; O Pai Tirano, A Canção de Lisboa, and o Pátio das Cantigas are just a few timeless examples. A staunch frequenter of A Brasileira, here he also shone during autograph sessions at the historic hexagonal tables, surrounded by admirers, using winsome spontaneous humour.