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Author
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Topic: Great British Actors
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Paul Adsett
Film God
Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted January 20, 2008 11:20 AM
There have been so many truly great British film actors over the years that a listing of one hundred would not even scratch the surface. Britain seems to bang out great actors like paper clips. But the great thing about British films is not just the lead actors, but also the many wonderful second tier and support actors who have graced the screen. One of my favourites is Nigel Patrick. Remember him in 'Battle of Britain', 'The Sound Barrier', and one of his best, 'The Browning Version'. Patrick's presence on the screen was usually one of a stoic authority figure, or a charming slightly upper class leading man, roles which he carried out superbly, aided by his good looks and classic British accent. Another one that comes to mind is Dennis Price, who's greatest role was in 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'. Price was often a suave cad in many of his films, and there was no doubt that his roles were more upper class than Nigel's.
Just two of my favourite actors who did yeoman service for the British cinema.
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Claus Harding
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1149
From: Washington DC
Registered: Oct 2006
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posted January 20, 2008 05:27 PM
Paul,
Since you mentioned "The Browning Version", which is one of my all-time British favorites, Michael Redgrave must be saluted for his portrayal of one of the most tragic screen characters in living memory (not to forget him in 'Dead of Night' either.)
And, among supporting players, Wilfrid Hyde-White (at his foppish best in 'Browning') was another stalwart who could be counted on to deliver even in smaller roles.
Gordon Jackson, forever in "Upstairs, Downstairs", and many great films.
John Mills, the epitome of 'gradual breakdown' in "Tunes of Glory."
And Ian Hendry, unforgettable in "The Hill"; a film that is not screened enough.
Good thread,
Claus.
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"Why are there shots of deserts in a scene that's supposed to take place in Belgium during the winter?" (Review of 'Battle of the Bulge'.)
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Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham in "Great Expectations 1946", brilliant, who can forget Margaret Rutherford as the cashier in "The Smallest Show on Earth" or Robert Newton as the one and only Long John Silver in the Disney version of "Treasure Island" or John Mills in Ryan's Daughter so many fine actors, more up to date Helen Mirren, I remember her in "The Mosquito Coast" and "2010", well better stop as this could go on forever. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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