In his bold 1990 interpretation of Luigi Pirandello’s “Henry IV,” the late and legendary Irish stage, screen and music star Richard Harris utters the immortal lines, “Woe to him who doesn’t know ho…
In his bold 1990 interpretation of Luigi Pirandello’s “Henry IV,” the late and legendary Irish stage, screen and music starEven before his breathtaking big-screen triumph 60 years ago as the rugby ruffian Frank Machin in Lindsay Anderson’s film directing debut, “This Sporting Life,” Harris proved adept at juggling personal and professional personas.
“Harris gives a dominating, intelligent performance as the arrogant, blustering, fundamentally simple and insecure footballer. His acting has a fierce all-out tempo. Yet on two or three occasions, he shows a quiet tenderness and warmth. He is clearly a standout screen personality as well as an impressive actor.
And there are also major performances in lesser-known genre gems worthy of rediscovery from Richard Lester’s Swiss watch thriller “Juggernaut” or Sam Peckinpah’s ill-fated but wildly ambitious “Major Dundee.
In Damon Wise’s admiring review in Deadline, Wise notes “Harris was never a man to abide by anyone’s rules, especially his own,” and veteran industry observers such as his former agent, Sandy Lieberson, are thankfully on hand in the film to keep track of the contradictions. It’s Lieberson who laughingly assesses Harris’ pronouncements of never selling out to Hollywood as perhaps good copy, but questionable history.
But the difference between Harris the fabulist and the countless number of Hollywood self-promoters whose names are lost to time, a viewing of Harris’ Oscar-season “Life” from 60 years back still bursts with the vibrant bravado and the great heart of an actor and spirit who is actually no “Ghost,” but a living breathing creature still capable of thrilling new viewers and eliciting fresh responses such as “They don’t make ’em like that guy anymore.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ghost Rider #12 Preview: Is Ghost Riding Illegal Now?Some Georgia cops try to stop Ghost Rider from doing his thing in this preview of Ghost Rider 12. It doesn't go well. comics marvel
Read more »
Parolee Jihad Smith flaunted ghost gun on social media before weapons arrest: fedsSmith, whose rap sheet includes convictions for robbery and attempted murder, had previously posted a snap of the gun to his social media.
Read more »
Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 Preview: Vengeance and PunishmentCosmic Ghost Rider does what he does best in this preview of Cosmic Ghost Rider 1: kill a man and threaten to sleep with his wife.
Read more »
Missouri church foils armed robbery by praying for alleged assailants: 'Holy Ghost turf'Congregants reportedly foiled an armed robbery attempt at All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church in Ferguson, Missouri, by showering the alleged robbers in prayer.
Read more »
‘Saturday Night Live’ Tributes Richard BelzerActor and comedian Richard Belzer was remembered on Saturday Night Live with a special title card following his death on February 19. Belzer passed on at the age of 78 from complications of unspeci…
Read more »
Richard Branson's Virgin Hotels new NYC location: photosRichard Branson's Virgin Hotels opened its newest location in New York City with rooms starting at almost $600 — see inside
Read more »