CaptPeterBlood
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They Came from Beyond Space My ThoughtsBe still cats, my mind echoes words upon my fingers. One of the thing that attract me to "B" grade flicks are the working actors that you find. You know who I'm talking about, those hardy individuals you suddenly say..."That's whats his name." When frankly you do darn well you don't know his name but you have seen his work before. So where is my mind rambling with this you may ask? Specifically Michael Gough! Yes, Michael Gough....who is Michael Gough you ask? Most of today's audience might recall him from the Warner Bros "Batman" franchise as Alfred Pennyworth, the loyal and trustworthy butler of Bruce Wayne. I'm certain my first introduction to his work was as Arthur Holmwood in the quintessential Hammer Films "Horror of Dracula" from 1958. Later he'd play with other epic figures such as John Steed and Emma Peel in "The Avengers" and even the Doctor in "Doctor Who". I lost count on how many flicks he was in with Christopher Lee. His list off credits seem endless, while his contribution in playing supporting characters with his unique voice and style of acting never lead him to "stardom" it certainly kept him in a rich tapestry of film history.
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MystMoonstruck
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How about Dick Miller? All of those films, usually in roles he stands out in, yet people look at me blankly when I refer to him. He's even STARRED in a film, people! But, I suppose "Bucket of Blood" isn't their cup of tea. Hmmm... Perhaps I should have chosen another image. I describe his roles in "Gremlins" and "Terminator", and they stubbornly refuse to admit that they know the actor I'm trying to identify, leading me to believe that there must be some sort of vast conspiracy. I just don't know what to name it yet. I considered the Keep DM Anonymous Theory, but that doesn't make for a cool acronym, so it'll never catch on. I'm still working on that.
It did my heart good when M. Emmet Walsh starred in "Monster"~~not to be confused with that far-less-entertaining film starring Charlize Theron made up to look ugly. I'll take the Walsh film anytime! It's wonderful how they blend all of the cliches together for an enjoyable stop-motion critter flick. I'd match this up with "SSSSSSS" (Strother Martin) and "Bucket of Blood" for a mini-marathon of character actors in the spotlight. I love creating mini-movie marathons! It's true: I do have too much time on my hands.
Actually, this thread goes along with work I've been doing on a film research project for more than a decade: obscure actors and actresses. I have approximately 2,500 filmographies gathered on film regulars such as Bingo O'Malley, Robert Picardo, Rockets Redglare, Bobo Lewis, Rutanya Alda, Matt Clark, Galaxy Craze, Alice Drummond and, last but certainly not least, Clara Blandick. I often tell people, "You know Clara Blandick. Everyone knows who Clara Blandick is!" I always receive a denial, to which I counter, "Have you seen 'The Wizard of Oz'?" "Yes." "She's Auntie Em!" Everyone seems to recall most of the other main actors, even Charles "Charley" Grapewin. I have yet to encounter anyone who recognizes Clara's name. Isn't that sad?
Someday, I'll get my book published, then people will see these names and all of the films they've done~~and wonder why I went to so much bother. Just teasing~I hope! What I'm hoping is that fellow film buffs will enjoy it since I know the feeling of picking up a filmography book, looking for favorites but never finding them. Why isn't Richard Lynch included?! Who are these people who have appeared and even starred in so many films (usually B to Z types)? There must be a few inquiring minds out there, don't you think?
Off Beat Cinema is proof that people can be fascinated by the obscure.
NOTE: I am very much a Michael Gough fan from waaaaaaaay back! He's so distinctive, distinguished and elegant, even when dealing with~What is it?~"Konga". He managed to remain somewhat dignified even in this oddity; in fact, he, not Konga, is the draw in this film, at least to me.
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Poe Man Poe
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People don't appreciate Yves Montand. It's because everyone hates him.
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moleman
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Anyone brings up Yves Montand again and I'm outta here.
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Poe Man Poe
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Why does everyone say nasty things about Yves? The other day, I was mixing my Ovaltine in my Huckleberry Hound collector's cup, and I heard the neighbor yell disparaging remarks about him. Poor Yves. He was such a Montand.
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moleman
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You said Yves. And you said Montand. But not together. I'm letting this one pass. Like last nights kidney stone.
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zoglemiester
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Poe Man Poe
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As I considered last night's kidney stone and the things that come from beyond space, I concluded that I am not the one who stole the kishka.
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moleman
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According to Reverend Lurkey who I spoke to this very morning, your kidney stones are punishment from the almighty. Also it's very possible that hemmoroids are on the way. Repent.
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Poe Man Poe
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I have tried to repent. I am a dissolute profligate of the lowest ilk. OK, I stole the kishka. I confess. My wife caught me talkin' to the kiska in the church parking lot. She has also repented.
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moleman
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Too little too late. I would say give up your worldly goods but I can tell you have nothing of value.
A hair shirt? You'd enjoy it.
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Poe Man Poe
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Muff hair shirt. Long tails and cuff links. Muff links. The cheap kind from the Dollar-Rama. I'm certain this fate awaits me. Like the time with the stapler, I can see it comin' like the five-fifteen.
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keith50t
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Re: They Came from Beyond Space My Thoughts | CaptPeterBlood wrote: | | Be still cats, my mind echoes words upon my fingers. One of the thing that attract me to "B" grade flicks are the working actors that you find. You know who I'm talking about, those hardy individuals you suddenly say..."That's whats his name." When frankly you do darn well you don't know his name but you have seen his work before. So where is my mind rambling with this you may ask? Specifically Michael Gough! Yes, Michael Gough....who is Michael Gough you ask? Most of today's audience might recall him from the Warner Bros "Batman" franchise as Alfred Pennyworth, the loyal and trustworthy butler of Bruce Wayne. I'm certain my first introduction to his work was as Arthur Holmwood in the quintessential Hammer Films "Horror of Dracula" from 1958. Later he'd play with other epic figures such as John Steed and Emma Peel in "The Avengers" and even the Doctor in "Doctor Who". I lost count on how many flicks he was in with Christopher Lee. His list off credits seem endless, while his contribution in playing supporting characters with his unique voice and style of acting never lead him to "stardom" it certainly kept him in a rich tapestry of film history. |
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