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For me I love the 'Ealing Comedies'. Obi Wan Alec Guinness was in quite a few of them. The Ladykillers is an absolute classic. But there's lots more.
Once again you've given me stuff to discover. I think of Alec Guinness in serious roles only.
Oh, his back catalog was always pretty comedic (he was a very versatile actor). Star Wars made him famous worldwide and he was famous for the masterpiece Le Carré role in the two BBC series Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Smiley's People.
He did have straight roles in Bridge over the River Kwai and a bit part in David Lean's Laurence of Arabia but my favorites, other than the Smiley stuff, is easily his B+W comedies.
Check out Great Expectations with John Mills. A small part but very good.
You're right - I believe it was Alec's first foray into movies. His last acting part was in a Dickens adaptation too.
I think through the camera we could appreciate his subtle, internal work - thankfully he made it from stage to screen. It'd be a great loss otherwise.
What was his last role? His comments when he met James Dean are worth looking up.
Jeez, that's heartbreaking.
Definitely gonna check that one out. Hearing from classic movie stars is so enjoyable for me. They seemed so much more laid back than stars today and could tell a story that really hits me.
Agreed re subtlety. His talent and range were incredible
Hopefully you can find his 'Smiley' spy work on YouTube still (unless they've taken it down).
The best Ealing comedies are probably Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Whisky Galore! (1949), The Lavender Hill Mob (1951), The Man in the White Suit (1951) and of course The Ladykillers (1955). And it’s amazing to see the post-war country. The Lavender Hill Mob probably remains my favourite and Alex Guinness starred in 4 of those 5.
I was just reading about him. I always liked Peter Sellers. He was totally off my radar. Of course I'm also a big Month Python fan too. That was my generation