So, I told
lost_spook that I would do a post about Ian Holm's early acting years (I'm going through bit of a Holm-flip ATM). I'm going to focus on the 60's and 70's, as those are the least (internationally) well-known decades of his career (And the 50's, but I couldn't find any of those). He was mainly a (highly regarded) stage actor up until the mid 70's. This will be the 60's post. I scoured youtube for as many clips I could find. Hope those of you interested in this sort of thing enjoy :) Holm and Judi Dench, younger than I think I've ever seen them, in a 1962 adaption of Anton Checkov's The Cherry Orchard. They were pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. I'm surprised by how not-in-the-least-bad-looking Holm was as a young man. Fun fact: Holm and Dench have played a couple at least four times. Also, what's with the cross-eyed thing he does when looking at the Moon? Is it part of the character?
As Richard of Gloucester/Richard III in the BBC & RSC adaption of The Wars of the Roses (1965). The whole saga is on youtube, and seems bloody excellent. I love how Holm's Richard is pretty much the opposite of the cartoon villain version of Richard that's often used. He's relatively subtle, with a boyish, dimpled face. And yet there's clearly something Not Quite Right with him. Note how he's about as worked up about brutal murder as most of us would be about buying new socks, except for the malicious twinkle in his eye. And the way he looks at his bloody sword with faint amusement. IMO his Less is More method makes for a much creepier Richard than the ''louder'' interpretations. There's also nicely underplayed humour in his portrayal. Brilliant performance. Without further ado...
The Fearful King. The first of many, many times he's co-starred with David Warner (also incredible as Henry VI):
The Kingmaker (note the dry ''aww'' when told that Sir Richard Grey is slain XD):
Edward of York:
The Prophetess (My personal favourite of these clips):
Richard of Gloster:
Richard the King (They're trying to teach him manners, heh):
Henry Tudor:
As Victor Frankenstein and his monster in the Frankenstein episode of Mystery and Imagination (1966). I certainly did not enjoy this one due to the poets shirt and the tight trousers. Not in the least. ;D Hmm, poets shirt, tight trousers, curly hair, and sweat... Does this remind you of anything, Whovians? Also, it seems excellently creepy and well done.
As Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1968). He's been cast in that role many times. I think you'll see why (Seriously, I have no trouble believing that charming little devil attracting all those ladies). ;) He's not in this clip for very long, but in meanwhile you can enjoy Helen Mirren, Diana Rigg, and (again) David Warner. Mirren has also acted with Holm more than once. Not seen in the clip is a half-naked Judi Dench as Titania. A great version if you enjoy staring at good-looking actors.
As Flynn, a Northern Irish gunner in The Bofors Gun (1968). His, I believe first feature film role, for which he won a BAFTA for best actor in a supporting role. As usual, he manages to be the most/one of the most interesting characters. Flynn is highly intelligent, which I suspect is a reason for his apparent boredom and cynical detachment. And yet, in spite of their seemingly antagonistic relationship, he's the only one who insists get medical help for O'Rourke, putting life over career. A very intriguing character with, I think, hidden depths. The whole film is on youtube and is well worth a watch. Also features David Warner (again) and
inspector morse John Thaw.
As Grubeshov in The Fixer (1968). Whole movie is on youtube. Seems interesting.
As President Pointcaré in Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). Except I couldn't find any clips with him in it, so here's the whole damn movie.
Stuff that I could not find on youtube: Granillo in Rope and The Wooden Dish (Both episodes of ITV Play of the Week, 1957), Girls at Sea (1958, uncredited. Hmm... 0.o), An earlier turn as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1959), the Edward IV episode of The Wars of the Roses, Sefton Kemp in The Power Games (1966), MacFarlane in The Body Snatcher (1966, another Mystery and Imagination episode).