Mitchum would be one for me. I've seen him in some very bad films where he can still make dialogue zing. He rises above. But I'm not sure if that's what you exactly mean, Patti.
Two fairly different actors: I've loved William Powell in everything I've seen him in. I like him less in dramas because I keep expecting him to say something funny. I also love Walter Matthau for the same reason though Matthau is much more slovenly. I guess Powell was a Felix Unger before there was one.
The first one that jumped into my mind is John Wayne in McLintock (1963):
“I haven’t lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won’t. I won’t. The hell I won’t!” – followed by a huge punch to the jaw.
I'm sure many others. Betty Davis was darn good at delivering a line, so was Robert Duvall and I like the way Bogart delivered.
How about Clint Eastwood's "Make My Day"?
ReplyDeleteMagie Smith would definitely be on my list.
ReplyDeleteAlso Gloria Grahame.
Jeff M.
Mitchum would be one for me. I've seen him in some very bad films where he can still make dialogue zing. He rises above. But I'm not sure if that's what you exactly mean, Patti.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Smith is a wonderful actor. I liked her role in THE V.I.P.s opposite Rod Taylor. I'm also thinking of Judi Dench and Michael Caine.
ReplyDeleteGreat choices, Patti! Bea Arthur was great at 'zing' lines. And I love Robert de Niro's delivery.
ReplyDeleteAnd how about Jack Nicholson's "You can't handle the truth!"
ReplyDeleteTwo fairly different actors: I've loved William Powell in everything I've seen him in. I like him less in dramas because I keep expecting him to say something funny. I also love Walter Matthau for the same reason though Matthau is much more slovenly. I guess Powell was a Felix Unger before there was one.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'd have to pick Clint as well.
ReplyDeleteThe first one that jumped into my mind is John Wayne in McLintock (1963):
ReplyDelete“I haven’t lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won’t. I won’t. The hell I won’t!” – followed by a huge punch to the jaw.
I'm sure many others. Betty Davis was darn good at delivering a line, so was Robert Duvall and I like the way Bogart delivered.
Alan Rickman
ReplyDeleteCaine.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThe others who came to mind were Bette Davis and George Sanders in ALL ABOUT EVE and Claude Rains in CASABLANCA.
ReplyDeleteJeff M.
Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, and Frank Morgan.
ReplyDeleteI could listen to Michael Caine read the proverbial phone book.
ReplyDelete