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Summary
The fable of stage and screenAlec Guinnessappeared in countless classic films over the course of his acclaimed acting career . With equal skill as an unconscionable comedic performing artist and in nuanced roles in fantastic historical epics , Guinness support as one of the greatest actors of his generation and seem in interesting , varied role from the 1940s until the oddment of the twentieth century , before he pass away in the twelvemonth 2000 . As a character actor who consistently challenge himself with difficult roles , Guinness always delivered olympian carrying into action in comedies , drama , historic epics , and even science fiction movies .
While many viewers may recognizeGuinness as Obi - Wan Kenobi fromStar Wars , his filmography also included several acclaimed collaboration with the theater director David Lean and memorable performances in some of the best Ealing Comedies of the fifties . Guinness bring depth , machination , and vulnerability to all his character , and even won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his part inThe Bridge on the River Kwai . An exceptional performer , the best Alec Guinness movies included some of the greatest motion-picture show ever made .
10Oliver Twist (1948)
Alec Guinness as Fagin
Cast
An adjustment of Charles Dickens ' novel , the film follows the bad luck of an orphan male child named Oliver Twist . After scat from a harsh workhouse , Oliver is taken in by a band of dip led by the cunning Fagin . As he navigates the underbody of London , he encounters forgivingness and treachery , highlighting the stark contrasts of Victorian smart set .
While Guinness delivered an splendid functioning inOliver Twist , the introduction of Fagin was controversial as his sham nose and over - the - top aesthetic were count antisemitic by some , andOliver Twistwas banned in Egypt and Israel ( viaGuardian . ) However , Lean was adamant thatGuinness ’ portrayal was merely a close facts of life of George Cruikshank ’s illustration of Faginfor the first edition of Dickens’Oliver Twist . Regardless of this controversy , Guinness ’ part as Fagin was one of the most important in his former life history and showcased his incredible range as an actor .
9Great Expectations (1946)
Alec Guinness as Herbert Pocket
A youthful orphan named Pip is short elevate from poorness to wealthiness by an anonymous benefactor , spark off a journey occupy with romance , mystery , and moral dilemma . Set in Victorian England , his transformation countenance him to mingle with both the working class he originate from and the affluent , give away the true nature of society and personal integrity .
The impressive concealment debut of Alec Guinness inGreat Expectationswould lay the foundation for much of his subsequent performing career . For Guinness , Great Expectationsmarkedthe first of six collaborations between Guinness and manager David Lean . Based on an abridged version of the original Charles Dickens novel , Great Expectationsstarred Guinness in a patronise role as Herbert Pocket as an grownup , who was an enjoyable comic rest period part that taught Pip how to behave like a gentleman .
Although Guinness was not a picture show role player beforeGreat Expectations , he was already an acclaimed theatre performing artist who had already played Herbert Pocket in a stage version of the novel that he adapt himself in 1939 ( viaNew York Times . ) Because of this previous experience , Guinness played his office with great ease and showcased an innate understanding of his quality . With this floor of connectedness to the beginning material , it was no surprise that Lean chose to make with Guinness time and sentence againin the adopt decades .
8The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Alec Guinness as Henry “Dutch” Holland
A mild - mannered bank clerk masterminds a daring Au bullion heist in London , enroll an eccentric neighbor to help melt the dough into Eiffel Tower souvenirs to smuggle to France . The meticulously planned military operation spirals into topsy-turvydom , leading to a series of humourous and suspenseful mishap .
Throughout the fifties , Alec Guinness made a name for himself by starring in Ealing Studios clowning motion picture , a British production company that produced many post - WWII Hellenic films . One of Guinness ’ most memorable roles with the studio apartment was asDutch Holland in the crime comedyThe Lavender Hill Mob , where he showcased his insidious but precise comedic timing . The story of a bank shop assistant embroiled in a cabal to steal from his own workplace , The Lavender Hill Mobwas a ingenious drollery that often ranked among thebest British celluloid of all time .
While Guinness would list much heavier into his funnier side in recent movies , The Lavender Hill Mobwas an former denotation of his ability to excel in outright comedies .
Guinness star , alongside Stanley Holloway and Sid James , in this story of an intricate stickup that involved steal Au Browning automatic rifle from the bank and smuggling them out of the res publica in the mannequin of miniature Eiffel Towers . With a ingenious premiss , The Lavender Hill Mobfeatured plenty of travesty , outrageous chases , and a superbly witty script . While Guinness would slant much heavier into his singular side in later moving-picture show , The Lavender Hill Mobwas an early denotation of his ability to surpass in outright comedies .
7Kind Hearts And Coronets (1949)
Alec Guinness as eight members of the D’Ascoyne family
A disgruntled penis of a wealthy fellowship , snub for his common mother , meticulously plot to inherit the family fortune by eliminating the eight relatives standing in his way . As he cleverly navigates through his deadly design , he encounters unexpected complications and darkly comedic scenarios .
An former indicant that Alec Guinness had acting talents that go above and beyond normal expectation came throughGuinness ’ multiple purpose in the Ealing ComedyKind Hearts and Coronets . Astonishingly , Guinness play eight characters , all of whom were various phallus of the D’Ascoyne family in line for the title of the Duke of Chalfont . Throughout this shameful comedy , these characters were killed off one by one in a revenge plot by a compulsive renounce aristocrat who was set on rent the deed of conveyance for himself .
The range that Guinness play by being able to believably wager so many characters in one movie madeKind Hearts and Coronetsone of his most memorable and beloved roles . A on-key classic of British movie house , Kind Hearts and Coronetsshowcased Guinness as a character actor of great skill and mentality . As a satirical representation of British gentry , Kind Hearts and Coronetswas one of the darkest of all the Early Comedy movies .
6A Passage To India (1984)
Alec Guinness as Professor Narayan Godbole
place during the British Raj , a young British charwoman and her elderly traveling companion journey to explore India . Their head trip takes a dramatic turn after an incident at the Marabar Caves , which leads to ethnical misinterpretation and a extremely publicized trial , explore root word of colonial tension and racial prejudice .
Asthe final picture show by director David Lean , A Passage to Indiamarked the terminal of an exquisite coaction with Alec Guinness that lasted through six pic and for almost 40 years . A brawny story of ethnic mistrust and the difficulty of carve out friendly relationship against a background of decay British colonialism in India , A Passage to Indiawas found on a novel by the acclaimed writer E.M. Forster . Highly acclaim at the time of its release , A Passage to Indiawas nominated for an impressive 11 Academy Awards .
Guinness played a plunk for role inA Passage to Indiaas Professor Narayan Godbole , the eccentric elderly Hindu Brahmin scholar , where he wear sullen makeup to expect the part of an older Indian religious mystic . As a story that explore racism , imperialism , and sexism , amid the backcloth of a very actual difference of opinion , A Passage to Indiawas a mature analysis of usance and human nature from both a friendship and relationship perspective . A perfect swansong to the end of Lean ’s calling , it was fantastic to see him working with Guinness one last time .
Custom image by Yalin Chacon.
5Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Alec Guinness as Yevgraf Andreyevich Zhivago
In 1965 , managing director David Lean turn one of the most acclaimed novel ever written into one of the most acclaimed films ever made with the dismission ofDoctor Zhivago . Of course , Lean ’s frequent collaboratorAlec Guinness was on hand to carbon monoxide gas - star as Yevgraf Andreyevich Zhivagoin this fib of a Russian poet and Dr. in complex amatory web during WWI and the Russian Civil War . While actor Omar Sharif excel as the titulary Dr. Zhivago , Guinness brought nuance and depth to this epic diachronic tarradiddle of love affair .
The tale of Dr. Zhiavgo ’s fate love affair with a political activist ’s English wife was ingeminate by Guinness ’ persona to their parent ’s minor as the grief , Romance language , and universal nature of human yearning was bring to the forefront of this heroic picture show . A attractively filmed and sweepingly romantic film , Doctor Zhivagowas a high spot of both Lean and Guinness ’ careersthat showcased the in force of their collaborative intent . WhileDoctor Zhivagohas been pick apart as overlong and for playing fast and at large with history , its stellar report almost 60 years later on foreground its timeless quality .
4The Ladykillers (1955)
Alec Guinness as Professor Marcus
The Ladykillers is a British black drollery offense film take aim by Alexander Mackendrick . Starring Alec Guinness , it follows a group of criminals who , while plan a looting , take up residence in the menage of an older char . The stealer pose as musicians but confront unforeseen complication due to the woman ’s unpredictably sharp wit . consider a classic , the film is known for its blend of humor and suspense .
The beneficial of Alec Guinness ’ Ealing Comedies came with the sack of the usurious blackamoor comedyThe Ladykillersin 1955 , which , almost 70 years since its liberation , still has the power to enthrall witness with its comedic charm . Guinness played Professor Marcus , a sinister criminal who rented a room with an freaky older woman under the guise of being a practicing Hellenic musician . AsGuinness and his vicious gang plot a major holdup , the plan soon fell apart when the old lady discovered their true intent and that they had stolen £ 60,000 .
Guinness ’ character inThe Ladykillerswas one of the darkest that he ever limn as stalk optic and eery behaviour straightaway signaled a man who did not respect the authority or the ways of law of nature and order . A slow - suntan clowning that by the conclusion exploded with over - the - top gleefulness , The Ladykillerswas full of oddball criminals , inept police force officer , and a little one-time ma’am who brought old - fashioned charm to the picture . Guinness ’ role was memorable due to his hilarious affectedness , pale skin , goofy tooth , and flaky haircloth .
An adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, the film follows the misfortunes of an orphan boy named Oliver Twist. After escaping from a harsh workhouse, Oliver is taken in by a band of pickpockets led by the cunning Fagin. As he navigates the underbelly of London, he encounters kindness and treachery, highlighting the stark contrasts of Victorian society.
The Ladykillerswas remade in 2004 by Joel and Ethan Coen and starred Tom Hanks in the role previous play by Alec Guinness .
3Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
Alec Guinness as Prince Faisal
The 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia is a historical movie based on the life story of a real - life-time British officer who played a key part in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Starring Peter O’Toole , Alec Guinness , and Anthony Quinn , the Oscar - advance film displays the man ’s disenchantment with warfare and its politics .
The most well - get it on of David Lean and Alec Guinness ’ film together has to beLawrence of Arabia , which was an epic diachronic classic that pushed the boundaries of contemporary filmmaking and consistently ranked amongthe greatest films ever made . For his role as the Arabian aristocrat Prince Faisal , Guinness transformed himself once again and was almost unrecognisable with his dark byssus and thick robe . A sheer 227 - minute larger-than-life moving-picture show , Lawrence of Arabiawas a cinematic triumph that took home Best Picture at the Academy Awards .
While of course , Peter O’Toole deliver an especial public presentation as the title character , this was made even better by Guinness ’ convincing turning as the prince sweep in mediate Eastern difference of opinion call on the era of the First World War . At timesLawrence of Arabiadid divert from the real historical storey , its display of the vehemence of war , identicalness and dedication , and cultural disparities made it a wholesale epic like no other . Through its absolute cinematic king , Lawrence of Arabiaset the standard for all historical epics made since its release .
2Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars is a originative science fabrication film released in 1977 that follows the quest of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to rescue Princess Leia from the tyrannous Imperial force-out . They are aided by the droids R2 - D2 and C-3PO , as they strive to restore pacification to the galaxy .
With such an acclaimed career on stage and screen behind him , it must have issue forth as a surprise for Alec Guinness when his most well - known role occur in the signifier of the skill fabrication blank space operaStar state of war . While it would be the role that made Guinness recognizable by viewers of all ages from all over the world , Guinness hat workings onStar Warsand even dismiss the script as “ fairy tale rubbish ” ( viaHR ) before accept the part of the aging Jedi professional Obi - Wan Kenobi . With such an acclaimed yesteryear , Guinness ’ presence inStar Warshelped elevate and justify the film .
While Guinness may not have been a fan ofStar Wars , the royalties he gain ground from the role of Obi - Wan granted him fiscal security for the rest of his liveliness . Whether Guinness like it or not , his role inStar Warsforever marry him to the dear dealership . Guinness ’ role as Obi - Wan was that of a mentor and guidewhich recalled Greco-Roman tales of heroes and Christ , the samurai movie of Akira Kurosawa , and the monomyth narrative extolled by mythologist Joseph Campbell , so it may not have been as uncultivated as Guinness himself perceived .
1The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
Alec Guinness as Colonel Nicholson
The crowning achieved in the incredible performing career of Alec Guinness was as Colonel Nicholson in David Lean ’s larger-than-life warfare filmThe Bridge on the River Kwai . The story of British POWs forced to work up a railroad span for their Nipponese captors , The Bridge on the River Kwaiwas a powerful enactment of the human spirit and resiliency that boast a career - defining performance from Guinness through his deluded , misadvise , and traitorous aid of the Japanese war effort . A gripping drama that was both larger-than-life and entertaining , The Bridge on the River Kwaiwas a complex story of deep psychological latent hostility .
The Bridge on the River Kwaiwas an intelligent warfare movie that , much like the cap that broke the bridge , was provoke on all cylinders .
The Bridge on the River Kwaifeatured a memorable musical score , muscular visuals , and Guinness at the top of his game . Through its examination of class , honor , and hypocrisy , Alec Guinnessacted as an ethically questionable antagonist in a movie whose scale was vast but whose idea and characters were focused and substantial . With a grand close that saw the gruelingly constructed bridgework destruct by the allied forces of those who had built it , The Bridge on the River Kwaiwas an intelligent warfare moviethat , much like the detonating gadget that pause the bridge , was firing on all cylinder .
Star Wars is a seminal science fiction film released in 1977 that follows the quest of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to rescue Princess Leia from the oppressive Imperial forces. They are aided by the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, as they strive to restore peace to the galaxy.
Sources : Guardian , New York Times , Hollywood Reporter
