Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Gee LP (A) on July 13, 2004 at 23:44:45

In Reply to: Twenty years ago, James Mason died. Any other fans of posted by tinear on July 13, 2004 at 19:14:08:

Great, great actor. I can't remember the name of the film, but he did a picture where he was a poor Naval officer who pretended to go over to the Reds. He prepared an elaborate "shipwreck" to cover his absence and as he watched a ship go by, he sipped champagne and whispered, "Help. Help."

In this film (does anyone know the title?!) and "Lolita", he showed a comic style so distinctive that I cannot think of an actor who does anything like it today. He was also a terrific dramatic actor as well. And what a voice! It's telling that on "The Beatles Live at the BBC" CD, John Lennon asks a radio host to introduce one of their numbers as James Mason.

There are actors who are so good at playing the Everyman that they are Everyman...their anonymity is their talent. Then there are the actors who play characters with distinction and verve, characters we will remember forever. Long after Brad, Ewan, Collin, Russell (in his American films), and others have faded from my memories, I will still be able to see and hear James Mason drunkenly take the stage at the awards show in "A Star is Born" or ask Peter Sellers who he is with on the porch of the Hunter's Lodge in "Lolita".