Mike, thanks for posting... I have to say I thought he had gone years ago... But he lived to a good age, I see. Remember him in THE MOLLY MAGUIRES, very impressive he was in the role.
Was given The Deadly Bees only yesterday. Must watch it as a tribute. He was an excellent Van Helsing in the BBC Dracula in the 70s, starring Louis Jourdan in the title role.
That play caused the higher ups at the BBC to order the Doctor Who production office to cease their plans for The Vampire Mutations story, for fear it might 'send up' the more prestigious production, don't ya know...
It resurfaced years later as State of Decay, in Tom Baker's last season. Great electronic score from Radiophonic Workshop's Paddy Kingsland.
After six years of screen appearances on British television, Finlay appeared in his first major British film as a "Booking Office Clerk" in Tony Richardson's THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER. John Addison's score has not had a release.
Finlay appeared as "Private Coke" in Darryl F. Zanuck's 1962 D-Day epic THE LONGEST DAY. Maurice Jarre's sparse score has always taken a back seat to Paul Anka's theme march.
If you want to see what great acting is all about, Finlay has a brief but effective moment with Glenda Jackson in Return of the Soldier where it becomes clear that he is aware of the relationship she had with the title character. Finlay plays it low-key and nothing is overtly stated, but he gets just the right catch in his voice to subtly express how much pain this has caused him. It's a great performance and demonstrates how much you can convey about a character in a matter of seconds.
After six years of screen appearances on British television, Finlay appeared in his first major British film as a "Booking Office Clerk" in Tony Richardson's THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANT RUNNER. John Addison's score has not had a release.
Oh man this is one of those films caught several times on the telly in my youth. Even better watching it later in life when I could truly comprehend the motivations and lack of same of the title character. The music has never left, too.
Finlay played a "British Embassy Porter" in the 1964 spy spoof AGENT 8 3/4 (Hot Enough for June). Ralph Thomas directed the film. Angelo Lavagnino's score was conducted by Muir Matheison. It has not had a release.
In 1965's Sherlock Holmes adventure A STUDY IN TERROR, Finlay played Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Inspector Lestrade" of Scotland Yard. It was a part that Finlay would play again on film. James Hill directed the mystery. John Scott's score was released on LP by both Roulette Records and CAM Records (with somewhat different programs), and was later re-recorded and expanded by Scott for a 2002 CD release. Columbia Pictures, which released the film in the U.S. in April 1966, came up with a ridiculous advertising campaign that tried to piggyback on the popularity of the "Batman" television show, which had premiered in January of that year.
In 1965, Finlay played "Iago" on screen to Laurence Olivier's OTHELLO. The production was a film version of the National Theatre of Great Britain stage production, which had opened in London on 21 April 1964. Finlay was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor in a Supporting Role, but lost to Martin Balsam for A THOUSAND CLOWNS. At 1 hour, 30 minutes, and 43 seconds, Finlay's performance is the longest ever nominated for a supporting acting Oscar. It is not the longest performance in the movie, however, since Olivier's is three minutes longer. Finlay was also nominated for a Golden Globe award as Supporting Actor, but lost to Oskar Werner for THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD.
For some engagements, the 166-minute film played as a roadshow with an intermission, but without an overture, entr'acte, or exit music, since these were not part of the stage version. Stuart Burge directed, and Richard Hampton provided the sparse score.
Oh dear God. I'm gutted. He was a fantastic actor, Bolton's finest (with Robert Shaw). Will have to look into the films mentioned in this thread I haven't seen. RIP that great fellow.
Loved him as Porthos in the Musketeer films. As most of the fans of those films did. At only 5'8" tall, Frank Finlay was brilliant in making the character appear more robust and imposing through the sheer strength of his acting ability. He was a pure joy to watch in those films. The last one, and least regarded of the series, "Return of The Musketeers" (adapted from Dumas' 20 Years After) allowed him some fine dramatic moments as Porthos when he is seen amongst the group of reunited aging Musketeers comforting the troubled Athos (Oliver Reed).
He was also memorable for me in a small role in the underrated "I'll Never Forget What's `Isname" as the Chaplain. His frightening interpretation of the ghost of Jacob Marley playing against George C. Scott's Scrooge was superb. A true pro of the craft and he will be missed. RIP.
Finlay co-starred with Suzanna Leigh in the 1967 Max J. Rosenberg - Milton Subotsky production THE DEADLY BEES. For his role as beekeeper "H.W. Manfred," Finlay was made to look older with makeup. His hair was also dyed gray. The film was directed by horror expert Freddie Francis. Wilfred Josephs composed the unreleased score.
Finlay played a convicted currency expert named "Robinson" who escapes from jail to participate in a ROBBERY. Action expert Peter Yates (BULLITT) directed this 1967 crime drama. Johnny Keating's score appeared on a London Records LP, which was released on CD by Vocalion in 2008.
Finlay played a chaplain in 1967's comedy-drama I'LL NEVER FORGET WHAT'S 'ISNAME. Michael Winner directed the film. Francis Lai's score was released on a Decca LP, but has never been reissued on CD.
