Edward G. Robinson: Unhearalded brilliance

[mightyjack]

I wanted to pay tribute to this great actor who never seems to get much press, but who had a stellar career with one great movie after another to is credit.

     The above list only scatches the surface. There's so many woderful movies and if you haven't seen them. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to check out his body of work.

   Edward G isn't what one would call a 'traditionally' great actor. He doesn't have Richard Burton's voice or Brando's range. But he's a treasure never the less and was that rare character actor who became a star.

     He usually played tough, raw gangsters, after his star making role in Little Caesar - but he soon proved adept at comedy, sending up his own Caesar character is such beauties as Little Giant and the delightful Brother Orchid

     He also showed range in playing lonely ousiders. His performances in Woman in the Window and Scarlet Street were both Oscar worthy. And it's shocking that this gentleman was never once nominated for an academy award.

     I've seen a lot of his films, but there are many I've yet to find. From the highly touted Amazing Dr. Cli+terhouse to his role in A Slight Case of Muder and The Last Gangster. I still have joys to unearth.

     I don't know how many of these films you've all seen. If it's only a handful, I hope this inspires you to go out and discover a few others. If you've seen a lot, vote for your fav and discuss this wonderful actor who doesn't get talked about enough to my mind.

[otr]

admin said:

Im wondering if the Soylent Green I saw was a remake. Is the remake the one with Charleton Heston or is that the one on the poll?

No, the one with Charleton Heston also features Edward G. Robinson (in his last film, I believe).

[otr]

this ought to help...

Here are some Edward G. Robinson movies coming up
on Turner Classic Movies - (all times Eastern)


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The Amazing Doctor Cli-tterhouse - 1938

PLAYING ON TCM: 08/31/2005 09:30 AM

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Doctor Ehrlich's Magic Bullet - 1940

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/15/2005 02:15 PM
PLAYING ON TCM: 09/29/2005 12:15 AM

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Double Indemnity - 1944

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/16/2005 09:30 PM
PLAYING ON TCM: 09/12/2005 12:00 AM

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Five Star Final - 1931

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/24/2005 05:00 AM
PLAYING ON TCM: 09/22/2005 04:15 AM

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I Loved A Woman - 1933

PLAYING ON TCM: 09/12/2005 11:15 AM

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Key Largo - 1948

PLAYING ON TCM: 08/01/2005 09:00 PM
PLAYING ON TCM: 09/16/2005 08:00 AM

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Larceny, Inc. - 1942

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/02/2005 06:00 AM
PLAYING ON TCM: 07/13/2005 03:30 AM
PLAYING ON TCM: 08/12/2005 10:30 AM

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The Outrage - 1964

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/30/2005 10:00 AM

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The Sea Wolf - 1941

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/02/2005 10:00 PM

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Smart Money - 1931

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/08/2005 06:00 AM

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Soylent Green - 1973

PLAYING ON TCM: 07/16/2005 06:15 PM

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The Violent Men - 1955

PLAYING ON TCM: 08/14/2005 04:30 PM

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[losingmydignity]

Which Woody Allen movie has the joke about the baby looking like Edward G.?

I've seen few of these films, I just realized.

[mightyjack]

I figured as much. I didn't think this would get much action on the votes. But I wanted to create this thread as an appreciation for a fine actor. Perhaps give a few film lovers some ideas for something new (old) to watch.

     My vote, went to the often forgotten Scarlet Street. The second film he made with Director Fritz Lang and actors Joan Bennet and Dan Durya. The first Woman in the Window gets more praise and attention, but I like Scarlet better. I like the noir, the twisting plot that keeps me guessing and the end that doesn't cheat me (Like Window did)

     I love Robinson's comedies. Brother Orchid and Little Giant are very very funny. But I gave the edge to Scarlet because I think it's his finest performance. He's an aging, unatractive man who sudddenly finds himself involved with a beautiful woman. Edward G. shows a range of heartache and longing. It's truly a role than got under my skin and moved me. Langs direction was impeccable as well.

[Shep]

Great actor!

If you get the chance be sure to check out his performance in "The Messiah On Mott Street." This was Night Gallery's Christmas ep with Robinson as the kindly Jewish grandfather. It's a guaranteed tearjerker every time.

[KGB]

Love Edward G. I voted for Larceny Inc. because it really shows off his strengths. Not many serious actors can pull off a comedy like this, but he's fantastic. Not only that, but he's the star here and carries the whole picture, whereas in many of his other movies, he had other big names to play off. When an actor can cut against his typecast so effectively, as he does in this movie, it's a sign that he's got all the tools.

As for his serious roles, I'd go with Johnny Rocco in Key Largo.

It's a shame to think that in today's Hollywood, his height and appearance might easily preclude him from being anything other than a character actor, a bit player.