Today one of the most beloved actors in the history of Hollywood would have celebrate his 100th birthday. If you want to celebrate his 100 anniversary there is no better way than watching some of his films. Here are my recommendations:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Gregory Peck had that kind of look in his eyes as if he would never be able to harm anyone, as if he wouldn’t be able To Kill a Mockingbird (1962); maybe that is the reason why he was the perfect Atticus Finch. The Academy Award rewarded Peck’s work with 5 Oscar nominations though he only won once, for his performance as Atticus Finch.
Harper Lee’s unforgettable literature masterpiece novel To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) inspired this marvellous film. Atticus Finch was voted as the most admired and loved hero in film industry of all time beating James Bond and Indiana Jones on the way. Gregory Peck was the perfect actor to play this role. The defence of human rights and the rich values that the film and the book teach us make both masterpieces a must.
Roman Holiday
I’ve probably already talked way too much about this film in my past articles about Trumbo and Audrey, but I would like to remark Gregory Peck’s performance on this film because, although it was overshadowed by Audrey Hepburn’s performance, is quite a remarkable one and certainly one of his most iconic roles. Also Roman Holiday (1953) is one of my favourite movies of all time so it had to be in the list to celebrate Greg’s birthday. I would like to emphasize, once again, Peck’s gentleman manners by reminding you that it was his idea to put Audrey’s name next to his at the beginning of the film as he predicted she would win the Oscar.
Audrey and Gregory remained as close friends until she passed away. Roman Holiday is an intelligent and joyful romantic comedy and I assure you you will have the best time watching it.
The Paradine Case
Gregory Peck collaborated with the best directors of his time. He had the honour to work under Hitchcock’s orders twice: in Spellbound (1945) and The Paradine Case (1947). I already talked about the first one on my Hitchcock article and I will take this opportunity to recommend the latter. The Paradine Case was Hitchcock’s “comeback” to English cinema. Although part of Hitchcock’s Hollywood production, the plot was set in England. Gregory Peck stars in this film sharing screen with Charles Laughton, Ann Todd and Ethel Barrymore. I will leave here the trailer hoping that it makes you eager to watch the film:
Moby Dick
Apparently Gregory Peck was an expert in portraying famous book characters. He proved so in To kill a mockingbird and Moby Dick (1956). He has managed to make us think of him as the face of captain Ahab. It is inevitable to agree that he made the fairest representation of the captain possible. Peck managed to transmit sympathy to the public, he was “the good guy”, he even made us sympathise with Ahab in this film adaptation.
The Boys from Brazil
The only really hateful character played by him which I can remember of is the infamous Nazi doctor, Josef Mengele. Peck brilliantly portrayed this epitome of cruelness making us almost hate him (almost). An older Greg offered a great performance in this terrible story that premiered in 1978 co-starring with the amazing Laurence Olivier.
I think in this sense it is fair to say that Gregory Peck was sort of the Tom Hanks of his time, an artist of great talent who managed to gain a place in everyone’s heart.
References:
Anon, 2016. Cien años del <<alto, moreno, y guapo>, Gregory Peck el favorito de Hollywood. Hoycinema. Available from:http://hoycinema.abc.es/noticias/20160404/abci-gregory-peck-aniiversario-201604012002.html %5BAccessed April 4, 2016].
Anon, 2016. Gregory Peck. Wikipedia. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gregory_peck#awards_and_honors [Accessed April 4, 2016].
Anon, GIFs Categories – Celebrities, Anime, Sports & More | GIPHY. GIPHY. Available from: http://giphy.com/categories [Accessed April 4, 2016].
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