MovieChat Forums > Forbidden Planet (1958) Discussion > A Word About Walter Pidgeon

A Word About Walter Pidgeon

posted 9 years ago by johcafra-150-658402
4 replies | jump to latest

I've seen this film many (many) times. It's a fave that consistently overcomes its dated origins. Many users apparently agree.

Acting definitely isn't in the forefront and arguably needn't be. Anne Francis doesn't even have to try but you can somehow tell she wants to.

But if I must single out a performance it's that of Pidgeon. He manages to put more emotion into the most expository (and at times corniest) of dialogue than the rest of the cast put together.

Watch Pidgeon's face when Leslie Nielsen finally drives the point the home to Morbius that down deep he can't help but be a naughty little boy like the rest of us.

I'll admit a soft spot for Earl Holliman's reaction to the booze: "(Huff) And it's smooth too!"

[–] grizzledgeezer 9 years ago

Pidgeon wasn't a "great" actor (most actors aren't), and he certainly doesn't do himself any credit in FP. Part of the problem is the occasionally bad dialog -- which comes from an exceptionally fine writer, Cyril Hume.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] bastasch8647 9 years ago

Yes, Pidgeon's performance was heartfelt, especially when it is remembered that most pigeons fly, not act. Heh. Heh.

[–] bruce-129 8 years ago

Pidgeon's presence exudes gravitas, he is just one of those actors, plus he had a great voice. I so wish they would do a remake of this movie, but then again I am afraid they would just make it up trying to put too much action and effects into it.