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Cushing: Better Van Helsing or Frankenstein?

posted 18 years ago by beckeis
18 replies | jump to latest

I know it's probably like apples and oranges to most of you but I loved Peter Cushing in so many of these Hammer roles, whether he was playing Baron Frankenstein, Dr. Van Helsing or even Sherlock Holmes.

So, which part do you feel Mr. Cushing excelled in? Which is your favorite?

I did so love his Baron but I cannot forget that wonderful moment in Dracula where Van Helsing ran across the long table and made that incredible leap into the curtain (to reveal sunlight thus destroying the vampire). But then there was Cushing in "Hounds of the Baskervilles" and he was so marvelous in that as well.

Decisions. Decisions ....

[–] YelBard1 18 years ago

Baron Frankenstein Was in my mind His Siganture Role For Hammer Films But If I had to choose it would be Dr. Van Helsing

[–] beckeis 18 years ago

Good choice.
I always did like him as a "hero". By the way, I also forgot about his part in "The Mummy", again with Christopher Lee. Not only a good guy but he got the girl too! :D

[–] crawlfan-1 16 years ago

Dr. Frankenstein. I think he was the most powerful and capable actor who's ever played the doctor.

[–] rgaretho 16 years ago

Cushing was the definitive Van Helsing, Frankenstein and Sherlock Holmes. It's difficult to pick a favourite out of those.
I like his Doctor Who but if they'd made that character closer to the TV version then he'd probably be in with a good chance of being the definitive there too.

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[–] Normal-Bates 16 years ago

Colin Clive (1931) was the definate Dr. Frankenstein. Peter Cushing WAS Dr. Van Helsing, better than Edward Van Sloan's old flattering grandpa (sorry Ed, but you were an amazing Dr. Waldman). Sherlock Holmes is a challenge to every actor so, either Peter or Basil Rathbone. But there were other great actors to play Holmes, so Holmes belongs to every actor of them.

[–] onnanob2 15 years ago

Both characters are very different, but both were very intelligent. Dr. Frankenstein rarely left his lab. Van Helsing was much more mobile, and could travel. Peter Cushing was excellent in both roles. I don't think I can pick one part over the other as far as Cuching's performance is concerned.

As far as my favorite goes, I think I like Van Helsing over Frankenstein. Dr. Frankenstein was somewhat stuffy, and rather one-track minded. I think Van Helsing had more spirit.

[–] beckeis 14 years ago

Have to admit, I sort of fell in love with him as Van Helsing and was sorry he and Christopher Lee didn't play their parts regularly as he had with Frankenstein. I know they did Dracula and Van Helsing a few times but never with as much screen-time and energy as the first movie.

Having said this, I did love him in The Mummy and as Sherlock Holmes as well.
Let's face it. Cushing was an all around great actor.

[–] Lots-o 13 years ago

I liked him the most as Dr. Frankenstein dont know he just was fitting that role better also he played Dr. Frankenstein more.....

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[–] Skye_Reynolds 13 years ago

I much prefer Peter Cushing as Van Helsing. He played Frankenstein exceptionally well, but I think he was better suited for playing the hero rather than the villain.

Let me put it this way, as a person, as an actor, and as a character, he's not someone I want to dislike.

[–] DodgersRule 13 years ago

There are very few actors I like to watch just to watch, no matter the part.
Peter Cushing was one of them.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] CountVladDracula 13 years ago

I like his Frankenstein but he'll always be Van Helsing to me.

[–] MrBook_ 13 years ago

Apples and oranges is the right way to phrase it... I love how cold and ruthless his Frankenstein is and it's a great performance, but his Van Helsing is just so cool! He's cool and collected and a good person and he kicks ass and he's a hero! I want to be Peter Cushing's Van Helsing when I grow up.

Get on up.

[–] diamonddix1999 12 years ago

Anyone who can steal the fire away from "the monster" and put the focus on its creator has to be a pretty impressive and charismatic actor but I too always like his Van Helsing.

[–] dalldorfw 11 years ago

Close call, but I'll go with Frankenstein.