MovieChat Forums > Dark Shadows (1966) Discussion > Multiple Roles...who did them best?

Multiple Roles...who did them best?

posted 8 years ago by Briabba2
49 replies | jump to latest

And worst?

One of the things I always look for when considering how good an actor is, is how different are their characters and are they able to be convincing in different roles or are they always playing the same character regardless of the role or are they simply playing themselves

For example I think Nancy Barrett did an excellent job convincing the audience her roles were distinct and separate characters. The other end of the spectrum would be Roger Davis it doesn't seem to matter which character or which century he is in his characters always seem like the same person what do you guys think?

[–] DoctorJuliaHoffman 8 years ago

I agree about Nancy Barrett and Roger Davis. Mine are:

The best - Grayson Hall for her sheer ability to make me roar with laughter as Julia, Magda, Hoffman the Maid, et al.

The worst - Roger Davis. Bland, bland, bland.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Absolutely, with Roger Davis. He doesn't really bother me, but they should've used a different actor as Ned Stewart, since Jeff Clark just disappeared into time. And Peter Bradford kept returning for inane reasons.

Grayson was always good, but she should've had a French accent as The Countess.

[–] DoctorJuliaHoffman 8 years ago

At first, it seemed like they were going to have the cast use French accents as the norm. But, it didn't work out that way.

Oh, how I wish they would've let the cast use those accents. Grayson would've had a field day affecting an ooh la la accent.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Not everyone would've been successful, which may be why they didn't do it.

[–] vitoscotti 8 years ago

Those two for the exact reasons mentioned came to my mind before reading your comments. But the one that I feel is the master of playing different characters is Thayer David. The way he totally changes his facial expressions and mannerisms , voice, really impressed me.

Most of the other cast don't change a lot with a new character so far where I'm up to .They just work off their original character with a few tweaks. Where as the three literally throw themselves into the new challenge.

[–] ElectricWarlock 8 years ago

I think Thayer David did a great job at playing different character types. He could be extremely intelligent, friendly, sensitive, and sociable in the role of Professor Stokes. But also less educated, rough characters like Matthew Morgan and Ben Stokes. Then you have Count Petofi who is terrifying because of how cold, calculating and manipulative he can be.

I find that he was really given the chance to play characters who were drastically different in personality. And he did a good job at each of them, too.

I was also impressed with Joel Crothers who could play the nice, approachable, down-to-Earth Joe Haskell and then one of the most despicable, selfish, manipulative, nasty characters of the show with Nathan Forbes. At times it was hard to believe they were played by the same person.

[–] DoctorJuliaHoffman 8 years ago

I agree about Joel Crothers. Who would have thought the man who played nice guy Joe Haskell could play the conniving Nathan Forbes with such conviction? Bravo, Joel!

[–] fiero-49251 8 years ago

Grayson without a doubt; bar none! She was the best! 

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[–] zaphod08 8 years ago

For me it was definitely Nancy and Thayer. No question.

In the kingdom of the blind, you're the village idiot.