MovieChat Forums > Wise Blood (1980) Discussion > Oney Jay Holy

Oney Jay Holy

posted 14 years ago by Edward_de_Vere
6 replies | jump to latest

Along with his role in Network, the conman "disciple" Oney Jay Holy has to be one of Ned Beatty's most hilarious character portrayals and memorable performances.

[–] global_global 13 years ago

I would tend to agree---if he hadn't squealed like a pig!

[–] Edward_de_Vere 8 years ago

I would tend to agree---if he hadn't squealed like a pig!

You have to admit that it takes a lot of courage for any actor to accept a role like that for their first feature film.

[–] HarveyManfredinStJohn 13 years ago

His name ain't Holy, friend. His name is Hoover Shoates.

Otto Preminger is the most criminally underrated director of all time.

[–] rodneysruss 11 years ago

Ned Beatty stole the show. It's a shame we have few character actors of his caliber anymore. The reason for this is the decline in theatrical training.

[–] twhiteson 8 years ago

I agree. I'm always amused by both Beatty's cameo as the slick-talking, con-man "preacher" and William Hickey's as his cut-rate, bargain-bin "prophet."

I love how happily eager Hickey's prophet acts about getting $4. Even in 1979, $4 bucks wasn't much. How much booze would $4 get someone in 1979?

[–] dukie33 8 years ago

Whats the word? Thunderbird! Whats the price? $.39 twice! Lots of cheap booze in the seventies...