Yes, he's certainly charming and gracious and extremely likeable. A very good friend to Harold, Eric, and Sybil, and indeed to everyone. He has an easy charm that is very winning. And of course he is very good-looking as well, which indeed is a lot of the appeal, I think, and that also secured Nigel Havers continued success as a starring actor.
Of course, Lindsay (who is a fictional character, unlike either Harold or Eric; he is based on Lord Burghley, but this is merely a basis, not fact), can afford to be generous and hearty and a friend and helper to all. He is wealthy beyond imagination, and has nothing to lose -- "Cast care aside", as he says to Sybil. He runs for fun. Whereas Harold runs to overcome prejudice, and Eric runs for the glory of God. So they are all three very different people with different backgrounds and motivations. (Also, the bit about him giving up his race to Eric is all fiction -- see the Wikipedia article on the movie.)
But yes, his character is quite quite appealing. I think we all fell in love with him a little bit. Although I think more people fell in love with Ian Charleson, who was the real star and breakout discovery of the film.
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MtnMan13
9 years ago
An interesting turn of character happens during his Olympic race when his carefree mask slips from his face, and he expresses rage and heartbreak when he realizes he's coming in second. Apparently winning meant a lot more to him than he let on.
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