The Kenblog: Remembering A Trio Of Legends!

First we have one of the last great icons of Hollywood’s golden age. Olivia De Havilland, a two time Oscar winner and five-time nominee, passed in late July at the age of 104. Best known for her roles in “Gone With The Wind” and “The Adventures Of Robin Hood” she was also known as a trailblazer with a successful lawsuit that helped break the big studios control over their talent. She won Oscars for “The Heiress” and “To Each His Own” and of course was nominated for “Gone With The Wind.” Although she spent most of the latter part of her life out of the limelight, De Havilland will always be remembered as a strong, compassionate, and talent actress whose legend is well deserved.

Next we have John Saxon, a very prolific actor who is known for two iconic roles. The first was as Roper, the con-artist/martial artist who teams up with Bruce Lee in the legendary martial arts film “Enter The Dragon.” The next is as the Sheriff (and father of the main character) in the original “Nightmare On Elm Street.” He passed away about the same time as De Haviland at the age of 83 from pneumonia. He also starred in films like “Joe Kidd,” “Black Christmas” and “From Dusk ‘Till Dawn.”

In “Enter The Dragon” Saxon had the least amount of martial arts training of the trio of heroes (Lee and Jim Kelly, a black belt himself) but watching the movie after nearly fifty years it’s clear that he was certainly the best actor of the bunch. Lee had the moves and charisma, but his somewhat high-pitched voice made his verbal threats less than menacing. Kelly, with no help from the overdubbing process, sounds stilted and forced and his attempts at word play come off as unintentionally comedic (which is a big part of the movie’s charm, if you ask me.). By comparison Saxon is the smooth talker with all the best lines and actually has the only redemptive arc in the film. To be fair, the overdubbing process doesn’t completely spare Saxon, either, but he manages to overcome through sheer talent and charisma. When you can go toe-to-toe with Bruce Lee without any martial arts training, that my friend, is talent. May he rest in peace.

Finally we have Wilford Brimley who passed away last Saturday at the age of 85. Known for his gruff demeanor and that big old walrus mustache managed to make an impression even in small roles. Later in life he brought that gruff authority as a pitchman for products like Quaker Oats and various diabetic medications. He once served as a bodyguard to the reclusive Howard Hughes and served in the Marine Corps.

As an actor, he managed to put his imprint on big movies even if the roles weren’t very large. Films like “The Natural” “Absence Of Malice,” and “Tender Mercies” showcased Brimley’s talent even though he was only in a scene or two. Of course he’s best known for his roles in “Cocoon” and it’s sequel. Acting alongside legends like Don Ameche, Hume Cronyn, and Jessica Tandy, Brimley stood out even though he was only 51 at the time.

But my favorite role of Brimley’s was one without his trademark mustache. In 1982 he was part of the excellent ensemble that comprised John Carpenter’s terrific redo of “The Thing.” In the film, Brimley plays Blair, on of the lead researchers who is among the first to discover the insidious nature of the alien creature in their midst. He becomes the first to realize the hideous implications of the monster’s presence and it drives him mad. It’s a truly inspired performance when the normally reliable Brimley becomes completely unhinged. Another legend who will be sorely missed. So Sayeth The Kendog!

Pages: 1 2