MovieChat Forums > Robert Ryan Discussion > Favourite Robert Ryan roles?

Favourite Robert Ryan roles?

posted 5 years ago by rudeboymurray (3271)
6 replies | jump to latest

One of my favourite classic era actors. Nobody was better at portraying sadistic villains or conflicted, flawed heroes - while in reality he was a progressive, a pacifist (his wife was a Quaker), and was staunchly opposed to the type of characters whom he typically played on screen.

Please name your favourite Robert Ryan roles... some of my favourites:

Billy Budd (1962) - One of the most despicable screen villains ever as the vile master-at-arms Claggart.
Day of the Outlaw (1959) - Wonderful western with Ryan squaring up memorably against Burl Ives, and a final act on a freezing night where one actually shivers watching.
The Iceman Cometh (1973) - Ryan's glorious swansong as a sad, aging barfly.
The Set-Up (1949) - Terrific noir with RR as a washed-up boxer who refuses to quit.
On Dangerous Ground (1951)
Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

I hate to admit that I don't recall him from anything aside from The Dirty Dozen and The Iceman Cometh. Both solid efforts from Mr. Ryan. I'll have to try to catch up on a few more.

[–] rudeboymurray (3271) 5 years ago

It's so many years since I saw The Dirty Dozen that I barely remember it or his role in it. He is brilliant in The Iceman Cometh - such pain and gravitas in his performance. He was dying in real life at the time of shooting and passed away before the film's release.

[–] Jones70 (6534) 3 years ago

I’ll have to watch those sometime.

[–] Kowalski (75528) 3 years ago

THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR (1948)

BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (1955)

BATTLE OF THE BULGE (1965)

THE PROFESSIONALS (1966)

THE DIRTY DOZEN (1967)

THE WILD BUNCH (1969)

LAWMAN (1970)

BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK BEING MY FAVORITE OF MR RYAN'S FILMS AND ALSO AN ALLTIME FAVORITE OF MINE.

[–] rudeboymurray (3271) 3 years ago

Great list! The Boy With Green Hair is a strange, wonderful and under appreciated film, one of those which cemented the late great Dean Stockwell as one of the finest child actors ever, as well as giving Ryan a strong role.

[–] ecarle (14979) 3 years ago

Old Man Sykes(Edmond O'Brien): I didn't figure I'd find you here.
Deke Thornton (Robert Ryan): I did what I said I'd do. I sent 'em back.
Sykes: They didn't get very far.
Deke Thornton: I figured.
Sykes: What are your plans?
Deke Thornton: I don't know. Drift around down here for awhile.
Sykes
(waving at some old decrepit men:) Well me and the boys here...got some work to do.
Sykes: Wanta come along?
Deke looks up.
Sykes: It aint like it used to be but...it'll do.
(Deke laughs and saddles up.)

(Paraphrased from memory. If anybody has the accurate lines I'd be much obliged.)