MovieChat Forums > Midnight Lace (1960) Discussion > the great John Williams: Highly underrat...

the great John Williams: Highly underrated character actor

posted 11 years ago by Jacob_Dunstan_Autumn
4 replies | jump to latest

Really enjoyed his turn here as the wily Scotland Yard cop. He had a very amiable screen presence in every film he was in and always convinced in his supporting parts. He was similarly pitch-perfect in 'Dial M for Murder' and 'North by Northwest', and to my mind, was not at all overshadowed by the more noteworthy stars he featured alongside. He's up there with the immensely talented Lee J. Cobb as one of my favourite character actors, period.

[–] heyteegs 10 years ago

John Williams has been directed by Hitchcock more than any other actor - 7 times if I recall.

[–] avenger-16 10 years ago

Wonderful to see John Williams again as an urbane Scotland Yard Inspector, but I was hoping for more from Anthony Dawson in this film and felt that he was under used. He and John Williams were such great character actors and it was a pleasant surprise to see their names roll up in the credits. Both so wonderful in 'Dial M for Murder', perhaps less so here but nevertheless a very enjoyable evening watching this film.

[–] greenbudgie 9 years ago

I like him in this and 'Dial M For Murder.' Very polite and very shrewd as a detective. And very smug too as he says "Never underestimate the British."

[–] practicepiano 8 years ago

Add me to the John Williams fan club.

I love the last shot in Dial M for Murder -- Williams looking thoughtful, combing his moustache.