MovieChat Forums > The Hill (1965) Discussion > Harry Andrews

Harry Andrews

posted 17 years ago by The_Khazi
9 replies | jump to latest

I agree with an earlier thread that it`s one of Connery`s best films but watching this again last night and Harry Andrews is just terrific-what a shame he wasn`t recognised by the Academy or something.An underated actor usually cast in military or roles of authority but his performance is all the more extraodinary because all the other actors are also on fine form.

What`s surprising about the Production is that it was directed by an American-no dis-respect intended but it`s a quintessentially British film :bleak,uncompromising,brutal,dirty,seedy.Depicting life in a British military prison and it hits the mark every single time.I also like the fact it doesn`t have a music score and was shot in b/w.Brilliantly directed and edited, it just can`t be faulted.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] DD-931 17 years ago

Me too. Andrews never failed to give high-quality performances. But his work in THE HILL is magnificent.

And as for Lumet...Americans always think of him as a "New York" director, but he was capable of so much more. Sean Connery certainly benefitted from being one of his favorite actors. Have you seen THE OFFENCE?

[–] combatreview 17 years ago

Harry Andrews was also fantastic as General Woundwort in Watership Down, don't forget.

[–] noodle372 16 years ago

This is an amazing film, can't think of anywhere it could be better. Harry Andrews gives the performance of a lifetime, it's his film. But that's not to take anything away from the rest of the cast, all were on top form.

[–] blackboard-jeff 16 years ago

Totally agree. Harry Andrews gives a standout performance.
The protest scene over the death of "Stevens", is absolutely superb.
Obviously, this in large,is due to the script. But the way it is played is extremely authentic.

[–] Sonatine97 15 years ago

Harry Andrews was always good value both on stage & screen.

although he often played the stereotype seargent-major roles, he was revelled in the part regardless of quality of film. Not only was he awesome in The Hill, but gave an equally determined performance in "Ice Cold In Alex"

Andrews, always gave off a hint of menance & intimidation thanks largely to his chiselled face and square jawline. He was certainly a tough cookie for his era.

And I looked & I beheld a pale horse & the name that sat on him was Death & Hell followed with him.

[–] DC1977 14 years ago

Andrews always struck me as a very professional and talented actor who just got on with it in an unshowy, no-nonsense way. He worked with Lumet four times and gave a completely different, subtle performance in The Sea Gull and was excellent in that as well.

In The Hill, he plays the role of the Sergeant Major perfectly.

I was surprised to find out that Andrews was homosexual in real life, I suppose its because he plays these hard nosed, aggressive roles so well.

[–] hugh1971 13 years ago

Agreed. Andrews is about the only actor who can still look hard despite having a combover!

The scene when he faces down the entire prison and orders the staff sergeants to open the cells is amazing. I love the line that goes something like:

'Fetch every available staff and bring them here'
'Armed, sir?'
'Where do you think this is, Chicago?!'

[–] Edward_de_Vere 10 years ago

Harry Andrews' RSM is as interesting a character as Connery's Roberts. The RSM is not a cruel sadist like Williams, just a stereotypical rigid career military man with a one track mind. Andrews gives a very nuanced portrayal - at first we're lead to think that he and Williams are of one kind, but towards the end when he starts to see what's been going on behind his back, the RMS is shown to be an ultimately decent man who wants to do the right thing.

I'd like to see some more of Andrews' work on the screen. I remember him from a small role as the stablemaster in Equus and from his ridiculous performance as an Amish man in The Night they Raided Minsky's - though the ridiculousness was more the fault of a stupid screenplay than his acting as such.