As of late I’ve been keeping the postman busy with countless titles being shipped in from the UK now that I have an all regions blu ray player. I immediately had most of the early Hammer Horrors shipped over that featured the classic monsters in glorious color making stars of Peter and Christopher. One order led to another including a Terry-Thomas collection, Arrow Video horrors and then finally through some shrewd advertising and suggestions made by Amazon, Stanley Baker titles began popping up. Here I am about six weeks later and my collection of Baker titles has grown immensely to include many titles I’ve yet to see.
Stanley Baker’s celebrated career was all too short. Born in Wales in 1928, Stanley passed away at the age of just 48 in 1976.
So for the next couple of weeks we might want change this blog title to …..
Mike’s Take on Stanley Baker Movies….. Rediscovering this Cinema Bad Ass.
I’ve always like Mr. Baker on film and naturally I’ve seen some of his films including of course The Guns of Navarone and Zulu. Some titles I’ve already featured here include …..
and Hell Below Zero
The latter two titles are roles in support of Hollywood names moonlighting overseas once the studio system began to lose it’s grip on it’s star attractions.
Checking into my catalogue of movies, it turns out I have 27 films on the library shelf that are graced by Mr. Baker. The titles vary in both genres and the years of release. While I have a number of early 1950 films like Alexander the Great and Knights of the Round Table, I’m going to try to focus on a dozen or so titles where he’s playing the lead role including a couple of films made with director Joseph Losey. Baker also had a hand in producing some of his later films so I’ll be sure to check those out as well.
By going on a run of Baker titles, it will also allow me to rediscover a couple of his films I’ve been trying to find for years and now that I’ve acquired two in particular, I’ll be sure to include them in this festival of all things Stanley. You’ll have to check back to see just what I’ve got in store. Feel free to throw out some recommendations and favorites of Sir Stanley’s. As I like to feature film posters with regularity, here’s a sampling of Baker on the printed poster. And just imagine how film history might have changed had Baker taken on the role of a spy in a film called Dr. No.
Not familiar with the work and career of Stanley Baker? Then hopefully this spotlight on Baker’s various films here at Mike’s Take will lead you to seek out his many films and discover him for yourself.
And of course playing alongside heavyweights Peck, Quinn and Niven …… ok, and James Darren too.
Mike's Take On the Movies 
Mike, you have amazing taste! Stanley is one of my favourites and was one of the best actors my country has ever produced. I wish he had been cast as Bond, he would have been awesome in that role. I’m not sure if you’ve bought it, or have seen it before, but I highly recommend you check out Hell Is A City, I think that is one of his best films. It’s a British Noir filmed out on location. Can’t wait to read your upcoming Stanley reviews! Enjoy watching the badass that is Stanley!
Blushing….. Love Stanley Baker on screen. He’s got that magnetism that appeals to both men and women. Hell Is a City a superb gritty Noir and just rewatched it again so it’s coming soon. And it’s a Hammer film!
Yay! Can’t wait to read your review of it. Glad you’ve seen that one. Yes, I was surprised that the film came from Hammer.
Awesome Mike. Apart from the few I know and have seen I didn’t really know where to start. So this article is ace.
As said before Hell Drivers is one of my favs but apart from the big boy films Guns and Zulu I need to get on the case.
I have Robbery which I need to get on with, I have sneaky feeling I’ve seen it before but as a yoot .
Hell Is A City sounds awesome.
Looking forward to your spotlight on Stanley.
They’ll all be coming at yah and then some. I’ve got 7 in the bank now. Been a whole lot of fun.
I know the face, but I never knew the name until now. I do remember him from ‘The Guns of Navarone’, but the film I think of when I see him in photos is ‘Zulu’, which is a cool movie and one I’m sure you’ve seen (and probably own!).
Zulu teed up for the next review. Classic film and deserving of it’s reputation.