Peter Cushing - Britain's Legendary Horror & Sci-Fi Icon
Actor Peter Cushing Made So Many Horror & Sci-Fi Films So Much Better
Can an actor really make us love a movie more than we have every reason to do so? We know the best actors who dazzle our sense of reality are accomplished magicians; making us completely believe in an outlandish narrative to embrace a film’s fictional world in which we’re immersed. Indeed, it’s the secret weapon of our best performers - a genuine charisma which effectively elevates a production. Peter Cushing possessed such majestic star power. When he starred in a movie, he always made it more interesting, engaging, believable and just better.
Before International Fame
As a child, Cushing knew early that he’d probably ultimately go into the art of acting. He’d entertain family members and even make money by putting on puppet shows with his creative toys and glove-puppets. From those early, formative stages, it was clear the man was destined to be a multi-talented performer.
In 1939, his father bought him a one way ticket to relocate to Hollywood in pursuit of fulfilling his dramatic dreams. The star struck Brit only had 50 pounds to his name with which to sustain his new life. After moving to the USA and finding minor success in Hollywood movies, Cushing returned to the UK disillusioned, and he struggled to find work in feature films. Ultimately, it was television which gave his career a significant boost.
Hammer Horror
When you mention Hammer horror films to a scary movie fan, they’ll undoubtedly tell you how groundbreaking and influential the UK movie studio has been to them and their favorite film genre. Peter Cushing became one of Hammer’s earliest breakout stars, and he helped to bring the studio international acclaim.
Cushing is best known to his many fans for the dozens of horror films he starred in, making a reputation alongside fellow fright icons such as Christopher Lee and Vincent Price. Above all his movie appearances, the 22 films he made for Hammer, the British film studio, number among his most well known and widely popular.
He played the notorious Victor Frankenstein in 5 Hammer films and fleshed out the professorial vampire killer, Van Helsing, in 6 - alongside fellow Hammer colleague and close friend, Christopher Lee.
Cushing’s performance in his first Hammer horror outing, 1953’s The Curse of Frankenstein, was so powerfully memorable, it’s been said it helped invent the mad scientist theme seen countless of times in cinema subsequently. He followed up this bad boy role by taking up the mythic mantle of Dracula foe, Professor Van Helsing, starring opposite Christopher Lee as the legendary undead Count.
Cushing so dedicated himself to the task of bringing Bram Stoker’s character to authentic life, he studied the author’s original text carefully, and incorporated mannerisms he found in the novel into his compelling onscreen performance.
Many actors would be more than content to have two well known pop culture cinematic roles to their credit. Peter Cushing sought more. He took to travelling to the stars to secure his third in what would become a household name movie franchise, born in a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars & Beyond Hammer
Even the most hardcore Star Wars fan may not clearly remember that the imperious Darth Vader bowed to someone other than the Emperor, or Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, in his formative Jedi training youth. That someone in charge of it all was Grand Moff Tarkin, Cushing’s evil entry into the universe created by George Lucas.
Cushing said that Star Wars director Lucas originally had wanted him to play Jedi master and trainer, Kenobi, but after meeting the actor in person, he changed his offer to that of the power crazed, manipulator, Tarkin. And why did Peter Cushing end up taking the role? Not exactly a fan of the science fiction genre, Cushing simply felt his fans would love the movie and him playing in it, which is why he accepted it.
Peter Cushing’s talent, extensive dramatic training and his genuine dedication to his work made his contribution to the filmed arts world a special one. If you’re a horror movie lover and or a sci-fi fan, this incredible performer’s film library most likely is in your prized possession. Despite his death nearly thirty years ago, his fanbase only seems to grow more and more sizeable and loyal each year, with new generations of loving fans yearning to see his impressive body of work.
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