OSHER 646 - The Classic British Films of Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness mused that likely he would be best remembered for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the "Star Wars" films. As this course focuses on his British films, you will discover one of the most versatile screen artists of all time. Beginning with his roles as Pip and Fagin in David Lean's adaptations of Dickens' Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, we will explore his diverse comedy roles in "Kind Hearts and Coronets", "The Lavender Hill Mob", "The Man in the White Suit", "The Ladykillers", "The Captain's Paradise" and "The Horse's Mouth", as well as such dramatic roles as "The Prisoner" and "Tunes of Glory". One class period will be devoted to watching a Guinness comedy together as a class. The course will also explore his work in the David Lean classics "The Bridge on the River Kwai", "Lawrence of Arabia", "Doctor Zhivago" and "Passage to India" as well as the legendary "Star Wars" series. Class members will have the opportunity to borrow DVDs of these timeless classics to view at home. These are the Guinness films that will always be cherished.