Erland Van Lidth was a rare cat. He was an Olympic wrestler, graduated from MIT and was an opera singer. Died way too young. I love this scene so much.
I’m 31 years old now and I will forever be grateful to my dad for making me watch this when I was around 14 when I said it looked boring. My favourite comedy of all time with this absolute gem of a scene. Gene wilder eyes say so much without having to say a single word. Gene wilder, Richard Pryor and grossbeiger immense talent has left us but what a legacy. Chills every time at this scene thanks dad.
Grossberger is actually Dutch, he was a wrestler and opera singer, and he studied computer science and has a degree in computer science and electrical engineering
Since you shared a good one I will in turn share my lifelong ultimate favorite which applies to the fact it's a prison-related movie clip.... "There is never enough time unless you're serving it." -Malcolm Forbes-
In a movie full of laughs, this scene stands out as maybe the most beautiful. Moves me to tears almost every time. I feel like I may be reaching here, but I’ve always seen it as a way of saying “Even the ugliest people can have the most beautiful voices”.
Same. It completely 180`s the movie direction and halts you in your tracks. True again. Beauty can be found everywhere and in the most unlikely places.
@@Garrysullivanjones A friend of mine was a competitive swimmer. She was a young and fit 30 year old who suffered a heart attack. That's a young age for your pump to quite, but it happens fat or fit.
Apparently he was studying to be an opera singer. He was already a comp sci graduate from MIT and Olympic wrestler, not to mention a movie actor. He was a very accomplished person at a young age.
@@wicketandfriendsparody8068 Oh, cool. My apologies. Didn't know Poitier was still alive. Good. Yes, that was cool of him to showcase this man's talents
Saw Stir Crazy tonight for the first time in years. I was just a teen when it was first released. This film and other comedies of that era make those of today look like amateur hour. This was a standout scene. Amazing voice. I loved it too when the guards found him in the cell with Wilder and Pryor playing cards after everyone saw him as a terror. That was great comedy!
One of my favorite versions of this song. I had never known that was actually him singing when I watched this as a kid. Dude really was an all around well rounded guy(no pun intended). Smart, funny, great voice and a pretty good actor. Never knew he died so young. Rip!
@@azaz... Not only did he sing that, he's also singing opera for real in "The Running Man" where he plays Dynamo. His wikipedia page is crazy for someone who passed away so young.
I've been listening to the wu tang clan all day came here to switch it up and yes I'm a 48 year old black man only saying that to show the power and beauty of the vibration of good music it attracks all !!! We are one !!
They couldn't get the sound to record well in the cell, so Erland Philip Peter Van Lidth De Jeude sang the song in a studio, and then he lip synched to himself for this scene. So it is the man actually singing the song. This film is underrated.
The guy playing Grossberg, Erland van Lidth was not big and stupid. He actually went to MIT, yes that MIT. He was on the wrestling team and in Theatre. He distinguished himself by becoming a teaching assistant while still an undergraduate. After MIT he worked in computers, while fitting in some movies, he was also in The Running Man as Dynamo, and studying to become and opera singer. He ultimately opened his own computer company. He was only 34 when he died.
I am so fortunate for RUclips for classic movie moments bcuz I have wondered for YEARS what the name of this movie was bcuz I saw it as a kid, then later as an adult but never could find a copy...then RUclips started having clips, songs, etc & over time I remembered the movie title & today I found the song & it so makes me cry whenever I hear it...it's the lyrics but also an example of how just bcuz a person looks a certain way, it is no bearing on how their spirit is Inside....also, it's the way the voice sounds singing it...it is angelic & so sweet.
I’m so sorry this song brings back so many good memories but this song was so beautiful it brought tears 😭 I love that song so much it’s just one of my favorite songs I’ve ever heard for a long time
Sad thing is I was constantly on my phone whilst watching this movie, but soon as the big guystarting singing I put my phone down in honour of the character of the big guy, a misunderstood giant with a gentle voice
I agree , that is why the scene works so well in that he never says anything and then this great big , scary and dangerous giant who has committed mass murder and growls at people starts singing with the voice of an angel .
I cannot listen to this without tearing up, which is odd given the rest of the comedy in the movie. Chills every time. It's amazing how thought provoking and powerful a voice can be, especially the lyrics.
I think it's also the comedic factor of him not saying a word and then singing so beautifully that makes it not only funny but beyond insanity. Definitely worth the tears
That is probably the best version I’ve ever heard of “The Birmingham Jail” To bad Grossberger didn’t make an A-Capella the song, At least we will always have that clip
I seen this movie for the first time yesterday and this is the scene that stood out most. It felt much longer than 2:53 I’m guessing it’s cause I was most likely taken by this gentle giants beautiful singing voice.
Something eerie & yet so soothingly captivating with how he appears & how he sounds . This classic scene with Grossberger is stapled to my brain & soul 🤗👍🏻
Erland van Lidth. He was an actual Opera Singer and born from Dutch nobility. I always remember him from The Wanderers. Apparently he was a sweetheart of a man.
Grossberger was the real hero of this movie. He had the opportunity to escape prison like the others but he sacrificed freedom to help them escape. He paid Skip and Harry back for the good deed that they did: Become his friend after seeing through his tough appearance that he was truly lonely. Grossberger never forgot the others (Jesus and Rory, Skip and Harry's cellmates) either as they became his friends too.
Im not sure if everyone remembers but when they are all having lunch and grossberger walks in gene tries talking to him and get him to bring out the angel in him and now after a while together he opens up out of nowhere and sings this chilling emotional yet angelic song I think it's here gene realises he made him find his inner angel or kindness that he tried to bring out of him that's why I think he looks at him in almost shock not that he can sing but that he brought it of him lot of messages and heartfelt emotions for a simple comedy I mean these were some gone but not forgotten geniuses involved here!
i so loved this movie. and i love watching it today. i had to buy. loved it when it hit the theaters eventho i wasnt allowed to see it. i was to young. everyone was so great. esp georg standford brown. loved him in the rookies and roots. love this scene.
Lawrence Lepes - yeah, but that was only after Gene’s character agreed to compete for the warden in the rodeo. Check out the scenes before, not so luxurious.
Erland Van Lidth was a rare cat. He was an Olympic wrestler, graduated from MIT and was an opera singer. Died way too young.
I love this scene so much.
A very talented man obviously.
He did not sing this song in the movie he was miming but he could sing though.
@@Mulberry2000 that's what I heard too. Why didn't they let him sing instead if using someone elses voice - always wondered about that ?
The man was a rounded genius of many talents.. This song was elevating like the Italian operatic record Andy played in The Shawshank Redemption…
I had no idea. Thank you for sharing that
The look on Gene Wilders face when Grossberger start singing is priceless.
😆😆😆right
@Kitty of course it's beautiful I was responding to Oscar Sanchez that's where the right came from
BECAUSE HE WAS HAPPY TO HAVE REACHED INTO GROSSBERGER'S KIND INNER SIDE, THAT WAS WILDER'S WINNING MOMENT!
He was looking like oh shyt! I'm getting shyted in 👀😂
That and Richard Pryor singing along silently, hardly opening his mouth.
Definitely one of the most Cinematical important scenes in my life. I’ll never forget hearing this for the first time. The chills don’t leave me.
This ^^^^
Gotta agree. I must have sung that song everyday for a week after I watched that movie
@Sci_ent_ifiC Sui_neG I’m 53 years old now. I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one.
@@davidleeroth784 That’s fantastic! It still gives me chills.
Omg ME AS WELL & TOOK YEARS FOR ME TO FIND UNTIL TODAY!!
@Sci_ent_ifiC Sui_neG
Omg AMEN!!! VERY LITTLE QUALITY LIKE LIFE-ALTERING SORROWFUL SONGS OR MOMENTS in movies these digital junky movies...bleh.
Sadly grossberger rich Pryor and gene wilder have all left us for a better place. Loved the movie and that song
Yes ma'am, Unfortunately they have. May they forever rest, in blissful peace. 😔🙏💙
They all had such beautiful voices and deserved much more than they got in life
Yes they gone but not forgotten🙏
All of these wonderful sometimes misguided souls left their mark on this world and we get to enjoy them in perpetuity. May they all rest in peace.
GROSSBERGER DIED TOO???
This song, from this movie, has been stuck in my head since I watched this as a kid. I loved it so much I sang it to my kids.
Yes! Same here I think it was in like 5th or 6th grade when I watched this movie. I used to sing it to my kids before putting them to sleep
@@davidleeroth784 Very cool!
Me too
Same here. I was in elementary school when I first saw this movie but I remembered this song, word for word.
Brilliant song
I’m 31 years old now and I will forever be grateful to my dad for making me watch this when I was around 14 when I said it looked boring.
My favourite comedy of all time with this absolute gem of a scene. Gene wilder eyes say so much without having to say a single word.
Gene wilder, Richard Pryor and grossbeiger immense talent has left us but what a legacy.
Chills every time at this scene thanks dad.
What did you think after you watched it ! It’s hilarious
i still think it's really boring.
It's so funny , I'm a Dad who watched it with my son , your comments to me back , thank you .
I feel you 😀 my dad Always showed me this type of oldies when i was a kid. Many Clint Eastwood movies aswell 😀😀😀
Love from Newcastle England 🏴 Glad I had the same experience as you
god bless keep the faith and fight for your people and country 👍🏴
Grossberger is actually Dutch, he was a wrestler and opera singer, and he studied computer science and has a degree in computer science and electrical engineering
From MIT
They should’ve called him smartberger
Is he dynamo from running man??
He was also awesome as "Terror" in The Wanderers.
Don't forget Terror from the wonderers
“ Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood.” - Leonardo da Vinci.
Writing that down.
Oooh that is epic & fits my mindset today...thank you!!!
I wrote it down immediately ...thank u for including the person who is known for quoting it...
Since you shared a good one I will in turn share my lifelong ultimate favorite which applies to the fact it's a prison-related movie clip....
"There is never enough time unless you're serving it."
-Malcolm Forbes-
Grossberger singing was a shocking scene. I love stir crazy. RIP all three
In a movie full of laughs, this scene stands out as maybe the most beautiful. Moves me to tears almost every time. I feel like I may be reaching here, but I’ve always seen it as a way of saying “Even the ugliest people can have the most beautiful voices”.
Same. It completely 180`s the movie direction and halts you in your tracks. True again. Beauty can be found everywhere and in the most unlikely places.
I wonder if the big fella could’ve reached his baritone heights if he weighed less. He loved his food . R.I.P.
@@Garrysullivanjones A friend of mine was a competitive swimmer. She was a young and fit 30 year old who suffered a heart attack. That's a young age for your pump to quite, but it happens fat or fit.
@@an0ana yeah we all on borrowed time I guess . Bye
@@an0ana just a kick in the feels. Laughing like a madman one second then "Down in the Valley" kicks in and it is all misty for some reason
I was really glad that Grossberger 'warmed up' to Skip and Harry, and befriended them as the movie went on. Such a great movie. Terrific cast
What a voice. Beautiful singer in real life rip
His name was
Erland Philip Peter Van Lidth De Jeude
IMDB says that is not him singing. Said a SAG/AFTA stike was going on and couldn't get him in studio to record.
Also dynamo in running man
Wtf! Hes name is long huge like he was ....
Apparently he was studying to be an opera singer. He was already a comp sci graduate from MIT and Olympic wrestler, not to mention a movie actor. He was a very accomplished person at a young age.
Am I the only grown man who gets chills when this scene occurs??? Big man was that DUDE!
These movies are classics, those were the days. Brings back great memories
That man has the voice of an angel!
STEP BROTHERS REF
He sang so beautifully, and is such a funny movie. Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder so good together.
@@pattyoneill6724 I had read that he really did do the singing for real too
@@craigbreuwet1924It was actually Dorian Holley
It was very cool of the director to let him sing and for so long in the movie. Sydney Poitier showed a lot of class doing that.
@Skipper8472
I meant the director of the movie
Poitier still kicking :) Yes that was super cool Sydney showcased this man’s ability. :) RIP ERLAND VanLidth:(
@@wicketandfriendsparody8068
Oh, cool. My apologies. Didn't know Poitier was still alive. Good.
Yes, that was cool of him to showcase this man's talents
What does class have to do with it?
@@cwillie1492
Class. Another word for good
For a big tough guy, he sings like an angel.
He is handsome too
It’s not his voice in this scene it’s Dorian Holley
Saw Stir Crazy tonight for the first time in years. I was just a teen when it was first released. This film and other comedies of that era make those of today look like amateur hour.
This was a standout scene. Amazing voice. I loved it too when the guards found him in the cell with Wilder and Pryor playing cards after everyone saw him as a terror. That was great comedy!
Every one who starred in this film, thanks 🙏🏻 No other words needed ❤️
Van Lidth, Grossberger, died at 34 from heart failure, how sad. This was quite and accomplished man, RIP good Sir
His death came just months after performing in "The Running Man". Rest In Peace, Sir.
Big guy
He was best known as Terror in the 1979 film The Wanderers.
R-I-P
Dear Sir.
So sad his life was cut short. He was the greatest actor of all time.
@@ronaldshank7589 and had just had his one year wedding anniversary 😪
One of my favorite versions of this song. I had never known that was actually him singing when I watched this as a kid. Dude really was an all around well rounded guy(no pun intended). Smart, funny, great voice and a pretty good actor. Never knew he died so young. Rip!
Yes, me too. When he showed everybody his good heart deep down in the movie was great
Did he really sing that?
One of my favorite movie scenes.
@@azaz... yes. He was actually an opera singer in real life. His name was Erland van Lidth. Unfortunately he passed years ago.
@@azaz... Not only did he sing that, he's also singing opera for real in "The Running Man" where he plays Dynamo. His wikipedia page is crazy for someone who passed away so young.
I've been listening to the wu tang clan all day came here to switch it up and yes I'm a 48 year old black man only saying that to show the power and beauty of the vibration of good music it attracks all !!! We are one !!
They couldn't get the sound to record well in the cell, so Erland Philip Peter Van Lidth De Jeude sang the song in a studio, and then he lip synched to himself for this scene. So it is the man actually singing the song.
This film is underrated.
I'm trying to understand, you said they sang it then grossberger sang it ????
@@84potions No, the actor recorded the song in a studio then lip-synced to it on the movie set to make it seem live
@@kevincruise3521 thank you
It was actually Dorian Holley singing...
@@Studentofgosset No. He sang it himself. He was a professional opera singer.
I remember seeing this in the theater and when he started singing like this it was stunning.
The Dutchman can sing what a voice rest in peace brother
It’s not his voice in this scene,it’s a guy called Dorian Holley
Such a surprisingly beautiful moment in a great movie
The guy playing Grossberg, Erland van Lidth was not big and stupid. He actually went to MIT, yes that MIT. He was on the wrestling team and in Theatre. He distinguished himself by becoming a teaching assistant while still an undergraduate. After MIT he worked in computers, while fitting in some movies, he was also in The Running Man as Dynamo, and studying to become and opera singer. He ultimately opened his own computer company. He was only 34 when he died.
I am so fortunate for RUclips for classic movie moments bcuz I have wondered for YEARS what the name of this movie was bcuz I saw it as a kid, then later as an adult but never could find a copy...then RUclips started having clips, songs, etc & over time I remembered the movie title & today I found the song & it so makes me cry whenever I hear it...it's the lyrics but also an example of how just bcuz a person looks a certain way, it is no bearing on how their spirit is Inside....also, it's the way the voice sounds singing it...it is angelic & so sweet.
One of the best comedies of all time. And this is one of it’s best moments.
If you think about it. It's the original Life.
Real life gentle giant rip. X world needs more people like this man. God bless.
I miss movie like this
Never get old
@Sci_ent_ifiC Sui_neG thank you, buttercup. Keep your panties in your mouth.
I’m so sorry this song brings back so many good memories but this song was so beautiful it brought tears 😭 I love that song so much it’s just one of my favorite songs I’ve ever heard for a long time
Rest in peace erland. This scene was beautiful.. many tears were shed
I randomly started whistling this. When i realised where i got it from i had to yt it. Beautiful.
I'm old and still have this movie. One of the best ever produced. The original song is beautiful. I wish great movies like this were made today.
always loved this movie and this scene, even as a kid in the 80s this tune hit a chord with me, gorgeous movie moment
What a sweet voice. He may be big, and he may look like an evil lunatic, but by God that boy can sing.
Although he was a trained opera singer it’s NOT his voice in this scene,it’s Dorian Holley
An utterly tremendous film. Can never forget. Gene Wilder & Richard Pryor cannot ever be forgotten. RIP. Miss you.
Sad thing is I was constantly on my phone whilst watching this movie, but soon as the big guystarting singing I put my phone down in honour of the character of the big guy, a misunderstood giant with a gentle voice
One of the funniest movies ever! 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Absolutely ( ;
👍🔪
This is a very old song and I grew up knowing it, and still love it to this day in 2021. My mother and her sisters used to sing it when I was little
You were lucky Shelia and it’s a lovely story.
He has the voice of an Angel
I agree , that is why the scene works so well in that he never says anything and then this great big , scary and dangerous giant who has committed mass murder and growls at people starts singing with the voice of an angel .
I cannot listen to this without tearing up, which is odd given the rest of the comedy in the movie. Chills every time. It's amazing how thought provoking and powerful a voice can be, especially the lyrics.
You didn’t tear, someone was cutting onions!! Who was it????
@@varealness804 I think it was Grossburger testing out his culinary skills in their pimped out crib!
I think it's also the comedic factor of him not saying a word and then singing so beautifully that makes it not only funny but beyond insanity. Definitely worth the tears
That's very true as well. People can always have the ability to surprise you. ♥@@realdeal7897
...I didn't know Dynamo could sing. He's got a very soft voice. That's awesome.
He sang in Running Man
Voice of an angel I love it always go back and watch it from time to time because there is nothing like it.
One of the most underrated funniest films ever. God bless all .you are immortalised.
This scene managed to be both beautiful and hilarious.
All these years later and still this moment sticks with me. A sudden beautiful moment in the movie.
One of the best movies ever, with 2 of the best comedians.
this incrdeible scene and this song he sings from such a huge intimidating roll he played so touching so great lyrics just off the charts.
This is such a beautiful part of the movie that brings us all together with the sounds of Angels singing.
As usual the most beautiful things come from the most unexpected sources. Beautiful
That is probably the best version I’ve ever heard of “The Birmingham Jail”
To bad Grossberger didn’t make an A-Capella the song,
At least we will always have that clip
Is there such song of oh rodeo man??
@@thomas07895 I think gene wilder actually “winged” oh Rodeo man 😂
*Gentle giant with beautiful voice.*
My favorite rendition of this song. I Have searched for him singing the whole somg or at least without the conversation
This scene and so many others staple certain emotions to that period in time. Honestly wasn't a better time to be alive.
Much better than what we live in now
At least they knew what a woman was
Most memorable moment of the movie.
I love this song. I sing it when it pops up in my head
strange how we are all here today and gone tomorrow.
He had a beautiful voice what a beautiful voice
RIP Brothers 🙏 one of the best movies and and that guy's voice is amazing
I seen this movie for the first time yesterday and this is the scene that stood out most.
It felt much longer than 2:53 I’m guessing it’s cause I was most likely taken by this gentle giants beautiful singing voice.
It's even more striking since the actor doesn't speak otherwise through the movie.
He plays Sub Zero in Running Man, sadly died not long after
What an absolutely fantastic scene this is ( ;
One of the best scenes in the movie. Powerful.
Lots of talent here in a comedy movie just amazing! Legendary really
I think this is the most beautiful song I have ever heard by a great singer
That is not Erland Van Lindth singing. There was technical issues. He definitely could sing.
Down in the valley was played at my father's funeral!! R.I.P. Pop Danny Plug Haynie 1938-2019❤⚘️
Watching it now and had to hear the tune again...bless em all..2021 stir crazy still golden
Grossburger was a baldy from the Wanderers. Anyone remember that movie?
And Dynamo in The Running Man
Wanderers come out to plaayaa
@@deanpd3402 wrong movie
Warriors come out to playaa
Hey lighthead, Christmas Tree
leave the kid alone
Absolutely love this movie. The message as a adult tells me to never give up.
This movie still have me laughing so hard till this day LoL 🤣😅
Such a classic movie, why can’t they can this kind of movie anymore?
THE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS WILL NOT ALLOW IT!!
@@Plainsimple67 Sad but very true. Someone always offended nowadays, there’s no more creativity.
What I love about this scene is grossburger finally found peace on his soul. He for sure repent for his murderous crime
Something eerie & yet so soothingly captivating with how he appears & how he sounds . This classic scene with Grossberger is stapled to my brain & soul 🤗👍🏻
I concur, beautiful and painful
Beautifully sung and heart felt 😊
Best version on RUclips I could find. Sounds like it would have bin a great song for dorris day to sing
This is one of my favorite scenes in this movie
That song made me cry,such a great voice he had,mr wilder and mr Pryor were a Comic genius
Always puts a smile on my face. One of those scenes that must've shocked the audience, though I guess they were used to that in 1980.
Erland van Lidth. He was an actual Opera Singer and born from Dutch nobility. I always remember him from The Wanderers.
Apparently he was a sweetheart of a man.
Brought a tear to my eye.
Me too
Olympic wrestler,
MIT grad
Opera singer...
& Actor
And what else's???
God, looks are truly deceiving 😮
The first time I saw this movie I was astonished by how beautiful Grossberger's voice was.
At the time I never knew that was him singing
@@davidleeroth784 Believe it or not, the actor that played Grossberger is a classically trained vocalist,😮😃
Just saw this movie in my family’s dvd stash. This song brought me to tears. What an amazing movie
Grossberger was the real hero of this movie. He had the opportunity to escape prison like the others but he sacrificed freedom to help them escape. He paid Skip and Harry back for the good deed that they did: Become his friend after seeing through his tough appearance that he was truly lonely. Grossberger never forgot the others (Jesus and Rory, Skip and Harry's cellmates) either as they became his friends too.
Im not sure if everyone remembers but when they are all having lunch and grossberger walks in gene tries talking to him and get him to bring out the angel in him and now after a while together he opens up out of nowhere and sings this chilling emotional yet angelic song I think it's here gene realises he made him find his inner angel or kindness that he tried to bring out of him that's why I think he looks at him in almost shock not that he can sing but that he brought it of him lot of messages and heartfelt emotions for a simple comedy I mean these were some gone but not forgotten geniuses involved here!
Wow.... now that is a beautiful voice.....
Beautiful song
That voice is silk brother..wow.
i so loved this movie. and i love watching it today. i had to buy. loved it when it hit the theaters eventho i wasnt allowed to see it. i was to young. everyone was so great. esp georg standford brown. loved him in the rookies and roots. love this scene.
I was dying when he started singing 😂😂
Always brings a tear to my eyes this song coz my grandad used to sing it to me then I was a little lad to get me asleep.
Did anyone else notice how luxurious that cell is? LOL!
Lawrence Lepes - yeah, but that was only after Gene’s character agreed to compete for the warden in the rodeo. Check out the scenes before, not so luxurious.
It's nicer than my bedroom at my house.
yup....them vatos had a full sized fridge up in there holmes
Lawrence Lepes cells in Britain are live 5+ ⭐️ luxury compared to that!
So many acting Legends in this movie Incredible, my how time flies🙏
I sang this once while in federal custody we had a hurricane running rampage around us without electricity or even running water.
Love this scene.
This makes me feel so much about life and how sad we lost 3 legends 🙌
I think everyone remembers the feeling they got watching and hearing this scene for the first time.
This song was stuck in my head at work for some, reason lol.
what a beautiful scene, i remember it from watching this as a kid...they just don't make movies like this anymore.
With out a doubt the best Pryor and Wilder movie absolute classic.