@@willrothfuss8470: I think he sounded the most James Mason-ish as a barrister in Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960), but I must admit that I haven't seen his earlier British films.
Bless...I was in the audience when this interview was filmed at television centre...at the end...we came to the audience and apologised for sounding boring... I was only about 12.... he was never boring...even then
Good old Yorkshire lad from Huddersfield, met him in 1969 when he was on location in Bolton filming spring & port wine , often reminisce about it , long long time ago but great days for me the late sixties.
He did so many wonderful films -- and stage performances. Without him, the TV movie "Salem's Lot" would not have been as good as it is; his Mr. Straker is great, understated evil. He was a real pro. Thanks for posting this. -- Old Matt
I first saw 20,000 leagues under the sea when I was 6 or 7. This man was the first actor I really took notice of because of how he portrayed Captain Nemo. It’s an unforgettable role. His work will live on.
I too, saw that great film , when I was about 10, and blow me, I'd forgotten Nemo was by Jame Mason. But not having seen the film since, is my excuse. I'll put that right, and order the DVD.
James mason in a star is born . Simply the most fantastic appearance in a motion picture and so undearated. It's so fresh a picture that as it was made yesterday, Garland become legendary status almost instantly as a adult performer. Heartbreaking , heart stopping, history making performances. We as audiences owe a debt of gratitude to them both. Xx
@@melisagalvalizi6982 He talked about making the film; most details I don't recall, but I do remember him saying how fine Jack Carson was in his role as the press agent Libby, and Mr. Mason made a joke by imitating what a cab driver with a heavy New York accent had said to him recently. Also in attendance were Liza and Lorna.
A role he should have won an Oscar for was "Lolita" . He was amazing to observe and watch. His voice was mesmerizing. His diction and tone were perfect.
As a beginner in the English language, I admired this actor because of his proficiency in the English language. I enjoy very much the way he pronounces words in a pure voice. I was surprised when I read the comments and found that everyone agreed with me.
James Mason was one of the best, at playing intriguing, villainous characters...I've enjoyed many of his movies, over the decades, including "Island In The Sun", which, thankfully, was filmed in my beloved homeland, Jamaica...in the town of Port Antonio in the breathtakingly beautiful parish of Portland...where, incidentally, was Errol Flynn's adopted home. Mason, Olivier, Gielgud, Harrison, O'Toole, Granger and Grant were brilliant actors whose body of work, collectively, reside atop the 20th century's greatest films.
I loved watching Parkinson as a kid growing up because he had EVERYBODY on his show. That made it easy to gloss over the fact that he asked such inane and obvious questions. e.g. Parkinson: "Why did you like making (Odd Man Out)...? Mason: "Because it was a great film.." Mason was absolutely cut-glass- suave, witty, intelligent, eloquent, self-effacing and lacking in misplaced self-modesty, he knew he was talented and was smart enough not to deny it.
The voice of course is magnificent. But no one remarks on the intelligence, quick wittedness, and sheer verbal dexterity he possessed. No one, Olivier, Gielgud,Richardson, etc., could match him in those departments.
I totally agree with you. I was about to mention those fabulous characters of the great James Mason. He was one of my favourite British actors. Of course that voice !!
"And a unique voice that made him the perfect movie scoundrel" Never, in a million years, will I understand why people think his voice best fits a scoundrel. It has a loving, avuncular quality. My favourite James Mason role is in Heaven Can Wait, where he plays a loving yet firm fatherly archangel. The moment where he reaches out his hands to Warren Beaty is, for me, the quintessential James Mason gesture that fits his voice perfectly.
The voice and the understated class and superior confidence set him apart. I can think of no-one else who had those qualities as an actor but happy to be proved otherwise. Like a previous commentator, I could listen to his voice for hours transfixed. I am not gay either just something who thinks that true 'stars' don't exist anymore. Funny that most 20 somethings I speak to always harp on to the greats (music and screen) from the 40s to the 80s not of their own generation. Interesting.
Filmed Spring and Port Wine in my hometown. Mason was all class, a rare thing seen today. He was a consumate pro, who conquered Britain and America. Amazing actor.
He is so distinguished , but not at all stuffy . He once said in later life that enjoyed watching Sesame Street and that he liked Grover , which he said Grover had a combination of the maternal and a good uncle qualities . Honest, not making this up
Another Hollywood golden age actor who had a marvelous voice. Orson Welles, Richard Burton, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart, James Mason and several other male actors from that era had such wonderful speaking voices that oozed cool and masculinity.
Brilliant documentary “Moving Pictures- James Mason”. I think Mason would hate hollywood today knowing how toxic and malicious it is. RIP to a legend of the art ❤️
He is one of my favourite great British actors & my favourite James Mason film is Spring and Port Wine, a very nostalgic film as far as I'm concerned, never tire of watching it
Yes! Great movie. Mason as Humbert is amazing. Would be exceptionally great if Kubrick hadn't been so enamoured with Peter Sellers' talent. Sellers also great , but Kubrick lingered on him so much his role became a distraction to the plot.
Miss this great actor. Unique and unforgetable. Voice and own personality. If we compare him with other great british actors like Sir David Niven, Sir Richard Burton, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Trevor Howard, Sir Sean Connery, Sir Peter O' Toole, Sir Michael Caine, Sir Richard Harris, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Alan Bates, Sir John Hurt, Sir Rex Harrison, Sir Oliver Reed, Sir Malcolm Mcdowell, Sir Ian Holm, and the the older ones Sir Lawrence Olivier, Sir John Guilgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, he is his own singular way but equally great. There are many others I'm not mentioning here..because I realise the list is enormous! 😳😅👏👏👏
Guessing this dictator part would have been in 1976's The Pink Panther Strikes Again and the star he didn't like was Sellers. If anyone has a better idea, would love to hear.
Cary Grant and James mason together in a film too much to bare. A wonderfull man loved him in Lolita perfectly cast. His sister in law has written a very good book about him well worth a read. Finaly laid to RIP.
I liked James Mason . There are many actors and actresses all over the world past and present who were great actors/actresses who were/are not superstars . I believe the internet has freed us to create media and movies that the rich media moguls don't think are popular .
James take on Judy Garland, is very excellent 🤷♀️ ...quite intelligent man 👨 he really loved Judy 💞 ...if his description of her means anything ...just my impression
I’m American and wish so much that he would have had more leading man roles where he got the girl. I do agree he made a good villain, but it’s always enjoyable to see “villains” in a romantic role. His voice is unmistakable.
I've come here to listen to his voice.
Yes, possibly the greatest voice in film history.
@@willrothfuss8470: I think he sounded the most James Mason-ish as a barrister in Trials of Oscar Wilde (1960), but I must admit that I haven't seen his earlier British films.
I don't blame you ! One of my all time favorite voices !
@@willrothfuss8470 He was no Percy Helton, but he really did have magnificent voice !
Checkout Brawny King Fitness. He also has a great voice.
James Mason was a brilliant conversationalist. His dialogue delivery in urbane English remains the best ever in human history!!
A superb actor, greatly missed. What a voice.
This man knew how to speak English and had a recognizable voice. Bravo!
He just had it all, I adored him.
He was brilliant as Mr. Straker in Salem's Lot! Priceless!!!!
Bless...I was in the audience when this interview was filmed at television centre...at the end...we came to the audience and apologised for sounding boring... I was only about 12.... he was never boring...even then
What a wonderful actor! And the greatest voice in all of English speaking cinema.
Not quite. Richard Burton holds that crown.
@hunterluxton5976
I agree for theater but not for movies.
Classy actor. Love his movies. God bless you Mr. Mason.
Good old Yorkshire lad from Huddersfield, met him in 1969 when he was on location in Bolton filming spring & port wine , often reminisce about it , long long time ago but great days for me the late sixties.
One of the best actors ever.
What a wonderful voice.
Loved him in Salem's lot,with David soul !!!!!!!!🤗🇬🇧
The Man in Grey was his best!!
You can do nothing against the master! Back, holyman!! Back!! Back, shaman!, Back, priest!!! 😅
Fabulous in Georgy Girl!!! 🙂👌👌🙏🙏
I have always loved his voice.
I liked his book "Siege"
Blast Hardcheese Read Rape by Atom Charles Manson.
You are a sad little man
@@steven4779 Crikey, looks like someone forgot to subscribe to PewDiePie.
@@ethanallen7308wot
His voice, his charm.
He did so many wonderful films -- and stage performances. Without him, the TV movie "Salem's Lot" would not have been as good as it is; his Mr. Straker is great, understated evil. He was a real pro.
Thanks for posting this.
-- Old Matt
Amazingly frank! That voice is superb.
I love his book “siege”
Whose book?
He was Sam Neill's mentor, Sam IS James Mason he has his style, mannerisms, style of speech everything
Such a distinguished & classy gentleman
I love this man so much. Okay he died when I was 12 but I don't care he's my dream man, such a voice. He's fabulous in Wicked Lady.
Bonglecat
Agree 💯
What are you talking about? He’s still alive and runs a small publication. Here
siegeculture.biz This is his website.
It is run by others. He passed in 1984, look it up.
i met him,,he walked into our local launderette
You think this one is good?
You should look at the other one.
This guy had one of the coolest voices in Hollywood!
Or anywhere else, for that matter
James Mason played some of the coolest villains in film history including Lord Jim and North By Northwest. Great actor!
He did play great villains but what’s incredible is off screen he was such a kind gentleman
@@Beargirl1359 I believe it; Mason seemed to be all class.
NxNW is amazing. He’s such a cultured villain.
Also Mr straker in salems lot . A fine actor.👌😁
I first saw 20,000 leagues under the sea when I was 6 or 7. This man was the first actor I really took notice of because of how he portrayed Captain Nemo. It’s an unforgettable role.
His work will live on.
I too, saw that great film , when I was about 10, and blow me, I'd forgotten Nemo was by Jame Mason. But not having seen the film since, is my excuse. I'll put that right, and order the DVD.
Me too.
Just loved everything about James Mason❤️❤️
My god..His accent and dialogs made me feel english is the sweetest language
Loved him as Straker in Salem's Lot.
Also as Mr. Jordan in Heaven can Wait.
Yess! He stole every scene he appeared in ❤
So handsome! That voice 😍😍
One of my favorite actors
Great voice.
James mason in a star is born . Simply the most fantastic appearance in a motion picture and so undearated. It's so fresh a picture that as it was made yesterday, Garland become legendary status almost instantly as a adult performer. Heartbreaking , heart stopping, history making performances. We as audiences owe a debt of gratitude to them both. Xx
I was lucky to see and hear him speak at the restored version of this film, many years ago in New York. He was quite interesting and amusing.
@@hudsony777 what did he say?
@@melisagalvalizi6982 He talked about making the film; most details I don't recall, but I do remember him saying how fine Jack Carson was in his role as the press agent Libby, and Mr. Mason made a joke by imitating what a cab driver with a heavy New York accent had said to him recently. Also in attendance were Liza and Lorna.
Very, very, excellent actor 👏 🎭
A role he should have won an Oscar for was "Lolita" . He was amazing to observe and watch. His voice was mesmerizing. His diction and tone were perfect.
Star is Born, Georgy Girl, The Verdict and yes Lolita
I agree ☝️
As a beginner in the English language, I admired this actor because of his proficiency in the English language. I enjoy very much the way he pronounces words in a pure voice. I was surprised when I read the comments and found that everyone agreed with me.
For such an actor and person his lead role in "Lolita" must have been a great challenge...and he nailed it.
He did indeed !!
AND SOME THINK THAT MOVIE REALLY HURT HIS CAREER!...FILM WAS SO TABOO!...VERY SAD THIS MAN NEVER RECEIVED AN OSCAR!
What a nice man he is.
James Mason was one of the best, at playing intriguing, villainous characters...I've enjoyed many of his movies, over the decades, including "Island In The Sun", which, thankfully, was filmed in my beloved homeland, Jamaica...in the town of Port Antonio in the breathtakingly beautiful parish of Portland...where, incidentally, was Errol Flynn's adopted home.
Mason, Olivier, Gielgud, Harrison, O'Toole, Granger and Grant were brilliant actors whose body of work, collectively, reside atop the 20th century's greatest films.
Fell in love with him after watching " Odd Man Out" his performance outstanding Loved his mannerisms and diction.
I loved watching Parkinson as a kid growing up because he had EVERYBODY on his show. That made it easy to gloss over the fact that he asked such inane and obvious questions.
e.g. Parkinson: "Why did you like making (Odd Man Out)...? Mason: "Because it was a great film.."
Mason was absolutely cut-glass- suave, witty, intelligent, eloquent, self-effacing and lacking in misplaced self-modesty, he knew he was talented and was smart enough not to deny it.
Such an elegant human. And that voice wow
RIP James Neville Mason (15 May 1909 -27 July 1984) (aged 75)
The voice of, James Mason, Never Fails
He's one of my favorites, especially on Jesus of Nazareth.
Mr. Mason could play any part from murderous villain to leading man. He was a typical British actor: absolutely amazingly talented.
Wish I could like this more than once... And I'm an American!
I totally agree !!
to me he will always have the most sexy voice
The desert fox, what a great role.
fantastic actor, one of the greats,
Great actor n great Yorkshire man 😁
Impeccable is the Word! Could listen to him all day! Has he ever been less than Great in any film he’s been in? Marvelous Actor!
The voice of course is magnificent. But no one remarks on the intelligence, quick wittedness, and sheer verbal dexterity he possessed. No one, Olivier, Gielgud,Richardson, etc., could match him in those departments.
I totally agree with you. I was about to mention those fabulous characters of the great James Mason.
He was one of my favourite British actors. Of course that voice !!
Olivier,Burton, mason and Niven!.
Gone, never to be replaced.
@ TheZetec63, I agree I would also add Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, Cary Grant & George Sanders.
Attenborough and Todd also.
"And a unique voice that made him the perfect movie scoundrel"
Never, in a million years, will I understand why people think his voice best fits a scoundrel. It has a loving, avuncular quality. My favourite James Mason role is in Heaven Can Wait, where he plays a loving yet firm fatherly archangel. The moment where he reaches out his hands to Warren Beaty is, for me, the quintessential James Mason gesture that fits his voice perfectly.
It is pity that Audible and Audiobooks, in general, missed his magnificent voice.
If I Did It by Orenthal James Simpson, as read by James Mason.
He did do readings of Edgar Allen Poe.
The voice and the understated class and superior confidence set him apart. I can think of no-one else who had those qualities as an actor but happy to be proved otherwise. Like a previous commentator, I could listen to his voice for hours transfixed. I am not gay either just something who thinks that true 'stars' don't exist anymore. Funny that most 20 somethings I speak to always harp on to the greats (music and screen) from the 40s to the 80s not of their own generation. Interesting.
You're not gay, but perhaps American?
Don't forget Leo Genn, who didn't get many leading roles.
his performance in A star is born is quite simply the finest acting performance of all time.....
Aren't you forgetting about Don Knotts in "The Ghost and Mr Chicken" ??
Yes without a doubt. Absolutely the best version of a Star is born.
Filmed Spring and Port Wine in my hometown. Mason was all class, a rare thing seen today. He was a consumate pro, who conquered Britain and America. Amazing actor.
He is so distinguished , but not at all stuffy . He once said in later life that enjoyed watching Sesame Street and that he liked Grover , which he said Grover had a combination of the maternal and a good uncle qualities . Honest, not making this up
The Seventh Veil 1945 great film starring Ann Todd and James Mason . fine music , penetrating psychodrama
Loved the movie he loved her so but didn't know how to show it
He was such a wonderful actor and an interesting person. I wish his films were easier to view.
Another Hollywood golden age actor who had a marvelous voice. Orson Welles, Richard Burton, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart, James Mason and several other male actors from that era had such wonderful speaking voices that oozed cool and masculinity.
Brilliant documentary “Moving Pictures- James Mason”. I think Mason would hate hollywood today knowing how toxic and malicious it is. RIP to a legend of the art ❤️
The most elegant movie villain ever
I agree 100 per cent ! Always so suave & debonair !
Always loved James Mason..funny in Georgy Girl. But loved him as THE Desert Fox aka Erwin Rommel
Great actor and his voice is distinctive to James Mason
A unique voice British voice.
Richard Burton James Mason their voices Amazing
1980=2 Years Before His Signature Role Vis A Vis Paul Newman in the Courtroom/Law Film 'The Verdict' His Best Work!
What a great actor one of the best in film
I love him so much.
He is one of my favourite great British actors & my favourite James Mason film is Spring and Port Wine, a very nostalgic film as far as I'm concerned, never tire of watching it
Let's not forget"Odd Man Out" and "Georgie Girl". Gems, both.
He could read a laundry list to me and i would swoon....and I'm not in the least gay!
Geoff Geoff Best comment on You Tube!
😳😳u are not?🤔🤔🤔 I don’t know of any “straight” man who would use the word swoon about another😉😉😎
After, reading every comment, I'm in good company I fell in love with his voice too,
He is perfect in Lolita
Could not agree more !
Yes! Great movie. Mason as Humbert is amazing. Would be exceptionally great if Kubrick hadn't been so enamoured with Peter Sellers' talent. Sellers also great , but Kubrick lingered on him so much his role became a distraction to the plot.
@@crochetedlace2838 Totally agree, Sellers is insufferable with his monkey tricks. Totally irrelevant.
He was a true class act…
The man probably rolls over in his grave constantly considering the state of British films these days!😞
"With such expert play acting, you make this very room a theatre."
A very modest man, most difficult to interview if one expected him to extoll his own virtues....
Self-effacing, here in his later years. I wouldn't say that is the same at all. He is quite confident as an actor.
Miss this great actor. Unique and unforgetable. Voice and own personality.
If we compare him with other great british actors like Sir David Niven, Sir Richard Burton, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Trevor Howard, Sir Sean Connery, Sir Peter O' Toole, Sir Michael Caine, Sir Richard Harris, Sir Alec Guiness, Sir Alan Bates, Sir John Hurt, Sir Rex Harrison, Sir Oliver Reed, Sir Malcolm Mcdowell, Sir Ian Holm, and the the older ones Sir Lawrence Olivier, Sir John Guilgud, Sir Ralph Richardson, he is his own singular way but equally great. There are many others I'm not mentioning here..because I realise the list is enormous! 😳😅👏👏👏
Guessing this dictator part would have been in 1976's The Pink Panther Strikes Again and the star he didn't like was Sellers. If anyone has a better idea, would love to hear.
Legend. Nobody clicks their fingers like that.
Cary Grant and James mason together in a film too much to bare. A wonderfull man loved him in Lolita perfectly cast. His sister in law has written a very good book about him well worth a read. Finaly laid to RIP.
wobble108 He’s not dead. He still runs a website. Why are people saying he is dead?
James Mason passed in 1984. Anyone can run a website in someone's memory.
His one of England's best actor's of all time.
Never lost his Huddersfield accent as well.
He does got a wonderful voice, it simple
I liked James Mason . There are many actors and actresses all over the world past and present who were great actors/actresses who were/are not superstars . I believe the internet has freed us to create media and movies that the rich media moguls don't think are popular .
Fantastic Actor
Looks like this was filmed during or after shooting Salem's Lot. Mason is fantastic as Richard Straker.
James take on Judy Garland, is very excellent 🤷♀️ ...quite intelligent man 👨 he really loved Judy 💞 ...if his description of her means anything ...just my impression
He was superb in Salem's lot as Mr Straker.
A huge talent, made some outstanding films 👏👏👏👏👍
I love James Mason
The Best Captain Nemo ever!
He’s cool.
I have read SIEGE as well
I’m American and wish so much that he would have had more leading man roles where he got the girl. I do agree he made a good villain, but it’s always enjoyable to see “villains” in a romantic role. His voice is unmistakable.
I wish I had that voice.
Great actor 👏
Awesome actor! Love him. 20000 leagues under the Sea and Journey to the center of the Earth were two of his best and big favorites of mine.
Loved him in spring and port wine
Superb actor
The voice that launched a thousand movies
To this day, after seeing Mr Mason play a highwayman, I always say to my wife before I leave, '...and now, my pretty, a kiss!...'
interesting , Mason a trained architect just like great 19th century novelist Thomas Hardy .