Gordon Pinsent Movies
Gordon Pinsent is one of Canada's busiest and most recognizable character actors. Many viewers remember Pinsent as the President of the United States in Colossus: The Forbin Project (1969). Kids have heard him as the voice of the title character in the animated HBO series Babar (1989-93). Pinsent's other weekly TV roles have included Sergeant Scott in The Forest Rangers (1964), the title character in Quentin Dergens MP (1966), Hap Shaughnessy in Red Green (1990- ) and Sergeant Frazer in Due South (1994-95). Gordon Pinsent has also occasionally written and directed, performing both functions in the 1968 Canadian feature film John and the Missus. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi- 1972
A priceless religious relic is transported from Mexico to LA under armed guard. As an added precaution, the case which contains the artifact is handcuffed to the wrist of a priest. Even so, the item vanishes before it reaches its destination. It's up to detective Banacek (George Peppard), a specialist in "unsolveable" mysteries, to find out what's happened. Broderick Crawford, Victor Jory, and Louise Sorel guest-star in this 90-minute episode of the TV series Banacek. No Sign of the Cross was first telecast October 11, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Advertised as the 100th production of American International studios, Blacula stars actor/singer William Marshall in the title role. An 18th century African prince, Blacula is transmogrified into a vampire while visiting Transylvania. Two centuries later, he rises from his coffin to wreak havoc in the Watts district of Los Angeles. Blacula's particular target is Tina (Vonetta McGee), whom he thinks is the reincarnation of his long-ago lady love. Thalmus Rasulala assumes the "Van Helsing" role as the vampire hunter who can't convince the authorities to cooperate. Yes, that is the same William Marshall who later played "The King of Cartoons" on TV's Pee-wee's Playhouse. A sequel, Scream, Blacula, Scream!, appeared not long after. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- William Marshall, Vonetta McGee, (more)
- 1972
Sometimes it seems as though all the character roles in Canadian films have been played by Al Waxman, Chris Wiggins and Gordon Pinsent. It is Pinsent who functions as both star and coscripter of the modest character study Rowdyman. He plays a roustabout, libinous middle-ager who accidently causes the death of an old friend. At first refusing to allow this tragedy to affect him, Pinsent slowly accepts the fact that he needs to make a general housecleaning of his life. While many independent Canadian films tend to trot out the usual Ontario and Alberta locations, Rowdyman makes excellent use of the underexploited vistas of Newfoundland. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The granddaddy of all "computer run amok" films, Colossus: The Forbin Project concerns a huge electronic brain designed to control the American missile defense system. Colossus' technicians do not count on the computer developing an intelligence of its own. Communicating with its Russian counterpart, Colossus decides to take over the earth, threatening global destruction should anyone try to pull its plug. The film's climax is unsettling, but no more so than the actual state of world affairs in 1970. Colossus: The Forbin Project was filmed in Canada. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, (more)
- 1970
Several of Hogan's men are caught in the act of espionage by some Gestapo agents. Even though the Germans inexplicably allow the men to slip through their fingers, Hogan prepares an all-out escape for himself and his crew. And then two of the "Gestapo" officers reveal themselves to be German scientists, hoping to defect to London. John Stephenson and Ben Wright are cast respectively as Professor Bauer and Dr. Reimann (Ben Wright), while ubiquitous Canadian character actor Gordon Pinsent is seen as SS Captain Steinr. Written by Laurence Marks, "The Dropouts" first aired on December 27, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
Thomas Crown (Steve McQueen) is a self-made Boston millionaire who masterminds a bank heist in hopes of leaving it all behind. Tired of being part of the Establishment, he has hopes of pulling off the caper and flying to Rio. Erwin Weaver (Jack Weston) leads the cast of crooks who never actually meet Crown but manage to pull off the robbery without a hitch. Crown deposits 3 million in a Swiss bank account, pays off the crooks, and waits for the insurance company to repay the bank for the loss. Eddy Malone (Paul Burke) is the savvy detective who helps insurance investigator Vicky Anderson (Faye Dunaway) find the mastermind behind the heist. Thomas Crown Affair became one of the first films to employ many split-screen images throughout its running time, as devised by editor Hal Ashby. Michel Legrand's score was nominated for an Academy Award, and the song The Windmills Of Your Mind, written by Legrand with Alan and Marilyn Bergman took home the coveted Oscar. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, (more)
- 1964
In this sentimental drama, a man goes to Greece to contemplate his life after he learns that he is dying of a rare terminal illness. There he hears many local myths which he at first discounts. But as he listens, he comes to understand why the residents value them so highly. One of the young storytellers introduces him to another American and they fall in love. But as his illness progresses and his time to die draws nigh, the man abruptly leaves the island to spare her the grief of his passing. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gordon Pinsent
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