335 replies to this topic

[Hans]

George Robotham:

After joining the Forum 2 years ago, I posted 3 messages regarding this actor's (physical) suitablity as the hero of our saga. Enclosed are several stills from a 1955 MGM Biblical epic titled "The Prodigal." (He's the one in the loincloth and the wrist bracelts.) It was q vehicle for Lana Turner's undoubted charms, and starred British actor Edmund Purdom in the title role. GR was featured in an absolutely atrocious sequence 45 minutes before the finale. It has to be seen in order to be believed. Still,we're able to view him in approximate costume.Gives us an idea as to his qualifications.

Robotham was a bit player and stuntman for over 50 years. In 1988, he married German actress Karin Dor. We remember her as James Bond girl Helga Brandt in "You Only Live Twice". In that film, she displeased Donald Pleasence, and consequently was eaten by piranhas. I'd like to eat Karin Dor, too, but not the same way the piranhas did. (Get it?) George Robotham passed away on 2/1/07, from complications of Alzheimers. He was 85. Still had they been making Conan films in the 50s, he might have been a good candidate.

Edited by PaulMc, 27 April 2012 - 04:29 PM.
Hans asked me to add this image to the post.

[Kortoso]

Hans, i don't see an attachment, but here's his imbd:
http://imdb.com/name/nm0733420/

[dr Bo]

Thanks for the info, Hans.
I really dif these old biblical and sword and sandal epics, you just made me discover a new artist from those films.

[Mikey_C]

Here he is (with Lana Turner):




He looks the part okay. Too bad he seems to have spent most of his career doing "uncredited" stunt roles. Surely these guys deserve some recognition?

[Hans]

I just wanted to state that I appreciate the response(so far)on this posting.I'd also like to hear from others,and get their opinions, as to GR's suitability (physically)as the hero of our saga.
Also,on my commnets on Karin Dor being eaten by piranhas.I'd like to have had the chance to eat Karin Dor,too,but not the same way the piranhas did.(Get it?)

[Hans]

"The Prodigal"is now available on DVD,with commentary provided by Dr. Drew Casper.He's the Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Professor of Film at USC.If you're interested in a spectacular,tchnically high quality potboiler,with the fine efforts typical of MGM,get it.The problem is,the plot is overblown and the screenplay is a lot of tripe.
Still,George Robotham shows up on a 4 minute sequence about 45 minutes,which is ttuly atrocious.yet,one can see his qualifications as the hero of our saga.

[Ironhand]

Considering the times and dates, he might have been the actor that REH, if he had lived longer, would have chosen to play Conan.

[bedlum]

If R E Howard had sold out to Hollywood who would of been conan in days gone by? I think Johnny Weissmuller or Lex Barker from the Tarzan movies or Victor Mature he looked good playing Samson i think alot of the sword and sandal actors were two big,

[Kortoso]

There was a rumor that Willis "King King" O'Brien was interested in a Conan movie. I'm not sure if that's been substantiated, though.

[amster]

Late 50s early 60s: Sean Connery as Conan. Special effects by Ray Harrihausen. 'nuff said.

[?sir]

If R E Howard had sold out to Hollywood who would of been conan in days gone by? I think Johnny Weissmuller or Lex Barker from the Tarzan movies or Victor Mature he looked good playing Samson i think alot of the sword and sandal actors were two big,

I think you're right. At least they would have been looking for a similar actor in background. Sean Connery was also a good pick during "his time".

[Kane]

Can not say off the top of my head who would have made a good Conan.
However, based on the photo below, I belive that, with the right make-up, Karloff would have an excellent Thoth-Amon. If the film had been done in the late 30's or early 40's.

Edited by Kane, 19 March 2009 - 07:44 PM.

[Reaver]

Even though he was a bodybuilder (and suggesting him will probably get me flamed), I think Steve Reeves would have been good. Of course, he post-dates REH by about 20 years...

[?sir]

Even though he was a bodybuilder (and suggesting him will probably get me flamed), I think Steve Reeves would have been good. Of course, he post-dates REH by about 20 years...

Hm. If he moved well perhaps. His face works fine with my mental image of Conan. Add square cut raven black mane and volcanic blue eyes. Hm, on second thought his chin looks silly. His jawline fits my idea of Conan nicely though.

[Reaver]

He is regarded by many as the greatest Hercules to ever be filmed. And I agree.

[crossplain pilgrim]

Looking back at the '30's and '40's, its just hard to think of a major star who could have portrayed Conan. Gable? Cooper? Give me a break. Try to imagine Jimmy Steward threatening to split a guys skull to his teeth. The mind boggles. You have to get to at least the '60's before you can seriously start thinking of possibilities. Charles Bronson, for sure, if you could work the camera angles to disguise his height. The younger, beefed up Connery. If you could accept a less muscular Conan, Yul Brenner had the swagger. Heston had the arrogance. Put some contacts and a wig on Kirk Douglas and you would have had a Conan who was both scary and capable of having a good time in an inn. Speaking of scary, who was ever more brutal and scary that Bob Mitchum. Burt Lancaster could have made a pretty good athletic Conan. These guys are all pre-Arnold era. Not as much beef, but tremendous screen presence and star power.

[RobP]

Jack Palance!

The Mongols

[?sir]

Jack Palance!

The Mongols

Didn't I mention Jack Palance in some other thread? Ex-boxer, and all bad-ass.

"Did you see how leathery he was? He was like a saddlebag with eyes."

[bedlum]

Woody Stroud as Zula ,Kirk Douglas as Conan and Jane Russell as Belit.

[crossplain pilgrim]

If you ever get the chance, check out Jack Palance as Attila the Hun in the 1954 film "Sign of the Pagan." Yea, he was definitely Conan material.