Dirk Bogarde
He is a film actor and a writer. 70 years ago the Rank Organisation cast him as the hero in the famous Doctor Series, where in the house, at large, and at sea he became a national heartthrob.
But fame such as this did not bring satisfaction. Anxious for more serious roles, he enlarged his reputation working with Joseph Losey in films such as The Servant and Accident. Eventually he left the United Kingdom altogether for France, and under the direction of Visconti, produced memorable performances in The Damned and Death in Venice.
The first volume of his autobiography, published in 1977, established him as an accomplished writer. He has produced three more volumes since and several novels, too. He moved back in England, living quietly in Chelsea. A private man. Protected, he is the first to admit he protects himself with "a crab-like shell."
He is Dirk Bogarde.
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | August 3, 2023 3:10 AM
|
He has always been one of my favorites.
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | July 16, 2023 8:39 PM
|
You may find this thread of interest.
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | July 16, 2023 8:41 PM
|
For 1972's Demons of the Mind, Sir Dirk Bogarde was shortlisted for Baron Zorn, and Robert Hardy replaced Eric Porter who withdrew from tto film Hands of the Ripper (1971), which was made simultaneously.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | July 16, 2023 8:44 PM
|
He WAS Dirk Bogarde. 15 years go he became fertilizer in the south of France.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | July 16, 2023 8:47 PM
|
And the south of France is all the richer for it.
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | July 16, 2023 8:49 PM
|
Bogarde was a man of integrity
"For nearly four decades, Bogarde shared his homes, first in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, and then in France, with Anthony Forwood, who had been married to actress Glynis Johns during the 1940s. They were together until Forwood's death in 1988. Bogarde repeatedly denied that his relationship to Forwood was anything other than platonic. There was much speculation as to whether this was in fact the case, given that male homosexual acts were criminal during most of his career, and could lead to prosecution and imprisonment. Rank Studio contracts included morality clauses, which provided for termination in the event of "immoral conduct" on the part of the actor. These included same-sex relationships, thus potentially putting the actor's career in jeopardy.
Bogarde's refusal to enter into a marriage of convenience was possibly a major reason for his failure to become a star in Hollywood, together with the critical and commercial failure of Song Without End. His friend Helena Bonham Carter believed he did not come out during later life because this would have unbearably highlighted his regret at having been forced to camouflage his sexual orientation during his film career". Wikipedia
It's a depressing movie, imho, but he's very good in Death in Venice.
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | August 3, 2023 1:43 AM
|
OP, have you read John Coldstream's biography of Bogarde? If not, you should have a look at it. It's a fascinating examination of a very, very complex artist. And the photos of Bogarde are fabulous. So handsome!
| by Anonymous | reply 7 | August 3, 2023 1:50 AM
|
R6 Wow. Good for him!
R7 No I have not, but I will look it up!
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | August 3, 2023 3:10 AM
|
