Celebrating The Legendary Michael Caine!
I re-watched a film the other night that reminded me of how much I love Michael Cain – and here are 5 reasons why!
He was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in London in 1933, and over the course of his career, Caine has starred in some of the biggest box office hits, as well as winning an Academy Award – more on that in a moment….
The iconic Actor has more than 175 film credits, but here are 5 that will resonate with me forever!
His big breakout came courtesy of the 1966 film “Alfie”, about an unrepentant ladies’ man gradually begins to understand the consequences of his lifestyle.
A few years later, I got my first taste of Caine in this gritty British action classic:
“Get Carter”
Michael Caine is one of our greatest Actors, but you don’t think of him as a “tough guy”…well, think again:
It is so beloved that it has been re-released many times, as this poster shows…originally released in 1971, Caine plays a hit man who wants to find out what happened to his brother…here is the trailer:
I was hooked on British films and Caine as well…and over the next decade, he would turn up in films as varied as these:
In 1972, Caine stood toe-to-toe with Laurence Olivier, considered the greatest Actor of his generation, and this “sharp as a knife” story about a husband who invites his wife’s lover to the house for a “game” is brilliant!
Caine also starred alongside my favorite “Bond…James Bond”, in an action epic!
“The Man Who Would Be King”
This terrific 1975 film with Sean Connery and Caine was directed by John Huston, adapted form the Rudyard Kipling book originally published in 1888!
Here is the trailer:
The two play English military officers stationed in India. Tired of life as soldiers, the two travel to the isolated land of Kafiristan, where they are ultimately embraced by the people and revered as rulers.
This was one of the late Sean Connery’s best “non Bond” roles…you can see his others by clicking on my homage to him here:
Going into the 80’s Caine chose to play a Psychiatrist who has a murdered client – and much much more – in this Brian DePalma masterwork:
“Dressed To Kill”
If you haven’t seen this, find the unrated version to experience all of the shocks intended in this mesmerizing thriller…here is the trailer:
Angie Dickenson is also terrific in the film as is Nancy Allen, who also starred in DePalma’s “Carrie” – just one of his many brilliant films…here are more:
In 1986, Michael Caine finally won an Oscar for a nuanced, beautifully performed role in this Woody Allen film:
“Hannah And Her Sisters”
Caine plays Hannah’s husband, who falls in love with Hannah’s sister, played by Barbara Hershey…here is the trailer:
While I have serious issues with how Allen has depicted women in his films over the past decade, there is no denying this is a brilliant film, and Caine holds his own alongside an incredible cast.
So, why didn’t Caine appear at the Oscar ceremony to pick up his Best Supporting Actor statue?
He was in the water fighting off the worst of the “Jaws” films!
Considered one of the worst films of all time, Caine was unapologetic for taking the role – and the big paycheck…here’s his quote:
I love that! He was a working actor and he never turned down a role it seems…but he had more than his share of great films, like this – one of the funniest comedies of all time!
It is, simply, one of the funniest movies ever made!
Steve Martin and Michael Caine are perfect as two con-men who meet on a train in the south of France – intent on taking wealthy women for all they have…
Caine shows his gift of comedy, when at one point, after they break up as a team, he “tests” Martin’s supposedly paralyzed legs as they both pursue a wealthy young woman, played beautifully by Glenne Headly…
Caine has continued to appear in dozens and dozens of films, but is perhaps best known by many for his role of Alfred, the Butler and confidant of one Bruce Wayne…
Michael Caine has so many great films in his career, these are just a taste of his greatness!
Speaking of great Actors:
Gene Hackman retired several years ago, but what an incredible collection of film roles!
Click here to see them all!
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Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, British Cinema, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Film Noir, Great Films, Hollywood, London, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I read his memoir, Elephant in Hollywood, and Caine believes you can find his best screen work in Educating Rita (1983). He is also proud of The Quiet American (2002). Anyhow, he is particularly great when he plays amoral characters, like in Alfie, Dressed to Kill or Deathtrap.
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Yes!
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Hi John, Michael Caine was very unique and I remember his style although I haven’t seen that many of his films. I liked Zulu which is about the battle at Rorke’s Drift in South Africa.
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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is my absolute favorite!
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always has been one of my favorite actors. he had a certain style and way about him that carried through his films.
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I love Michael Caine. My favourite movie of his is Educating Rita but there are so many other great movies he has been in. He is such a superb actor.
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He’s so great in that! Thanks for sharing!
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John, back in 2016, I wrote an appreciation of Michael Caine for publication on a film website. Here’s a link to that. http://curnblog.com/2016/03/13/michael-caine-an-appreciation/
My top five Caine films would be;
1) Get Carter. (1971)
2) Harry Brown. (2009)
3) Zulu. (1964)
4) Alfie (1966)
5) Educating Rita. (1983)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete – can’t wait to read – it sounds familiar! I was going to include “Harry Brown”, which I own on blu-ray, on a “also favorites” but ran out of time – I’m traveling!
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