Images - The Films of George C. Scott

article and interview by Paul Riordan -- page 1 of 5

One of the most impressive actors ever to grace the silver screen, George C. Scott thrived during the 1960s and '70s, the last period in American cinema before film acting gave way to reacting--to special effects, car crashes, explosions and computer animation. The 1980s and '90s offer less of an opportunity for an actor to whom words were as important as the visuals. In an era when motion picture scenarios have degenerated into incoherent dialogue and inept plotting, too few roles have been available to actors interested in being more than plastic pieces on a cinematic chessboard. Quite simply, most acting parts today (with some exceptions) call more for "movie stars" and "personalities" (or the flavor of the month) than for serious thespians.

With his imposing physical presence, his strong, craggy features and raspy, distinctive voice, George C. Scott is simply too large an entity to fit into these small characters. Recently, Mr. Scott kindly and graciously took the time to talk with me about his film career to date.

George C. Scott as General George S. Patton.

George Campbell Scott was born in Wise, Virginia, on October 18, 1927. He was raised in Detroit, and at the age of 17, he joined the Marine Corps, where he served for four years. After that, he attended the University of Missouri, on the G.I. Bill of Rights. "When I got out of the Marine Corps in '49, I wanted to be a writer, so I went to journalism school," he said. "But I discovered that I had no talent for it, so I looked around for something else to do. So, I tried out for a college play." Scott began appearing in a number of varsity productions, as well as in summer stock. Before long, he landed a number of roles in Shakespeare plays and other theater productions both off and on Broadway. "I got my first (professional) acting job in 1951," Scott said.

Scott also began appearing on television during the early 1950's, on such shows as Hallmark Hall of Fame, Dupont Show of the Month, Playhouse 90, Kraft Theatre, Omnibus and others. Throughout his career, the actor has bounced back and forth between stage, screen and television, and he continues to do so to this day.

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