November 22, 2014

ROBERT VAUGHN

Happy Birthday to Robert Vaughn! The original Man From U.N.C.L.E. was born on this day in 1932. His career began in the 1950s with work on television and in films, including The Young Philadelphians (1959), for which he received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. He joined the all-star cast of leading men in The Magnificent Seven (1960), playing a dashing gunslinger who had lost his nerve. Although I was impressed by the many noble and heroic characters in the film as a kid, it was Vaughn's ability to express vulnerability that evoked empathy and it's his image that has stuck with me all these years. After appearing in The Lieutenant (1963-1964), Vaughn was cast to play Napoleon Solo (Ian Fleming contributed the name) in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (1964-1968). As a kid, I was taken with Vaughn's suave image, but it's been fun to re-explore the series as an adult and appreciate his ability to also bring subtle humor to the character. He had a funny habit of gesturing with his U.N.C.L.E. gun when he spoke, as if it were a cigarette, which gave the character a nonchalance that was both appealing and absurd. Other major highlights in Vaughn's career include Bullitt (1968), Gerry Anderson's The Protectors (1972-1974), Superman III (1983), and contemporary dramas like Law & Order, Coronation Street, and Hustle. He has also done some great Shakespeare, which I spotlighted in the Spy Vibe posts, Shakespeare Spies I and II. I grew up admiring Robert Vaughn both for his expression and presence as an actor and for his commitment to political activism. Learn more: Official fan site, Fans From UNCLE, IMDB. Related Spy Vibe posts: Japanese UNCLE editions, UNCLE Gun, UNCLE Turns 50, UK Comics, UNCLE Manga. Vaughn as Napoleon Solo below from Getty Images. 


Selected Spy Vibe posts: Popular Skullture, New Gerry Anderson SetsNew SECRET AGENT setArt of ModestyAvengers Blu-ray updateTokyo Beat 1964Polaroid SpyModesty MondayFeraud Mod FashionFlint Scores!Bond DanishHome MoviesNew Richard Sala BookNew 007 ComicsDesigning Bond BooksGreen Hornet MangaMargaret Nolan ArtNo 6 FestivalBarbarella Returns007 Audio Books ReturnDesigner: Gene WinfieldAvengers Interview: Michael RichardsonIan Fleming: Wicked GrinJane Bond Hong Kong RecordsRyan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E.Comics Week: ArchieComics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMANComics Week: Jimmy OlsenRare Avengers ScriptsMan From Uncle UK ComicsMattel X-15Thunderbirds ComicsShakespeare Spies: Diana RiggShakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers InterviewAvengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky BootsGeorge Lois Design & Mad MenRichard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny InterviewThe 10th Victim Japanese and KindleU.N.C.L.E. Japanese BooksThe 10th Victim German EditionThe Saint books returnTrina Robbins InterviewCatsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.

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