DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '26 I => Current Talk '02 I => Topic started by: arashi on March 13, 2002, 06:34:24 PM
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Just my two cents here, but regarding Mitchell Ryan vs. Anthony George,
I think Mitchell Ryan was the better of the two Burke Devlins, he just seemed to me to pull off the ex-con with a vendetta in a more convincing manner.
On the other hand, I think Anthony George was the best choice for Jeremiah. I can't see Mr. Ryan prancing around in period costume.
~Arashi
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Just my two cents here, but regarding Mitchell Ryan vs. Anthony George,
On the other hand, I think Anthony George was the best choice for Jeremiah. I can't see Mr. Ryan prancing around in period costume.
~Arashi
(http://members.aol.com/drwoodard/down.gif)
Ya know Arashi, I was thinking that very same thing a few days ago. Although "prancing" isn't exactly the adjective I'd of used ;D I just can't picture Mitch walking around in that clothing either.
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I always think Anthony George had a bit of a raw deal -- face it, Burke Devlin was such a pale version of the embittered, calculating original by the time Barnabas arrived -- character-wise George inherited a much weaker character.
I agree with the comments on 1795 -- Mitch Ryan was probably much too contemporary in both his acting style and physical appearance to have meshed well in that particular time period.
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I agree with the rest-NO FRILLS on Mitch!
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Clothing aside [nuts] the only way I could see Ryan in the role of Jeremiah would have been if it had been a more heroic "save the day" type character - the kind that would come out on top rather than become the sacrificial victim. :'( So, I agree Geroge was the best selection for Jeremiah in the long run. As to his Devlin - I agree with Stuart - he had some big shoes to fill and it didn't help that much of his character's angst had been pretty well spent by the time he took over the part. [sleep]
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Hey Stuart,
What about Michael Hadge, a/k/a/ Buzz Hackett as a country squire? That's kind of like Andrew "Dice" Clay as the younger brother of the Rev. Trask!
Sincerely,
Bob the Bartender, who wonders why Millicent and Daniel don't sound like a true New Yorker like Fran Drescher?
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I would have to agree . . . Mitchell Ryan simply was Burke, but I don't know that I can see him in period costume as Jeremiah Collins. Who knows, though? I never would have thought of him as excelling in comedy, and he does an excellent job on Dharma and Greg.
Luciaphil
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Hey Stuart,
What about Michael Hadge, a/k/a/ Buzz Hackett as a country squire? That's kind of like Andrew "Dice" Clay as the younger brother of the Rev. Trask!
Sincerely,
Bob the Bartender, who wonders why Millicent and Daniel don't sound like a true New Yorker like Fran Drescher?
that's a couple of great, wacky one's Bob!! I can see Buzz 'prancing'!! Hickory, Dickery, Dock, This Slattern was...... :-X - and I just spent a weekend with about 15,000 Fran's!!
I also just saw Ryan for a moment on a Matlock today, and he just would not have 'fit' into those outfits! He was playing a tough-guy on Matlock, and that role fit him pretty well.
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Hello everyone! This is my first chance I've had to visit in a long time. The new message board is terrific! Good job Midnite and MB!
RE: Mitch vs Anthony
Mitch was the ultimate Burke. Anthony, however, has done a fantastic job of playing the part of Jeremiah. And ladies, did he not look simply delicious when he wore that blue suit and black gloves & boots? I believe that Mitch lacked the finesse to play the part of Jeremiah. Somehow I can't see Barnabus and Mitch as Jeremiah pulling off the best buddies thing.
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I think this is actually a somewhat tough comparison especially after seeing Anthony George in his regular role on, "The Untouchables" playing G-man Cam Allison, (he could be a pretty bad dude at times). Unfortunately Dan Curtis or any of the directors did not focus on this part of Anthony's capability as an actor when he took over Burke Devlin. He really played the part sweet as he was probably directed to do, (so people would be sympathetic towards his affection for Vicki). Isnt it interesting how most of the heavy male characters in DS eventually go soft, (ie Roger, Willie, Barnabas, Quentin and the list goes on and on). When Anthony took over it appears that it was Burke's turn to mellow out.
On the other hand it would have been interesting to see Mitchell Ryan playing say, Jeremiah's ghost. As we all know Mitch never got the chance to play any supernatural characters so one cannot comment on how effective he may have played that type of role. It would have also been intersting seeing Mitch playing Jeremiah before Angelique began reeking havoc. I find it hard to visualize Mitch playing a character that was friendly with Barnabas.
It appears that the switch was made at a precision time in the storyline, (with a little help from the writers no doubt).
Thats my two dollars worth.
B
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I would have to agree . . . Mitchell Ryan simply was Burke, but I don't know that I can see him in period costume as Jeremiah Collins. Who knows, though? I never would have thought of him as excelling in comedy, and he does an excellent job on Dharma and Greg.
Luciaphil
It could have worked if the writers had stuck with the original Josette story that surfaced in the pre-Barnabas and early-Barnabas episodes -- the one in which she was already happily married to an older Jeremiah when she met Barnabas -- and developed the plot conflict around Barnabas' obsession with HER. By doing so, they could have retained a subplot surrounding Angelique's obsession with HIM and preserved the vampire story, but it would have been nice to see something less one-dimensional than was actually produced.
I didn't like Anthony George as Burke Devlin at all, but I didn't mind him as Jeremiah...however, it would have been interesting to see Mitch Ryan in the part (as it was designed according to the early writing in the series) especially because I preferred the edgy hostility that Ryan's Burke Devlin felt toward Barnabas in the contemporary episodes, and I think he could have effectively carried that attitude into the 1795 plot without sinking to the peevish jealousy displayed by Anthony George.
Overall, I think Mitch Ryan would have done well -- even in breeches and ruffled shirts. :-)
Cheers,
Linda
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Hey Ringo,
I thought that your suggestion of Buzz Hackett as "Fritz the Cat," if Angelique put the feline curse on him was brilliant! It seems only right that the "Buzz-saw" would become the world's only X-rated cartoon cat.
Bob the Bartender, a big fan of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
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and I just spent a weekend with about 15,000 Fran's!!
There's no truth to the rumor that I was one of them. ;)
Hee hee, I'm really posting to welcome shadows1 and AllenCollins, yay!!!
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Thanks for the welcome midnite. Its nice to be back from my Internet hiatus. I hope to catch up with the many friends I have met at the various DS festivals and parties I have attended over the years.
I also look forward to taking part in the various DS topics presented here.
Let the good times roll.
B
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Many thanks, as well, Midnite. As I have never been to any of the DS festivities, I look forward to attending as many as I can this year - especially to meet all the interesting people that post on this board. It never ceases to amaze me when I read such insightful and articulate postings. I have often wondered what the combined genius of all whom post here could accomplish if given a common goal. You guys are absolutely the best! When my busy schedule allows, any free time I have goes to reading this website and Robservations. I applaud your diligence and dedication to a show that has meant so much to us all.
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I always think Anthony George had a bit of a raw deal -- face it, Burke Devlin was such a pale version of the embittered, calculating original by the time Barnabas arrived -- character-wise George inherited a much weaker character.
I agree with the comments on 1795 -- Mitch Ryan was probably much too contemporary in both his acting style and physical appearance to have meshed well in that particular time period.
Interesting insights, Stuart. After having grown comfortable with the rebellious character Ryan created during 1966-67, I can't imagine him trapped in ruffled costumes and 18th century formalities ("Formalities, shmormalities!" I can almost hear him barking, as he trips over his costume).
George, who seemed to revel in period formalities, seemed better suited to be Jeremiah. There might have been possibliities for Ryan, however, had he been given a rebellious character to play in 1795 -- or at least a loud, angry one. Peter Bradford, maybe?? But then poor Vicki would be SO confused ... telling Bradford that he had been flying in a big silverbird over that city in Brazil. [hdscrt]
Anyway, had Ryan played Jeremiah, I probably would have felt worse knowing that his Jeremiah became reduced to that pitiful looking Bandage Man. [crazd]
Ben
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Maybe Mitch Ryan could of played Nathan Forbes in 1795. I don't think the Jeremiah role would of suited him. Anthony George got a nice role later on One Life to Live after Jeremiah was killed off. I am glad Mitch Ryan is working again too. When I watched these episodes I liked Mitch Ryan better as Burke Devlin. I especially liked the scenes between MR and JF, they were both good in those scenes.
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Sticking to the origianl subject, I'm gonna go with Mitch Ryan. AG must have said, "If its what you want, Vicki, its what i want!" close to a dozen times. And I really thought he showed promise after his first scene, oh well.
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In retrospect, I almost wish that they'd has Burke leave Collinsport after Roger's confession, even though I liked Mitch Ryan's performance. It's just that the Roger storyline was Burke's whole raison d'etre -- once it was over, he simply had nowhere to go and no real drive.
It might have been interesting seeing Burke trying to work out where the confession left him personally -- especially since it was that injustice that apparently motivated his business successes, etc -- but I guess that was maybe a bit too introspective and abstract for "Dark Shadows", especially once the ghost train had begun to trundle into view ;)
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In retrospect, I almost wish that they'd has Burke leave Collinsport after Roger's confession, even though I liked Mitch Ryan's performance. It's just that the Roger storyline was Burke's whole raison d'etre -- once it was over, he simply had nowhere to go and no real drive.
It might have been interesting seeing Burke trying to work out where the confession left him personally -- especially since it was that injustice that apparently motivated his business successes, etc -- but I guess that was maybe a bit too introspective and abstract for "Dark Shadows", especially once the ghost train had begun to trundle into view ;)
Stuart, I tend to agree with your thoughts about the Devlin character. With the advent of the supernatural, there should have been a swan song.
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I have to go with the majority that says Mitchell Ryan the better Burke, and Anthony George the only one who could have pulled off playing Jeremiah.
I just can't see Mitch in 18th century clothings....frankly I don't want to!
I felt Anthony made Burke a bit too bossy and unreasonable at times (his Burke said and did things I couldn't imagine Mitch as Burke would have done) whereas the role of Jeremiah fit him like a glove....he made Jeremiah
a classy, reasonable, likable gentleman.
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I am new to this board. I have seen Anthony George on all three soaps that he did as well as his nighttime tv performances. I agree that Mitch Ryan was the better Burke. I do not think Mitch would have made a good Jeremiah. Most everyone has commented on Tony's "softer" interpretation of Burke. When Tony joined Search for Tomorrow, he portrayed Dr. Tony Vincente much like Mitch Ryan played Burke, "rough around the edges" so to speak. Tony Vincente was softened up as time went on, just to move the character's romance with Jo along.
His One Life To Live work as Dr. Will Vernon was similar to his later portrayal on Search. Will Vernon was the psychiatrist on OLTL and he handed out his fair share of sedatives (just like Julia on DS!). I think that Tony preferred creating a role as to taking one over as he did on DS and OLTL.
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I haven't seen all of Mitchell Ryan's Burke, but I think he was written as a different character from Anthony George's Burke, I can't blame Anthony George for what the writers did. There's a scene somewhere in the first six months in which Burke, talking to Vicky, thinks about what his life would be like - how much better it would be - if he didn't have the need for vengeance. I've seen the scene only once, several months ago, so I may have gotten the details wrong. But it made Burke interesting, and gave him possibilities. Once the vengeance issue was resolved, however, Burke did not take up skydiving or anything; he just obsessed over Vicky. Maybe there's a certain consistency there - Burke being serially obsessive - but I think the original Burke was better than that.
I used to think that Mitchell Ryan would have been a fish out of water in 1795, but then I watched the revival series, and saw Sheriff Patterson become Andre Dupres. If that casting could work, then anything can.
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I think Mitch Ryan's acting is being sold short.
Many "tough guy" actors have played parts in period
costume and pulled it off.
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I've got to go with Mitch Ryan here. As much as I like Anthony George, Mitch had this dangerous edge to him which I really liked. Anthony George just didn't have that same edge. Storyline-wise it sort of works because Burke eventually didn't have a reason to be so dangerous anymore. However, the guy did a lot of time in prison and was carrying this obsessive vendetta for years. Anthony George didn't play that so much. I think Anthony George was perhaps innately sensitive as an actor, and thus this quality worked perfectly for the character of Jeremiah.