Spotlighting Bradford Dillman
If one wants to talk about B-move hell and under-rated actors, one would have to put Bradford Dillman near the top of the list. Though he quit acting in the early 1990s, retiring to Santa Barbara, California, where he lives with his wife, Susie Parker (also an actress in the 1960s), his films remain readily seen on video, on television and among cult enthusiasts at festivals. He devotes most of his energy to writing books now, including an autobiography and works of fiction, while he follows his longstanding passion… football. If you want to remain on his good side, never say anything bad about the 49ers.
Dillman studied acting in New York and appeared in numerous stage productions before graduating to the big screen and television. Among his most crowning achievements include his seemingly unlikely presentation as St. Francis De Assisi in the film of the same name. More relevant to pulp movie enthusiasts, however, would be his actions as a psychotic killer, alongside fellow murderer Dean Stockwell, in Compulsion. The film was based on a real-life murder case where two intellectual young men killed someone just to prove they were smart enough to get away with it…which they weren’t.
Dillman’s works in horror and suspense are not always so high profile. In the past he was even called The Sir Laurence Olivier of B-Movies by various writers who marvelled at why this man would waste his talents in some projects which were God-awful. Dillman always had a blunt answer to this. “The bottom line is I had six kids to feed!”
Among the lesser films are Deliver Us from Evil, Man Outside, Lords of the Deep, Bug, Brother John and many more. In Crack in the Mirror, which isn’t even included on many of his resumes, he appears in a nonspeaking role, as a ghost in a mirror. The movie is also noteworthy for it offered a supporting role to a pre-All in the Family Carroll O’ Conner.
Among the horror films, one of the most surprisingly popular was Bug, with Dillman as a mad scientist who creates a hybrid insect with the power to start fires. Predictably, he is done in by his own creation, like a modern day Victor Frankenstein and afterward, this fire-bringing bug is released upon mankind, presumably to destroy it.
Bug, to Dillman’s surprise, became a cult classic.
Such was not true with another movie from roughly the same time span. Chosen Survivors involves a group of people locked up in a survivalist type experiment underground and terrorized by killer bats. At the end, when they are rescued, one of the other actors let everyone know what he thought of the script and the movie. As he is being helped away, you can pick him up making a masturbatory motion with his free hand. The footage was left in the picture as no one in the cutting room picked up on this. Dillman, while equally unenthused about the project but keeping the prospect of another paycheck to feed his six kids, was a bit more professional.
Another of the lesser known films which Dillman helped save was Deliver Us From Evil, in which a group of hikers discover a suitcase full of stolen money, based on a DB Cooper type villain. The people who discover the money all of course end up at each other’s throats, killing each other, and creating a predictable morality play about greed. Chalk it up as another salvation project for Dillman.
Man Outside remains one of the most interesting projects the actor was involved in, as a man who kidnaps a child, not to molest him as is generally believed, but to ”have a friend.” The film still pops up on cable now and again.
Of the most unusual roles for this actor, however, was his role as John Wilkes Booth in The Lincoln Conspiracy. While Dillman makes a suitably psychotic anti-hero in this film which suggests the real Booth got away after shooting Lincoln (a theory which still circulates among conspiracy buffs), there is one factor even this man could not overcome. Dillman is well over six feet tall, where the real John Wilkes Booth was roughly 5 feet, nine inches of sinister shortness.
For those who prefer a bit of sappiness, Dillman’s greatest role and certainly one of the most often shown on the small screen, is his supporting role in The Way We Were, the epic coming-of-age/love saga starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. If you don’t know the film, I am sure you will recognize the title song, “Memories…of the way we used to be…misty, watercolour memories of the way we were…” or something like that. While this one gained him a lot of acclaim among the cultured set, it didn’t do much for the blue-collar types used to see him in westerns, horror films and spy type movies.
The problem with The Way We Were was that, for all practical purposes, Dillman not only played a good guy, but a normal person, disgustingly normal and human, so unlike most of the roles for which he was better known. Dillman the psycho sometimes overshadows Dillman the actor. As a screen nut, there are few better, including Perkins, Hopkins and Robert Englund in their respective roles and at their leering best. Such proves to be the case, even to this day, where people watch this movie and think, where’s the basket case we are used to!
On a lighter scale, Dillman is also seen in Moon of the Wolf, a made-for-television film where he plays a true monster, a werewolf. In order to hasten his own end, he has bullets blessed by a priest (nice touch, steering clear of the standard silver-bullet theory), and subtly provides them to his killer. Aside from the werewolf element, there are several social issues pertaining to the politics on the era when it was filmed, the twofaced behaviour of “old blood” in the decaying south, and changing social mores. Philosophy in a low budget horror film. Who could ask for more!
Another overlooked Dillman piece, likewise dealing with life in the very racial, changing south, is Brother John, with Dillman as a rich businessman facing strikers, colour-based tensions and a potential class war in good-old-boy country, USA. Enter John, a mysterious stranger who always shows up in town before something bad is going to happen. And happen it does. Not until the end, is it revealed John is an angel, sent down to earth to test and observe mankind, just before final judgment comes. In the end, it’s pretty much doom and gloom for the human race and Dillman, bastard that he is in the film, helps to screw mankind once again!
Robert Shlssler, an assistant director on the astoundingly bad Guyana, Cult of the Damned, was impressed with Dillman and surprised to a great actor in such a bad movie, evidently not aware of the “six kids” logic. He would later note to me how he saw Dillman sitting aside from everyone on the set, obviously in deep thought. “What a dedicated actor, so into studying his lines,” the assistant director thought. “Look how intense…”
He then realized Dillman was studying football news!
During his long career, he has worked with everyone, or so it seems. James Dean (whom he met in New York during their respective stage careers), Clint Eastwood, Raquel Welch, George Kennedy, Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, and many more. Of James Dean, he was quoted in a letter thusly. “He was extremely talented…and extremely weird.”
Dillman also spoke with less than total love for the great Orson Welles. He told of a time where he was supposed to take the large sized actor down and Welles did not want to go along with it, due to their weight difference. As Dillman put it, “I just reverted back to my old basic training from the marines…and that ended that.” Welles, so to speak, took a bump!
In any case, Bradford Dillman was, is and will forever be remembered as a man who made it his profession to save bad films or at least make a valiant attempt at doing so. From Lords Of the Deep, where he hopelessly overacted in his death scene, to the point where Roger Corman, the producer, demanded a retake, to another film in which he decided to improvise on a horrible script, making the villain he played “gay”…then ticked off his co-star, who was homosexual and thought he was being made fun of, Dillman’s career remains repetitive. Continually, his skills saved (or at least partially saved) numerous films which would have been born dead otherwise, but caught people’s eyes because of his never-say-die enthusiasm.
Dillman is no longer as in touch with his fans as he once was, though he still receives fan mail on a frequent basis. He has said, regrettably, he is unable to comply with requests for signed photos, because he doesn’t have any left. To get a picture from him, you pretty much have to send him your own, though he remains congenial enough about it. Of all the Hollywood types I have encountered over the years and this includes several, he remains one of the most easy-going and one of the best with his fans, though sometimes he seems surprised at not being allowed to quietly fade into the shadows.
In recent years, Dillman’s wife has unfortunately encountered health problems, which have left him looking in on her. She nearly died from various ailments a few years back, but is doing better now. For a look at some of her roles, The Death of Manolete, off an old TV Playhouse presentation with Jack Palance, is circulating on video, while other movies with her involved may also be found through search mechanisms on the net. Essentially, she stayed at home to raise the kids because her husband had a stronger box office appeal and could be a projected breadwinner. Whatever professional conflict might have taken place must have been resolved, as they have been together for decades.
In all, Bradford Dillman remains a colourful and often underappreciated actor, one who has dedicated his career to saving bad films. He is indeed a B-movie icon.
31 comments Tuesday 11 Feb 2003 | Dale Pierce | Profiles
I remember him fondly from Alias Smith & Jones episode “McCreedy Bust: Going, Going, Gone!” role as Spencer, the drunken ex-preacher. Very good role. I suspect many of his TV spots would be worth a mention.
His wife, Suzy Parker, died May 3, 2003.
I just aquired a copy of “Jigsaw”. This movie, released in 1968, features Bradford Dillman in the leading role. Awesome! Great acting! Very hard to find. Probably because the movie is a murder mystery revolving around LSD. I remembered seeing it on TV as a young kid. If your a fan, definitely check this one out. I found a copy on Ebay, through a company called thesmallscreen.com.
My favorite of his roles (and one that I am surprised is not spoken about here) is his portrayal of poor Willie Oban, in the 1973 film version of The Iceman Cometh. I first saw it when I was first getting into Eugene O’Neill’s plays, and, being a huge fan of the Long Day’s Journey Into Night film, checked it out. I was blown away by many of the actors, but I took a special liking to Dillman in it. What a sad, sad character.
One of Mr Dillman’s least rememembered films is Moon of the Wolf (1972), in which he starred with the ever-lovely Barbara Rush and David Janssen. Jannsen played Sheriff Aaron Whitaker and Rush Dillman’s sister, Louise Rodanthe. Set in the bayou country of Louisiana(now terribly struck by Hurricane Katrina, Dillman played Andrew Rodanthe, struck with the family curse of being a werewolf. Moon of the Wolf however gave the story a particularly unique Louisiana Cajun styling. In the film, Dillman is referred to as a loup garou, French for werewolf. Apparently filmed on location in Louisiana, it is a very atmospheric film that has stood the test of time. Now available on DVD, anyone who liked The Skeleton Key will want a copy of Moon of the Wolf!
I saw part of Compulsion again yesterday. It remains my favorite film from the “teen psycho crime” genre (if there is such a thing!). Seriously, it’s an excellent movie, and it is shown occasionally on Fox Movie Channel. It is true that Dillman was never the “star” he should have been, but he gave us many hours of entertainment nonetheless, even if he was just doing it to feed the brood. I hope he decides to come out of retirement sometime: there are a lot of tv shows that need judges and such.
You know something not everyone can stumble into a Star Wars or Matrix movie. I think Bradford Dillman is one of the greatest actors of any time. B-movies or not. He did what he had to do and I respect him for that. I was raised on the old horror movies. When he acts it looks believeable. His acting makes you feel like becoming part of the movie. He could pull you into a movie and make you feel like it was happening to you. That is a lost gift. My hats off to the man who gave me so much pleasure in watching him. I wish he was still acting. He may have acted a lot, but he never really got a shot at the big roles. I for one wish him the very best life has to offer. I wish I could have known him as a person and not just a face. Thanks for the good memories.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bradford Dillman on a recent Mediterranean cruise ending in Istanbul on September 9, 2005. He is a remarkable and interesting gentleman, very modest about his accomplishments, and very down to earth and unassuming. He spent most of his time during the cruise in private, working on a play he is writing and is still grieving about the loss of his beautiful wife, Suzy Parker. We respected his privacy although we were able to engage him in conversation about some old Hollywood stories which were fascinating! We have ordered some of his books from Amazon, and look forward to the possible future production of his yet untitled play. We would also love to have information on his fan site so we can send him a note.
Does anyone know the name of the actor that looks like Bradford Dillman?
I grew up on Bradford Dillman, and always considered him a really good actor. His “Francis of Asissi” role will always be his, no matter whoever has it in the remake one day.
I always considered Bradford Dillman as a really good actor. His ” Francis of Assisi” role will always be the standard measuring stick if it is ever done in a remake.
COMPULSION was one of the highlight movies of my teens. I fell in love with Brad’s co star Dean Stockwell, but since that movie, Brad was one of my favourite actors and a strong draw card for any future film with his name on it.
I fully agree that he is an under rated actor, but then that is Hollywood, what can you expect? Maybe if he’d had six marriages instead of six children, he would have been more famous and sought after.
has anyone seen “BUG”? It scared the hell out of me… then again I was 12
Always liked him he was on the western the Big Valley twice in the first one he was Eric Mercer and the other one he plays a doctor who is a murderer he really has you with his performances.
I grew up on Mr. Dillman and would just like him to know there are a lot of us out there who will always appreciate his acting and the man he is offscreen! Thank you for the memories
A point of interest…Brad bought himself out of contract realizing leading men’s life in this business was very “short lived.” He desired to be a supporting actor…supporting actors had a much longer longevity. I heard this from his first wife..Freda Harding, who I knew and was very fond of….
As a 21 year old college student I was an extra in the college scenes of The Way We Were and I guess for reasons of height, complexion and build I ended up being Bradford Dillman’s stand-in (not on the screen, just for setting up the shots) and so got to meet Brad (who at 41 was playing a 22 year old) and also to stand around with “Introducing Lois Chiles”, later a Bond girl. Brad was as and pleasant fellow as you could hope to meet and I was already a fan of his Francis of Assisi. On the last day of shooting we bumped into each other and he stopped to talk to me again. Nice guy.
I don’t buy that he was well over six feet, as I was 5′11 1/2″ at the time, so we must have been close. Redford is a shrimp and they’d only let him dance with short girls wearing flats.
Does anyone remember a movie that Bradford and Susie (Suzy) were in together, where he rejected her and she committed suicide at the end by jumping out of the window in a high rise in NYC, I believe. I’ve been searching for the name of it, but have had no luck up to this point. It was, if I remember correctly, the story of three women and their struggle for the careers they wanted and the men they loved. Bradford Dillman struck a chord in me as a young woman, and I only wished I could look like Susie!
Bradford dillman is my uncle even through i never met him i would love to met him anyone know how to find him?
I have his Yale 1951 yearbook. Well, maybe not his, but he appears in it, anyway. I found your page while trying to learn a little more about the folks in his graduating class, where they are now… ;)
I think Al Staiti might be thinking of a very young Bruce Dern
in ‘Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte’.
I have been curious about an old TV show from about 1961. I think it was called, “The Return of Charlie Pont.” I think Mr. Dillman had the lead role. Does anyone know about this?
Ready to release our latest indie movie titled “Extra Pulp”, would you like to get a screener?
Jerry
DPEC
Re Lanie Haberkamp’s enquiry about Suzy Parker’s co-star in the film where she commits suicide. It was not Bradford Dillman but Louis Jordan. I just wish I could remember the title of the film. I believe Joan Crawford also starred.
In answer to Marilyn Stroud’s memory of the movie in which Suzy Parker’s character commits suicide…It was “The Best of Everything.” Starred Joan Crawford, Hope Lange, Stephen Boyd, Louis Jourdan, Brian Aherne and I believe Diane Baker. Based on a book. Suzy and Mr. Dillman met in a movie titled something like “Circle Point” or “Circle of Deceit.” Not sure.
I believe Al Staiti may be thinking of Rip Torn. Rip and Brad Dillman look a good bit alike with Dillman having finer facial features.
The Face of Fear is one of my favorite Dillman shows. He is a great actor & he should be more valued.
I grew up watching Mr Dillman in many US tv shows and always thought him a wonderful actor and a very handsome man too!!. Sorry to read about his wife. Thanks for the bio on him.
I think the title of the film Barbara Morgan is looking for is “Circle of Deception” filmed here in England and where Bradford Dillman and Suzy Parker met in 1961 I believe. Have been a fan of Bradford Dillman since he came here to film the “Court Martial” TV series with Peter Graves. How’s that for loyalty? Well, over 40 years!
The book that BUG is based on, The Hephaestus Plague, is great. Thomas Page, the author, was in Burbank, California having a signing for a new edition of it on Saturday 1st March….
Would love to get a copy of the movie as I have not seen it in years.
I am 43 year old die-hard fan of mr bradford dillman. I first saw him in Francis of Assissi and he portrayed the saintly character perfectly well. His acting made the entire film very moving as if the very popular saint is very much alive in his perosna. Seeing him again in Compulsion made me feel amzaed at his great talent. I now treasure those two videos and see them over and over again. I see him occasionally on TV series where he guested like the 6th Sense. He has an attractive physique, stunning looks plus all the acting craftmanship. I do love him as an actor. Rarely do we see actors like him nowadays. Mr. Dillman, you have all my admiration and respect to this day.
I remember him in “The Enforcer” and I though he was was a very good actor, standing up to Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry.” Of course his character has to be shifty and ultimately forgettable, but he did the best with it.