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by Christopher Gullo (Author)
Mention the words "horror star" and certain names immediately spring to mind-Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Vincent Price. But another, lesser-known name was also heavily involved in numerous horror and science-fiction films-Donald Pleasence. Featuring a distinctive look, memorable voice, and a serious approach to his roles, Pleasence shined brightly in many genre favorites. Whether as a maniacal body snatcher in The Flesh and the Fiends, a surgical assassin in Fantastic Voyage, the archvillain of 007 in You Only Live Twice, a sarcastic inspector in Raw Meat, or his career defining role as the heroic Dr. Loomis in Halloween, Donald Pleasence proved himself to be a top performer in the fantastical genres of horror and science-fiction. Pleasence also made a name for himself in British and American theatre, garnering four Best Actor Tony Award nominations, beginning with his irascible tramp in playwright Harold Pinter's The Caretaker. Pleasence added to his acclaim by appearing in several big budget Hollywood films like The Great Escape, Night of the Generals, and Will Penny, along with numerous TV appearances in a career that lasted more than forty years. The Films of Donald Pleasence includes a full biography, tributes from Pleasence's friends and coworkers, reviews of all his films, and a rare photo gallery in the first-ever book devoted to the man who became a genre favorite to countless fans worldwide.
