With a career that spanned seven decades, the steely-eyed star commanded the screen.
By John Hogan, ReMIND Magazine
Spartacus (1960)
Stanley Kubrick’s Academy Award-winning Roman gladiator swords-and-sandals epic is perhaps Kirk Douglas’ most famous role, which is fitting since this is a story for — and of — the ages. Douglas was all sinew and constrained rage as the leader of a mass slave rebellion in ancient Rome. His insurrection inspires his fellow slaves to fight back, which in turn leads to some of the most thrilling and visually arresting fight scenes ever created by the golden age of Hollywood.
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)
Douglas as Doc Holliday opposite Burt Lancaster’s Wyatt Earp, with a screenplay by Leon Uris? That’s a sure shot for a successful Western. As the two friends and their gang face off against the Clanton-McLowery gang in that Tombstone, Arizona, vacant lot, cinematic history was made.
Lust for Life (1956)
Douglas scored his third (and, sadly, final) Oscar nomination — he lost to Yul Brynner in The King and I — for his riveting portrayal of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. Vincente Minnelli directed the drama, which also starred Anthony Quinn as fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Douglas craftily displays versatility and gravitas as van Gogh faces crippling depression that threatens to prevent him from realizing his creative potential.
Lonely Are the Brave (1962)
Douglas once said that he considered this his best movie, and he may have been right. It’s a tribute to rugged individualism and an allegory for a changing America — and American dream — all told beautifully through the eyes of rebellious cowboy John Burns (Douglas).
Champion (1949)
Douglas’ first Oscar nomination came for his searingly good performance as rags-to-riches boxer “Midge” Kelly, a prizefighter who goes from having literally nothing to having it all but loses sight of who he truly is along the way.
Seven Days in May (1964)
Sublimely terrifying, this Cold War thriller — screenplay by The Twilight Zone‘s Rod Serling, based on a bestselling novel — stars Douglas as Col. “Jiggs” Casey, who uncovers a plot to overthrow the American president. Making the plan even more disturbing: The coup d’état is planned by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Burt Lancaster).
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Douglas excelled at playing characters who were morally complex — and even downright scoundrels. In this dark drama from writer/director Billy Wilder, Douglas is reporter Chuck Tatum, who amplifies a tragedy for his personal gain. How it all plays out is twisted and sad, but with Douglas at the helm, the cynical story’s impact hits home.
Paths of Glory (1957)
Challenging and often controversial, Paths of Glory, directed by Stanley Kubrick, made a bold antiwar statement. Douglas stars as Col. Dax, who leads a troop of French soldiers in World War I. After a failed battle in which his soldiers refused to fight in what would be certain suicide, some of Dax’s men are put on trial, and Dax acts as their lawyer. The morally complex character of Dax offered Douglas an opportunity to show off his nuanced skills, particularly during his closing arguments, a plaintive appeal to spare the lives of his former soldiers.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Douglas took to the high seas as sailor Ned Land in this beloved adaptation of Jules Verne’s tale of Capt. Nemo (James Mason) and his submarine, the Nautilus. Filmed in CinemaScope and glorious color, the sci-fi flick may have originally been intended for kids, but the unprecedented adventure, with Douglas’ heroic character ably saving the day, was embraced by fans of all ages.
The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)
Here is where the star was born. But it took a lucky break — no less than Lauren Bacall helped Douglas win his film debut role in this noir drama. She recommended producer Hal B. Wallis go see the play Douglas was in, which led to the former Broadway actor getting his big break as the alcoholic, sappy husband of the titular heroine (Barbara Stanwyck). Critics immediately took notice, and so did the world.
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