Roger Moore’s top seven films

Roger Moore is undoubtedly one of the most talented, world-renowned British actors. In addition to his talent as an actor, probably the best attributes of his character that helped him build a long-lasting and successful career are his work stamina and professional endurance. Not all of his movies were instant hits though, since when he started, he played a few minor roles. However, his patience and persistence paid off and was offered leading roles in a number of all-time best-selling movies.

Ivanhoe

This was a TV series that was based on the novel written by Sir Walter Scott, and was Moore’s first major acting role. He played the lead character of Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon noble who fought for the ideals of his people. Roger Moore’s impressive physique and posture, along with his genuinely British cultural background, contributed tremendously to the film’s commercial success.

Sherlock Holmes in New York

Another classic British novel character, Sherlock Holmes, was the epitome of a man with special skills, education, and social standing, and of course, the ability to solve crime mysteries. It wouldn’t have been possible for the film’s director and producers to find a better candidate that was suitable for this role, other than the inquiring figure of Roger Moore.

The Saint

The point at which Roger Moore really started to set himself apart from the crowd was marked by his participation, as the lead actor, in the series of films collectively known as the “Saint”. He impersonated Simon Templar, a highly sophisticated thief, whose adventures made him a popular fictional character. This offered Moore an opportunity to unfold another side of his acting talent.

The Man Who Haunted Himself

The title might sound depressing, and it is indeed, since it is all about a psychological thriller. After a number of “light” and adventurous characters, the time had come for the future James Bond to show another face, non-smiling and contemplative. The atmosphere in the movie is full of mystery, doubt, and fear. The unknown and unexplained is omnipresent, and there is a strong element of skepticism around. Although it was a great film, it was not met with wide audience approval.

The James Bond filmography

James Bond emerged as one of the most recognized movie characters in the twentieth century. In spite of the fact that Sean Connery was originally the actor who gave flesh and bones to this fictional spy character, and Pierce Brosnan was a largely successful James Bond, Roger Moore also managed to show his acting genius in this role, as well. Apart from his distinctive acting talents, it could be said that he impersonated a James Bond character that was somewhere in the middle between a rigid and straightforward Sean Connery and a highly elegant Pierce Brosnan, literally establishing, in this way, a connection between two different eras in cinema history.

The Cannonball Run

In this highly entertaining comedy, Moore had the chance to play alongside another popular actor, Burt Reynolds. Other lead actors included Farah Fawcett and Jackie Chan. In my opinion, Roger Moore’s playing in this film was very similar to that in the James Bond series of films.

Curse of the Pink Panther

Another great comedy, in which Roger Moore replaced Peter Shelley as Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau, who always committed blunders while he was attempting to solve cases.

Further reading and sources:

Roger Moore

Roger Moore – Timeline featuring movies and other highlights

When Roger Moore was not Bond: 11 movie and TV roles in which he played someone other than 007

From EW archives: A look back at Roger Moore’s career as the best Bond

What were Roger Moore’s top ten greatest performances?

6 memorable Roger Moore roles including James Bond 007

Top 5: Roger Moor’s movie cars

Sir Roger Moore: James Bond of Monaco