A Conversation with Gregory Peck

This Turner classic movies documentary was directed by Barbera Kopple, who is in my opinion the best documentariast we've got, she has done "WIld man blues"(on Woody Allen) and "Harlan County Usa". Anyway, this documentary shows clips from many Peck films, and shows him at his home and just how he lives. Also there are segments where he did question and answer shows and many interesting clips of that are shown. there are cameos by Martin Scorsese and Lauren Bacall. This is an astounding good documentary and i recommend it to any fans of Peck. Peck is probably the last true classic cinematic hero alive, and i'm so happy that this documentary exists for that reason.

GREGORY PECK always excelled on screen when he played a man of integrity. I preferred him in that guise rather than as a villain, although he frequently had to alternate between both type of men. But in this documentary, A CONVERSATION WITH GREGORY PECK, it's reassuring to know that the real Gregory Peck was indeed a man of integrity, inner strength, patience, humility and a great sense of humor about many aspects of his acting career.

Peck always seems to genuinely appreciate the interest fans have in the Q&A section of the documentary when he gives his lecture tours. Obviously the man has connected with fans who were moved by his many portrayals, especially his Atticus Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, a topic which comes up frequently when fans ask him about his career. He comes across as a very gentle man--and while watching him as an elderly star long past his theatrical prime--one can almost find it difficult to picture him as the villainous Lewt from DUEL IN THE SUN or the sadist of THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL.

His true humility comes across in many of his answers. He talks at length about insisting that AUDREY HEPBURN be given name above the title with him in ROMAN HOLIDAY when he realized what a tremendous impression she made in her first important role. With billing being such a precious thing to stars, it's just one revelation that shows his kindness and integrity in standing up for Audrey when the studio opposed the idea.

Peck's love and pride in his grown sons is evident, as is the frank revelations of the deep depression he felt when his youngest son committed suicide during the Vietnam years. Humorous anecdotes about how he first met his loyal wife, Veronique, in Rome during the shooting of ROMAN HOLIDAY, are also told for the amusement of the responsive audience.

Summing up: Truly a film legend given the royal treatment in a biography all his fans (and non-fans) should definitely find inspirational and a reminder that there's still some dignity in aging gracefully.

Conversation with Gregory Peck, A (1999)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Very good documentary by Barbara Kopple (Wild Man Blues) that follows legend Gregory Peck on a tour where he answers questions from audience members. A lot of good questions are asked and answered by the star but the key point to this documentary is all the time it shows between Peck and his family. Many wonderful stories are told and you really get a sense that Peck was as remarkable in real life as he was on the screen. Martin Scorsese and Lauren Bacall are featured in small cameos as well. This is certainly a must see for any Peck fan.

In 1999, Gregory Peck was able to tour the country and make a series of "Conversations" with live audiences. He told stories (and anecdotes) about his own biography and members of his family. During his live conversations, he entertained questions from the audience. Questions ranged from personal questions to questions about his movies and his movie career that spanned more than 50 years (1944-1998).

Interspersed among these "conversations," the documentary shows many family gatherings and informal shots of Peck just enjoying his travels, friends, and family. Also included in this film are shots of him doing other interviews and guest shots over the years. It is clear that he was sharing (with an audience) his personal memories by making this documentary film.

---One question involved which scene was more scary to film—the swamp fight with Robert Mitchum in Cape Fear (1962) or being attack by the dogs in The Boys from Brazil (1978). His answer was that his most scary scene to film was when he was riding on a balloon-like replica of a whale in the Irish Sea for Moby Dick (1956)

Without doubt, his personal favorite of his films was To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) and he shares many memories about the making of that film. But, he also included comical comments (and entertained questions about) some of his less favorite movies too. (Of course, he was part of the editing of the final documentary, so we only see those shots he wanted to show us. However, this is a great film about an actor who started his career on stage for several years before moving it to the big screen in 1944.)

One of my cherished lifetime memories is that of attending "A Conversation with Gregory Peck" at the Front Row Theater in Cleveland, Ohio. The atmosphere in the theater was calm, peaceful, respectful and appreciative. The positive aura exuding from the speaker was reflected in the audience. Here was a kind and sensitive person onstage, sharing his life and career, coupled with an attentive audience taking in every word and loving this incredible human being.

Needless to say, this event is one of my most cherished live performances. Mr. Peck did indeed leave us with many memorable recollections, both on-screen and in person. A remarkable person and a truly fine actor.