Actors in films before they were famous

Plenty of amazing, often overlooked movies feature A-list actors before they gained fame. Viewers interested in seeing the early careers of their favourite stars have a wealth of excellent films to explore.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) – Kirk Douglas

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers is a 1946 film noir about Martha Ivers, a wealthy woman entangled in a web of deceit and murder stemming from her troubled past. Kirk Douglas makes his film debut as Walter O’Neil, Martha’s weak-willed and alcoholic husband, who is complicit in her dark secrets.

The plot thickens when Sam Masterson, a childhood friend and former lover of Martha, returns to town, reigniting old passions and suspicions. Douglas’ portrayal of Walter adds complexity to the story, depicting a man torn between loyalty, fear, and his own moral struggles.

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) – John Travolta

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble is a 1976 American television film, nominated for four Emmy Awards. It tells the story of Tod Lubitch, a young man born with an immune deficiency disease that forces him to live in a sterile environment. John Travolta stars as Tod, who navigates the challenges of growing up isolated from the world and yearns for a normal life.

The film explores Tod’s relationships, particularly with his neighbour Gina, played by Glynnis O’Connor, as he dreams of experiencing life outside his bubble. Travolta’s performance captures Tod’s longing for connection and the courage to take risks despite his condition.

Riders of Destiny (1933) – John Wayne

In Riders of Destiny, John Wayne stars as Singin’ Sandy Saunders, a mysterious government agent sent to assist a group of struggling ranchers. Disguised as a wandering troubadour, Sandy infiltrates the operations of a corrupt land baron named James Kincaid, who is exploiting the local water supply for his own gain.

Sandy’s quick wit and sharpshooting skills quickly earn him the trust of the ranchers, particularly the spirited Fay Denton, whose father’s land is under threat. As Sandy uncovers Kincaid’s nefarious plans, he rallies the ranchers to stand up against the tyranny and deception they face.

Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) – Angela Lansbury

Till the Clouds Roll By is a 1946 musical biopic that chronicles the life and career of famed composer Jerome Kern, whose music significantly shaped American theatre. The film features a series of vignettes showcasing Kern’s most beloved works, intertwined with his personal and professional challenges.

Angela Lansbury plays a small but memorable role as nightclub singer Maggie Anderson, performing the lively number “How’d You Like to Spoon with Me?” Her performance adds a touch of charm and elegance to the film, highlighting Lansbury’s versatility as a performer.

Santa Fe Trail (1940) – Ronald Reagan

Santa Fe Trail is a 1940 western drama that follows the adventures of a group of young West Point graduates, including Jeb Stuart and George Custer, as they navigate the tensions leading up to the American Civil War. Ronald Reagan stars as George Custer, portraying the legendary cavalry officer with a sense of bravery and camaraderie.

The film centres on their mission to capture the radical abolitionist John Brown, whose violent actions threaten to ignite a national conflict. Reagan’s role as Custer adds depth to the narrative, showcasing his loyalty, military skill, and the complexities of his character’s friendships and beliefs.

The Terror (1963) – Jack Nicholson

In The Terror, Jack Nicholson stars as Lieutenant Andre Duvalier, a lost and disillusioned Napoleonic soldier who becomes separated from his regiment along the Baltic coast. After encountering a mysterious and beautiful woman named Helene, he follows her to a desolate castle owned by the enigmatic Baron Von Leppe, played by Boris Karloff.

As Duvalier delves deeper into the castle’s dark secrets, he discovers that Helene is somehow connected to the Baron’s deceased wife, leading him into a nightmarish world of deceit, death, and the supernatural. Nicholson’s character, driven by his sense of duty and fascination with Helene, becomes the unwilling hero in a twisted tale of terror and betrayal. Nicholson had a small but memorable role in the 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors.