The Pilgrims (2015)
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Roger Rees
flowwalker — 10 years ago(November 24, 2015 11:48 PM)
Just saw "The Pilgrims", a 2-hour episode of "American Experience" on PBS. I was touched, as the presentation proceeded, by the image and qualities of the man portraying William Bradford, original Pilgrim colonist and early long-time governor and wondered who the actor might be. As the show concluded, I was struck dumb as a message rolled by: "In memory of Roger Rees (19442015)". I realized instantly Roger was the man playing Bradford.
How very sad to know he is gone. I always liked to think of him as being there in the great shared journey. . .
May he be happy somewhere, whatever the truth of being may be. -
kstephens — 10 years ago(November 25, 2015 08:10 AM)
I did recognize Roger, and was pleased throughout the program that Roger was allowed the chance to give such a realistic and heartfelt performance. Though this is documentary, he was given much screen time as William Bradfordmostly looking concerned, and reciting lengthy passages from Bradford's colonial journal.
As, with his other signature roles, this one was performed with complete commitment. This final performance was no less important to Roger than his famous turn as Nicholas Nickleby, and 5b4the gravitas in his sequences lends the documentary a necessary realism. He is superb.
How nice to have something like this to remember and appreciate Roger, an actor of acute nuance and skill. The onscreen tribute to him from Ric Burns was warranted and completely earned in this production.