1960's

My first movies were not successful but I enjoyed my introduction to the British film industry.  I failed film tests for Vadim's Barbarella and for a spaghetti Western — both in Rome.  Hollywood did not beckon.

Ian McKellen, August 2000

1969THE PROMISE
Producer: Otto Plashkes
Director: Michael Hayes
Writer: From the Play by Alexei Arbuzov
Role: Leonidik
Co-starring: Susan MacReady and John Castle.
Shot at Sheppterton Studios, UK

One of the BFI's 75 "most wanted" missing films.

 

1968ALFRED THE GREAT
Director: Clive Donner
Role: Roger the Bandit
Co-starring: David Hemmings and Michael York

Shot in County Galway, Ireland

June 1968A TOUCH OF LOVE/THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH
Producer: Amicus Productions (Max J. Rosenberg/Milton Subotsky)
Director: Waris Hussein
Writer: From Margaret Drabble's novel "The Millstone"
Role: George
Co-starring: Sandy Dennis and Eleanor Bron

McKellen's first gay role on film or stage

 

August
1966
THE BELLS OF HELL GO TING-A-LING-A-LING
Producer: The Mirisch Brothers
Director: David Miller
Role: Soldier
Starring: Gregory Peck

McKellen's first film performance (unfinished, unreleased, and unavailable)
  

1970's

Dates above are shooting dates.

Background images: Soldier, Roger, Leonidik