Sean Connery, the iconic actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond, owes a significant part of his Hollywood career to Walt Disney. Connery's journey to stardom began with his role in Disney's 1959 film, Darby O'Gill and the Little People.
Connery was cast in the film after an extensive search by Walt Disney, who was looking for the perfect actor to play Michael McBride. At the time, Connery was under contract to 20th Century Fox and had primarily worked in UK theatre and European films. This role marked his first leading part in a Hollywood movie.
The Charm of Walt Disney
When Connery first visited Hollywood for the filming of Darby O'Gill and the Little People, he was thoroughly charmed by Walt Disney. Disney gave Connery a tour of the studio, and the two quickly hit it off. This initial meeting set the stage for a positive and influential experience for Connery in Hollywood.
The film, directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney Productions, is a fantasy adventure based on the stories by H.T. Kavanagh. It tells the tale of Darby O'Gill, played by Albert Sharpe, who tricks the King of the Leprechauns into granting him three wishes. Connery's performance, although described as 'merely tall, dark, and handsome' by some critics, was a crucial step in his career.
From Darby O'Gill to James Bond
Connery's role in Darby O'Gill and the Little People caught the attention of James Bond producer Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli, who was searching for the perfect actor to play the iconic spy. Broccoli's discovery of Connery in this film led to his casting as James Bond, a role that would catapult him to international stardom.
The film itself was a technical marvel, with meticulous production and special effects that seamlessly integrated the 21-inch tall leprechauns with the human characters. The use of 'forced perspective' allowed the actors to interact convincingly with the miniature sets, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.
In conclusion, Sean Connery's debut in Hollywood, facilitated by Walt Disney's charm and vision, was a pivotal moment in his career. It not only introduced him to the American film industry but also paved the way for his iconic role as James Bond, cementing his place in cinematic history.
