Timothy Daltonis a British actor most famous for playing James Bond in the late 1980s, appearing inThe Living DaylightsandLicence to Kill. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and got his start on the stage, before making his film debut with a supporting part in 1968’sThe Lion in Winter. Larger roles followed, notably inWuthering HeightsandFlash Gordon, before he found international stardom as 007.Dalton was underrated as 007, witha darker and more restrained takeon the character in comparison to the more lighthearted installments that had preceded him.
Sadly, he only made two appearances, so he never got the chance to explore the role to the full. In the decades that followed, Dalton has appeared in many projects, to varying degrees of success. While he never really returned to blockbuster leading man roles, his appearances in smaller projects like historical TV shows have been memorable. He has also lent his talents as a supporting player in several great movies across a host of genres. With this in mind, here are the ten best movies Dalton has appeared in, ranked.
10’Florence Nightingale' (1985)
Directed by Daryl Duke
“I stand for no one and nothing, save the good of humanity.” This TM movie dramatizes the life of “The Lady with the Lamp”,Florence Nightingale(Jaclyn Smith). The film follows her as she defies societal expectations to revolutionize the nursing profession during the Crimean War. Although some of her exploits were exaggerated, Nightingale is generally credited with laying the foundation for professional nursing.
Dalton appears in the film asRichard Milnes, a passionate politician and supporter of Nightingale. A romantic and intellectual figure in Florence’s life, Milnes shares her progressive ideals and encourages her to pursue her ambitions despite the barriers she faces. This subject matter be a little dry and niche for some viewers, butthose with an interest in Nightingale should find something to enjoy.Dalton fans will probably also like seeing the actor in such a different role. Milnes is a far cry from James Bond.
9’The Doctor and the Devils' (1986)
Directed by Freddie Francis
“The doctor is the servant of truth, and the truth is that men must die so that others may live.” Dalton leads this horror as Dr. Thomas Rock, a 19th-century anatomist whose obsessive quest to advance medical knowledge leads him to purchase cadavers from unscrupulous body snatchers. What he doesn’t know is that his supplier are not robbing graves but murdering locals and sending him their bodies.
The Doctor and the Devilsis a strange movie, one with potential but lackluster execution. It’s a gothic horror produced byMel Brooks(already a little odd), with a gritty, grimy aesthetic and a period atmosphere reminiscent of Hammer Studios. Dalton is decent; he’s convincing as a stern and intense man who is intellectually sharp but ethically blinded. There are also solid supporting performances from big names likeJonathan Pryce,Patrick Stewart, andTwiggy. Nevertheless, the film never quite comes together, even if the cinematography is frequently spookily gorgeous.
8’Wuthering Heights' (1970)
Directed by Robert Fuest
“You said I killed you—haunt me, then!” With a newEmerald Fennell-directedversion on the way, now is a good time to check out the earlierWuthering Heightsadaptations. Set on the wild Yorkshire moors,Emily Brontë’s classic story revolves around the doomed love affair between Heathcliff (Dalton) and Catherine Earnshaw (Anna Calder-Marshall), whose relationship is thwarted by class divisions and personal pride.
There have been close to 30 adaptations of the novel and this is one of the better ones.What sets this version apart from many others is its refusal to soften the harsh and often brutal characters of Brontë’s novel, though it still strays from the original, cutting off the story well before the end. Dalton (then just 24 years old) rises to the occasion with a raw and energetic performance, putting his own stamp on the legendary character. DirectorRobert Fuestexplained the character’s direction, saying, “We shall show Heathcliff as a man completely fascinated by Catherine’s passion, sexuality, jealousy and cruelty.”
7’Flash Gordon' (1980)
Directed by Mike Hodges
“Freeze, you bloody bastards!” This campy cult movie follows the titular hero (Sam J. Jones) as he fights to unite the forces of resistance and take down the evil Emperor Ming (Max von Sydow) to save Earth from destruction. Dalton has a major supporting part as Prince Barin, of the planet Arboria. He’s initially skeptical and jealous toward Flash, though they later become allies. Dalton’s portrayal of Barin is serious, heroic, and commanding, balancing the film’s lighthearted tone with his own brand of intensity. He manages to set out ina cast packed to the rafters with color characters.
Overall,Flash Gordonissomething of a mess, with flimsy special effects, some dreadful writing, and a lot of shaky acting. There are wince-inducing one-liners, wacky shootouts, ridiculous outfits, and even a pillow fight. Despite this,the end result is quirky, over-the-top, and very entertaining; way more than the sum of its parts.
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6’Hawks' (1988)
Directed by Robert Ellis Miller
“We’re not dying, we’re living… just a bit faster than everyone else.” This British comedy centers on a pair on Bancroft (Dalton), a terminally ill lawyer who escapes the confines of his hospital alongside Decker(Anthony Edwards), a fellow cancer patient. The two embark on a road trip to experience a final burst of freedom before their illness overtakes them. Dalton’s performance is layered with humor and poignancy, as Bancroft faces his mortality with a mix of sarcasm and defiance.
Indeed,this is one of Dalton’s very best performances, even if not every aspect of the movie is on his level. He dazzles here, alternatively leaving the viewer in snitches and tugging at their heartstrings. It makes for a startling contrast to his work as James Bond around the same time. Though made on a modest budget, the resulting film is both entertaining and emotional. Interestingly, the plot ofHawks was co-conceived byBarry Gibof The Bee Gees, who also contributed the music.
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5’The Living Daylights' (1987)
Directed by John Glen
“He got the boot.” Dalton made his debut as 007 inThe Living Daylights,bringing a grittier, more realistic edgeto the iconic spy. This was especially in contrast to the jokier, slightly fantasticalRoger Mooremovies. This one sees 007 attempting to thwart an arms deal involving a Soviet general’s defection and an international conspiracy. It’s a quintessential Cold War thriller, featuring the agent entangled in a complex web of schemes.
This film set the tone for Dalton’s tenure as Bond, emphasizing physicality and psychological depth over gadgetry and one-liners.His portrayal is often regarded as a return to the character’s rootsinIan Fleming’snovels, presenting Bond as a cold, calculating agent of justice. Consequently, while not all critics lovedThe Living Daylightson release, it has since been rated highly in many retrospective reviews. It delivers top-tier espionage entertainment, from the gripping opening scene to the spectacular aerial sequence.
The Living Daylights
The Living Daylights: British secret agent James Bond is tasked with aiding a Soviet general’s defection to the West, but a complex web of deception soon leads him into a global conspiracy involving arms deals and assassinations. Amidst political intrigue and high-stakes espionage, Bond relies on his skills to unravel the truth.
4’Mary, Queen of Scots' (1971)
Directed by Charles Jarrott
“There is no law against loving your enemies, is there?” Another historical biopic, this film dramatizes the tumultuous life ofMary(Vanessa Redgrave), focusing on her political and romantic struggles as she attempts to claim the English throne. Fearing that Mary may seek the throne,Queen Elizabeth Iof England (Glenda Jackson) concocts various schemes to weaken, trap and undermine her. Daltons playsHenry, Lord Darnley, Mary’s second husband. He’s a spoiled, arrogant nobleman whose political alliances and personal failings contribute to his demise.
Dalton nails the character’s ambition and vanity, as well as the tensions between him and his more dignified wife. Overall,Mary, Queen of Scotsis a decent slice of epic historical filmmaking, with great music, production design, and costumes. The female leads were praised in particular, as were some of the lines in the script. For example, lines like “It is an unnatural thing for a woman to rule” reveal the attitudes of the time, while also sadly expressing many people’s views, even today.
3’Licence to Kill' (1989)
“In my business, you prepare for the unexpected.” Dalton’s second and final turn as James Bond sees the secret agent going rogue. After his friend Felix Leiter (David Hedison) is brutally attacked by a drug lord, Bonds seeks personal vengeance outside the bounds of his official duties. The hero’s recklessness leads his superiors to revoke his license to kill and leave him to fend for himself.Dalton’s portrayal of Bond here is darker and more emotional than ever, showing a man driven by rage rather than duty.
The movie is self is well-plotted and confidently constructed, though not everyone was on board when it came out. The film’s departure from the usual 007 formula may have unsettled some viewers at the time, as they weren’t quite prepared for such a ruthless version of the character. However, since its release,License to Killhas been more appreciated. Many fans have since come to embrace the grit. Although many may overlook Dalton’s tenure as the world’s favorite spy, it’s definitely worth revisiting.
Licence to Kill
James Bond goes rogue to seek revenge against drug lord Franz Sanchez after his friend Felix Leiter is brutally attacked and left for dead. Stripped of his license to kill, Bond infiltrates Sanchez’s organization, navigating a dangerous world of deception and betrayal. As he gains Sanchez’s trust, Bond meticulously dismantles the drug empire from within.
2’Hot Fuzz' (2007)
Directed by Edgar Wright
“I’m a slasher… of prices!” While not necessarily the first movie that springs to mind when one thinks of Dalton,there’s no denying the greatnessofEdgar Wright’sHot Fuzz. This zany action-comedy follows elite London cop Nicolas Angel (Simon Pegg) as he’s resigned to a sleep village where he must investigate a series of murders alongside the bumbling Constable Danny Butterman (Nick Frost). Dalton has a scene-stealing supporting part as Simon Skinner, the charming but sinister manager of the local supermarket.
Wright has a knack for casting veteran British actors in fun roles, and this is yet another example of that.Dalton’s take on Skinner is delightfully mischievous, as he vacillates between being a helpful, cheerful local businessman and a suspicious, menacing figure. He’s oily from the start, and his third-act tilt into full-on villainy is entertaining. His performance was also immortalized in meme form, with the shot of him posing beside his on picture becoming a fan favorite.
1’Toy Story 3' (2010)
Directed by Lee Unkrich
“Look, I’m not a toy. I’m anactor.” When it comes to the best movie projects Dalton has been involved with, it’s hard to topToy Story 3. It made for a masterful conclusion to Pixar’s best saga (and was then followed by a decent but unnecessary fourth installment.) It follows Woody (voiced byTom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the gang as they face the prospect of life in a daycare after their owner, Andy (John Morris), heads off to college. Dalton voices Mr. Pricklepants, one of the new toys they meet at the daycare, and his theatrical personality adds humor to the film.
Pricklepants is a thespian hedgehog in lederhosen(great character design). He helps Woody in his mission and warns of him of the vile Lotso (Ned Beatty). In a fittingly Shakespearean tone, he describes Sunnyside Daycare as “a place of ruin and despair, ruled by an evil bear who smells of strawberries.” It’s only a small part, but Dalton’s voice-acting is enjoyable, and the movie itself is a pure gem.
Toy Story 3
The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it’s up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren’t abandoned and to return home.
