2 thoughts on “Richard Burton reads the haunting poem ‘The hound of Heaven’ by Francis Thompson”
Would it be sacrilegious to suggest that the great Burton is giving us here a rather over-actorly, rendition of Thompson’s masterpiece? As a schoolboy in 50’s/60’s England I was introduced to this poem. Even at that age I already felt that most poetry, written in silence is to be read and pondered in silence. Of course some will disagree.
Agreed, Fiddler. Burton was a talented actor but often over-the-top. As most great musicians will tell you “sometimes it’s the notes that you DON’T play.”
Would it be sacrilegious to suggest that the great Burton is giving us here a rather over-actorly, rendition of Thompson’s masterpiece? As a schoolboy in 50’s/60’s England I was introduced to this poem. Even at that age I already felt that most poetry, written in silence is to be read and pondered in silence. Of course some will disagree.
Agreed, Fiddler. Burton was a talented actor but often over-the-top. As most great musicians will tell you “sometimes it’s the notes that you DON’T play.”