Kirk Douglas’ Career: From ‘The Strange Love of Martha Ivers’ to ‘Illusion’

Kirk Douglas was one of the last surviving stars of the film industry’s Golden Age. Known for his explosive acting style, chiseled jaw, and famous dimpled chin, he became a top box-office draw for decades. He often played intense, tough-guy characters, but his range also included comedies and dramas. After making his film debut in the mid-1940s, he quickly rose to stardom with a series of powerful performances that established him as a major Hollywood actor.

Beyond his acting career, Douglas was a significant force as a producer. He formed his own production company, Bryna Productions, which gave him more creative control over his films. This independence allowed him to produce and star in ambitious projects like ‘Paths of Glory’ and ‘Spartacus’. With ‘Spartacus’, he famously helped end the Hollywood blacklist by publicly giving screen credit to its writer, Dalton Trumbo. His long and varied career spanned more than 60 years, leaving a lasting impact on cinema.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

In his film debut, Douglas plays Walter O’Neil, an insecure alcoholic district attorney. He is married to a wealthy and manipulative woman named Martha Ivers. Walter, Martha, and a childhood friend, Sam, share a dark secret from their past involving the death of Martha’s aunt.

The return of Sam to their hometown threatens to expose the truth they have hidden for years. Douglas’s performance as the weak and tormented Walter was a strong start to his career, showcasing his ability to portray complex and troubled characters.

Mourning Becomes Electra (1947)

This film is an adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play, which is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy ‘Oresteia’. Douglas plays Peter Niles, a character who is in love with Lavinia Mannon, the daughter of a wealthy New England family. The story is filled with murder, betrayal, and psychological torment as the Mannon family falls apart.

The film was a long and somber drama that did not perform well at the box office. However, it was an ambitious project that featured a cast of respected actors. Douglas’s role was that of an outsider caught in the toxic dynamics of the central family.

Out of the Past (1947)

Douglas portrays Whit Sterling, a ruthless and calculating gambler, in this classic film noir. He hires a private detective, Jeff Bailey, to find his girlfriend, who has shot him and stolen his money. When Jeff finds the woman, he falls in love with her, leading to a web of betrayal and deceit.

Although Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer are the main stars, Douglas’s performance as the charming but deadly antagonist is crucial to the film. His character is a powerful and intelligent criminal who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

I Walk Alone (1948)

In this film noir, Douglas plays Noll “Dink” Turner, a slick and successful nightclub owner. He is confronted by his former partner, Frankie, who has just been released from prison after 14 years. Frankie expects to get his half of the nightclub’s profits, but Dink has other plans.

The film reunited Douglas with Burt Lancaster for the first of several collaborations. Their on-screen chemistry, often as adversaries, was a key element of their popular films together. This movie established their dynamic of brains versus brawn.

The Walls of Jericho (1948)

Douglas plays Tucker Wedge, a newspaper owner and political rival to the main character, Dave Connors. The story is set in a small town in Kansas and follows Connors, a lawyer and aspiring politician, as he navigates personal and professional challenges.

Wedge is a supporting character who contributes to the political intrigue of the story. The film is a drama that explores ambition and relationships in a close-knit community.

My Dear Secretary (1948)

In this screwball comedy, Douglas stars as Owen Waterbury, a successful novelist who hires a new secretary. His new assistant is also an aspiring writer who is initially thrilled to work for her literary hero. However, she soon discovers that he is an eccentric and demanding boss.

The two characters clash, but their professional relationship eventually turns into a romance. The film was a change of pace for Douglas, giving him a chance to show his comedic timing in a lighthearted role.

A Letter to Three Wives (1949)

Douglas plays George Phipps, a schoolteacher, in this acclaimed drama. The story revolves around three women who receive a letter from a mutual friend, Addie Ross, who informs them that she has run off with one of their husbands. The film then shows flashbacks of each woman’s marriage, leaving the audience to guess which husband is missing.

Phipps is portrayed as a dedicated but underpaid teacher whose wife wishes he was more ambitious. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its clever writing and strong performances.

Champion (1949)

This film provided Douglas with his breakout role as the boxer Midge Kelly. The story follows Kelly’s rise from poverty to becoming a boxing champion. However, his ambition and selfishness cause him to betray the people who helped him along the way.

Douglas’s intense and physical performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The role established his star persona as a tough, driven, and often morally compromised anti-hero.

Young Man with a Horn (1950)

Douglas plays Rick Martin, a gifted and ambitious trumpet player inspired by the life of jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke. The film follows Martin’s journey as he rises to fame, struggles with alcoholism, and navigates complex relationships with two very different women.

Douglas learned to play the trumpet for the role, though the actual music was dubbed by a professional musician. The film is a classic musical drama that captures the highs and lows of a talented artist’s life.

The Glass Menagerie (1950)

In this adaptation of Tennessee Williams’s play, Douglas portrays Jim O’Connor, the “gentleman caller.” He is invited to dinner by Amanda Wingfield, who hopes he will be a suitor for her shy and withdrawn daughter, Laura.

Jim is a friendly and ordinary young man who briefly brings a glimmer of hope into Laura’s sheltered life. The film is a faithful adaptation of the celebrated play, exploring themes of memory, regret, and illusion.

Along the Great Divide (1951)

Douglas stars as Marshal Len Merrick in this Western. Merrick rescues a cattle rustling suspect from a lynch mob and is determined to bring him to trial. He must lead his prisoner across a dangerous desert, facing both the harsh elements and the men who want the suspect dead.

This was Douglas’s first Western, a genre he would return to many times throughout his career. The film showcased his ability to play rugged and determined lawmen.

Ace in the Hole (1951)

In this cynical drama directed by Billy Wilder, Douglas gives a powerful performance as Chuck Tatum. Tatum is a disgraced, big-city newspaper reporter who is now stuck working for a small Albuquerque newspaper. He stumbles upon a story about a man trapped in a collapsed cave and sees it as his ticket back to the top.

Tatum manipulates the situation to create a media circus, prolonging the rescue effort to maximize his story’s impact. The film is a dark critique of media ethics and human nature, and Douglas’s performance as the amoral reporter is considered one of his finest.

Detective Story (1951)

Douglas plays Detective Jim McLeod, a rigid and uncompromising police officer. The film takes place over a single day in a New York City police precinct and follows the various cases and characters that come through the station. McLeod’s obsessive pursuit of an abortionist leads to a personal crisis.

The film, based on a successful Broadway play, was praised for its ensemble cast and intense drama. Douglas’s performance captured the character’s righteous fury and inner turmoil.

The Big Trees (1952)

In this film, Douglas plays Jim Fallon, an ambitious and unscrupulous logger. In 1900, Fallon sets his sights on a vast forest of giant redwood trees in Northern California. He plans to exploit a legal loophole to seize the land from a colony of religious settlers who view the trees as sacred.

The film is an action-filled adventure with a focus on logging and land rights. Over the course of the story, Fallon has a change of heart and sides with the settlers to protect the redwoods.

The Big Sky (1952)

Douglas stars as Jim Deakins in this Western adventure. He and his friend Boone are two Kentucky frontiersmen who join a trading expedition up the Missouri River into hostile Native American territory. The film follows their perilous journey as they face various dangers.

The movie was praised for its authentic feel and beautiful on-location scenery. It is a story of friendship and adventure in the American West during the 1830s.

The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)

Douglas plays Jonathan Shields, a ruthless and brilliant Hollywood producer. The story is told in a series of flashbacks from the perspectives of a director, an actress, and a writer, all of whom Shields used and discarded on his way to the top.

The film is a classic melodrama that offers a cynical look at the ambition and betrayal behind the glamour of Hollywood. Douglas’s performance as the charismatic but manipulative producer earned him his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

The Story of Three Loves (1953)

This film is an anthology of three separate romantic stories. Douglas stars in the first segment, titled “Equilibrium,” as a trapeze artist named Pierre Narval. He saves a young woman from a suicide attempt and recruits her to be his new partner in a dangerous trapeze act.

The segment tells the story of their growing relationship as they prepare for their performance. The film is a collection of romantic tales, each with a different tone and style.

The Juggler (1953)

Douglas plays Hans Muller, a German-Jewish refugee and former professional juggler who has survived the Holocaust. He arrives in Israel suffering from severe psychological trauma and paranoia. After an encounter with a police officer, he flees and is pursued across the country.

The film was one of the first Hollywood productions to be shot on location in Israel. It is a powerful drama about a man trying to come to terms with his past and find a new life.

Act of Love (1953)

In this romantic drama set in post-World War II Paris, Douglas plays Robert Teller, an American soldier. He falls in love with a young French woman who is struggling to survive in the difficult post-war environment.

Their relationship faces numerous obstacles, including military regulations and the harsh realities of life in a city recovering from occupation. The film is a poignant story about love and loss in a time of great uncertainty.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

Douglas stars as the cheerful and heroic sailor Ned Land in this classic Disney adventure film. Based on the novel by Jules Verne, the story follows Ned as he becomes a captive aboard the Nautilus, a futuristic submarine commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo.

The film was a major box office success, praised for its stunning special effects, including a memorable battle with a giant squid. Douglas’s energetic performance provided a lighthearted contrast to the brooding Captain Nemo.

The Racers (1955)

Douglas plays Gino Borgesa, a daring and ambitious Italian race car driver. The film follows his career as he rises from obscurity to become a champion in the world of Grand Prix racing. However, his relentless drive for success comes at a great personal cost.

The movie features thrilling racing sequences filmed at actual European race tracks. It is a story about the dangers and sacrifices required to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

Ulysses (1955)

In this Italian epic film, Douglas takes on the title role of the legendary Greek hero Odysseus. The movie is an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey’, recounting the hero’s long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War.

The film condenses the epic story, focusing on key episodes such as Odysseus’s encounters with the Cyclops, Circe, and the Sirens. It was a large-scale international production that brought the classic myth to a wide audience.

Man Without a Star (1955)

Douglas plays Dempsey Rae, a tough and independent cowboy who wanders the West. He takes a job at a large ranch and finds himself caught in a violent range war between the ranch’s ambitious female owner and smaller local ranchers.

The film is a classic Western known for its action sequences and Douglas’s charismatic performance. One famous scene involves him teaching a young ranch hand how to handle a gun.

The Indian Fighter (1955)

In this Western, Douglas portrays Johnny Hawks, a scout for the U.S. Army who has a reputation for being a friend to the Native Americans. He is tasked with guiding a wagon train through Sioux territory, but tensions rise when gold is discovered on their land.

This was the first film produced by Douglas’s own company, Bryna Productions. It allowed him greater creative control and was a commercial success, noted for its sympathetic portrayal of Native American characters.

Lust for Life (1956)

Douglas delivers a powerful and acclaimed performance as the brilliant but tortured artist Vincent van Gogh. The film is a biography of the famous Dutch painter, following his passionate and tumultuous life, his struggles with mental illness, and his relentless dedication to his art.

To prepare for the role, Douglas studied van Gogh’s paintings and practiced painting himself. His intense portrayal earned him his third and final Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Many critics consider it one of the greatest performances of his career.

Top Secret Affair (1957)

In this romantic comedy, Douglas plays Major General Melville A. Goodwin, a military man nominated for a high-level government position. He becomes the target of a powerful magazine publisher who opposes his appointment and plans to ruin his reputation.

The publisher assigns a journalist to dig up dirt on Goodwin, but her efforts lead to unexpected romantic complications. The film is a lighthearted battle-of-the-sexes comedy.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Douglas co-stars as the legendary gambler and gunslinger Doc Holliday, alongside Burt Lancaster as Wyatt Earp. The film tells a dramatized version of the events leading up to the famous 1881 shootout in Tombstone, Arizona.

The movie focuses on the friendship between the stoic lawman Earp and the volatile, tuberculosis-ridden Holliday. Douglas’s portrayal of the complex and doomed gunslinger was highly praised.

Paths of Glory (1957)

In this powerful anti-war film directed by Stanley Kubrick, Douglas plays Colonel Dax, a commanding officer in the French army during World War I. After a suicidal attack on a German position fails, the army’s high command decides to court-martial three innocent soldiers for cowardice to set an example.

As a lawyer in civilian life, Colonel Dax defends the men at their sham trial, railing against the cynicism and inhumanity of the military leadership. Douglas’s production company championed the film, which is now considered a landmark of cinema.

The Vikings (1958)

Douglas stars as Einar, the fierce and arrogant son of a Viking chieftain, in this epic historical adventure. The film, known for its spectacular action sequences and beautiful cinematography, tells a story of rivalry between two half-brothers who are unaware of their connection.

The movie was a massive international hit. Douglas’s intense and physical performance as the one-eyed Viking warrior was a memorable highlight of the popular film.

Last Train from Gun Hill (1959)

In this tense Western, Douglas plays Marshal Matt Morgan. He travels to the town of Gun Hill to seek justice for the murder of his wife. He discovers that the killer is the son of his old friend, a powerful cattle baron who owns the town.

Morgan must stand alone against the cattle baron and his men as he tries to arrest the young man and get him on the last train out of town. The film is a gripping story of revenge and morality.

The Devil’s Disciple (1959)

Based on a play by George Bernard Shaw, this film is set during the American Revolutionary War. Douglas plays Dick Dudgeon, a rebellious and cynical man who is mistaken for the local minister and arrested by the British.

The film is a historical satire that also stars Burt Lancaster and Laurence Olivier. Dudgeon’s decision to play along with the case of mistaken identity forms the core of the plot.

Operation Petticoat (1959)

Douglas makes an uncredited cameo appearance as a welder in this popular war comedy. The film stars Cary Grant as the commander of a damaged submarine during the early days of World War II.

His brief, unbilled role is a small moment in a film that became a major box office success. The story follows the comical misadventures of the submarine’s crew as they try to keep their vessel afloat.

Strangers When We Meet (1960)

Douglas plays Larry Coe, a successful architect who is married and has a family. He begins an affair with a lonely, married neighbor, leading to complications for both of their families.

The film is a romantic melodrama that explores themes of infidelity and suburban discontent. It was notable for its lavish and modern architectural designs, which were central to the story’s visual style.

Spartacus (1960)

Douglas plays the title role in this epic historical film about a real-life slave rebellion against the Roman Republic. As both the star and executive producer, Douglas was the driving force behind the film’s creation. He hired blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo, a decision that helped to break the Hollywood blacklist.

The film was a massive undertaking, featuring a star-studded cast and thousands of extras. ‘Spartacus’ was a critical and commercial triumph, winning four Academy Awards and becoming one of Douglas’s most iconic roles.

Town Without Pity (1961)

In this courtroom drama, Douglas plays Major Steve Garrett, a U.S. Army lawyer. He is assigned to defend four American soldiers who are accused of assaulting a young German girl.

Garrett’s aggressive defense strategy in the military court has devastating consequences for the victim. The film is a dark and controversial look at the complexities of justice and morality.

The Last Sunset (1961)

Douglas portrays Brendan “Bren” O’Malley, a charming outlaw on the run. He takes refuge at the ranch of a woman he once loved and joins her and her new husband on a cattle drive to Texas. He is pursued by a lawman who is determined to bring him to justice.

The film is a Western with psychological and romantic elements. It explores the complex relationships between the characters as they make the long journey together.

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

Douglas plays Jack Burns, a fiercely independent modern-day cowboy who refuses to conform to the 20th century. When his friend is jailed, Burns gets himself arrested to help him escape. After breaking out, he finds himself on the run from the law in the mountains of New Mexico.

This was Douglas’s favorite film of his own. It is a poignant story about a man out of time, a symbol of the Old West clashing with the modern world.

Two Weeks in Another Town (1962)

In this drama, Douglas plays Jack Andrus, a washed-up Hollywood actor trying to make a comeback. He takes a small role in a film being shot in Rome, but his personal demons and the volatile personalities on set threaten his recovery.

The film is a melodrama that offers a look at the pressures and excesses of filmmaking. It reunited Douglas with the director and several cast members of ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’.

The Hook (1963)

Douglas stars as Sergeant P.J. Briscoe in this tense psychological drama set during the Korean War. He and two other American soldiers are ordered to execute a captured North Korean pilot.

The film explores the moral crisis the soldiers face as they grapple with their orders. Briscoe is a hardened soldier who insists on following commands, creating a conflict with the other men.

The List of Adrian Messenger (1963)

In this mystery film, Douglas appears in multiple cameo roles, hidden under heavy makeup. The story follows a retired intelligence officer who investigates a series of “accidental” deaths and uncovers a murder plot.

Douglas, along with other famous guest stars, is part of a gimmick where the audience is challenged to spot the disguised celebrities throughout the film. Their identities are revealed at the end.

For Love or Money (1963)

In this comedy, Douglas plays Donald “Deke” Gentry, a lawyer who is hired by a wealthy widow to play matchmaker for her three daughters. The mother’s will states that each daughter will inherit a fortune if she marries the man her mother has chosen.

Gentry’s job is to set up the daughters with their designated suitors, but he finds himself falling for one of them. The film is a lighthearted romantic romp.

Seven Days in May (1964)

Douglas plays Colonel Jiggs Casey in this political thriller. He works for a charismatic and powerful general who he comes to suspect is plotting a military coup against the President of the United States. Casey must decide where his loyalties lie.

The film, co-starring Burt Lancaster as the general, is a tense and intelligent thriller about a constitutional crisis. It was praised for its suspenseful plot and strong performances.

In Harm’s Way (1965)

In this epic war film about the attack on Pearl Harbor, Douglas plays Commander Paul Eddington. He is a troubled and reckless naval officer whose personal tragedy fuels his aggressive actions against the enemy.

The film features a large ensemble cast, including John Wayne. It depicts the personal and professional lives of a group of officers in the aftermath of the Japanese attack.

The Heroes of Telemark (1965)

Douglas stars as Dr. Rolf Pedersen, a Norwegian physicist, in this war film based on a true story. During World War II, Pedersen joins the Norwegian resistance to sabotage a German factory that is producing heavy water for an atomic bomb.

The film follows the team of commandos as they carry out their dangerous mission in the snowy mountains of Norway. It is an action-packed story of wartime heroism.

Cast a Giant Shadow (1966)

Douglas portrays Colonel Mickey Marcus, a real-life American Army officer who helped to build the Israeli army during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The film follows Marcus as he leaves his life in New York to assist the newly formed state of Israel.

The movie is a biographical war film that features an all-star cast in supporting roles. It tells the story of a pivotal moment in modern history through the eyes of one man.

Is Paris Burning? (1966)

Douglas makes a notable appearance as General George S. Patton in this epic war film. The movie depicts the liberation of Paris in August 1944 and the story of how the city was saved from a plan to destroy it.

The film features a large international cast and tells the story from multiple perspectives, including the French Resistance, the Allied forces, and the German command. Douglas’s cameo as the famously blunt Patton is a memorable moment.

The Way West (1967)

Douglas plays Senator William J. Tadlock, the determined and often ruthless leader of a wagon train traveling from Missouri to Oregon in the 1840s. His single-minded ambition to found a new community in the West puts him in conflict with the other settlers.

The film co-stars Robert Mitchum and Richard Widmark as two other key members of the expedition. It is a large-scale Western that depicts the hardships and drama of the Oregon Trail.

The War Wagon (1967)

In this Western, Douglas teams up with John Wayne. Douglas plays Lomax, a charismatic safecracker who is hired by a rancher to help him rob an armored stagecoach. The stagecoach, known as the “war wagon,” is used to transport gold.

The film is a lighthearted action-comedy that focuses on the planning and execution of the heist. The chemistry between Douglas and Wayne made the movie a box office hit.

A Lovely Way to Die (1968)

Douglas plays Jim Schuyler, a tough police detective who resigns from the force. He is then hired as a bodyguard for a beautiful woman who is on trial for the murder of her wealthy husband.

As he investigates the case, Schuyler begins to believe in her innocence and falls in love with her. The film is a crime-drama with elements of mystery and romance.

The Brotherhood (1968)

In this crime drama, Douglas plays Frank Ginetta, a respected member of a New York Mafia family. His younger brother returns from Vietnam and is eager to get involved in the family’s business, but he embraces modern, ruthless methods that clash with his brother’s traditional values.

The film explores the conflict between old and new ways within the Mafia. It was one of the earliest films to deal with this subject, preceding ‘The Godfather’ by several years.

The Arrangement (1969)

Douglas stars as Eddie Anderson, a successful advertising executive who seems to have a perfect life. However, he is deeply unhappy and, after a suicide attempt, he begins to reject his materialistic lifestyle and re-examine his past.

The film, based on a novel by director Elia Kazan, is a deeply personal and psychological drama. It explores themes of alienation, identity, and the American dream.

There Was a Crooked Man… (1970)

In this Western comedy, Douglas plays Paris Pitman Jr., a charming and intelligent outlaw. After being captured, he is sent to a remote prison in the Arizona desert. He plans to escape and retrieve the money he has hidden from a previous robbery.

The film co-stars Henry Fonda as the new warden who tries to reform the prison. It is a cynical and humorous look at the battle of wits between the two men.

Catch Me a Spy (1971)

Douglas plays Andrej, a character in this spy comedy. The story follows a young woman whose new husband is arrested by the Russians and accused of being a spy. She gets involved in the world of espionage as she tries to clear his name.

The film is a lighthearted take on the spy genre, mixing suspense with romantic comedy.

The Light at the Edge of the World (1971)

Based on a novel by Jules Verne, this adventure film stars Douglas as Will Denton, a lighthouse keeper. He and his colleagues are attacked by a band of pirates who plan to use the lighthouse to lure ships to their doom.

Denton is the sole survivor and must wage a one-man war against the pirates to stop them. The film is a dark and violent story of survival and revenge.

A Gunfight (1971)

Douglas stars opposite Johnny Cash in this unusual Western. They play two famous, aging gunslingers who ride into the same town. Realizing that a showdown is inevitable, they decide to sell tickets to the event to make money for the winner’s family.

The film is a revisionist Western that explores the mythology of the gunslinger. It examines the pressures of fame and the commercialization of violence.

The Master Touch (1972)

In this Italian crime film, Douglas plays Steve Wallace, an expert safecracker who has just been released from prison. He tries to go straight, but he is soon drawn back into a life of crime for one last big heist.

The film is a standard European crime thriller from the era. It showcases Douglas in a familiar tough-guy role.

The Special London Bridge Special (1972)

In this television special, Douglas makes a cameo appearance as his character from ‘The Indian Fighter’. The show was a musical variety special centered around the moving of the London Bridge to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

It featured a large cast of celebrities in various sketches and musical numbers. Douglas’s appearance was a brief, comedic moment.

Scalawag (1973)

Douglas directed and starred in this film, a Western adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Treasure Island’. He plays Peg, a one-legged pirate who leads a band of outlaws in search of hidden treasure.

The film was a family-oriented adventure that received mostly negative reviews. It was one of Douglas’s few directorial efforts.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1973)

In this made-for-television musical version of the classic story, Douglas plays the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his evil alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. The film retells the famous tale of a scientist who unleashes his dark side through a chemical formula.

This production was praised for its score and for Douglas’s performance. He was able to showcase both his dramatic and singing talents in the challenging dual role.

Mousey (1974)

Douglas plays George Anderson, a mild-mannered biology teacher, in this television thriller. After his wife leaves him for another man and takes his son, the seemingly timid George reveals a cunning and vengeful side.

He begins to psychologically torment his ex-wife and her new lover from a distance. The film is a story of calculated revenge.

Posse (1975)

Douglas directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in this revisionist Western. He plays Marshal Howard Nightingale, a cynical lawman with political ambitions. He is hunting a notorious train robber, and he uses the chase to build his public image for a U.S. Senate campaign.

The film is a critique of politics and celebrity, showing how Nightingale manipulates the media to his advantage. It is a thoughtful and complex take on the Western genre.

Once Is Not Enough (1975)

Based on the popular novel by Jacqueline Susann, this drama features Douglas as Mike Wayne. He is a powerful but aging film producer who is fiercely protective of his daughter.

The film is a melodrama filled with romance, scandal, and tragedy. It explores the decadent lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Victory at Entebbe (1976)

In this television film based on a true story, Douglas plays Hershel Vilnofsky. The movie recounts the 1976 counter-terrorist hostage-rescue mission that took place in Entebbe, Uganda.

The film was rushed into production to be the first to dramatize the event. It features an all-star cast portraying the hostages, hijackers, and political leaders involved in the crisis.

Holocaust 2000 (1977)

In this horror film, Douglas plays Robert Caine, an industrialist who plans to build a nuclear power plant in the Middle East. He discovers that his son is the Antichrist and that the power plant is part of a prophecy to bring about the end of the world.

The film, also known as ‘The Chosen’, is a thriller that combines corporate intrigue with supernatural horror.

The Fury (1978)

Directed by Brian De Palma, this supernatural thriller features Douglas as Peter Sandza. He is a former government agent whose son is kidnapped by a secret agency that wants to exploit his powerful psychic abilities.

Sandza goes on the run and teams up with a young woman who has similar powers to rescue his son. The film is known for its suspenseful action and a memorable, explosive finale.

The Villain (1979)

Douglas plays the cartoonish outlaw Cactus Jack in this Western parody. The film is a live-action homage to the ‘Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner’ cartoons. Cactus Jack repeatedly tries to rob a beautiful woman and a heroic cowboy, but his elaborate schemes always backfire.

The movie is a slapstick comedy that features over-the-top gags and stunts. It was a comedic turn for Douglas, playing a comically inept bad guy.

Saturn 3 (1980)

In this science fiction film, Douglas plays Adam. He and his partner are two scientists living in a remote research station on one of Saturn’s moons. Their idyllic isolation is disrupted by the arrival of a menacing scientist and his powerful eight-foot-tall robot.

The film is a tense thriller that explores themes of technology and paranoia. The robot, named Hector, becomes the main antagonist as its programming becomes unstable.

Home Movies (1980)

Douglas makes a cameo appearance as Dr. Tuttle, a flamboyant film school instructor known as “The Maestro.” The film is a comedy directed by Brian De Palma about a young man who is constantly being filmed by his family.

Dr. Tuttle encourages the main character to start directing his own life instead of just being an actor in it. Douglas’s performance is a comedic highlight of the film.

The Final Countdown (1980)

Douglas stars as Captain Matthew Yelland, the commanding officer of the modern aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. During a routine patrol, the ship is caught in a strange storm and is transported back in time to December 6, 1941, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Captain Yelland and his crew must decide whether to intervene and change history or to let the tragic event unfold as it originally did. The film is a unique blend of science fiction and military action.

The Man from Snowy River (1982)

In this Australian Western, Douglas plays a dual role. He portrays two estranged brothers: the wealthy and powerful rancher Harrison, and the reclusive, peg-legged prospector Spur.

The film tells the story of a young man who goes to work for Harrison to prove his worth. Douglas’s two characters are central to the plot, representing different aspects of the Australian frontier spirit.

Remembrance of Love (1982)

In this television film, Douglas plays Joe Rabin, a Holocaust survivor. He travels to Israel to attend a gathering of survivors from his hometown, hoping to find news of the woman he loved and was separated from during the war.

The film is a moving drama about memory and the lasting impact of the Holocaust. It tells a story of enduring love and the search for lost connections.

Eddie Macon’s Run (1983)

Douglas plays Marzack, a determined corrections officer, in this chase thriller. He is relentlessly pursuing an escaped convict named Eddie Macon, who is trying to make his way to Mexico to reunite with his family.

The film is a cat-and-mouse game between the two men. Marzack is an old-school lawman who is obsessed with catching his man.

Draw! (1984)

In this comedy Western made for television, Douglas co-stars with James Coburn. Douglas plays Harry H. Holland, a famous but aging outlaw who is challenged to a gunfight by a former sheriff.

The film is a lighthearted take on Western tropes. The two main characters find that their showdown is complicated by various comical interruptions and the changing nature of the Old West.

Amos (1985)

Douglas plays the title role in this television film. Amos Lasher is an elderly man who, after an accident, is sent to a nursing home. There, he discovers that the head nurse is abusing the residents.

Despite his physical limitations, Amos stands up to the cruel nurse and tries to expose the terrible conditions at the home. The role earned Douglas an Emmy nomination.

Tough Guys (1986)

This action-comedy reunited Douglas with his frequent co-star Burt Lancaster for their final film together. They play two famous train robbers who are released from prison after serving a 30-year sentence. They find that the world has changed dramatically and struggle to adapt.

Feeling obsolete, they decide to pull off one last train robbery. The film is a nostalgic and humorous tribute to the two actors’ long careers and on-screen partnership.

Inherit the Wind (1988)

In this television adaptation of the famous play, Douglas plays Matthew Harrison Brady, a character based on the real-life politician William Jennings Bryan. The story is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, which debated the teaching of evolution in schools.

Brady is the famous orator and religious leader who acts as the prosecutor in the case against a young schoolteacher. The film explores themes of faith, science, and freedom of thought.

Oscar (1991)

Douglas makes a brief appearance as Eduardo Provolone, the dying father of a 1930s gangster. On his deathbed, he makes his son promise to give up his life of crime and become an honest businessman.

His son’s attempts to keep this promise lead to a series of comical misunderstandings and complications. The film is a farce with a large ensemble cast.

Welcome to Veraz (1991)

Douglas plays Quentin, a man who has retreated from civilization to live in the Pyrenees mountains. He is sought out by a young man who is disillusioned with modern life and wants to learn from Quentin’s example.

The film explores themes of nature, freedom, and the search for meaning outside of society.

The Secret (1992)

In this television film, Douglas plays Grandpa Mike Dunmore. He is a man who discovers that he is dyslexic at the same time as his young grandson.

The two characters bond over their shared challenge and help each other to overcome it. The film is a heartwarming family drama about understanding and support.

Greedy (1994)

Douglas plays Uncle Joe McTeague, a rich and aging scrap metal tycoon. His greedy relatives gather around him, all hoping to become the sole heir to his vast fortune.

A distant nephew, who is the only one not interested in the money, is brought in to try to charm the old man. The film is a dark comedy about family and inheritance.

Diamonds (1999)

Douglas plays Harry Agensky, an elderly man and former boxing champion who is recovering from a stroke. He convinces his son and grandson to go on a road trip with him to find a cache of diamonds he was given by a gangster many years ago.

The film is a comedy-drama about three generations of a family reconnecting. It was one of Douglas’s final leading roles in a feature film.

It Runs in the Family (2003)

This film was a true family affair, starring Kirk Douglas, his son Michael Douglas, and his grandson Cameron Douglas. Kirk plays Mitchell Gromberg, the patriarch of a dysfunctional New York family.

The film explores the relationships between the three generations of Gromberg men as they navigate various personal and professional challenges. It was the only film to feature all three actors together.

Illusion (2004)

In one of his last film roles, Douglas plays Donald Baines, a once-famous film director who is now dying. He is visited by a mysterious spirit who shows him scenes from the life of his estranged son, whom he has not seen in years.

Baines watches the story of his son’s life, love, and heartbreak, as if it were one of his own movies. The film is a touching story about regret, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Share which Kirk Douglas performance you find the most powerful in the comments.