GREGORY PECK always excelled on screen when he played a man of integrity. I preferred him in that guise rather than as a villain, although he frequently had to alternate between both type of men. But in this documentary, A CONVERSATION WITH GREGORY PECK, it's reassuring to know that the real Gregory Peck was indeed a man of integrity, inner strength, patience, humility and a great sense of humor about many aspects of his acting career.
Peck always seems to genuinely appreciate the interest fans have in the Q&A section of the documentary when he gives his lecture tours. Obviously the man has connected with fans who were moved by his many portrayals, especially his Atticus Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, a topic which comes up frequently when fans ask him about his career. He comes across as a very gentle man--and while watching him as an elderly star long past his theatrical prime--one can almost find it difficult to picture him as the villainous Lewt from DUEL IN THE SUN or the sadist of THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL.
His true humility comes across in many of his answers. He talks at length about insisting that AUDREY HEPBURN be given name above the title with him in ROMAN HOLIDAY when he realized what a tremendous impression she made in her first important role. With billing being such a precious thing to stars, it's just one revelation that shows his kindness and integrity in standing up for Audrey when the studio opposed the idea.
Peck's love and pride in his grown sons is evident, as is the frank revelations of the deep depression he felt when his youngest son committed suicide during the Vietnam years. Humorous anecdotes about how he first met his loyal wife, Veronique, in Rome during the shooting of ROMAN HOLIDAY, are also told for the amusement of the responsive audience.
Summing up: Truly a film legend given the royal treatment in a biography all his fans (and non-fans) should definitely find inspirational and a reminder that there's still some dignity in aging gracefully.
