1960's

My first movies were not successful but I enjoyed my introduction to the British film industry. I failed film tests for Vadim's Barbarella and for a spaghetti Western — both in Rome. Hollywood did not beckon.

— Ian McKellen, August 2000

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THE PROMISE (1969) Producer: Otto Plashkes
Director: Michael Hayes
Writer: From the Play by Alexei Arbuzov
Role: Leonidik
Co-starring: Susan MacReady and John Castle.
Shot at Sheppterton Studios, UK

One of the BFI's 75 "most wanted" missing films.

 

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ALFRED THE GREAT (1968)

Director: Clive Donner
Role: Roger the Bandit
Co-starring: David Hemmings and Michael York

Shot in County Galway, Ireland

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A TOUCH OF LOVE aka THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH (June 1968)

Producer: Amicus Productions (Max J. Rosenberg/Milton Subotsky)
Director: Waris Hussein
Writer: From Margaret Drabble's novel "The Millstone"
Role: George
Co-starring: Sandy Dennis and Eleanor Bron

McKellen's first gay role on film or stage

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THE BELLS OF HELL GO TING-A-LING-A-LING (August 1966)

Producer: The Mirisch Brothers
Director: David Miller
Role: Soldier
Starring: Gregory Peck

McKellen's first film performance (unfinished, unreleased, and unavailable)

1970's

Dates above are shooting dates.