The Castle Rock Players
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| Ed Harris in Creepshow |
Ed Harris is a popular leading actor that has a unique style and delivery which has earned him a dedicated fan base. Harris has a gentle approach to his demeanor, but has the talent to make his characters appear in complete control of whatever situation. His famous blue eyes are very expressive, allowing him to capture the moment in a story, and, in the process, the audience. Harris has played in three different Stephen King adaptations: The Stand (1994), Needful Things (1993), and Creepshow (1982), earning him a place in our “Castle Rock Players” category.
In one of the earliest King adaptations, Ed Harris played a role in the segmented film, Creepshow (1982), directed by George A. Romero. Harris plays in the segment “Father’s Day” as part of an ensemble short. “Father’s Day” is a short about a brutal patriarch, portrayed by , who returns to get his cake while shouting, “This is my day.” Harris played the role of Hank Blaine, who attended the party with his girlfriend that is related to the family. Harris’ character tried to discover the family’s hidden secret, but discovered something even darker.
In the star-filled miniseries The Stand (1994), Ed Harris played a pivotal role in the storyline, although his role was uncredited. Harris played General Starkey, the commander of the project that resulted in The Plague being released. His stern and indifferent attitude toward human life made him seem very callous toward the general public and the soldiers under his command. Harris’ masterful performance helped make this adaptation a work of art. “Is that Hungarian goulash?”  |
| Ed Harris as Sheriff Alan Pangborn |
The most memorable King character that Harris has portrayed is, without question, Sheriff Alan Pangborn in Needful Things (1993). Harris was the second actor to portray this character in an adaptation of a King work. Earlier the same year, The Dark Half (1993) was released with Michael Rooker cast in the role of Pangborn, which was a minor character in that film. In Needful Things, Pangborn is one of the central characters, and played brilliantly by Ed Harris. He was able to show the strength, compassion, and even weaknesses of the character as he struggled to save the town of Castle Rock from the destructive force of Leland Gaunt (Max Van Sydow).
