Alexa here to wish a Happy Centennial to Alec Guinness. Born 100 years ago today to a single mother in London, Guinness' theatre career began in his 20s. It wasn't until after he served in the Royal Navy in World War II that his film career began in earnest, and soon he was playing eight roles in one movie (Kind Hearts and Coronets). One of his six famously tempestuous collaborations with David Lean, The Bridge on the River Kwai, got him his Oscar for Best Actor, although he was nominated four other times (even for Best Screenplay) and he received an honorary Oscar in 1980. The geeks know him as Obi-Wan, but for me he will forever be Professor Marcus from The Ladykillers (a little obsession of mine).
Here are some vintage curios to celebrate his career in film
This original UK poster is available for a pretty penny on ebay.
Academy Award winner portrait available here.
German poster for Kind Hearts and Coronets, available here.
"Blessings in Disguise" Alec Guinness wrote his memoirs in 1985
Spanish poster for The Swan, available here.
Original 12-inch Obi-Wan doll in the box! Bid here.
Vintage Obi-Wan tankard mug. Bid here.