A Conversation with Derren Nesbitt. 'Major von Hapen' in 'Where Eagles Dare'

A Conversation with Derren Nesbitt - "Major von Hapen" at the Pictureville cinema in Bradford, 20. March 2009. Mr. Nesbitt talks about the filming of "Where Eagles Dare", Clint Eastwood, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Brian G Hutton.

[stephanM]

Derren Nesbitt was probably the most convincing Gestapo Major in all movie cinema. Fantastic actor. I will never forget his amazing performance in this movie.

[davidtatro]

I had no idea that Mr. Nesbitt was such a charming and funny man in person. I had only ever known him by that one superb performance he gave in this film. And now l will love the film even more after hearing all of his stories. Thank you for this.

[captainbimble]

when you picture an SS officer in your mind`s eye, you automatically think of Derren as Von Hapen!
His portrayal was so good.
My all time favourite war film and Derren was such a great character in it.
Funny guy too.

[MrFrankParsons]

Don't know much about the acting lark but think Mr Nesbitt's Nazi is still one of the scariest, creepiest characters I've ever seen on a screen. And what a superb raconteur. Many thanks for posting.

[raleighsanford]

This is the 2nd interview with Derren Nesbitt and he seems to be one of those guys who wants to be historically accurate, but not a big enough to be listened to, so he goes along. He gives a lot of behind the scenes stories, which makes Where Eagles Dare even more interesting to watch. I am going to have to watch it again now. He is very complimentary of all actors, but not so much of directors. Another thing that I picked up from the interviews, is that he is polar opposite of the character he plays, which again, makes me want to re-watch the movie, just to better appreciate his acting in the film.

[SuperFerdie]

He made The Naked Runner with Sinatra himself. A few years later, he was asked intrusive questions about Frank and declined to respond. Sinatra got to hear about this and sent him and his wife on a luxurious holiday, with lavish amounts of spending money thrown in. Good men both.

[bodieofci]

Was lucky enough to meet Derren a few years ago. Great storyteller and nice guy.

[vordman]

Where Eagles Dare is a brilliant entertainment experience. Stars back then had a charisma modern "stars" just don't have. And Derren was super creepy in it.

[dheasuin]

What an absolute gent. Some great anecdotes, thanks for sharing!

[stevemartin]

How has this man not worked more over the years after this movie, he was superb in the 60’s The Prisoner as a #2

[alexdavies]

According to my parents, Derren Nesbitt was a very friendly man who always said hello whenever my mum or dad saw him. He had a maisonette in the same area where my parents were living at the time. That was about 1973.

[Damar]

Awesome ancedotes, the guy is a real storyteller

[Rumpole]

This interview was a pleasure to watch. Thanks for posting.

[Rob-hxon]

Without doubt, my favourite movie, really enjoyed watching this, he played a great Gestapo officer.
Thanks for posting it.

[Mikeyp]

Everyone remains as he is lol...what a lovely guy and brilliant video thanks for posting

[rickshabin]

I'm 61 and my earliest memories of tv and movies are of Derren Nesbitt.I always enjoyed his performances and can still remember the looks on his face on the old black and white tv when he did something evil, (on many occasions.) Good luck to him.

[ohsheelamakeme]

My dad once had a pint with Derren, he speaks of it often.

[timmccaffrey]

An interviewers dream!..What a great storyteller reminds me of the days of David Niven and all those great fella's...the most enjoyable interview I've seen in a long time!

[elituko]

Sit down Colonel! What an amazing character, played by an amazing actor. But here we are talking about such things as from a Jewish British actor, bravo.

[HowardHalifax]

I wanted him to tell me about Dusseldorf.