Holding out for a hero
HOW to go about the daunting task of choosing the 50 greatest film heroes and heroines of all time? First, there must be some ground rules—we’re not talking superheroes and animation is out. It’s important to bear in mind that the focus is on the character, not the actor, nor the film, so commercial success and Academy Awards are irrelevant. Next comes the question of what it is that makes a hero truly heroic —not as easy to define as one may think, but, surely, it should be something along the lines of decency, sheer nerve and a determination to make the world a better place, no matter the personal cost.
Then, we get to the real challenge: arranging our noble heroes in order of brilliance. It is near impossible to decide why one character should be higher on the list than another and, should the following attempt at doing so prompt discussion in your household, be warned that fiery debates are imminent. However, before you lob the turkey at your grandson’s head for suggesting Capt Jack Sparrow, remember that it’s all a bit of fun and everyone is entitled to their own opinion—even if it’s wrong.
50 Sherlock Holmes (played by Basil Rathbone)
The ‘Sherlock Holmes’ films (1939–46)
The slick-haired, pipe-smoking Sherlock kindly lends his genius
