Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches

The late Australian actor, Rod Taylor, whose most recent role was in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, was a versatile and popular leading man, equally adept at romantic comedy, adventure and dramatic roles. Taylor’s rugged on-screen and off-screen persona created a brand of Australian masculinity now enjoyed by actors such as Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth. During the 1950s through to 1970s he featured in many “A list” films: The VIP’s, The Birds, The Time Machine, 36 Hours, Sunday in New York, Young Cassidy, The Glass Bottom Boat, Hotel, The Train Robbers and Zabriski Point. He was one of the first leading actors to voice a Disney animated character when he portrayed the hero, Pongo, in 101 Dalmatians and worked with Directors such as the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, George Stevens, Michelangelo Antonioni, John Ford and George Pal. He made a seamless transition from feature films to TV starring in popular TV series such Murder She Wrote, Falcon’s Crest and Walker – Texas Ranger.
Following on from his death in January, 2015, Rod Taylor’s life and career was honoured at both the International AACTA Awards in Los Angeles and at the Academy Awards in Hollywood.
Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches, is the first film to explore the work and legacy of this trailblazing pioneer whose acting career spanned the Golden Age of Hollywood to very recent times. Actors, directors, writers and friends who were close to Rod reflect on his colourful life and career which spanned more than 50 years and Rod guides us through the ups and downs of his career with great frankness as the film weaves through a web of sequences around his most significant work.

Director: Robert de Young

Cast: Rod Taylor