The Best Movies Starring Michael Gough

Michael Gough is not an actor I knew by his real name, but rather an actor I knew by the character name of Alfred. He was the man who played the role of Alfred Pennyworth, butler to Master Bruce Wayne in the before Chris Nolan "Batman" movies. Michael Gough got his first acting credit in 1946, however, I don't watch movies from eras beyond the 80s very often, so I am not familiar with most of his body of work. Being a British actor, he may be more known for his television roles on series such as "Dr. Who," across the pond, and he was also in the 1985 Robert Redford movie "Out Of Africa," but I am sticking with what I know on this list and Alfred is what I know.

5. "The Serpent and The Rainbow" - This horror movie was directed by Wes Craven and explored the uber interesting realms of black magic and voodoo. The movie itself did not stay interesting for the length of the show, but I think it is prime material for a remake. Michael Gough played the role of Schoonbacher.

4. "Sleepy Hollow" - Director Tim Burton gave Michael Gough some work in the 1999 movie "Sleepy Hollow." This movie wasn't as great of some of Burton's other quirky efforts, but it was still a decent enough entry into his portfolio in terms of visual flair. Michael Gough played the role of Notary Hardenbrook.

3. "Corpse Bride" - Elder Gutknecht was the name of the character voiced by Michael Gough in this Tim Burton touched animation movie. I was pleasantly surprised that I liked "Corpse Bride" better than the earlier musical "A Nightmare Before Christmas," done in the same basic style. I am a sucker for odd romances.

2. "Batman Returns" - I was a big fan of the first two "Batman" movies when I was a kid. You name it, cereal, toys, collector cups, I was there to buy the products and watch the movies over and over again. Michael Gough was of course the butler named Alfred. "Batman Returns," was a strong sequel that still stands up as entertaining to me, even if it is nothing like the gritty Chris Nolan series.

1. "Batman" - I loved this movie as a kid and Michael Gough was Alfred the butler/ man slave of Bruce Wayne. Alfred was never the real drawing point for me to the movie, but he did not ruin the show either. He was often the voice of reason for Batman, but at the same time he kind of stuck his nose into areas that may have been unnecessary, such as Batman's love life. You can try and say that Chris Nolan's Batman movies are better, but don't argue that they are any less silly than the Tim Burton ones. I cannot help, but laugh when Batman talks in his "scary" voice in the Nolan films.