One of his most notable performances was as Ramses II in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic film The Ten Commandments (1956). As the proud and defiant Egyptian pharaoh, Brynner stood toe-to-toe with Charlton Heston’s Moses. His portrayal emphasized strength, pride, and tragic rigidity, making Ramses not merely a villain but a complex rival.
Brynner continued to explore diverse genres, appearing in Westerns, war films, and science fiction. In The Magnificent Seven (1960), he played Chris Adams, a cool, stoic gunslinger who leads a group of mercenaries to defend a village. The role showcased his ability to convey authority with minimal dialogue and restrained emotion. The film became a classic, and Brynner reprised the role in Return of the Seven (1966), sometimes referred to as The Brave Seven.
Other notable films included Westworld (1973), in which Brynner portrayed a relentless android gunslinger. The role demonstrated his adaptability and his ability to remain relevant in an era of changing cinematic tastes. His performance in Westworld influenced later portrayals of emotionless or mechanical antagonists in science fiction.
Stage Work Beyond The King and I
Although Brynner became a film star, he never abandoned the stage. Theater remained his artistic home, and he continued to perform in a variety of productions throughout his life. He appeared in plays such as The Sound of Music (as Captain von Trapp in a London production) and Shakespearean works, demonstrating his classical training and range.
His commitment to live performance reflected his belief that theater demanded honesty and discipline. Brynner often stated that the immediacy of the stage forced actors to confront their craft directly, without the safety net of editing or retakes.
