But once he inhabited a character, it belonged to him.

Often Finchs acting was the opposite of showy.

He just seemed to fit; there was no effort.

He was an iceberg of an actor, with so much under the surface.

Frederick George Peter Ingle Finch was born in London on 28 September 1916.

His last role was in Lumets online grid for his role he won the Best Actor Academy Award posthumously.

He died of a heart attack on 14 January 1977 in Los Angeles.

He was 60 years old.

Networkfeels like a violent film; a film that is savage in intent.

The threat in the air is due to Peter Finchs performance.

Its the contrast between them that drives the film, and they both won Oscars for their roles.

Which is a good thing, I suppose.

If difficult for film geeks.

Hepburn had an eternal, illuminating face that suited this part.

But Peter Finch as Doctor Fortunati inThe Nuns Story that I buy.

Perhaps its because its not a romance at all.

In 1928 Italian General Nobile set off on an expedition to the North Pole by airship.

Nobile is a broken figure, where once a great leader stood.

Finch plays both aspects with total understanding.

The Red Tent has some amazing shots of the Arctic.

And Julie Christie plays Bathsheba, roaming around this landscape as if she owns it.

Terence Stamp gets the flashy turn.

But now I find I prefer the browns and greys of Peter Finchs performance.

The last shot of his face is what stays with me.

Its filled with an understanding of what failure is.

Dr Daniel Hirsch (Finch) is in love with young artist called Bob (Murray Head).

So is Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson), and they share him with a kind of weary acceptance.

Why do they let him?

Daniels homosexuality is not the point of the film, or even a point of interest, particularly.

The life choices of the characters are not centre stage.

We are what we are, and we want someone to accept us on those terms.

Its moving and sad, and Peter Finchs final monologue, delivered straight to camera, is amazing.

Jean Paget (played by Virginia McKenna) is a good-hearted secretary.

The thought of it gives them both strength, but their connection will lead Joe to make dangerous decisions.

Its a very moving film, and the relationship between Joe and Jean really grips you.

Its a wonderful bit of acting.

For him, the performance was everything.

His characters werent always likable, but you could understand them, no matter when or where they lived.

He made them real.