I never realized Hopper had such an articulate side to him. He was an acclaimed photographer, painter and sculptor! He had an amazing collection of art and was inspired by none other than Vincent Price! It's amazing still that he was able to overcome alcoholism and drug addiction and carry on as a successful actor, writer and director. RIP, my friend.
the world has lost a tremendous man, actor, and a true talent, yes the rebel of film that will always be remember. This performance right here is why I got interested in literature, thank you Mr. Hopper for all the great memories may you rest in peace. NO one today could or would be compared to such a man as dennis hopper or any other from his generation of great actors IMO take care all
This poem is a literal primer on building reliable inner strength. In "trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too" Kipling simply says self-trust is the result of the due diligence of open critical thinking. "If" you do deep homework, you'll tap the courage to trust yourself when no one else does will. Kipling made a clear list of things to do and be. Can't get to being your own person without the conscious thought and action that reveals reality.
Omg what did I just stumble. Oh man. Am such a fan of his now. I never knew he could do this!!!! Or if even something like this ever existed! Phew! I feel like vasco de gama! The best thing I explored today!
Though we knew it would happen,it's hard to believe he's gone.But he left us with great art as actor,director,photographer,and artist that we can continue to enjoy. and though he dealt with obstacles (some self-created) as we all do,he faded, overcame them,and returned stronger as some of us also do. Whether it be his fantastic portrayal of Frank Booth in Blue Velvet,his photos like Double Standard,or the way he could say "man" better than anyone,he will always be appreciated by bums like me.
Just saw Dennis this morning when he finally received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (It's near the Egyptian theater if you ever want to check it out). Physically he's not looking too good,but you could tell his spirits were high at his being honored after 55+ years on the Hollywood trail. I only discovered this clip yesterday,and I'm loving it immensely. It shows how the real man could really emote a serious poem compared to the one he read on Petticoat Junction as the butt of a joke.
He also made exceedingly good cakes. He had a poetic licence with the original words of Kipling too, but most importantly he had a poetic licence. The poem is the vehicle for the emotions. Drive on Dennis.
Actually, I thought people would already know that yes indeed, a poem, by Rudyard Kipling because he named the author already before he acted it. But Hopper, in a way did not read it like some people do with a poem, but like a great Shakespearean actor, with balanced passion and commitment as if he was doing "American" Hamlet. And a few of these posts pointed out the flavored clarity of his articulation.
i LITERALLY got goosebumps listening to this... great great poem... a lot of it actually sounds to me like something some football coach might say to the team right before a game
if is the middle word in life If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you But make allowance for their doubting too, If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, dont deal in lies, Or being hated, dont give way to hating... Rudyard Kipling
Brilliant. I've never experienced those words like this before. Furthers my belief in the oral interpretation of literature as a means of better understanding it. Love his little alteration on the last line, too! Thanks so much for posting, abargle!
@akrlic Good point. I used to love "Def Poetry Jam" now it's gone. Now all we have is an endless array of personalities who've discovered that they can make a living pandering to an audience whose values lie in their prejudice and distrust of people who are not like them.
@deanhamilton He probably meant to mention Kipling and forgot. Dennis was high as a kite at this period of his life. Considering how wrecked he almost certainly was, I thought it was a valiant performance.
@howardb02 I know! There is an official "Best Of" collection out there, but trust me, they only skimmed the surface. But I bought it for the video quality anyhow. Recommended!
I take it as 'trust yourself' even though life is confusing and difficult. You know if you're doing right. Don't rely on others to correct your actions. You should know better (but make allowances for your ignorance).
Hopper probably didn't mention Kipling by name because he butchered the poem "If"as Kipling wrote it. Nonetheless, the license notwithstanding, it was a powerful performance and a testament to Hopper's talent.
The poem is 'if' by Rudyard Kipling. Hopper paraphrases a but - the true version is cleaner and leaner. But Hoper connects with material beautifully. I grew up with this one on the back of the toilet door, along with John Donne's 'No man is an island'. Words to live by. In an age of easy virtue, virtue signalling, victim olympics and other forms of whining 'if' is the antidote.
@iceburgrecords Kipling was born in Bombay, so does that make him an Indian, Englishman of the The British Empire, or just British-Indian. It gets confusing these days.
Not a bad effort, Denis. A bit too slow and ovelyr inflected for English ears... but I doubt Yanks will notice... this is the, uh, American version I suspect, uh, with its quaint ending - ' you're gonna be a man, my son' - uh?
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
just fantastic! it just proves that Dennis Hopper was a multi-faceted, versatile artist!
I never realized Hopper had such an articulate side to him. He was an acclaimed photographer, painter and sculptor! He had an amazing collection of art and was inspired by none other than Vincent Price! It's amazing still that he was able to overcome alcoholism and drug addiction and carry on as a successful actor, writer and director. RIP, my friend.
The finest poem; orated magnificently; asking the eternal question - what is a man? Magnificent.
Fantastic! Cash and Hopper on the same stage...WOW! They don't make fellas like that anymore.
R.I.P., Mr. Hopper and Mr. Cash. We'll miss ya.
the world has lost a tremendous man, actor, and a true talent, yes the rebel of film that will always be remember. This performance right here is why I got interested in literature, thank you Mr. Hopper for all the great memories may you rest in peace. NO one today could or would be compared to such a man as dennis hopper or any other from his generation of great actors IMO take care all
This was one of the earliest UA-cam videos I remember adding to my favorites. Such a sublime delivery.
Dennis Hooper-the world lost a great icon and spirit. Rip Mr. Hooper. awesome tv right here in my opinion
Nice...Years later Hopper repeated an opening from this poem in "Apocalypse Now"...Totally unforgettable.
Thank you for uploading this, the proof that all great men meet at one point or another, in this world or the next.
INSPIRATIONAL YET TRUTHFUL. THE WORDS OF A HERO AND WORDS I PERSONALLY ABIDE BY ALSO.
Cant stop watching it over and over...
Really good stuf !!
I always liked Dennis Hopper .. now I like him even more.
This poem is a literal primer on building reliable inner strength. In "trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too" Kipling simply says self-trust is the result of the due diligence of open critical thinking. "If" you do deep homework, you'll tap the courage to trust yourself when no one else does will. Kipling made a clear list of things to do and be. Can't get to being your own person without the conscious thought and action that reveals reality.
Looks to be reciting Kipling from memory. Respect and RIP.
Omg what did I just stumble. Oh man. Am such a fan of his now. I never knew he could do this!!!! Or if even something like this ever existed! Phew! I feel like vasco de gama! The best thing I explored today!
Though we knew it would happen,it's hard to believe he's gone.But he left us with great art as actor,director,photographer,and artist that we can continue to enjoy. and though he dealt with obstacles (some self-created) as we all do,he faded, overcame them,and returned stronger as some of us also do. Whether it be his fantastic portrayal of Frank Booth in Blue Velvet,his photos like Double Standard,or the way he could say "man" better than anyone,he will always be appreciated by bums like me.
this has got to be one of the best pieces of verse ever penned by man or woman
Just saw Dennis this morning when he finally received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (It's near the Egyptian theater if you ever want to check it out). Physically he's not looking too good,but you could tell his spirits were high at his being honored after 55+ years on the Hollywood trail. I only discovered this clip yesterday,and I'm loving it immensely. It shows how the real man could really emote a serious poem compared to the one he read on Petticoat Junction as the butt of a joke.
WOW.... great poem, great men... r.i.p.
I wish I'd seen this when I was 16 or 20. This is immortal.
start again at your beginnings
never breath a word about your loss
R.I.P. Dennis hopper (1936-2010). dead, but not forgotten.
daringly beautiful
Mighty.
Awesome, it is so true what he spoke.
Bravo, Dennis! Excellent recitation! You will be missed.
Rest in Peace. There's a new poet in the kingdom today.
Damn Dennis, we loved you. R.I.P.
love Dennis Hopper R.I.P.
We need more of this
He also made exceedingly good cakes. He had a poetic licence with the original words of Kipling too, but most importantly he had a poetic licence. The poem is the vehicle for the emotions. Drive on Dennis.
2 REAL MEN!! Brilliant!
Maavilloso,tan joven aquí
TY TY TY so fkn cool seen hopper read this as an older gentelman on a german tv show but never seen the origanal..... TY
Thank you for this marvelous example of Hamlet.
Not Hamlet. Rudyard Kipling.
Actually, I thought people would already know that yes indeed, a poem, by Rudyard Kipling because he named the author already before he acted it. But Hopper, in a way did not read it like some people do with a poem, but like a great Shakespearean actor, with balanced passion and commitment as if he was doing "American" Hamlet. And a few of these posts pointed out the flavored clarity of his articulation.
Yes, I will be a man. Thanks, Dennis. RIP.
Wise words,i love it.
i LITERALLY got goosebumps listening to this... great great poem... a lot of it actually sounds to me like something some football coach might say to the team right before a game
Incredible.
Rest in Peace Mr Hopper
Thanks many times for sharing ,lovely fine wise poem --((--__--))--
if is the middle word in life
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, dont deal in lies,
Or being hated, dont give way to hating...
Rudyard Kipling
IF I CAN DIE CLEAN AND SOBER ALL MY IFS WILL HAVE COME TRUE
This poem was actually written by Rudyard Kipling (author of The Jungle Book) to his son. But Hopper does it proper justice! RIP!
The way light reverberates in his silver blue eyes makes his look like a prophet. Incredible.
R.I.P., Dennis.
great guys
thanks. RIP.
Brilliant. I've never experienced those words like this before. Furthers my belief in the oral interpretation of literature as a means of better understanding it. Love his little alteration on the last line, too! Thanks so much for posting, abargle!
This is obviously late, but he did mention "an Englishman wrote it" at the beginning. Still, I love this recitation.
Good on you Dennis.
R.I.P. Dennis.
He is a very sexy and talented man with beautiful deep eyes and terrific smile. Love you, Dennis!
That was good show,.
RIP Dennis Hopper
Pabst Blue Ribbon Performance !!!!!!!
RIP Dennis
Je t'aime, Dennis
i remember he recited part of this in apocalypse now
The King Is Dead....Long Live The King!
theElf
@akrlic Good point. I used to love "Def Poetry Jam" now it's gone. Now all we have is an endless array of personalities who've discovered that they can make a living pandering to an audience whose values lie in their prejudice and distrust of people who are not like them.
good looking bloke in his day
This is when TV sometimes edified the nation! BTW, I think you need the Creator and His perfect, sacrificial son to do this!
@deanhamilton This was 1970. The general public was more literate then. Everyone knew he was acting and that he didn't write it.
Wow....he fuckin Did it!
@deanhamilton He probably meant to mention Kipling and forgot. Dennis was high as a kite at this period of his life. Considering how wrecked he almost certainly was, I thought it was a valiant performance.
.......AND YOU TOOK THE LOAD RITE OFF ME!!!!
@howardb02 I know! There is an official "Best Of" collection out there, but trust me, they only skimmed the surface. But I bought it for the video quality anyhow. Recommended!
it's for Dean. This was 15 years after his death. A secret tribute.
I take it as 'trust yourself' even though life is confusing and difficult. You know if you're doing right. Don't rely on others to correct your actions. You should know better (but make allowances for your ignorance).
The hoppa! Such a cool guy. Smoked a doobie w him once.
A pair of rebels with causes. They're both missed.
If you can make one heap of all yah winnings, huuuh?!
missed a line Denny!!"if you can wait and not be tired by waiting"!! never mind rest in peace mate!
That's close enough I suppose. It might been nice to hear it as Kipling wrote it, nothing omitted nothing added :)
@deanhamilton He clearly says "It's an Englishman wrote it"..... he does assume that you know the poem and the poet.
@BigDuke921
R Kipling is the poet.
If only I was related
wow
#word
i thought he said "one turn of pigeon toss," which sounded cool. till i looked it up ...
Hopper probably didn't mention Kipling by name because he butchered the poem "If"as Kipling wrote it.
Nonetheless, the license notwithstanding, it was a powerful performance and a testament to Hopper's talent.
Good stuff. (When was the last time you heard a poem recited on TV??)
ACE
The poem is 'if' by Rudyard Kipling. Hopper paraphrases a but - the true version is cleaner and leaner. But Hoper connects with material beautifully. I grew up with this one on the back of the toilet door, along with John Donne's 'No man is an island'. Words to live by. In an age of easy virtue, virtue signalling, victim olympics and other forms of whining 'if' is the antidote.
@deanhamilton
0:13 "An Englishman wrote it." relax.
строчку пропустил If you can wait and not be tired by waiting
@iceburgrecords Kipling was born in Bombay, so does that make him an Indian, Englishman of the The British Empire, or just British-Indian. It gets confusing these days.
Őtőle jobbnak tűnik,azonban magyarul én raktam fel a KIPLING IF HA-t
oh well
...if
How are you going to NOT give Kipling credit. HE acted like he wrote it. Thats BS
Didnt realize Dennis died... I dont think he was that old...
did johnny call him david at the end??
Where?
Not a bad effort, Denis. A bit too slow and ovelyr inflected for English ears... but I doubt Yanks will notice... this is the, uh, American version I suspect, uh, with its quaint ending - ' you're gonna be a man, my son' - uh?
when men were men
Kipling was an anti-theist not an anti-semite.
It's a beautiful pore, but he left parts out
recites, not reads, clearly