Photo by Erik Pendzich/REX Shutterstock (4422476ar) Jack Davenport 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' film premiere, New York, America - 09 Feb 2015
Jack Davenport is another floppy-haired British cutie who you probably mostly know as the semi-baddie from the first three Pirates of the Carribbean movies. I realized that I’ve always enjoyed him, except I’ve always gotten him confused with James D’Arcy! Now that I’ve untangled the two, let’s enjoy:
The Moth (1997)
A 1913-set Catherine Cookson novel adaptation. Davenport plays Robert Bradley.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
As Peter, who befriends (and maybe more?) lead character Ripley. Telling you anything else would spoil things!
The Wyvern Mystery (2000)
As “Harry” in an adaptation of a Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1869 “sensation” (pre-melodrama, pre-Gothic) novel.
The Bunker (2001)
A horror film set in World War II.
Eroica (2003)
As Prince Lobkowitz in a film about about Beethoven and Napoleon in 1804 Vienna.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
I just discovered that Pirates of the Caribbean is allegedly set in 1728, and I may need a lay down. Ahem. Davenport plays the British naval officer who hopes to marry Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth.
Marple (2004)
He plays “Superintendent Harper” in “The Body in the Library.”
The Libertine (2004)
Davenport has the minor role of “Harris” (I have no idea) in this bleak biopic about John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester (Johnny Depp).
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (2005)
He’s the main foil to the protagonists as Lieutenant Clarke, one of the British officer who tries to both guard and care for the prisoners.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
The first of many Pirates sequels.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
Yet another sequel!
Pirate Radio (2009)
As one of the government officials trying to shut down a pirate radio station broadcasting from a ship off the coast of 1960s England.
Breathless (2013)
Davenport played the lead in this 1961 Britain-set drama about hospital staff who perform illegal abortionists.
Life in Squares (2015)
Davenport played British writer and publisher David Garnett (1892-1981) in this Bloomsbury Group series.
A United Kingdom (2016)
As Alistair Canning, the British government representative in Southern Africa, in this story about the marriage between King Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ruth Williams.
Guernica (2016)
Conveniently (for me, who confuses the two) playing opposite James D’Arcy in this story about the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
The Stolen (2017)
Set in the late 19th century West, this film is “The story of a woman who must find her kidnapped son, navigating a world she doesn’t know, on the edge of danger with every heartbeat” per IMDB; Davenport plays “Joshua McCullen.”
Which is your favorite of Jack Davenport’s historical roles?
‘Coupling.’
Hysterical though not historic.
I was introduced to Coupling in the early 2000s, right around when it wrapped up its run. It’s still one of my absolute favorite shows, and is quoted in my house frequently.
True story—I haven’t seen a Pirates movie since the third one, pretty much just because he’s not in them. XD
You guys missed Why Women Kill. The 80s wasn’t that long ago, but still historical (although far from the best in costuming accuracy).
He’ll always be Miles for me (from 1990s TV show ‘This Life’).
Pirates of the Caribbean was where I first discovered him. A dashing gentleman with a very nice voice. I’ve never considered Norrington a semi-baddie, more like a conflicted antagonist to the pirate main characters. A lot of his best scenes ended up cut (they’re on youtube in case you want to look). There’s a post floating around that says Norrington’s only crime was being a Jane Austen hero in a Disney movie based on a theme park ride.
Ugh, Norrington was why I kept going back to Pirates of the Caribbean. I was just so into him as a young teen and his role in the story is definitely why the second one is my favorite despite its flaws {not to mention that I’m also just really into his scruffy ex-Commodore look}.
I’ve never seen that post about him being an Austen hero in the silly theme park ride based swashbuckler movie but that does describe him perfectly, and also explains some things to me about my tastes in Austen’s men.
I remember seeing “Breathless” on PBS’ Masterpiece. Not impressed! He played a very morally compromised doctor who displayed all the arrogance that was so much a part of high-status doctors in that day. True, he was providing abortions and helping women in that way but he was also a cheating husband.
Yes, Jack Davenport is handsome. I’d categorize him as traditionally handsome. My favorite character of his is from Pirates of the Caribbean. In the most recent MCM and WCW posts I’ve said something like, “Oh this person should play the sibling of …” And I will continue that trend in this post, I think he and James Purefoy (my boyfriend) should play brothers. I must be starved for NEW content–Frock Flicks or otherwise–in desiring all these pairings.
Anyway, I learned of a project he made fairly recently (for British TV maybe?) in which he’s part of a contemporary interracial marriage with an Indian woman. It looked pretty interesting and I’d like to see that–if we can find here in the states. In addition to being good looking, I think he’s a good actor. Good MCM choice!
That sounds like 2018 ‘Next of Kin’ a 6 part TV series made for ITV (British TV Broadcast Company). Where he’s half of an interracial couple. But it’s not a “Frock Flick” as it’s set in our times. ✌🏻
He is SO good in The Talented Mr. Ripley, and his character is such a sweetheart (and, of course, very handsome). And, with no spoilers, he’s definitely a character who deserved better than he got.
BTW, I think Talented Mr. Ripley could be worthy of a full review of its own. It’s an excellent movie with some great costumes.
I know the 80’s are definitely not in your demesme, but I have to tell you how much I enjoyed watching him and Lucy Liu in “Why Women Kill.” Part of the series is set in the 1960’s though.
Norrington was done so dirty. I’m still salty about it.
I know, right!?
He was also the caddish producer ( with bad, shaggy hair) in the ill-fated Smash on NBC which although not frock flick was rather trashy good fun.
I JUST finished rewatching that and that show has not aged well AT ALL in its sexual politics, like YIKES.
Yep. But, he still so dishy…..
My husband and I have been going through the intellectual exercise of recasting “Clue” with modern actors, and I thought of Jack Davenport for the Tim Curry role based on his walking of the line between straight laced and unhinged in “Coupling” and “Pirates.” He is brilliantly hysterical in “Coupling.”
I shall ever adore him for his rant against excessive home décor: “Throw pillows! What are they for? Pets for chairs!?!”
Great! Now we can see naked bottoms in the dark!!
How has no one else talked about The Moth? Despite featuring the typical Catherine Cookson melodrama elements, the sexual tension between Jack Davenport and Juliet Aubrey has them on the verge of blowing their tops for 2 and a half hours. Not the first thing I saw him in, but definitely my favorite, and one of my go-to guilty pleasures.
I’ve rarely read anything funnier than Genevieve Valentine’s review: https://www.genevievevalentine.com/2011/12/the-catherine-cookson-experience-the-moth/
If I had to pick the Quintessential British Male Face, this is the one I’d pick. Thin lips, straight and prominent nose, immaculate coif no matter the decade portrayed…yep, he’s it. He does period costume so well. But yeah, Coupling…laugh my arse off every time and he was SO well suited.