Teaching students about Peter Graves is an excellent opportunity to delve into the life and career of one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood history. Best known for his roles in classic television series such as “Mission: Impossible” and groundbreaking films like “Airplane!”, Graves left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry during his 60-year career. In this article, we’ll explore how to introduce your students to the legendary Peter Graves, what aspects of his life to focus on, and how you can create engaging assignments that will help ignite their passion for the golden age of cinema.
Lesson 1: Early Life and Career
The best place to start when teaching students about Peter Graves is by focusing on his early life and career. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1926 as Peter Duesler Aurness, Graves was raised alongside his older brother, James Arness, who later became a successful actor as well. Encourage your students to research his upbringing and his decision to serve in World War II before pursuing a career in acting.
Lesson 2: The Breakthrough Years
Peter Graves’ breakthrough role came with the television series “Fury,” which aired from 1955 to 1960. It was during this time that he began to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Encourage your students to watch episodes of “Fury” and discuss how this role served as a stepping stone for more significant acting opportunities.
Lesson 3: Mission: Impossible – A Television Icon
It’s impossible to discuss Peter Graves’ career without mentioning the iconic television series “Mission: Impossible,” which aired from 1967-1973 and later returned for a revival series from 1988-1990. As secret agent Jim Phelps, Graves became a household name, and his work on this TV series has defined his career. Include episodes of “Mission: Impossible” in your curriculum to allow your students to analyze Graves’ acting skills, and encourage discussions about the techniques used in the series.
Lesson 4: Airplane! and Comedic Ability
In 1980, Peter Graves showcased his comedic talents and timing in the hit film “Airplane!” This film allowed Graves to demonstrate his versatility as an actor and gained him even more recognition. Have your students watch “Airplane!” and discuss why this film was so successful and how it contributed to Peter Graves’ lasting legacy.
Assignments and Activities
1. Character Analysis: Ask students to compare and contrast Peter Graves’ characters through his career. What themes or character traits are seen throughout his various roles? Encourage them to use specific examples from the television shows and films mentioned above.
2. Film Retrospective: Create a project where students collaborate on a multimedia presentation that traces the key milestones of Peter Graves’ career, focusing on his most memorable roles.
3. Pop-Culture Impact: Explore the impact Peter Graves has had on popular culture, create assignments that require students to identify references in modern films, television, music, or literature that pay homage or allude to Peter Graves or his iconic roles.
