Richard first wanted to become an artist but made the move to acting when he scored successfully in drama productions at Pomona College. In his senior year at Pomona he was cast as Captain Bluntschli in George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man and he brought the house down, on a college-level which led him to change career paths. After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree in arts, he was enlisted into the U.S Army where he served for 16 months in Korea and rose to the rank of sergeant. The role that put Richard on the map, Dr. Kildare, almost didn't come at all. His friend George in high school whose father was a movie executive became an assistant to the man who ran MGM. George had seen his picture in a player's book one day and had wondered what he was up to. Richard was invited to a general interview and was hired as the lead in the ill-fated western pilot, 'Paradise Kid'. Then in 1961 Richard got his big break when after a long search for a young doctor Kildare, George pulled the pilot from under the vault and immediately knew that Richard was perfect for the role. Dr. Kildare aired on NBC from 1961 to 1966 during which he had also starred in two feature films, Twilight of Honor (1963) with Joey Heatherton and Joy in the Morning (1965) with Yvette Mimieux. Do you remember "Dr. Kildare?"

The Henry James Novel "A Portrait of a Lady" A young American woman contracts a disastrous marriage in 19th century Italy. The style of this production may seem very dated now, but it was an immense success in the UK when it was first shown. Richard Chamberlain was at the time chiefly famous for the Dr Kildare series, and scarcely thought of as an actor. This was his first success in a Mini Series. His intensely moving performance as Ralph Touchett was a revelation, and received the highest praise from the critics. Television stars of the time, when they attempted something more ambitious, talked about 'doing a Richard Chamberlain'. Probably as a result of his performance, soon afterwards he played Hamlet on stage and on TV. Have you seen this UK Mini Series "A Portrait of a Lady"?

"Petulia" is ranked by the critics as one of the Best American Films of all Time. It is a window into the Psychedelic Sixities. San Francisco socialite Petulia Danner, who has been married to naval engineer David Danner for six months, seems determined to have an affair with soon-to-be-divorced physician Dr. Archie Bollen, who has been married to his wife Polo for close to 10 years; many thought they had the perfect marriage. Archie doesn't even know Petulia's name; he only knows her as the woman who brought a young Mexican boy into the hospital with serious injuries. Petulia's pursuit of Archie is relentless; she even declares that they'll be married someday, even as he dates another woman, May. Archie eventually learns part of the reason why Petulia is so determined to cheat on David, as her relationship to David and his wealthy father are brought to light. Archie also learns that getting involved with Petulia in any way has consequences, both for Petulia and for him, most specifically in his relationship to Polo. Have you seen "Petulia"?

"The Music Lovers" is the compelling and bizarre story of Tchaikovsky's life and music. This film is so far ahead of it's time, showing the danger of pretending to be, who you think people want you to be. It furthers the argument many storytellers make about how composers could be nightmares to those closest to them. Richard Chaimberlain's performance has some great moments. Glenda Jackson is dynamic as the vulnerable, unloved wife. The cinematography is wonderful, evocative and colourful - perfectly in tune with the music of Tchaikovsky which also is used to great effect. Have you seen "The Music Lovers"?

France, 17th century. A young man, d'Artagan, sets out for Paris with the aim of joining the elite Musketeers. There he first antagonises then befriends the three greatest Musketeers - Athos, Porthos and Aramis. He is also drawn into a plot by the scheming Cardinal Richelieu to undermine the Queen of France and the English Duke of Buckingham. D'Artagnan has become a Musketeer. Protestants hold La Rochelle, and the Queen loves Buckingham, who'll soon send ships to support the rebels. Richelieu enlists Rochefort to kidnap Constance, the Queen's go-between and D'Artagnan's love. The Cardinal uses the wily, amoral Milady de Winter to distract D'Artagnan. But soon, she is D'Artagnan's sworn enemy, and she has an unfortunate history with Athos as well. Milady goes to England to dispatch Buckingham; the Musketeers fight the rebels. Milady, with Rochefort's help, then turns to her personal agenda. Can D'Artagnan save Constance, defeat Rochefort, slip de Winter's ire, and stay free of the Cardinal? All for one, one for all. The production stuck to the original book by Alexander Dumas and found that they had enough material filmed for two films, so they created "The Three Musketeers" and "The Four Musketeers Milady's Revenge." The Actors sued for compensation as they were paid for one film not two. Nevertheless they are oustanding films, Winning 5 Awards. Have you seen....?