CAN'T GET THAT SONG OUT OF MY HEAD: Entertainment

Laugh at this news...

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:47:21 GMT

Ran across this in the current issue of Readers Digest and thought I'd share it with you to brighten your day.

I don't know about you, but the news lately (and usually) is a real bummer with nothing but the bad economy, wars, political woes and other shootings and violence dominating. Here are a few headlines from that famous satirical newspaper, THE ONION:

* Fearmoners, Warmongers Gather for Annual Mongering Conference

* Doll-Housing Crisis Set to Worsen, Mean Older Brother Says

* Wheel of Fortune Contestants Hit Hard as Vowel Prices Skyrocket

I'd sure would like to hear more stories about POSITIVE things that are happening in the world, wouldn't you? Have you ever heard that song by Anne Murray called, "A Little Good News"? That song really rings true!!!!

OOPS! Retraction time...

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:54:49 GMT

My most humble apologies to all you Weird Al fans out there! I did a post a while back about Allen Sherman and made a comment that you could get a lot of Sherman's songs on the Weird Al albums. That was just plain WRONG. I meant to say, the songs often appear on the DR. DEMENTO recordings---that's where you can get both Weird Al and Sherman songs. Sifting through my responses, I went back and found the error. Now I feel compelled to put a Weird Al song on my site, just to appease you fans out there....plus they ARE really great parodies too. This song, however, is NOT a parody (Or am I wrong--but I don't know the tune...) and is called simply "YODA" after the wise old character from Star Wars. My 12-year old son absolutely LOVES this song and is after me to get the music for it. Of course, he's already memorized the words. Hope you all like it as much as we do...

BIG AL ROCKS!

The Private War of Major Benson

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:10:12 GMT

THE PRIVATE WAR OF MAJOR BENSON was the answer to the Quotes Quiz earlier. The man in the photo with Heston was, indeed, Milburn Stone, who played Doc in Gunsmoke. Sal Mineo was also in another Heston film (in fact he may have been in two of them) later on. Can you name it? I'm still researching where I saw him in an earlier film. I think he had a small cameo role in another early Heston film, but I can't find him listed anywhere. Will get back to you with that one.

I changed the theme music to the theme from "The Donna Reed Show." In the "remake" of MAJOR BENSON, "MAJOR PAYNE," the main character has a dream where he is having a normal family life with a wife and young son---he is wearing an apron and standing by a barbeque, just a smiling away---and this theme song is playing in the background. Cracks me up every time I see it!

Heston and comedy!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:16:35 GMT

This 1955 film is truly one of my favorite Heston movies! The new quote is added at the side under Heston Quotes. This is one of two comedies that Heston made, but by far my favorite one. The more recent movie, "Major Payne" (which is one of my hubby's favs), was undoubtedly based on this film. Even the pint-sized kid is named "Tiger" like in Major Benson. The book this film was based on is by Joe Connelly and believe-it-or-not, the main theme ("Toy Tiger")was written by Henry Mancini.

It is the story of a martinet major assigned to command a boy's military school. It co-stars Julie Adams, William Demarest, and Milburn Stone, with Tim Considine, Tim Hovey and Sal Mineo as the main boys. According to Jeff Rovin's "The Films of Charlton Heston," he writes: "In [this film], Heston is superb. The film shows he can play comedy, but it has to be the right kind of comedy --- absurd and innocent. This film is certainly absurd, with lines like the following: Heston and Sister Redempta pass through a hall and look at the picture of Sheridan's founder. She says, "He was canonized in 1853." To which Heston responds, in ernest, "I'm sorry to hear that." And although he's a bit stiff, it all works. For Benson, himself is tight. His strong-jawed naivete is a fine pillar around which to construct a story such as this."

So, if you can manage it, give this movie a look-see---that is, if you know the title!

Bonanza---little known lyrics

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:58:40 GMT

Here's a very familiar theme song (BONANZA) but do you know there were lyrics to it? Yes, I have an old cassette tape with all four Cartwrights (Lorne Green, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon and Pernell Roberts) on horseback singing this:

We got a right to pick a little fight

Bonanza!

If anyone fights any one of us,

He's got a fight with me!

We're not a one to saddle up and run,

Bonanza!

Anyone of us who starts a little fuss

Knows he can count on me!

One for four,

Four for one,

This we guantee.

We got a right to pick a little fight,

Bonanza!

If anyone fights anyone of us

He's got a fight with me!

Go ahead: sing along with the words! And have a great day!

Unforgettable Gregory Peck

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:16:17 GMT

Saw a spectacular show last night called, "An Evening With Gregory Peck." It was a 2 hour long show with him mostly on stage talking to people (i.e. answering questions) and telling stories of his like and acting career. This was obviously taped when he was in his 70's or 80's but he still had that marvelous rich voice and twinkle in his eye. His stories were humorous and touching and I could have listened to them all night. They also showed clips from his youth (he was a very handsome child!) and of his family life along with some backstage footage of him and his fans. He was such a modest and appreciative guy!

He claimed his favorite role was Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird," which doesn't surprise me at all. That film is IMHO one of the ten best films EVER made and I never tire of watching it, even though it's in black and white. He was lucky to meet and get to know the author, Harper Lee, who also gave him her father's watch (which is mentioned in the film, itself). There were clips from "Roman Holiday" and "Duel in the Sun" and stories about Audrey Hepburn and other famous folks. There was also the clip of Pres. Clinton awarding him a life-time achievement award. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any mention of the film he and Charlton Heston were in together, "The Big Country." Again, that film was as spectacular as most all of William Wylers' and one of my favorite Heston films as well. He and Heston were about the same height and the fight scene in the movie between them is one of the most memorable scenes ever. I didn't know WHO to root for!

So, if this program pops up again, please give it a watch---it's well worth it!

Which show is this?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:12:39 GMT

This enormously popular show came out in 1961 and ran until 1966. It was one of two shows of it's type that premiered that year. It starred the horribly handsome Richard Chamberlain and Raymond Massey. I know I loved this show, even though a lot of people thought it was just a glorified soap opera. During the course of it's run, the show evolved, with the main character gaining rank and experience. In the 1965-1966 season the show ran twice a week for 1/2 hour each time instead of the hour long show. Although each episode was self-contained, the series took on more of a serial nature, with consecutive episodes developing an overall story. (Later, Dallas took that concept and ran with it!)

The theme song, which should be playing in the background now, was also popular, being titled, "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight." Jerry Goldsmith wrote the music and Hal Winn the words.

"Three stars will shine tonight, one for the lonely;

That star will shine its light each time that someone sighs.

Three stars for all to see, one for young lovers;

That star was to be the sparkle in their eyes.

And, for the third star, only one reason:

A star you can wish on to make dreams come true.

High in the sky above, three stars are shining;

I hope that star of love will shine down on you."

(Courtesy of www.lyrics.com)

Allan Sherman...

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:22:36 GMT

I don't know how many of you recognize the song that's playing now, but if you haven't heard of Allan Sherman, you must be from Mars! His more famous tunes are "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!" (a song about summer camp) and "The Mexican Hat Dance" and so many other paradies of familiar songs like "Downtown," "Chim Chim Cherie" etc. He was in his heyday during the '60's, so many of his lyrics reflect that time period, but they are still FUNNY. The one you are hearing is a parady of the tune, "Taste of Honey" (made famous by the Tijuana Brass) entitled, "A Waste of Money". Thought it might be appropriate, what with our economic money problems of today. I know, I know, lyrics like "I styled my hair like Cary Grant" and "those new tight pants" are dated, but I REMEMBER those days.

Did you know:

1. He was the creator and orignal producer of the game show, "I've Got a Secret."

2. He lived next door to Harpo Marx and was invited to a party there where he performed one of his songs. George Burns was there and persuaded him to sign a record contract with a friend of his, resulting in his first album, "My Son, The Folksinger" in 1962.

3. In his later album, My Son, The Nut, his pointed parodies of classical and popular tunes savaged encroaching automation in the workforce ("Automation," to the tune of "Fascination"), space travel ("Eight Foot Two, Solid Blue," to "Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue"), the exodus to the suburbs, ("Here's to the Crabgrass," to the tune of "English Country Garden"), and his own bloated figure ("Hail to Thee, Fat Person," which perhaps only half-jokingly blames his obesity on the Marshall Plan).

4. He sang on and guest-hosted The Tonight Show, appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and narrated his own version of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf with the Boston Pops under Arthur Fiedler. (This concert was released as the album Peter and the Commissar.) The concert also included "Variations on 'How Dry I Am'" (with Sherman as conductor) and "The End of a Symphony." In "Variations," Fiedler was the guest soloist, providing solo hiccups.

5. Later albums grew more pointedly satirical and less light-hearted as the decade lost its innocence, and Sherman took up his pen to skewer protesting students ("The Rebel"), consumer debt ("A Waste of Money," based on "A Taste of Honey"), and the generation gap ("Crazy Downtown" and "Pop Hates the Beatles").

6. Like his contemporary Tom Lehrer, Sherman wrote satirical songs for the two-year-long "highbrow" satire program (the American version) That Was The Week That Was (1964–1965), including his "Dropout's March."

7. Sherman struggled with lung disease and died of emphysema ten days before his 49th birthday.

This was an amazing man with a roll-on-the-floor humor. It's a shame he died so young. You can hear his songs on many of the Weird Al Yankovich albums. I personally own his "Best of" CD and my 12 year old son loves the songs as much as I do!

And The Answer is---

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:22:15 GMT

If you're any kind of a Heston fan, you'll recognize this film as being "WILL PENNY." When asked which film was HIS favorite, he most always answers WILL PENNY as he thought he did the best acting job on this one. I personally love the music by David Raksin as it's haunting and steady beat helps set and maintain the mood. Besides, this is the one film where you get to hear Charlton SING as he renders his version of "Oh Christmas Tree" later in the film.

I simply can't say enough good things about this movie. SO, if you haven't watched this one lately, do give it a try---it's a real treat!!! The kids can view it too, but there is violence in the form of blood and guts. But it's not there just to draw people in, it's meant to be there for realism purposes.

This is a great one----WILL PENNY!

A movie that will "haunt" you

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:56:12 GMT

This late '60's movie was a sleeper when it came out, but over time, people have come to say it was Charlton Heston's finest film---his finest acting. Rex Reed said it well:

"I sat in a dark screening room last week with a lump in my throat and a general feeling of disbelief, while the projectionist ran one of the best movies I've ever seen. Like everyone who missed it the first time around, I was turned off by one of the worst ad campaigns ever dumped on a movie. Without ever getting the message that it was an intelligent film, people took one look at the tacky, nebulous ads (Charlton Heston, showing more cleavage than Jane Fonda and holding a smoking six-gun), assumed an immediate attitude towards the picture ("Oh, here's Heston again, chucked his monkey suit and Michelangelo smock and now he's a cowboy!"), and stayed away in droves. What they missed was one of the most luminous and penetrating films ever turned out by Hollywood, with a thoughtful and tightly written script by Tom Gries which shows with subtlety and detail that cowboys are anything but the embodiment of the songs Burl Ives sings.

Under Gries direction, it is one of the few westerns ever made which takes its time with a scene, constructing atmosphere and character development rather than inflated plot mechanics, without trying to brag on its budget or reel up stock footage simply to lengthen itself into a main feature. [This film] also shocked me with a sensitive, many-faceted performance by Charlton Heston which will probably be overlooked when Hollywood's sub-cellar mentality sets to work at Oscar time, but which, in my estimation, is the best work in an extremely difficult role, I've seen by any actor this year."

The stellar cast of this film includes, Joan Hackett, Donald Pleasant, Lee Majors, Bruce Dern, Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens, Anthony Zerbe and Lydia Clarke Heston (Chuck's wife). Jeff Rovin said, "There is no hoke or padding in [this film]. It is a straightforward and honest film, a sincere attempt to recreate the old west and, more important, the people who live therein. It is truly unfortunate that the film was ignored at the box office. Released at the same time as "The Planet of the Apes," it is eclipsed by this more unique Heston film.

Can you guess this film?

Harry Potter music...

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:51:28 GMT

The music you hear behind this is from "HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN." I've always been a big fan of the Potter books, but when the movies came out, what struck me the most was the music by John Williams. He is probably the most popular movie scorer alive today with such films as "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," " Jaws," and a multitude of others from the past that may surprise you.

John Williams wrote the complete scores of the first three Potter movies. He captures the magic, mood, terror, and unusual good and fun times as well with his quirky music. Lush full orchestral sounds show the enormity of Horwarts and you can almost see Harry flying so freely on his broomstick during the Quiddich matches just by closing your eyes and listening to the score. The haunting themes are replayed often enough during the films that they conjur up the great magic school and the three friends that fight for what's right. This selection I've chosen is a haunting melody played with either a recorder or possibly a flute (or could it be a penny whistle??). It has renaissance overtones and you'll find yourself humming it all day.

I can't wait to see the next Potter movie that will be out later this year: Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. From the previews, it promises to follow the book closely (hopefully not leaving out the best parts) and get us closer to the final duel between Voldemort and Harry.

Harry and his classmates are growing up so fast! Hope to hear those lovely Williams' themes in this one too!

The Answer, of course, is....

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Yes, DIAMOND HEAD is the film from where the latest quote came.

According to my book, THE FILMS OF CHARLTON HESTON, by Jeff Rovin: "Heston's 'King' Howland is a ruthless bigot who is violently opposed to his sister Sloan marrying a full-blooded Hawaiian native. This, even though he, himself, is having an affair with the local Mei Chen. At his sister's engagement party, Howland is attacked by Mei Chen's brother, who ends up killing Sloan's fiance, Paul, instead. Sloan blames Howland for the incident and moves off the island to Honolulu. There she finds solace in the bottle. Meanwhile Paul's brother, Dean, finds the girl and is upset by her sorry state. He takes her to his mother's house to recuperate. By this time, Mei is pregnant by Heston. She dies after giving birth to a son. Heston refuses to accept the child. So, Sloan and Dean, who now plan to marry, care for the child. Heston finally accepts the half-breed Dean as his brother-in-law, gives his baby the Howland name, which is very generous of him, and all ends with a semblance of happiness."

Sounds a lot like DALLAS, doesn't it??!!!

New Heston Quote

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:59:45 GMT

This Heston film was set in the Hawaiian Islands and the ad for it read: "Hawaii has something for everyone: adultery, racial strife, politic, Charlton Heston!" HA! This was a beautiful film starring Heston, Yvette Mimieux, James Darren and George Chakiris. It was based on a book by Peter Gilman and deals with the early years in the growth of Hawaii. They don't show this film on TV often but it is available on DVD.

This was one of two films he made about Hawaii. Can you name this earlier one?

Bette Midler

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:12:46 GMT

WOW! Just saw BETTE MIDLER on OPRAH the other day and boy, does she look great! I'm so happy she's back to singing--opening a 2 year show in Las Vegas soon. For a 60+ gal, she looks fabulous---hope I look half that good when I reach that age. Her "look alike" daughter was also on the show and seemed like a nice, well-rounded person, even though she's not following in her mother's footsteps in show biz.

I've always been a Bette Midler fan--have most of her albums--and especially love the ones where she collaborates with her old friend, Barry Manilow. The song you hear is "I'm a Woman" from her "Peggy Lee Songbook" and one of my favorite tunes on the album. I especially love the old jazz organ in the accompaniment! There are so many super songs on this album, it's hard to pick just one.

Boy, what I wouldn't give to see her new show in Vegas...well, I can dream, can't I???

Mysterious Dad answer

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:35:46 GMT

The name of the series that starred Robert Wagner was IT TAKES A THIEF. Fred Astaire was the Dad, Alister Mundy, master thief. Loved this series and have never caught it in reruns. Perhaps Robert Wagner is not releasing for reruns, though I know it is available on DVD.

Actually my very FAVORITE TV Dad was Andy Taylor. Although a lot of people think the show was "hokey" I really like it and still watch the reruns. It's good to see real values taught in a relaxed but serious manner. I know the kids of today will never call their dads "sir" like in Leave It To Beaver and other family shows of the time, but the shows do teach responsibility and accepting the consequences for their bad behavior. Many kids today don't know the meaning of respect, probably because it isn't used at home or school towards them. Yes, parents, it up to you to teach them and practice what you preach.

Remember this Dad?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:01:20 GMT

There are so many TV Dads that are good, bad and (yes) ugly! But then there's this Dad who was unflappable and absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately he appeared on the show only 3 or 4 times in the series' 3rd year. However, during those few episodes, we come to love and admire him. What style! What class!

The series premise: Convicted cat burglar Alexander Mundy gets an offer he can't refuse from the United States government: If he puts his formidable thieving skills to work for them, he'll be released from prison. At various times his government liaisons for his assignments were Noah Bain and Wallie Powers.

During the third season, Alister Mundy, Alexander's father, appears also as a master gentleman-thief who says at the start of each episode, "I've heard of stealing from the government, but not for the government."

Remember the series? Remember the actor who played the illustrious Alister Mundy? (Yeah, yeah, the picture gives it away!)

A Rare Heston film

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:42:54 GMT

This 1953 film is rare indeed. Most Heston fans have not even seen it, since it is one of the handful of films not put out on VHS or DVD and is rarely shown on TV. I was lucky enough to capture it on TV years ago and recorded it. Would love to add a remastered version of this black and white film to my Heston library.

In this film, he plays Tom Owens, a young doctor in a mining town. Although this movie was made after Greatest Show on Earth, Heston was still a newcomer to the Hollywood scene. Lizabeth Scott and Diane Foster played his love interests. The script was based on a short story entitled "Scapel" by Horace McCoy.

Can you name this obscure film?

Harvey Korman passing

Sat, 31 May 2008 14:38:40 GMT

So sorry to hear of Harvey Korman's passing. His work always made me laugh. I especially loved him in BLAZING SADDLES as Hedley Lamar. His humor was truly inspired as all I had to do was see him and I'd smile. He and Tim Conway were classic on The Carol Burnett Show and it was always fun to see him crack up at his companions' jokes. He always seemed like a happy person. I will truly miss him.

New Heston quote from an OLD movie...

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:53:09 GMT

You know, EVERYONE should watch this movie! If nothing else, it is educational in that it shows a chunk of the past that is all but gone forever---(hint) the Barnum and Bailey Circus in it's prime! Yes, you Charlton Heston fans out there will probably have seen this one that co-starred Jimmy Stewart in full clown make-up. This was Heston's first "Specticular" film and the whole thing jump-started his film career. He was virtually unknown when this film came out. Cecil B. DeMille directed this larger-than-life film and went on to direct Chuck in the Ten Commandments later. I never get tired of viewing this film as it is so wonderfully down with real circus performers. The back story is well written and the film won an Oscar for BEST PICTURE in 1953! The train wreck scene was one of the finest disasters to be filmed at that time and Jimmy Stewart and the rest of the cast were brilliant!

If you don't know the name of this film, you must have been living in a cave!!! Of Chuck's character Brad in the film, someone declared: "YOU GOT NOTHIN' BUT SAWDUST IN YOUR VEINS!"

Tough quote!

Tue, 20 May 2008 14:02:18 GMT

The first time I saw this film, I couldn't get past Charlton Heston's haircut! But I've seen it many times and have come to love this movie. Besides the superb acting and the stellar cast, the setting is beautiful and the story unforgetable. Richard Boone co-starred in this film, which was based the the book by Leslie Stevens "The Lovers." Yes, it is a love story but much more than that. It is majestic, magical and mystic in it's history and lore. Hope you can catch it---don't know if it's on DVD yet as I only have it on VHS. I named my Shetland Sheepdog as Chuck's character: Chrysagon.

Can you guess this movie???

You'll be sure to guess this one...

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:42:28 GMT

Answer to the previous quote: 55 Days At Peking.

Now this new quote I'm sure you will easily guess the film. Here's an interesting memory from the late Gene Siskel in an article about this film: "And I can still remember what happened to me nearly 16 years ago when God's hot finger etched the commandment that thou shalt honor thy father and mother. My mother reached across my sister's lap and poked me in the ribs." A fitting tribute to this spectacular movie that brings to mind Charlton Heston only by mentioning it!

A quote to remember..."

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:52:53 GMT

This is close to those "spectacular" films like The Ten Commandments and El Cid and Ben Hur -- but unfortunately it wasn't as popular. It was a beautiful film, set in China. I clipped an ad out of the TV guide many years ago for this film which reads: "The Chinese may have invented gun powder, but Charlton Heston knows what to do with it!" How true. Ava Gardner is absolutely gorgeous in this one and the scenes between her and Chuck are pure dynamite.

Have you remembered the title of this historic Heston film?

Heston Quote

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:42:31 GMT

Just added a new quote to the Heston Quotes. This film is one of two where he played a particular President. Although he didn't have a huge role in it, he certainly made his mark just by his presence. One of the amazing things about this movie was that the male lead --- Yul Brunner --- had HAIR in this one!!! Charlton Heston claims to have played "Three Presidents, three saints and two geniouses" in his film career. Can you name them all. The role in this film was reprised in another film starring Susan Hayward. Bet you can't name that one either!!!

New quote...

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:52:24 GMT

This 1954 film has always been a favorite, even though it was gross at times. It is laughing called "Charlton's Ants" by those of us who have seen it many times. It co-stars the beautiful Eleanor Parker and has some great love-hate scenes. Full of adventure, the forces that be have thought many times of re-doing it in a more current fashion. I sincerely hope they don't---it's one that can't really be improved upon!

The scenery is gorgeous as it is set in a South American jungle plantation. Be sure to add this one to your Charlton Heston collection!

Hard quote...

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:14 GMT

This 1968 film is one of my very favorites--although it is a little known one. Originally it was entitled, BATTLEHORNS, and based on the book, "The General" by Alan Sillitoe. It also includes a very long quote (which I have memorized to the letter) but there isn't room to put it in the quotes section: "Now we're not just bunch of itinerate fiddlers---We're a highly respected, internationally known symphony orchestra. And if you make the mistake of shooting one of us, you'll be a lieutenant for the rest of your life, LIEUTENANT!"

Apparently Chuck had to take conducting lessons to prepare for this role and from what I've heard, he thoroughly enjoyed it. He conducted Beethoven's 5th flawlessly! This film is not available on VHS or DVD yet, but used to be played on TNT and often late at night in the mid '60's because my girlfriend and I used to stay up and watch it over and over again! I've probably seen it at least 10 times.

Can you guess this film?

1961 film

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:26:06 GMT

Here's a quote from his great film from 1961---one of his greatest bigger-than-life roles! Sophia Loren was his love interest in all of her beauty and the scenery was truly spectacular. I remember seeing this film as a child in a special Cinerama theatre in Detroit. It came just after Ben Hur and I remember being thrilled to see Charlton Heston AGAIN! And boy, was I NOT disappointed. I must have hummed the music from the film for weeks afterward. It is still one of my favorite soundtracks.

Stay tuned Wednesday for PART TWO of my new short story: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

Predesessor to "Indiana Jones"

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:14:03 GMT

Before Indiana Jones, there was a character named Harry Steel. The film? It's the film the new quote is from and one of my favorite films of Charlton Heston's. Just look at the pic I included and notice his attire---the leather jacket and fedora---all reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Apparently Speilberg saw this film and built the Indiana series from it!

The character of Harry Steel is a rough, egotistical and bold man who isn't afraid to go after what he wants. I've got lots of flippant quotes, and they're all done with a serious face. But what fun! Robert Young plays a young doctor in the cast and the tremendous range of Yma Sumac provides eerie background music. Can't wait for this one to come out on DVD. I have it on VHS, but only because I recorded it myself. Hope you get a chance to see this one!

New Quote

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:45:53 GMT

The last one was indeed from Pony Express, a film from 1953. This film placed Wild Bill Hickock (Forrest Tucker) and Buffalo Bill Cody (Chuck) during the premier of the famed Pony Express. A fun film, loosely historic, but fun to watch the two play off each other!

This next one is from one of Charlton Heston's finest acting efforts. It co-starred the famous Lawrence Olivier and, yes, a host of camels! That's all the clues you get! (And there are so many great quotes from this film!!!)

Previous Heston Quote

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:23:30 GMT

I know. This was a HARD one. Many have not seen "Arrowhead", as it is one of his early western-type movies. I enjoyed watching TCM last night in their full day tribute to Charlton Heston. I found myself viewing Ben Hur again (and annoying the family by mouthing all his lines) then stayed up late to watch the first part of Khartoum. I really NEED to get this one on DVD--although I have it on purchased VHS. The music is so spectacular and I love learning about his portrayal of Chinese Gordon. Lord Olivier was so dark and evil in this, one of his final performances and fun to watch as well. It's funny that even though this film as set in the 1880's in the Sudan, the fighting there is pertinent to today. Will they ever have peace there. With Chinese Gordon and Chuck gone, who can we send????

New Heston Quote

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:51:26 GMT

Yes, that first quote was EASY---probably the most famous one from his films. It was from "Planet of the Apes" and is paradied often. I have a t-shirt with this picture, entitled, "Animal lover"!

This next quote is a lot more difficult. This film was one of his earliest but dealt with prejudice and power like many of the films of today. It was considered a "western", which was so popular in those days, but the themes in the movie were relevant to the then-present-day problems. The only other clue I can give you will give this away to those of us who are deeply familiar with his films---it co-starred Jack Palance! Happy Guessing!

Charlton Heston quotes

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:08:38 GMT

Having recently sifted through all my Heston memorabilia, I came across a ragged notebook of newspaper articles and information I had collected (back before computers) about Charlton's movies. I had also included many quotes from various movies that I thought were worth keeping, so I'm creating a new list for this page where I will post new (old) quotes. At each new posting (probably not every day), I'll leave the space naming the movie it's from to see if anyone can GUESS what film it is. I may provide a multiple choice to narrow it down because there are so many movies---many from the '50's and '60's. I'll provide new pictures, when I can, to help you guess the film as well.

I hope you will enjoy this game and try to view some of his older movies that perhaps you didn't know about before. They are definitely worth seeing and remembering!

So, look off to the right side for the first quote and happy guessing!

CHARLTON HESTON, YOU'RE THE TOP

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:55:42 GMT

CHARLTON HESTON, YOU’RE THE TOP

All anyone has to do to make me smile or feel good is say the name, "Charlton Heston." It is indeed a sad day to have lost such a wonderful actor, orator, tennis player, father, grand-father, and decent human being.

I must had a sense that he was going to leave us soon, because the last week or so I sat and watched Ben Hur (without a break), Planet of the Apes, and last evening, I viewed the remake (I Am Legend with Will Smith) of one of his futuristic films, "The Omega Man", constantly comparing the two films as I viewed it with my older son, S. I still like the Heston version better. Then, to cap off the evening came the news of his death.

My DVD and Video libraries are filled with as many Heston films as I can find and when I feel down or lonely, I just whip one out and get my "Charlton" fix for the time. I love all his films but I see my favorites over and over again—El Cid, Planet of the Apes, Will Penny, Secret of the Incas, Major Benson, Counterpoint, Greatest Show on Earth and who could forget The Ten Commandments?

But Charlton Heston was much more than just an actor. He marched for human rights, served as President of the Screen Actor’s Guild for many years, worked with the National Rifle Association (also serving as their President) and fought for the Constitutional Rights of all. He stood by his thoughts and ideas, even though they may not have been the most popular.

However, the best thing about Charlton Heston was his love of acting (stage and screen), his artwork, and his writings. Yes, he kept good journals for most of his life and published a collection of entries in a book entitled, "An Actor’s Life – Journals 1956-1976". He also did pen and ink drawings, which are simple but delightful. His final autobiography, "In the Arena" was published in 1995.

I’ve never known another actor to take such pleasure in his fans. During his early film years, he wrote "Newsletters" on a monthly basis (often on breaks while filming here and there) to members of his fan club. I am delighted to own a collection of these, signed by him. Along with the letters, he enclosed photos his wife, Lydia, took while on the sets (many of which were candids of the family). I wrote him two or three letters during my life, to which he replied personally to them all. When I met him, back in the late 70's, after a performance of "Man for All Seasons" at the Ahmanson Theatre, although he was exhausted, he took the time to invite us into his dressing room, shake our hands and sign his autograph (I had him sign my copy of "The Actor’s Life" ). [I vowed never to wash that hand again, but I’m afraid I’ve gone back on that since.]

Up behind my piano is a collection of four black and white photos of a conductors hands on a baton, a violin, hands holding a violin bow and a photo of Charlton conducting an orchestra (with Leslie Nielson in the corner playing a violin). His photo blends so nicely with the others, they all look like they belong together. So, I get to see him every day and remember him always in my heart.

Here's my all time favorite pic of Charlton and his son Fraser:

Cosby

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:23:34 GMT

Bill Cosby has always been one of my favorite comedians...and actors too. Last week I featured the theme from his first TV show, I Spy (which also starred Robert Culp). His character on that show was hilarious and serious all at the same time. Loved it. Several years and albums passed before THE COSBY SHOW came on. It was a big hit and for good reasons: the story writing on the show was outstanding and Bill Cosby was in his element.He played off of each and every family member so well, that one couldn't help but smile.

And Bill is still funny today. My 12 year old son, M, saw him on the comedy channel doing a standup routine and fell instantly in love with his style. It did my heart good to see that Bill still can positively influence young folks without all that bad language and sexual inuendos. He is very much a visual performer in that his expressions can make you laugh without even saying anything. So many of the current "funny" guys can't do that in today's crop of comedians. Robin Williams and Jim Carrey are the only other two I can think of who need to be seen as well as heard to get the full effect of their humor.

So, thank you, Mr. Cosby, for making my smile and laugh so hard that it hurts!!!

The Fishing Hole

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:16:32 GMT

If you can hear the song that's playing, then you'll know what all this is about:

"The Fishing Hole"

Now here’s a song that will stick in your head! This theme from the "Andy Griffith Show" has always been a favorite of mine. However, this vocal version is especially nice–not just because Andy sings it, but because the words are so charming! The song was written by Earle Hagen and the words by the actor Everett Sloane. This song was perhaps never heard on the show itself, but is on the CD entitled, "Songs, Themes and Laughs from the Andy Griffith Show." I personally still love this show with it’s homespun feel and situation comedic flavor. There were many spinoffs to the original (Petticoat Junction, Mayberry RFD, etc.) but there is no one quite like old Barney, Aunt Bea, Opie, Floyd or any of the others. They have all become old friends over the years.

The music on the show is especially fun—great bluegrass and folk songs— and all with the talents of Andy himself. His baritone is clear and clean and he really sounds like he enjoys himself playing his guitar and singing. The band, Roland White and the Country Boys, played many times on the show and blew me away—in fact it made me seek out other bluegrass music, just ‘cause it’s so fun!

The blurb on the jacket of this CD says it all:

"In a sick-comic age of drip-dry wit and instant sarcasm, the homespun humor of THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW is a refuge as inviting as the Mayberry County Jail, with its curtained bars and reading lamps, and the key within easy reach outside the cell door."