Charlton Heston Movies
Steely jawed, hard bodied, terse in speech, Charlton Heston was an American man's man, an epic unto himself. While he played modern men, he was at his best when portraying larger-than-life figures from world history, preferably with his shirt off. He was born John Charles Carter on October 4, 1924 and originally trained in the classics in Northwestern University's drama program, gaining early experience playing the lead in a 1941 filmed school production of Peer Gynt. He also performed on the radio, and then went on to serve in the Air Force for three years during WWII. Afterwards, he went to work as a model in New York, where he met his wife, fellow model Lydia Clarke, to whom he remained married until his death. Later the two operated a theater in Asheville, North Carolina where Heston honed his acting skills. He made his Broadway debut in Katharine Cornell's 1947 production of Anthony and Cleopatra and subsequently went on to be a staple of the highly-regarded New York-based Studio One live television anthology where he played such classic characters as Heathcliff, Julius Caesar and Petruchio. The show made Heston a star.He made his Hollywood film debut in William Dieterle's film noir Dark City playing opposite Lizabeth Scott. Even though she was more established in Hollywood, it was Heston who received top billing. He went on to appear as a white man raised in Indian culture in The Savage (1952) and then as a snob who snubs a country girl in King Vidor's Ruby Gentry (1952). His big break came when Cecil B. DeMille cast him as the bitter circus manager Brad Braden in The Greatest Show on Earth (1952).
In subsequent films, Heston began developing his persona of an unflinching hero with a piercing blue-eyed stare and unbending, self-righteous Middle American ethics. Heston's heroes could be violent and cruel, but only when absolutely necessary. He began a long stint of playing historical characters with his portrayal of Buffalo Bill in Pony Express and then Andrew Jackson in The President's Lady (both 1953). Heston's star burned at its brightest when DeMille cast him as the stern Moses in the lavish The Ten Commandments (1956). From there, Heston went on to headline numerous spectaculars which provided him the opportunity to play every one from John the Baptist to Michelangelo to El Cid to General "Chinese" Gordon. In 1959, Heston won an Academy Award for the title role in William Wyler's Ben Hur. By the mid-1960s, the reign of the epic film passed and Heston began appearing in westerns (Will Penny) and epic war dramas (Midway). He also did sci-fi films, the most famous of which were the campy satire Planet of the Apes (1968), The Omega Man (1970) and the cult favorite Soylent Green (1973). The '70s brought Heston into a new kind of epic, the disaster film, and he appeared in three, notably Airport 1975. From the late '80s though the '90s, Heston has returned to television, appearing in series, miniseries and made-for TV movies. He also appeared in such films as Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet (1996) and 1998's Armageddon (as the narrator).
Outside of his film work, Heston served six terms as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and also chaired the American Film Institute. Active in such charities as The Will Rogers Institute, he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1977 Oscar ceremony. Known as a conservative Republican and proud member of the National Rifle Association, Heston worked closely with his long-time colleague and friend President Ronald Reagan as the leader of the president's task force on arts and the humanities. He made two of his final film appearances in the disastrous Warren Beatty-Diane Keaton sex farce Town and Country (2001) (in a parodistic role, as a shotgun wielding arsonist who burns Beatty's cabin to the ground) and as himself in Michael Moore's documentary Bowling For Columbine (2002) (in which he stormed out of an interview after Moore pummeled him with gun-related questions). Heston died in the spring of 2008 at age 84; although the cause of death was officially undisclosed, he had revealed several years prior that he was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Legendary film preservationist Kevin Brownlow (infamous for his 1982 restoration of Abel Gance's Napoléon) and Patrick Stanbury co-helm the affectionate cinematic homage Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic. As narrated by Kenneth Branagh, this documentary explores the life, legacy, and cultural contributions of director extraordinaire DeMille, widely regarded as the 20th-century equivalent of P.T. Barnum -- and hence, one of the greatest showmen in modern history. The film documents how DeMille became the first individual to define the perfect cinematic admixture to satisfy the taste of the average lay viewer: a combination of unearthly sets, magnificent costumes, and earth-shaking spectacles, cloaked in an oxymoronic blend of two-dimensional moralizing and envelope-pushing sexuality -- in other words, the very same formula still employed by Hollywood, decades after DeMille's death. A number of top American filmmakers turn up to offer insights into DeMille's craft, including Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, as well as actors including Charlton Heston and Angela Lansbury; several of DeMille's family members also shed light on the director's private life and personal relationships. The film discusses DeMille's childhood and early theatrical career, his co-establishment of Paramount Pictures, and his production of some of Hollywood's most magnificent spectacles, including Cleopatra (1934), Samson and Delilah (1949), and The Ten Commandments (1956, for which, Brownlow and Stanbury interpolate stunning behind-the-scenes footage of the parting of the Red Sea). Brownlow received the coveted Mel Novikoff Award in the year of this film's release. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
Share the tale that launched Charlton Heston's career with a whole new generation as director Bill Kowalchuk teams up with Heston himself to bring audiences a whole take on Lew Wallace's classic story. It's the first century A.D., and following a tragic accident Hebrew prince Judah Ben Hur is enslaved by the Romans. As a captive nation begins to revolt against an oppressive Empire and Ben Hur attempts to find his way back home, his love for a beautiful slave girl is tested by sea and by land in this epic tale of faith and redemption that is sure to capture the imagination of children and adults alike. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1999
When presented with the enigmas of history and human origin, most people are befuddled. Rarely is there concrete evidence to substantiate a claim. There may happen to be a sliver of pottery inscribed or painted upon, that was excavated in Peru, but most will push it aside as a fraud. But every once in a while, someone comes along with a belief and evidence that is so strong we all have to stop and, at least, look for ourselves. BC Video, famous for its The Mysterious Origins of Man series, once again strikes at the center of all of humanity's fear (the uncertainty of our lineage) with Jurassic Art. This interesting video looks at material dug up in South America that is believed to have been made by human hands over 200 million years ago. The stone carvings show human-like figures on the back of what would appear to be a Stegosaurus. Other figurines that resemble dinosaurs are also discussed as possible evidence that humans have been up and walking around for far longer than believed. ~ Ed Atkinson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Originally broadcast in 1996 by NBC television, this video is part of a documentary that generated a considerable amount of controversy due to its support of a creationist view of human history promoted by a self-described "new breed" of scientists. Narrated by movie star and National Rifle Association spokesman Charlton Heston, this episode features what it calls evidence that the earth is only 175,000 years old, not 4.6 billion, as mainstream science claims. The overall program asserts that rejection of creationism by the mainstream scientific community is due to that group processing information through a "knowledge filter" that screens out data that doesn't fit its preconceived ideas. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1999
- Add Mysterious Origins of Man: Rewriting Man's History to QueueAdd Mysterious Origins of Man: Rewriting Man's History to top of Queue
Originally broadcast in 1996 by NBC television, this video is part of a documentary that generated a considerable amount of controversy due to its support of a creationist view of human history promoted by a self-described "new breed" of scientists. Narrated by movie star and National Rifle Association spokesman Charlton Heston, this episode takes the viewer into locked museum storerooms and the dens of Peruvian grave robbers, coming up with artifacts that seem to indicate humans lived with dinosaurs -- a conclusion considered erroneous by mainstream science. The overall program asserts that rejection of creationism by the mainstream scientific community is due to that group processing information through a "knowledge filter" that screens out data that doesn't fit its preconceived ideas. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1998
- Add Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: The Miracles of Jesus to QueueAdd Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: The Miracles of Jesus to top of Queue
The animated video The Miracle of Jesus is another entry in the video series Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible. The video displays some of the famous Bible stories involving Jesus performing astounding acts that argue for his Divinity. Charlton Heston provides an introduction to the story. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
This documentary takes a look back at the making of Planet of the Apes. Not just a campy sci-fi thriller, the film was also an expression of sublimated fears of a world wracked by the Cold War. Special attention is paid to the makeup that made viewers forget they were watching people in ape costumes. Scattered throughout are interviews with cast members like Charlton Heston and scenes that never made it up from the cutting room floor. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roddy McDowall
- 1998
This program examines the roles of Mao Tse Tung and Kim El Sung in the Korean War. Theories about why North Korea's Kim El Sung was so combative during this period are also reviewed. Additional segments include a Korean soldier's success in life after the war, and Donald Chung's decision to fight against his own people. The featured experts include Professor William Stueck, Eric Grove, and Professor Chen Jian. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Actor Charlton Heston narrates this look back at 20 years of exciting moments from the Olympics. Clips capture the young Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci as she gracefully scores a perfect ten in one competition. Decathlon champion Bruce Jenner talks about his Olympic experiences while Olympic footage replays some of his most triumphant moments. Track and field giant Bob Hayes, who later went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys football team, can be seen running amazingly fast. Peggy Fleming is shown skating her way to a 1968 gold medal. Interviews with these athletes help recall the special aspects of competing in each of the covered years. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Newly released footage provides new insights into how the U.S. planned its air attacks against Iraqi forces during the Gulf War. Among other sequences, viewers see some of the remote-controlled devices that American forces launched to thwart Iraq's radar system. As this program reveals, the Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait stood little chance against the superior air power of the U.S. Several pilots who flew highly sophisticated spy planes like the RC-135 are interviewed during this video, as well as such designers of the air war as Major General (Ret.) Larry Henry. Charlton Heston provides the show's narration. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Countries rarely rely exclusively on their military forces when fighting their wars. Intelligence-gathering operations and actual acts of sabotage are often used. As this episode of Secrets of War indicates, modern terrorist practices can frequently be traced back to the tactics used by both the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and America's Office of Strategic Services (OSS) that operated during World War II. Mark Seaman, Keith Melton, and Bradley Smith are among the experts who discuss the types of intelligence operations engaged in by the United States, Britain, and others in times of peace and war. Actor Charlton Heston provides the narration for this program. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
For eight months during World War II, various countries devoted all of their energies to intelligence-gathering activities and forming their next combat strategies. No battles were fought during this pivotal time and both sides tried to find new ways to eventually control the war's outcome. Yet in spite of all of this planning and analysis, countries like France failed to recognize some of their greatest weaknesses. By leaving the Ardennes Forest unprotected, the French allowed the Germans to advance victoriously through it in 1940. Various experts, authors, and historians were interviewed for this segment, including Tom Shachtman, Mark Seaman, and Dr. Ulrich Schlie. Actor Charlton Heston provides the narration. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Actor Charlton Heston narrates this look at the efforts made by the French to regain control of their country following their loss to Germany in World War II. Once the Nazis began occupying their country, the French leaders of the resistance effort had to face complex challenges while trying to oust the intruders. They had to be especially careful to hide their efforts from those who had previously expressed sympathies for the German point of view. History professor Dr. H.R. Kedward of the University of Sussex, England, and historian Dr. Stephane Courtois of the Centre National du Researche Scientifique in Paris are among those who were interviewed for this episode. Footage was shot in Paris, Lyon, the Vercor region, and other parts of France. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This is the first episode of the critically acclaimed Secrets of War series, narrated by Charlton Heston. This one-hour program, produced by John Corry, examines the leading spy masters of the Third Reich. Two men, with thousands of agents at their command, were responsible for all of Germany's top-secret operations during World War II. The program features interviews with experts and eyewitnesses, and details the truth behind the lives of Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, chief of German military intelligence, and Reinhard Heidrich, chief of the Reich Central Security Police. Corry was able to secure an interview with Wilhem Hoettl, one of the last remaining eyewitnesses who personally knew Reinhard Heidrich. ~ Dennis Proctor, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Producer William Northrop uncovers the truth behind the cunning strategies used by the allied forces during the invasion of Normandy. D-Day Deceptions highlights "Bodyguard," and "Fortitude," two ingredients of the incredibly complex allied system of deception. Northrop examines the opinions behind why each approach was successful and what may have happened if any part of the individual phases had failed. The video presents a combination of facts about the D-Day invasion and expert interviews with Anthony Cave Brown, Tony Sale, Sir Harry Hinsley, and many more. William Northrop, who also produced Tools of Deception for the Secrets of War series, worked for CNN for 12 years. ~ Dennis Proctor, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Everything from decoy tanks and phony radio broadcasts to the spy whose lies were responsible for the ruin of Adolf Hitler is examined in this episode of the critically acclaimed Secrets of War documentary series. William Northrop, who also produced D-Day Deceptions for the Secrets of War series, reveals the common practice of using dummy tanks and paratroopers, as well as many other effective tools of deception. The program highlights the history of military trickery but the focus is on its execution during World War II. Northrop gathered information and conducted interviews with several experts, including Tom Allen, Paul Beaver, Mark Seaman, and Anthony C. Brown. ~ Dennis Proctor, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Producer Charles Proser conducted interviews and investigated firsthand accounts from all over the world to tell the story of Irwin Rommel, the "Desert Fox," who was appointed Commander of the Channel Defenses by Adolf Hitler. Proser reveals that the same secrets that allowed Rommel to claw his way through the Axis ranks -- broken codes and deception -- also led to his ruin. General Rommel seemed virtually unstoppable in the critical battle for North Africa, but the British had a number of mystifying maneuvers to counter the Desert Fox. Charles Proser also produced The Ultra Enigma for the Secrets of War series. ~ Dennis Proctor, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is slated to begin work on Charlton Heston's new movie -- but he hasn't had time to take a shower, something he really, desperately needs to do. Meanwhile, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is still stuck on Joshua (Tate Donovan). And Ross (David Schwimmer), set up on a blind date with Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) boss' niece Emily (Helen Baxendale, in her first series appearance), ends up spending the weekend with the girl. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Germany unleashed numerous acts of sabotage and practiced widespread espionage in its attempts to win World War I. This program takes a look at many of these activities, including: Germany's attempts to undermine the authority of the British Empire by becoming involved with Irish independence groups; its efforts to help Mexico win control over Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona; and Germany's unconscionable decision to engage in biological warfare in several parts of the world. German spies also worked diligently within America to instigate political unrest. Historical experts including France's Jean Pierre Verney, England's Mark Seaman, and Ireland's Diarmaid Ferriter, share their thoughts about Germany's activities during World War I. This program is narrated by actor Charlton Heston and includes footage shot in America, Ireland, and France. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Experts from different countries, including General Sir Anthony Huckley, Colonel Walk Mahurin, Colonel {%Michael Lyubimov), and Lt. General (U.S.A.F. Ret.) {%William Earl Brown) discuss Joseph Stalin's covert attempts to influence many Korean government activities. As the Korean War unfolded, American forces had to contend not only with the differing viewpoints of the Korean people, but also with how other countries might try to control the war's outcome. The program's experts discuss other topics such as whether or not Stalin's secrecy actually worked for or against his desired ends. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Charlton Heston narrates this episode of Secrets of War that looks into the special weapons developed by the Third Reich during World War II. Viewers will discover that Germany created the first ballistic missile, operational jet plane, wire-guided missile, guided smart bomb, rocket plane, submarine-launched missile, and other weapons capable of causing major destruction. Sir Harry Hinsley, Ian Hogg, Bruce Quarry, and other experts discuss why these weapons failed to help Germany win the war. Special footage showing the Nazis actually running tests on these weapons is included. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Once it became clear that Saddam Hussein's forces couldn't be defeated solely through aerial bombing attacks during the Gulf War, the military's ground war plans had to be activated. While American troops were being readied for combat on the sand, government officials were finalizing decisions about using depleted uranium (D.U.) during the war, even though they may have known it was radioactive and could damage the troops' health. This program narrated by Charlton Heston looks at why the Defense Department made certain decisions regarding the use of D.U. Featured experts include officials formerly with the Veterans Administration and the Army who comment on the use of D.U. and other related topics. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This film is one of a series that looks at covert operations and military deceptions during World War II. This episode tells the story of the breaking of the so-called Enigma Code. The German Intelligence Organization had a code system called the Enigma. The British and American efforts to decipher the code -- and then turn it on its own makers -- is one of the great success stories of World War II. The breaking of the Enigma Code changed the course of the war. The film contains previously classified film footage, as well as commentary by historians, to tell this important story. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
