Favorite Van Heflin Performance?
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rclements3-2 — 20 years ago(August 24, 2005 11:29 PM)
Having seen almost all of Heflin's movies, and being in agreement with the favorable comments of his work in all of the above posts, my favorite performance is one he gave in a little-seen spaghetti western called "The Ruthless Four" (1968). It was one of his last films and he is absolutely superb as a broken-down gold prospector who finally strikes it rich.
Other performances I liked were in The Prowler (1951, as a crooked detective), Gunman's Walk (1958, as a retired gunfighter), They Came to Cordura (1959, as a heavy), Cry of Battle (1963, as a rapist) and Patterns (1956, one of his best films).
I've never seen him give a less-than-convincing performance even in films that weren't that good. He was known as the "poor man's Spencer Tracy", and has not gotten the critical acclaim he deserves.
In real life, he was known as a very private man, almost reclusive. This complexity comes through in many of his roles. -
morphytal — 20 years ago(September 09, 2005 04:23 PM)
He is an actor I really like; viril, talented and sympathetic.
My favorite Van Heflin movie is Act of Violence. I also enjoyed his performance in Shane, the Three Musketeers, Battle Cry, 3:10 to Yuma and the Santa F Trail.
In need to see Johnny Eager, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers and The Prowler. -
rclements3-2 — 20 years ago(September 19, 2005 11:03 AM)
I forgot to mention "Act of Violence". One of his best performances.
I automatically watch anything with Heflin in it. Even mediocre films improve with his presence.
I saw "The Prowler" about 35 years ago on the "Late, Late Show" and haven't seen it since. It apparently is not available on VHS or DVD, but if it is I would appreciate any leads. -
Kar595 — 20 years ago(September 23, 2005 06:26 PM)
Love Van Heflin. My favorite performance is in Johnny Eager. Not just because he won the 'Oscar'but because it is just plain 'good'.
Has any one checked out his performance in the comedy The Feminine Touch? It is an early role but he gives a fine comic performance.
Sorry I never saw his Broadway performances. -
sorrywrongnumber — 20 years ago(October 10, 2005 03:39 PM)
Dear Kar 595,
Hello there. I believe that Van Heflin's best roles was in the films,'The Pr5b4owler', and 'Act Of Violence'.
The scene where he runs into a tunnel whilst being chased by another fine actor, Robert Ryan, and shouts out,"Joe!" in anger is superb!
Good to see there are Heflin fans out there.
Glenn -
olebuttermilksky5 — 20 years ago(November 21, 2005 07:21 PM)
i think his role in Strange love of Martha Ivers is the best i've seen, and i've seen Shane, Possessed, Till the Clouds roll by (his talent was wasted in this pitiful MGM extravaganza)Johnny Eager and Santa Fe Trail.
But in Martha Ivershe's completely convincing. Everything about him is so wonderful that the characterization of Sam Masterson could not ever be done over. Sure he was witty, charming and toughthat description could be filled by anybody. But there's something in the way he puts the feelings of sam masterson not only in his mind and conscience, but also his gut. Sure, any body else could have played Sam Masterson, but Van Heflin had the ability to BECOME. -
misspaddylee — 20 years ago(December 16, 2005 01:01 PM)
Oh, don't tell me 3:10 to Yuma is on the remake block. I just heard that The Set-Up, another of my favourites, is in the same position. This is getting tiresome. The Manchurian Candidate, All the King's Men, Flight of the Phoenix - a girl could just scream!
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Kumquat66 — 18 years ago(October 18, 2007 05:18 PM)
I liked him in Strange Loves of Martha Ivers and Madame Bovary. He was not classicly handsome but there was a magnetism and warmth about him.
Regarding your "name",I used to work at Penney's Corporate office (Womens Division-Young Jrs.)and one of our suppliers was Paddy Lee. -
ubu55 — 19 years ago(November 01, 2006 02:08 PM)
As someone has already said, I don't remember him giving anything but a fine, convincing performance.
Love him in Shane, and 3:10 to Yuma. Excellent as Athos in 3 Musketeers, in Count Three and Pray, as a minister with a past (opposite a young Joanne Woodward!)
and terrific as the 18th century Russian rebel Pugachev, in a film I haven't seen in decades, The Tempest. -
bmjuneau — 19 years ago(March 04, 2007 06:03 PM)
Oh, it is nice to see he isn't forgotten! He was one of the best and to add my voice my favorite performances are "The Raid" and "East Side, West Side". In the "Raid" his character is so conflicted, doing what he must, but regretting it - just a great performance. East Side is a bit of fluff, but it's always wonderful to see a character actor like Heflin in a "good guy" lead role. Like "Martha Ivers" he really shines in this movie - he was more than capable of carrying a film. It also has the added bonus of another of my favorites - James Mason.
The first film I noticed Heflin in was "Green Dolphin Street" - (I was up late sick and happened across it on TV) very interesting part for him and if you get a chance to see it, definitely do so.
Yes, 3:10 is being remade - James Mangold (Walk the Line/Copland) is directing and I believe Christian Bale is taking on Heflin's role with Russell Crowe in Ford's shoes. It will be interesting to see - both are good actors with a talented director so hopefully it won't be too bad.Captain Renault: What in heaven's name brought you to Casablanca? Rick: My health. I came to Casablanca for the waters. Captain Renault: The waters? What waters? We're in the desert. Rick: I was misinformed.