Favorite Van Heflin Performance?
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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. -
mgm7041-1 — 17 years ago(April 20, 2008 08:06 PM)
He was a terrific actor. Very versatile too. He could handle comedy as well as dramatic roles. My favorite role of Van's was when he starred alongside young Judy Garland in "Presenting Lily Mars". He plays a producer who comes back to his hometown and meets Judy ( Lily Mars). She follows him back to Broadway and manages to get a part in his show. Van was great as John Thornway. Great fun for the entire family. This was one of his best by far.