Thundering across the screen, Judah Ben-Hur’s iconic chariot race
against his former friend turned bitter foe remains an indelible
part of cinematic history and established Charlton Heston as an
international superstar. In many ways the race was a metaphor for
the actor’s dynamic life, symbolizing his struggle to establish
himself in his profession. Brian Steel Wills captures for the first
time a comprehensive view of the actor’s climb to fame, his
search for the perfect performance, and the meaningful roles he
played in support of the causes he embraced. The actor was born and
raised in the Michigan woodlands and suburbs of Chicago, where he
found his love of acting in the books he read and the movies he
saw. 'Chuck' Heston’s introduction to the craft that would become
his life’s work began at New Trier High School and spilled over
into Northwestern University. The Second World War interrupted his
journey when he served his country, after which he and his wife
Lydia headed to Asheville, North Carolina, where they both acted
and directed in theatre. The lights of New York City and Broadway
beckoned, and live television offered an important platform, but
Hollywood and feature films were his destiny. His roles were as
varied as they were powerful, and included stints as Moses,
Ben-Hur, El Cid, Michelangelo, Mike Vargas, and Charles 'Chinese'
Gordon under legendary directors like Cecil B. DeMille, William
Wyler, Franklin Schaffner, and Orson Welles. He shifted to science
fiction in Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green, a wide range of
action and disaster films, and more nuanced roles such as Will
Penny. Over his decades of performance Heston defined and redefined
his 'public face' in a constant quest for an audience for his work.
He undertook wide-ranging public service roles for the government,
the arts, and other causes. His leadership in the Screen Actors
Guild and American Film Institute carried him from Hollywood to the
halls of Congress. He became an outspoken advocate of the arts and
other public and charitable causes, marched with Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. in Washington, and supported Second Amendment rights with
the National Rifle Association. He did so even when his positions
often clashed with other actors on issues ranging from nuclear
arms, national security, and gun rights. The proud independent
shifted decidedly to the Republican Party and appeared at political
rallies and conventions, but rebuffed calls to run for office in
favour of assuming similar roles on the big screen. Award-winning
historian Brian Steel Wills digs deep to paint a rich portrait of
Heston’s extraordinary life – a mix of complications and
complexities that touched film, television, theatre, politics, and
society. His carefully crafted 'public face' was impactful in more
ways than the ordinarily shy and private family man could have ever
imagined.
General
Imprint: |
Savas Beatie
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
November 2022 |
Authors: |
Brian Steel Wills
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152mm (L x W) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
456 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-61121-628-8 |
Categories: |
Books >
Arts & Architecture >
General
|
LSN: |
1-61121-628-1 |
Barcode: |
9781611216288 |
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