Ton Mile Trader

How do you write an obit for the man who played John the Baptist, Ben Hur - and of course... Moses? I'm not really sure - but I think its fair to say that the man possessed an unparalleled level of "gravitas", and brought this weightiness into any role he played. In a world where Jim Belushi and Mario Lopez find their way onto our screens faster than polite society can squeeze the "off" button - there is an unfortunate lack of the upper tier, "Brando", class of actor. When these bigger type names stepped on stage, the center of the universe somehow shifted their way - and whatever it was that they were saying or doing, instantly demanded our full attention. Even when we knew it wasn't real - we still wanted to believe it was very real, and our minds accepted this contradiction without effort. Our French friends call it "Je ne sais quoi" - although we all know exactly what it was that he possessed - purpose and sincerity. If I am going to comment on my favorite Heston work, I have to add "Planet of the Apes" and "Soylent Green" to my list of best stuff. When these classics show up on the usual AMC type channels, my DVR goes into action.

So, for good order...one more time....with feeling...

"Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!