IN THE ARENA

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Summary: Intensly Interesting!!!
Review: A 'matter of fact' review of Charlton Heston's life and film set experiences. Even if you are not a fan, this story is very interesting and honest, well written and often touching. The insight of movie sets alone is worth the price. I loved learning more about one of my all time favorite actors. The final chapter states "Chuck's" personal opinions and beliefs, an outstanding summation to a well written book!

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Summary: Heston's story is fascinating!
Review: Being a big fan of Mr. Heston as an actor; this book in question, was a natural choice, i.e., In the Arena : An Autobiography by Charlton Heston. Mr. Heston here describes his life as an actor, father, husband and "celebrity". The stories concerning his discussions with Olivier and De Mille are very interesting. His seems throughly enthralled with the litterature of Shakespeare and has because of this played in the plays numerous times.

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Summary: Man of integrity has a blind spot
Review: Charlton Heston is an intelligent writer who has much to say about films and life. It seems that he has a very realistic view of his talents which are considerable as we all know so well. We all agree that there can be no better Moses or Ben Hur. I have read this book twice, though last time I had to stop when he talks about guns. How can so an intelligent person become a spokesman for rifle association? As a professor of psychology I find his arguments in this are just rubbish. Guns do kill and the more guns there are the more people are killed. Perhaps everybody has his and her blind spot. If you skip these arguments, the book is actually very good.

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Summary: Fantastic autobiography of a true Hollywood icon! July 2003
Review: Charlton Heston's autobiography is a wonderful journey of his life, from shy teenager to Hollywood legend! A director/actor who has helped in recreating history, not only on film, but on the stage too, with some of the biggest names in the acting arena. His book reflects, with great wit,love and affection his personal life; with the love of his life of more than 60 years, his wife, Lydia, his co-stars, his directors' and his love affair with his work. His book is honest and gives his fans an indepth look at what it's like to be one of the greatest actors that ever walked on this planet. I highly recommend it! I wrote to him this week, as you know, he is not in good health, we wish him well. There is only one Ben Hur!

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Summary: Despite politics, this is a fine Hollywood memoir...
Review: First off, the day I agree with Charlton Heston's politics is the day I grow horns on my head, and a third arm to boot. Doesn't matter. This is an excellent memoir, and I'm very sorry to see it out of print. (I sent copies to my equally liberal friends. They enjoyed it as well...)

History, anecdote and Hollywood play the key roles in this book. I wouldn't call Heston's clearly self-written style "gossipy", but he does tell many "insider" tales. There's little judgement or conservative propoganda in these segments, just an underrated actor explaining how he's been involved with industry titans over the last 50+ years. Honest views of Orson Welles, Cecil B. Demille, William Wyler, etc. Unexpected stuff; did you know Heston crashed his WWII army truck into a snowdrift in the Aleutian Islands, then handed the keys to his superior so he could catch the next flight home? No? Funny story, and this book has many. There are spare evocative stories of a lonely childhood that may in fact be more painful than Heston could capture. And if you need to know whether Heston is circumcised, this book will tell you. (Why, I dunno...)

Heston discusses most of his films, with careful observation that shows his artistic taste and common sense. It's that taste that has kept him from making garbage films so many of his contemporaries lived off for years. Although he's made few great films, he hasn't made many dogs. His honest self-criticism is refreshing, and usually accurate. Paraphrase: ("I tried to play an educated Mexican lawyer in 'Touch of Evil' without an accent. A mistake. Everyone has an accent...") He chronicles his varied career on stage, a career most people know nothing about. Artistically, the boy done good.

Then it gets sticky. The book veers towards politics in the final 3rd, reminding me why this guy bugs me. Marching in civil rights protests does not give you justification for any goofy political idea you have in the future. (Jesse Jackson is a good example...) Heston blows affirmitave action out of proportion, and his own words in the first half make his later comments on feminism seem bizarre and slummy. (But who knows, he IS an elected president of the National Rifle Association. Perhaps there was an upcoming election?)

Still, the way I look at it, if there's room for a self-righteous Barbra Streisand promoting dopey Hollywood causes, there's equal room for a Charlton Heston promoting guns. (He just picked a cause that matched his screen persona perfectly.) I'm happy to say most of this book avoids the argument entirely. Good stuff. Buy it.

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Summary: Moses Speaks!
Review: Heston has given us some of the greatest movies ever made. Who can deny he is among the greatest actors ever produced in America? His book is an interesting Bio and gives the reader a lot of insight into the Golden era of film making. Imagine yourself behind the scenes on the set of Ten Commandants, Ben Hur, 55 Days at Peking, El Cid. Heston takes you there in his own formable style and wit. You will enjoy the story as you have taken pleasure in his movie career. Unfortunately left leaning Hollywood has ostracized him in later years for his stand on liberty, but always a man of great principle, Chuck has stuck to his beliefs and continues to influence millions of young Americans with the truth. We can all be thankful for an actor of his caliber and character.

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Summary: Heston's story is fascinating!
Review: I began "In the Arena" with great hopes for a really outstanding book by this famous actor. However, I did not finish the book due to the fact I began to find it's contents BORING. I also got the impression that since Mr. Heston played Moses, he thinks he is "holy." However, his rough language turned me totally off & he is now wayyy down on my list. He is doing a good job with the NRA, granted, but personally, I do not hold him in high regard after reading his book. I also will not be interested in his 'goldie-oldie' movies anymore.

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Summary: Heston is the Man
Review: I don't share Mr. Heston's politics. I am moderately conservative, but i am for gun control. However, i greatly admire Mr. Heston's career and films and i don't agree with those who dismiss his acting style as larger than life. Whoelse but him could have played Moses, Ben Hur, El Cid, John the Baptist, Michaelangelon, General Charles Gordon, Cardinal De Richelieu, and Andrew Jackson? There is a diversity in the roles the man played. A lot of people believe a guy like Paul Newman is more talented than Heston. But could he have played all these guys? Only a man with Heston's range could have pulled it off and he should be given credit for it.

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Summary: Great book by a Great Man!
Review: This is a great book. Charlton Heston looks back on his enormous acting career with lots of emotion and lots of funny memories. I admire the man for his convictions and integrity and now also on his writing abilities. If you are a Heston fan, this book is a must. I don't understand why it's out of print!!! I got a copy out of the library and then I bought a used copy.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic autobiography of a true Hollywood icon! July 2003
Review: This is a great book. If you are a fan of Mr. Heston's work, then you will most certainly enjoy this book. I read it because I love his movies so much, and I very much admire the man. Reading this book just increased that admiration. The book also offers many insights into the movie making process behind the scenes, directors, producers, actors, etc. Heston's writing is easy to follow, with many observations about numerous topics offered for thought. Lets face it, Heston is one of THE greats of all time, and will always be.