Although I’ve loved some of his performances, particularly in Richard Lester’s Three Musketeers films, The Big Country, Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, and even — or is that “especially” — his controversial work in Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil, Charlton Heston has never been one of my favorite actors….He’s never even been one of my favorite outspoken conservative actors nor even my favorite white actor who was involved with civil rights — which provides him with some truly tough competition pretty much across the spectrum.

Still, there was something about him that made him perfect for a certain kind of Hollywood kitsch, especially later on his career, and respect must be paid. Basically, though I just don’t know what to say. [UPDATE: Plagiarism Alert! I unconsciously stole the use of the quote in this next sentence from one of the blogs I linked to below…Genuine Stan Lee No Prizes are available for whomever correctly identifies my victim. Also, please don’t tell Hillary’s people…..] As Ms. Dietrich says in that last film I mentioned, “He was some kind of a man. What does it matter what you say about people?” Besides, I realize I miss him more than I thought I would, just like in the movie.

Fortunately, other fine bloggers are saying stuff, including my usual suspects for this sort of thing: Brian D. Dennis C. (whose right on about his shabby treatment in Bowling for Columbine) and, of course, Campuspe. (They rhyme if you say them right.) Also as usual, Greencine has more, lots more, in the way of blogs and obits. And, finally, a less reverent take with some great video is available from one of my online compadres at my new twice-a-week moviebiz blogging home, Premium Hollywood’s Will Harris.