Customer Reviews

In the Arena: An Autobiography

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Charlton Heston's larger-than-life screen presence comes through on every page of his wonderful 1995 autobiography, which is a really great read. Heston grew up poor in the woods of northern Michigan, where he was lonely and painfully shy. He gained confidence in his high school's senior play, and as he says, he never looked back. He won a university scholarship, and there he had his first-ever date. Her name was Lydia; she was an acting student, and they have been happily married now for over 60 years.

Heston began his career on the stage; he loves acting in and directing plays, especially Shakespeare, and has done almost as many plays as movies. We get all the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, learn which movies he is most proud of and those that make him cringe, the co-stars he admired and those he didn't. He has no false modesty about his power as an international movie star, yet he comes across as a genuinely nice man who treasures his family.

Fans of Charlton Heston are sure to enjoy this heartfelt autobiography.

Kona

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.

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!

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.

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.

Here's a life worth learning about! Heston (along with Lancaster and Douglas) were probably the most successful actors of the most fertile period for films, the late 40s - mid 60s. Heston's secret: unbelievably hard work. The man was constantly developing roles and productions. Reading "In the Arena", you find yourself asking Chuck to slow down so you can catch up. Although the elites, now preoccupied with Chuck's political incorrectness, downplay Heston's importance in American film and stage, "In the Arena" will remind you of Heston's tremendous accomplishments.

Some of the material of the book is based on his journal entries from 1956-1976, "The Actor's Life", but with the perspective of an additional twenty years.

Celebs lives are shoved in our faces as "important", mostly as marketing gimmicks by the infotainment industry. Charlton Heston's work and human decency are a monument to a great era in American film and stage.

How many movie stars celebrate their GOLDEN wedding anniversary? Chuck did, so you know right away this is not going to be "How fame and fortune almost killed me." He writes about his profession entertainingly and informatively. This may be the best book of its kind ever written. Olivier's bio was a yawn by comparison. As a matter of fact, Chuck tells you more about Larry than Larry did, if you see what I mean.

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!

A good autobiography is one in which you can hear the author audibly speaking out the book in your head as your read. Certainly you have that in the Arena. It will be a long time before I get the voice of Charlton Heston out of my head.

Summary: This book does have some politics in it but it is far from politically correct. One thing is certain about Charlton Heston: He speaks candidly about his opinions, and holds no punches for doing so. With that said this is not a book about politics. The final chapter is fabulously written pointing out the facts and ending strong words of encouragement for America.

I picked up this book to learn insight into the background of some of the movies that he had performed in. Not only did I find that but I also found a man rich in conviction and commitment. How many men stay with their first love, and how fewer are those numbers counted as individuals in the entertainment industry? Heston's commitment to his wife Lydia shows his real character.

The only negative that I can find in this book is Chapter 20. For some odd reason Heston breaks his chronological order for only this chapter. This chapter is primarily about his stage plays and it tends to ramble on over 40 pages, I can almost imagine that somehow this chapter missed the editors cut. This chapter isn't as well written as the others and is difficult reading in that the storyline jumps around quite a bit. In all honesty, you could skip this chapter all together and go right to 21.

Breakdown Review:
Storyline: I give 4 out of 5 stars simply because of the inconsistency of chapter 20.

Writing style: 5 out of 5 stars. It is written in the way that you would imagine Charlton Heston speaking. Rich and free.

Depth/Inspiration: 5 out of 5 stars. This was only a 3 ranking until chapter 22. I would have preferred he put more information in about his personal relationships and religious beliefs. If you only read one chapter read 22. Very inspirational for the American reader.

Entertainment/Education value: 5 out of 5 stars. Definitely an entertaining novel, one that is quite difficult to put down once you get into it. This book is educational not only on Mr. Heston's life but also on how movies are directed and a slight insight into the internal workings of the motion picture industry.

Charlton Heston's memoir tells of his childhood, adolescence and the behind the scenes stories of his legendary acting career. An interesting read about the Golden Age of film making, and how a shy boy became one of the most accomplished actors of all time.