SER Historia: Sala de cine | Charlton Heston

Host: SER Podcast
Guest: Guillermo Balmori (editor, Notorious Ediciones)
Date: April 17, 2024

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, SER Historia explores the legacy and multidimensional career of Charlton Heston, focusing especially on his critical role in the shaping of historical cinema. Host Nacho Ares welcomes editor Guillermo Balmori, author of El universo de Charlton Heston, to discuss Heston's iconic presence in film, his unique characteristics, and his deep-rooted connections to Spain both on and off screen. The episode sheds light on lesser-known anecdotes, the historical aura of Heston's performances, and his lasting influence on epic cinema.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlton Heston: The Icon of Historical Cinema

[00:23–01:42]

• Heston was the emblematic star of historical and epic films from the 1950s and 60s, starring in legendary movies like Ben Hur, El Cid, and The Ten Commandments.
• His imposing physical presence—tall, attractive, but somewhat awkward in movement—made him a unique figure on screen.
• “Tenía esa cara histórica que... le hacía. Él decía, interpreta en mi carrera pocos personajes situados en el siglo XX... casi todos van del XIX para atrás.”
  (Guillermo Balmori, 01:42)

2. The "Historical Face" and Sculptural Presence

[01:42–04:15]

• Heston himself acknowledged his “ancient” face, with strong, almost statue-like features akin to Michelangelo's Moses.
• His resemblance reportedly contributed to him being cast as biblical figures; Cecil B. DeMille cast him as Moses because he looked like Michelangelo’s sculpture.
• Remarkable ability to convincingly play characters from various eras—Moses, Ben Hur, El Cid, Miguel Ángel (in The Agony and the Ecstasy).
• Strong connection to Spanish culture through El Cid and deep affection for Spain, even learning Spanish in school and interacting with the Spanish public.

3. The Era of Grand Historical Productions

[04:15–05:46]

• The 1950s and early 1960s marked a golden era for grand historical epics, with studios taking significant financial risks.
• “Son esas grandísimas superproducciones... casi se llevó por delante a los estudios de la 20th Century Fox.”
  (Guillermo Balmori, 04:44)
• Heston became synonymous with these epic films, even when the characters themselves were fictional (e.g., Ben Hur).

4. Mastery Across Historical Periods

[05:46-06:17]

• Heston’s roles spanned millennia: from biblical times (The Ten Commandments) to the Middle Ages (El Cid) and the Renaissance (The Agony and the Ecstasy), embodying each with gravitas and authenticity.

5. Diversity Beyond Ancient and Medival Roles

[06:17–09:26]

• Not limited to ancient history, Heston played American legends like Buffalo Bill, starred in proto-Indiana Jones adventures (The Secret of the Incas), and science fiction classics (Planet of the Apes).
• Notably, The Secret of the Incas directly inspired the character design of Indiana Jones.
  • “Ese uniforme de Indiana Jones... no lo diseñó para Indiana Jones, lo diseñó para Charlton Heston en este explorador del secreto de los incas.”
    (Guillermo Balmori, 07:03)
• Heston’s dedication to filmmaking:
  • Lowered his salary to allow certain films to be completed.
  • Preferred filming with the “second unit” alongside stunt performers and technical specialists, valuing authentic on-set camaraderie over Hollywood glamour.
  • Actively supported groundbreaking projects (e.g., helping Orson Welles secure Touch of Evil and championing Planet of the Apes).

6. Enduring Influence and Mythos

[09:26–10:10]

• Heston maintained a recurring connection to stories about archaeology and ancient mysteries (The Awakening).
• The episode encourages both fans and newcomers to rediscover Heston’s work and legacy via Balmori’s book, emphasizing his unique closeness to Spanish audiences.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Guillermo Balmori on Heston's timeless aura:
  “Él mismo reconocía estos papeles de hombre antiguo, pero entendido ese hombre antiguo como alguien sublime, como la imagen casi divina que damos a los héroes de la antigüedad.”
  (04:44)

• On Heston’s pivotal role in shaping film history:
  “Fue un hombre vinculado con el cine que a veces bajaba su caché... realmente era un hombre que le gustaba su oficio.”
  (08:25)

• On The Secret of the Incas as the origin of Indiana Jones:
  “Si tú ves el secreto de los incas... es todo clavado, reconocido de hecho por Spielberg y por George Lucas en esta película rodada en Perú...”
  (06:45)

• On his unique bond with Spain:
  “Siempre hablaba español... ha sido un actor muy querido también hizo en España ‘55 días en Pekín’... vino a hacer César, Marco Antonio y Cleopatra con Carmen Sevilla.”
  (03:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:23] — Introduction to the episode and Heston’s cinematic importance
• [01:42] — Discussion of his “historical face” and casting as iconic characters
• [03:10] — Heston’s connection with Spain and personal anecdotes
• [04:44] — Historical epic cinema and Heston’s role as its standard-bearer
• [06:45] — The Secret of the Incas and the birth of Indiana Jones's look
• [08:25] — Heston’s humility and commitment to the craft
• [09:26] — Continued association with stories of archaeology and rediscovery

Concluding Thoughts

This episode provides a fast-paced, anecdote-rich homage to Charlton Heston’s legacy in cinema, emphasizing his unique appearance, versatile talent, and deep passion for film. Through Guillermo Balmori’s insights, listeners gain both a fresh perspective on Heston’s impact and a compelling invitation to revisit his body of work—especially his special resonance with Spanish audiences.