Immortals

Yes, we all will eventually have chips implanted in our heads. In fact, the company I work for is working on the batteries that will power those devices. I suppose The Matrix won't be far behind.

Well, OK, that's wrong -- The Matrix idea is just silly. The only reason those movies were popular is because of the slo-mo-fu. Unlike Star Wars--which will still be enjoyable 50 years from now--The Matrix will go down in history as a yawner. Star Wars had comic gay robots, a nearly-incestuous princess, and a heavy breather wearing a cape. Those are themes that transcend cinematic technology. If you remove Keanu's karate from The Matrix, all you're left with is nonsense.

Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against Keanu. I enjoyed Bill and Ted, and Speed, and...well, I'm sure there was something else.

But I digress. The point is that I mentioned Burt Mustin yesterday, and felt that he deserved more than just a passing reference. He played a funny old guy in movies and TV shows for over 25 years. From Leave it to Beaver to Dragnet to Batman, he was always ready whenever the script called for a sharp old codger. He just seemed like the kind of geriatric who would be fun to have around.

In his youth, Mustin played sports, and developed a lifetime interest in Barbershop harmony, performing in and hosting numerous related musical events.

But what I really appreciate is the fact that he played a 90-year-old coot for nearly 3 decades. It's good to find your niche and work it for all it's worth.

Hmmm, I wonder what MY niche is? Maybe I'll figure it out by the time I'm 90.

Anyway, thinking about Mustin's appearance in "Cat Ballou" reminded me that Jane Fonda is really pretty. Too bad there was all that political unpleasantness...

And speaking of unpleasantness, the other guy that pops into my mind when thinking about a long career of playing the same basic role is a fellow named Charles Lane. You may know him better as Homer C. Bedlow.

Lane's acting career spanned nearly 6 decades, and as far as I know, he was always the same nasty, mean-spirited, and inflexible tool of the oppressors. Whether he was a lawyer, an accountant, auditor, or bureaucrat, he was always threatening and annoying the protagonists.

The odd thing is that he appeared in so many comedies. But I guess that just goes to prove what a great actor he was -- he could play it for drama or for laughs with equal success.


Can you think of anyone who is doing the same thing today? Is there a present-day analog of Mustin or Lane? Someone who appears on the screen and you instantly know what they'll be doing? Someone whose career spans an extended time of successfully repeating variations on the same role? If I think of anyone, I'll let you know. In the meantime, stay tuned for a few training updates. Have a great day, my friends.