Charlton Heston's saddle-sore cowpuncher is one of the most understated-and underrated- performances in an outstanding career: he's a man nearing the end of the proverbial ride, and he's all too aware of it. He questions his choices, he makes mistakes... but he plugs stubbornly on. Makes more mistakes. Moves on. There are only a handful of unglamorous but wistful westerns that ring true due to character: WILL PENNY is one of the best of them. It's amazing that this low-key classic was done around the time of PLANET OF THE APES (which boasts a tour de force performance by Heston): the difference in the characters (both of whom are rendered believably, with the craft of a consummate professional) only points up the amazing range of this superstar. ALWAYS interesting, even in bit parts, Charlton Heston never failed to rise to the occasion... or to come back down to earth when the situation warranted it.
Review of Will Penny
