LEE VAN CLEEF
THE LONE WEST
THE WESTERN FILMNOIR MAESTRO.
Western Spaghetti films are one of the most famed genres in pictures. The genre grew renowned for harking history in the Western Frontier (US). The genres nostalgic elements include desert landscapes, ranches, gun violence and rugged blood letting individuals being some of the integral intricacies
As the genre hoisted up to prominence from the late 1950’s spanning to the late 1970’s, marked the golden age of the genre with many actors and actresses both starring and appearing in westerns had catapulted to stardom. More so often these actors and actresses would proceed to secure securing pivotal roles in portraying these pertinicious characters that were integral in making any western a compelling watch
BY BUSANI NKWANYANA
One of the most recognizable faces that portrayed these rugged, pertinicious characters in a plethora of westerns is none other than Lee Van Cleef, who performed in many westerns as the hero and anti-hero but became much endeared for his roles portraying the villainous characters. For the maiden Lone West issue we pay homage to the Western legend who till this day is an endearing figure to millions around the world for his immaculate performances in Western filmnoirs So saddle up Lone Westerners as we hark western history To detail Lee Van Cleef’s journey of life and career in film just through a essay reading would denude and impede the chances of having the story of Lee Van Cleef told in a impassioned writing. However, hearing it from the horses mouth, or as we like to say it as Lone Westerners "From the horses neigh" becomes much more gripping and very much impetus.
In the year 1975, Lee Van Cleef sat down with Johnny Carson for an interview. In the interview with Johnny Carson on the Tonight show with Johnny Carson, Lee tells his story about his rather absorbing entry into film which commenced by playing on stage "I suppose most people think because of all the roles you've played in motion pictures, you started in pictures but with stage work first?" Johhny Carson questions Lee Van Cleef shortly after introducing him to the audience. Lee expounded in his response to Johhny Carson's question. "Yeah it was stage work, very funny entrance into it. Did a couple of amateur shows back in Clinton New Jersey with the musical players there which is quite a popular group. The last director after a couple of amateur shows there took me to New York and he said I should start studying dramatic, so he took in there to meet somebody and they immediately sent me to the Alvin theatre " Lee Van Cleef told Johhny Carson about his halting steps in film performing in amateur shows that afforded him the opportunity to play in theatre.
He further explains the events that transpired when he got to the Alvin Theater. "I got up on the stage there, I didn't know what I was doing I got up on the stage there and the director says read some lines, the stage manager hands me the script I read the lines, I flub all the way through it And he says take your jacket off, I read some more lines with my jacket off And he says take your shirt off and I'm begging to get the message he wants muscle and in those days I had a little And so then after the shirt he says take your pants off, I said just a minute now with the broad sitting down there with you. I'm talking to Joshua Logan I don't even know who he is, Yeah I got shorts on I usually wear shorts. So he says well take your pants off, okay so I sit down on the bit. Now this is a deck of ship rigged there so I sit down on there a bit and I proceed to take my shoes off and they want muscle you knows so when you put your heel down the calf muscles stick out for you So I said I'm going to take my shoes off because I don't want to wreck the inside of my pants do you mind So I took my pants off got up on the hatch cover and started pirouetting around there a little bit and read some more lines very badly, he says okay get dressed and come down here I want to talk to you. " Lee Van Cleef tells the story to an enthralled Johnny Carson.
Legend says Lee Van Cleef was a ex-service person after his high school career and pursued a career as an accountent when he returned from war He explains to Johnny Carson how much of a plight it was for him to relinquish his job as an accountant to pursue a career in pictures
