Dennis Weaver in "Touch of Evil"

[nosenseofharmony]

Isn't Dennis Weaver perfect in this film? Or in every film he is in? Especially Duel. Do yourself a favor and sing "dreamweaver" when he appears in "Touch of Evil."

[nosenseofharmony]

He just died on February 24th...Double Feature Memorial of Touch of Evil and Duel must be completed by all...

[Tony]

Chester was , I think, a breakthrough tv character: clearly "mentally challenged" yet with a certain inteligence; Marshal Dillon treated him with total respect, never ever referring to him in a derogatory manner or making fun of him; they were similar to Quinlan and Pete, that kind of devotion, except they upheld the spirit of the law. Everyone remembers Chester coming across the street calling "Marshuuul Diluuunnn! Maaaarrrshuuull Diiillluuunn!" I recall that he limped also, so he had a double disability. And Chester was totally devoted to Dillon; Chester's character made quite a stir on tv: everone was talking about Chester. When he left, the show went on for another 8 or 9 years, but it was never the same: Miss Kitty and the Marshall had lost their Chester..

Welles, of course, saw Weaver as Chester and was very impressed, and the nightwatchman's character is a cross between the Shakespearean idiot and Chester. I believe all of the rest of Weaver's roles were folksy but straightforward.

We lost 3 ds this last weak: Dennis, Don and Darren, all gentle souls and great character actors.

[Glenn Anders]

Yes, tony, and someone here, perhaps, has noted that Weaver developed that limp to balance his character against the immense physicality of James Arness.

We should remember, too, that Gunsmoke came out of the great Radio tradition which Welles began. It was one of the very last of its kind on Radio (with William Conrad as Marshall Dillon) when it made the transition to TV.

My good friend, Bambo-Bambo Christianson always says the great ones go in "three's," and he is usually correct. He would be in this case.

Glenn

[skyjude]

I agree - Dennis Weaver was excellent in this movie. I listed his performance as one of the 'Top 5 Reasons For Watching Touch Of Evil' at my tribute to the film at skyjude - movie legends.